AROMATHERAPY - HAVING A SCENTSABLE NEW YEAR
Aromatherapy: the art and science of using pure, natural plant essential oils to maintain or regain vitality of mind, body, and spirit.
The new year is upon us with all its glitz, glitter, parties and get-togethers; a time of music, dancing, good wishes and resolutions for living a healthier life style. There is a chill in the air and possibly the shivering, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms brought on by the drier air, colds, flu and allergies.
The good news is there are essential oils that can prevent many winter time woes - or treat them if they catch you first - and at the same time they can enhance one's emotional state with their delightful scents.
A common wintertime challenge is dry, itchy skin.
Step #1 - use all natural soaps and shampoos without detergents (often showing up as Sodium laurel sulfate) and solvents (frequently Propylene glycol).
Step #2, take a small amount of Shea butter or some Jojoba oil and add 1 drop each of Tangerine Dancy (Citrus reticulata) and Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) essential oils and apply it to your skin immediately after bathing. The Shea or Jojoba will help keep moisture locked into the skin, Tangerine will encourage skin hydration and Lavender will keep the skin soft and healthy.
Dry air is also hard on the respiratory system. Using a cold water humidifier can help a great deal. Adding essential oils of Eucalyptus (E. radiata) and Orange (Citrus sinensis) to the water can ease breathing, moisten the nose and definitely make the environment healthier and sweeter smelling.
Feel a cold coming on? Diffusing Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) can knock out the virus, keep the sinuses open and stimulate the immune response. During the day, add a little Peppermint (Mentha piperita) to the Rosemary diffusion and you feel energized and ready to go. At night, try some Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) with the Rosemary and your system begins to calm down and prepares you for sleep.
Shortened exposure to sunlight can play havoc on one's mood. If you find yourself feeling down or uninspired, why not try putting a drop of Spruce needle (Picea mariana) and a drop of Lemon (Citrus limon) on a tissue and sniff it throughout the day. You will find yourself feeling like you are in sunlit forest of evergreens and everything begins to look a little brighter.
One last hint. If you have been out in the cold and are slow in warming up, try diffusing or just smelling Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) from a tissue and your body temperature will rise. It also will stimulate a digestive response encouraging you to eat some nice warm soup.
May your New Year be filled with Happiness, Peace, Love and good Scents.
If you have any questions or need help in creating your own blend please contact us.
Amber LaBorde and Kimberly Seymour Co-Owners of Botanically Rooted
Botanically Rooted.
1024 West Gate City Blvd.
Greensboro, NC 27403
336-294-7727
Inquiries to: fulfillment@botanicallyrooted.com