Overindulging?

Happy Thanksgiving to all South of the Border!!

With American Thanksgiving this week and Christmas just around the corner, this might be a good time to get a little kit together for those times when we overindulge. It can be easy enough to do at the holidays when there are so many parties to go to and good things to try.

Happily there are essential oils that can help us get over this really quickly.

For a hangover: Aniseed has a stablizing effect following a hangover; Basil can be very helpful for hangovers; Fennel is helpful with detoxification from alcohol, nicotine and toxic hangovers. Also be sure to drink as much water as possible, in fact drinking a lot of water while imbibing is important too.

Essential oils that are carminatives and stomachics include: Basil, Chamomile, Fennel, Mandarin and Peppermint. Ginger and Cardamom are other oils to consider, in fact most of the spice oils will have a calming effect on the digestive system.Follow the links to articles on these oils on the main website.

Use the oils singularly or in a blend in a diffuser, a mister, or diluted in a carrier and gently massaged clockwise into the solar plexus and tummy area or check out the Ways to Use Essential Oils on the Newsletter Page of the website.

There is also an article on using essential oils with digestive complaints and another with digestive blends on the main website.

According to this abstract :

Pharmacological properties of citrus and their ancient and medieval uses in the Mediterranean region by Beatriz Álvarez Arias and Luis Ramón-Laca of Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, Spain and Instituto Madrileño de Investigación, Agraria y Alimentaria, Finca El Encín, Apartado 127, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Spain respectively; Received 15 June 2004;

revised 19 October 2004;

accepted 21 October 2004.

Available online 15 December 2004.

Abstract

This paper reviews the pharmacological properties of Mediterranean-grown citrus species (Citrus L., Rutaceae), including citron (Citrus medica L.), lime (Citrus × auantiifolia [Christm.] Swingle), lemon (Citrus × limon [L.] Osbeck), bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium L.) and pomelo (Citrus maxima [Burm.] Merr.), as referred to in ancient, medieval and 16th century sources. The virtues of the species reported in these texts were compared to those known to modern science. A much broader spectrum of pharmacological properties was recorded by these early writers than one might expect. The use of the citron and lemon as antidotes for ‘poison and venom’ is recorded in the very earliest material. According to modern scientific literature the citron and the bitter orange may possess anti-cancer activity, lime may have an immunomodulatory effect in humans, and the pomelo may be useful for treating circulatory problems. Lemons might even ease hangover symptoms. Research is required to confirm these properties.

No wonder they do well as a garnish for drinks. I would try adding Lemon to a blend for a hangover too.

Many people find this time of the year emotionally challenging as well. Essential Oils can be a wonderful support for many of the more negative emotions one might be faced with like depression, loneliness, feelings of abandonment and low self worth to name just a few. There is more information on using essential oils with some of these conditions on the Articles Page of the website too.

Upcoming Workshops

December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Workshops for 2010

Our self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses are always available. When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight!

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.

Aromatic Christmas Cards and Gifts

I cannot believe just how quickly time flies by. I know that it is still another week to American Thanksgiving but here in Canada the stores have a distinct Christmas feel to them.

For those of you who are thinking about giving aromatic gifts this year now would certainly be a good time to start thinking about it. There are many easy aromatic gifts one can make. Often they don't take long to put together but sometimes they take a bit of time to mature. Like the aromatic Fizzy Bath Bombs I made this weekend. I had them all made up in fun sea motifs for the kids and roses for the adults in no time at all, but they will need about three weeks to dry out and be ready for wrapping. They are ideal as stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or small gifts for friends and/or acquaintances.

Once again this year I will be scenting my Christmas Cards. I haven't quite decided on the synergy I want to use. If I have the time I'd like to create a new one but if not I'll probably use one from the Festive Blends on my website. I wrote about my Aromatic Christmas Cards in 2007 and again in 2008 this blog also included some ideas of Aromatic Christmas Gifts so if you're looking for some fun ideas just follow the links to get you started on your own creative journey.

Our E-Book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons. Is also full of ideas and recipes. There is something for everyone in it.

