Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Spring Holidays

I have committed myself to updating my blog every week, but I have to admit that today as I look out and see the cherry blossoms starting to bud right outside my window the last thing I feel like is work.

Spring is a wonderful time for renewal, for rebirth, for clearing out the old and moving forward and I find that I am very much in that mode right now. There are some wonderful essential oils that are very helpful for letting go and moving forward. Here are a couple of examples:

Orange - Citrus aurantium var. amara (Bitter Orange), Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange)
Orange helps to dispel negativity from the aura. It also dispels negative thought patterns. Orange brings in positive energy. It nourishes the soul with joy and moves stagnated energy. It promotes self-confidence, courage and creativity. It also promotes joy in sexuality and joyful love. Orange can help one to expel any negative feelings one might be holding in one’s heart or soul. Orange can be used to attract good fortune and luck. Orange is often added to purification blends. Orange can help to conquer fears of letting go as well as obsessions.
Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing however as with most expressed oils it can be phototoxic and if used on the skin do not expose skin to sun or UV rays for 12 hours after use.

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris
Thyme relieves fear and apathy. It can help to clear energy blockages. It also promotes self-confidence and courage. It may help to re-orient and re-activate the left-brain after a subtle energy session without hindering the deep processing that will continue in the subtle bodies. It promotes focus and concentration. It helps to restore spiritual fortitude. Thyme can be helpful to those who have been separated from the world (especially in an extended retreat) to re-enter and return. It also helps one to eliminate old habit patterns that may still be clinging on. It is strengthening and energizing. Only use in low dilutions as it can be a strong skin irritant.

Bach Flower Remedies are another way to get us moving forward - you can read more about these on the Newsletter Page.

The above profiles are take from our downloadable E-book: Subtle Aromatherapy which is available on our Other Products Page for only $5.00. You will also find our other E-books, Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and For All Seasons only $15.00 and Infant Massage only $5.00 on this page as well.

My Blend for today feels like sunshine: Orange 5 drops; Petitgrain 3 drops: Neroli 2 drops.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Spring Break and Easter

With Easter is just a week or so away and for many Spring Break starts the end of this week I'm sure many people are very busy getting things organized for the holidays.

If you're going away you might want to read or re-read the article I have on my website on Vacation Time with Essential Oils. There are also the Jet Lag Blends to look at if you are traveling across time zones or the Stress Buster blends.

There is also still time to try out some of the chocolate recipes for Easter in our Aromatic Gifts For All Seasons e-book. Available on our Other Products Page.

I have a wonderfully refreshing, light Spring Type blend diffusing this morning:
2 drops Cardamom; 4 drops Fir; 6 drops Grapefruit; 2 drops Lemongrass; just what I need as I get used to the time change.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii var. martini

When I need an oil with anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties Palmarosa, belonging to the Gramineae family, is one of my favorite oils.

Palmarosa is commonly known as East Indian geranium oil. It is not know when it was first distilled in India, but the bruised leaves of this grass were used to perfume bath water and to provide poultices to relieve bruises, aching joints and swelling. It has remained popular in the Middle East as a base for cheap scents and soaps. Apparently the Turks have distilled palmarosa since the 18th century and used it to adulterate costly Turkish rose oil. Indian doctors prescribed palmarosa to prevent infections and fight fever. They have also used it to fight bacteria and infections. Palmarosa cools fevers and eases the discomforts of colds or the flu. It can hasten recovery from illness as well as accelerate the healing of cuts and wounds. In beauty applications it is balancing for all skin types.

You can find a mini profile of Palmarose on my website.

On a subtle level Palmarosa can help one to have greater understanding of being a mother or of the relationship dynamics with one’s mother. It helps to encourage compassionate acceptance and unconditional love. It can be used in all types of healing, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It can encourage feelings of security. It will also comfort the heart. In times when one has to make decisions it can help to clear the mind. It is said to help develop wisdom. Palmarosa may help one to stop feeling self-hatred and begin a new path. Used in love and healing blends.

Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, however care should be taken with anyone known to be sensitive to cosmetics.