I hope everyone had a most Merry of Holiday Celebrations and I wish you all a Happy New 2010!! In the midst of all this celebrating, family, and rush-around hub-bub, it is expected that you might feel a bit fatigued or experience a tad of insomnia . . . well, never fear, I've got a handful of aromatherapy remedies that will help gently lead you to the Land of Nod and possibly encourage a few sweet dreams in the process.
The following recipes are easy to make, smell wonderful, are great to take when you travel and your schedule gets askew, and also make great gifts.
To make each recipe below: Add the drops of essential oils directly to the 2-oz. glass spray bottle (plastic is okay). Fill the bottle with distilled water - to within 1/2-inch from the top. Screw on the lid. Shake well to blend. The essential oils will not infuse into the water and will separate and float to the top - so the bottle must be shaken each time prior to use. Lightly mist your pillow with the aromatherapeutic formula before bedtime. No refrigeration necessary, but for maximum freshness and potency, please use within 6 months.
"TO SLEEP PERCHANCE TO DREAM . . . "
1. For Deep, Peaceful Sleep and Gentle Dreams: 3 drops lavender, 2 drops neroli, 1 drop tangerine or 1 drop pink grapefruit essential oils
2. For Dreams You'll Remember: 3 drops rosemary & 3 drops lavender essential oils
3. For Dreams of Brilliant Clarity: 2 drops peppermint & 4 drops lavender essential oils
4. To Soothe A Headache: 3 drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary, 1 drop peppermint essential oils
5. To Soothe A Tummy Ache & Relax Cramping (also relieves tension headaches): 3 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops marjoram, 2 drops cardamom essential oils
6. To Prevent Nightmares: 3 drops pink grapefruit, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops rosemary essential oil
7. For Dreams of Love: 4 drops rose geranium, 1-2 drops rose attar or rose maroc, & 1 drop patchouli or 3 drops lavender essential oil
BEFORE USING ESSENTIAL OILS: If you are new to the use of essential oils and/or are unfamiliar with how your skin / respiratory system may react to them, please read an introductory guide to the art of aromatherapy and use a patch test prior to applying the product to your pillow. The above mists are very, very gentle and extremely diluted and should not, under recommended use, cause any adverse problems.
NOTE: The above information is true and complete to the best of Ms. Tourles' knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of Ms. Tourles. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for personal use and educational information only.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Prevent Winter Skin Woes
Granted, there are many enemies of skin during the winter - dry indoor air, freezing temperatures, crisp arid outdoor air, moisture-sapping winds - you CAN prevent itchy, dry, flaky winter skin from taking hold. Here are a few tips:
1) Never use hot water when showering or bathing. It dehydrates the skin and depletes its moisture level, leaving your skin tight, dry and prone to itching. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your shower or soaking time.
2) Eat vitamin A and C-rich foods. These potent free radical scavengers are known for their preventive and corrective benefits for environmentally-damaged skin.
3) Don't forget to care for your lips. The skin on your lips does not contain moisturizing oil glands. So, it is up to you to regularly apply a soothing chapstick or lip balm several times per day to seal in moisture and prevent chapping and flaking.
4) Keep a pair of mittens or gloves with you at all times to protect your hands, which also have minimal oil glands and are prone to winter dryness.
5) Slather on a rich hand cream several times per day to moisturize cuticles and keep hands soft and supple.
6) Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of solid sleep each night to allow the skin to renew itself. Invest in a quality humidifier for your bedroom if your house is especially dry. If your heat source is a wood or coal stove, then by all means add extra humidity to your home environment.
7) Include a hydrating, creamy mask in your skin care regimen. Try to apply this mask at least twice per week.
8) Wear quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from winter's snow glare and wind. Squinting encourages premature wrinkles.
9) Remove flaky skin by exfoliating your face and body regularly. Use a gentle facial scrub one to two times per week. For your body, I recommend using a damp loofa or sissal cloth in the shower. Or, you can use a body brush and "dry brush" your body prior to showering. Follow your bathing time with the application of your favorite, quality body oil. Apply another layer of lotion if necessary. Layering of moisturizers will really keep skin soft, moist, and supple.
10) Nourish your skin, deep down, by consuming at least 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil, cod liver oil, or extra-virgin olive oil daily. This will add the necessary fats to your diet that will encourage moisture retention in your skin and give you a healthy glow.
NOTE: The article above was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims all liability in connection with this information. It is for educational purposes only.
1) Never use hot water when showering or bathing. It dehydrates the skin and depletes its moisture level, leaving your skin tight, dry and prone to itching. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your shower or soaking time.
2) Eat vitamin A and C-rich foods. These potent free radical scavengers are known for their preventive and corrective benefits for environmentally-damaged skin.
3) Don't forget to care for your lips. The skin on your lips does not contain moisturizing oil glands. So, it is up to you to regularly apply a soothing chapstick or lip balm several times per day to seal in moisture and prevent chapping and flaking.
4) Keep a pair of mittens or gloves with you at all times to protect your hands, which also have minimal oil glands and are prone to winter dryness.
5) Slather on a rich hand cream several times per day to moisturize cuticles and keep hands soft and supple.
6) Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of solid sleep each night to allow the skin to renew itself. Invest in a quality humidifier for your bedroom if your house is especially dry. If your heat source is a wood or coal stove, then by all means add extra humidity to your home environment.
7) Include a hydrating, creamy mask in your skin care regimen. Try to apply this mask at least twice per week.
8) Wear quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from winter's snow glare and wind. Squinting encourages premature wrinkles.
9) Remove flaky skin by exfoliating your face and body regularly. Use a gentle facial scrub one to two times per week. For your body, I recommend using a damp loofa or sissal cloth in the shower. Or, you can use a body brush and "dry brush" your body prior to showering. Follow your bathing time with the application of your favorite, quality body oil. Apply another layer of lotion if necessary. Layering of moisturizers will really keep skin soft, moist, and supple.
10) Nourish your skin, deep down, by consuming at least 1 tablespoon of flax seed oil, cod liver oil, or extra-virgin olive oil daily. This will add the necessary fats to your diet that will encourage moisture retention in your skin and give you a healthy glow.
NOTE: The article above was sourced from the book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", by Stephanie Tourles, Storey Publishing, 2007. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. The author disclaims all liability in connection with this information. It is for educational purposes only.
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