Upcoming Workshops

December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Workshops for 2010

Our self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses are always available. When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight!

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.

November 11

November 11 is a day of remembrance in many parts of the world. In the US it is Veteran's Day and here in Canada it is Remembrance Day. Since the beginning of November many of us have been wearing the red poppy to show our respect and as an outward sign that we do remember!

This is a time to remember those who have contributed so much to their country. Last year I wrote a blog on Remembrance Day. In it I touched on the background of this day, as well as listed some oils that I was going to put into a special synergy for the diffuser that day. Here is the blend I chose and the one I will be using again this year:

Rosemary for sure. Rosemary is for remembrance just ask Shakespeare.
Cypress so often associated with death and transition.
Yarrow often called the Military Herb.
Neroli for gentle easing of grief.

The links for rosemary, cypress and neroli are links to previous blogs while the link to yarrow is to a mini profile on the articles page on the West Coast Aromatherapy website. In addition to the blog there are mini profiles on Rosemary, Cypress and Neroli in this Articles Archive

Will you make a special synergy for this day of remembering and if so what oils will you choose to put in your blend? I'd love it if you shared your choices and why.

Upcoming Workshops

November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Workshops for 2010

Our Aromatherapy Courses are self-directed home study so they always available. When you are ready they are only a click away. A click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight!

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.

Benzoin - Stynax benzoin

You will find a mini profile on Benzoin on the website.

Did you know...
Benzoin was incorporated into incense as it was thought that it could drive away evil spirits?

Buddhist and Hindu priests burned benzoin in their temples to invite divine inspiration and heighten spiritual awareness.

In Spiritual PhytoEssencing an essential oil synergy is created to mirror a soul portrait of the individual. In this work the individual essential oils have different correlations and bring different themes with them.

Benzoin has a strong correlation with Benjamin the 12th and youngest son of the biblical patriach Jacob. His mother Rachel, while dying shortly after childbirth, named him "Benoni" meaning "My Sorrow's Son." This name could also point to spiritual themes one can find in the essential oil. In Genesis 49 :
"Jacob called for his sons. He said, 'Come together and I will tell you what will happen in the course of time." He then proceeds to provide an analysis of each son. As regards his Son Benjamin, Genesis 49: 27 quotes Jacob as saying: "Benjamin is a vicious wolf. He eats a portion in the morning, and divides his prey in the evening."

In the Native American mystical tradition, the wolf represents the pathfinder, one who discovers new ideas and then returns to his clan to teach and share medicine. There is a dichotomy in wolf behavior in that while in the pack they have a strong sense of family but they also have a strong individualistic bent.

The benzoin type, like most meticulous altruists/idealists, typically has experienced a good deal of disappointment, opposition and betrayal. However, his perseverance despite all of these challenges produces admirable accomplishments.If you are interested in learning more about Spiritual PhytoEssencing just follow the link to the article on Soul Blends on the main website.

On a subtle level benzoin helps to dispel anger and negativity. Its aroma is very grounding and comforting. It is believed to provide psychic protection as well as being able to steady and focus the mind during meditation or prayer. Benzoin can also help one to release painful emotions and give one the courage to face the task of self-improvement. Benzoin is also used to increase personal power and help awaken the conscious mind. Use benzoin to protect your home and/or car.

Generally considered to be non-toxic and non-irritating however this oil can be a strong skin sensitizer so use with caution on the skin.

As you will notice from the button on the side bar, WCIA has entered the world of Facebook. Unlike the closed lists I have for our students and graduates Facebook is open to anyone who wants to join as a Fan. It will be interesting to see if this is something people want or not.

Christmas is just seven and a half weeks away. If you are thinking about making an aromatic gift for someone you care for it might be time to get started on your gifts.

If you are looking for ideas our E-Book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons. Is full of ideas and recipes.

Upcoming Workshops

November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Workshops for 2010

Our Aromatherapy Courses are self-directed home study so they always available. When you are ready they are only a click away. A click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight!

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD.