Aromatherapy to Relax or Recharge - Part 2

I just love essential oils: their benefits, their intriguing fragrances, and the fact that they can be used in a myriad of ways whether it be physical, mental, spiritual, or for the home. The following formulas are what I call my "harmonizing aromatherapeutic oil blends" which can be adjusted to suit your particular emotional and physical needs. You may want to create all three versions so that you'll have the appropriate one on hand when you need it. CAUTION: These formulas are for inhalation only. Do not apply directly to the skin; they may cause irritation.



Base Ingredient:



1 tablespoon unrefined almond, jojoba, apricot kernel, or hazelnut oil. Jojoba oil will have the longest shelf life of several years. The other oils will keep, unrefrigerated, for up to 1 year.



Calming Blend: For excess stress, restlessness, or trouble sleeping, or if the weather outside is cold, dry, and irritating to your body, add 1/2 teaspoon lavender, 1/2 teaspoon sweet orange, 1/2 teaspoon sweet marjoram, and 1/2 teaspoon bergamot essential oils.



Cooling Blend: For times of irritability, impatience, fiery disposition, or chaos, or if the weather outside is hot and uncomfortable and your skin is extra sensitive, red, itchy, and inflamed, add 1 teaspoon lavender, 1/2 teaspoon German chamomile, and 1/2 teaspoon rose geranium essential oils.



Stimulating Blend: If you're feeling slow and lethargic, in need of an energetic lift, and maybe a bit congested, or if the weather is dreary, cool, and damp, add 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint, and 1/2 teaspoon rosemary essential oils.

Blending Directions: Combine the base oils with the blend of your choice in a 2-ounce, dark-colored glass bottle and cap tightly. The blend needs one week to synergize and develop, so shake your formula vigorously twice daily for 7 days. After one week, place a few drops on a soft handkerchief or tissue and inhale the comforting herbal aroma as needed. The aroma can also be inhaled directly from the bottle.

NOTE: The information for this article was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only. Please use appropriate caution when working with essential oils.

Aromatherapy to Relax or Recharge - Part 1

The word aroma, meaning "a pleasant or agreeable odor arising from spices, plants, or flowers," combined with the word therapy, or "the remedial treatment of a disease or other physical or mental disorder," gives us the true definition of the word aromatherapy: a healing modality that involves the use of aromatic essences or essential oils of plants.

Incorporating essential oils into your life is a pleasurable way to enhance your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Aromatherapy can beautify your complexion, reduce stress, stimulate creativity, lull you to sleep, and pep you up, as well as help heal burns and minor cuts and scratches, reduce scar formation, and aid in cold and flu prevention . . . plus a myriad of other uses. The study of aromatherapy is an intriguing and amazing science! One I suggest that you delve into if you are even remotely interested in plant-based healing methods.

Below are three simple recipes for using aromatherapy to improve your life. Next week I'll share a few more formulations with you.

Strike A Balance

1. One of the easiest and most pleasant ways to benefit from aromatherapy is in the bath. At day's end, add 8-10 drops of your favorite gentle essential oil, such as lavender, Roman or German chamomile, marjoram, clary sage, or rose geranium, to 2 teaspoons of jojoba oil, almond oil, or any bland vegetable oil. Pour this blend into a full tub of warm water and swish with your hands to mix. Slip into the water and breathe deeply. Relax . . .

2. Intensify the potency of your peppermint tea. Give it a little energizing zing by adding 1 or 2 drops of essential oil of peppermint. Inhale the invigorating vapors and sip it slowly. This tea is super for a midmorning pick-me-up, or to relieve a stuffy head or case of indigestion. Makes your breath minty-fresh, too!

3. To ease the pain of muscle cramps, sore tendons, arthritis, or overexertion in general, the clean, fresh familiar scent of eucalyptus radiata, wintergreen, rosemary, or sweet marjoram makes a soothing addition to massage oil. Add 25-50 drops of essential oil to 1/2 cup of almond oil, hazelnut, jojoba, apricot kernel, or bland olive oil, mix well, and massage away the discomfort. Enlist the help of a partner or good friend if possible, and promise to return the favor.


NOTE: The above article was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information given is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. The author disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information - it is for educational purposes only.

Keep Your Pearly Whites Gleaming - Part 2

As promised, below is a recipe for an easy-to-make natural toothpaste. It is a great alternative to chemical-laden, commercial sweetened toothpaste! It truly freshens your breath plus helps prevent plaque build-up and gum inflammation. This recipe yields approximately 10 applications. All ingredients are available from better health food stores or a "Whole Foods" type market. Enjoy.

Homemade Herbal Toothpaste

4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
1 teaspoon powdered myrrh
1 teaspoon white cosmetic clay
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin (adds a sweet taste and smooth texture)
10 drops of one of the following essential oils: orange, tea tree (anti-bacterial & healing), anise, fennel, spearmint, or peppermint. If you want to use cinnamon or clove essential oil, use only 5 drops as these flavors are very strong and may possibly irritate the gums.

Directions: In a small bowl, thoroughly blend all ingredients until a spreadable paste forms. Store in a small jar in either a cool cabinet or on your bathroom countertop. Dip a dry toothbrush into the mixture and brush normally. Use within 6 months or discard.

NOTE: The above article was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. This information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author and she disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.