~ Lavender ‘N Chocolate ~

Let’s explore a few simple techniques, precautions and uses of Lavender…

For internal use, it is not recommended that you use the essential oil unless you have a home still and knowledge of the distillation process and can make your own. You cannot be sure how purchased oil was grown and using it could make you very nauseous, so be very certain of the quality source. However, lavender flowers make a relaxing and refreshing tea which has the same basic medicinal properties. A weak infusion sweetened with honey was a traditional treatment for insomnia, irritability and nervous headache. Lavender acts as a sedative to both the nervous system and the respiratory tract.

Inhaling the essential oil has been used to induce relaxation and sleep, ease symptoms of depression and reduce headache pain. Its sedative action is amazingly strong and often, just by opening a bottle of oil in a confined space, people in the room visibly relax.

Externally lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used full strength on the skin. It works well and can be applied directly for cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, bee, wasp, and insect stings, rashes, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, cold sores, canker sores, blisters, bruises, athlete’s foot, and rubbed directly into the temples in case of headache or migraine. A few drops of oil rubbed on the temples was considered effective for insomnia and nervous headache.

**Note – As always, use good sense and be very certain of your allergies. Always consult your health care provider or naturapathic before using any new herbal treatment.

About one month ago I posted about the wonderful healing art of Qigong. I had been practicing for about 1 month at the time of that post, and now have been consistantly practicing for over 2 months. I thought this would be a good time to give a progress report.

Practice

First of all, I will mention that I practice for half an hour each day, and some days I practice twice in one day. If I am totally rushed for time I at least give 15 minutes to energizing my body. This has only occured at most 3-4 times in the past month. I am working up to giving 45-60 minutes per session, with a second session before bed of about 15 minutes. It is recommended to do these movements outdoors if possible, to gain the most benefit of energy gathered from the natural world. In China you will find people outdoors, at different times throughout the day, practicing these movements as a matter of their daily course. It is this gentle and active movement which keeps us strong, healthy and full of vitality.

Energy

I am personally experiencing a significant increase in energy, even on days when I am extremely active or busy. Although I have always been in really good shape, in recent times I began to fall ill quite often. That is not the case this year. Autumn is usually the beginning of flu and cold season, and not a single bug has touched me. My daughter and I walk 5-6 miles at least twice per week, when the weather permits, and I recall having sore feet when we returned home, and feeling a bit run down. That has not been occuring in the past couple of weeks, and I am still full of energy towards the end of the day, even after a long walk. This is very exciting for me, as I was very energetic and active when I was younger, and I am not ready to slow down yet!

Physical Appearance

Another significant change is in my physical appearance. When I was younger I never had to worry about my weight. Yet in recent years I began to plump up a bit. This was quite discouraging, and very frustrating not to be able to fit into my favourite clothes. I was quite bummed, and even though I worked out, I was left exhausted and still couldn’t seem to drop the weight. Actively practicing Qigong is supposed to put our bodies back into balance, and help clear the energy channels inside us, so the energy can flow properly through our organs and througout our bodies. When these channels are blocked, it can create lots of havoc on our bodies, including weight gain, leaving our bodies vulnerable to dis-ease and illness.

Well, I am very happy to report that I am definately losing weight. I do not own a scale; never needed one. But I am noticing that my clothes fit me, and I look really good. Qigong is beneficial in that if practiced consistantly, we will regain our normal size, that which we are meant to be. I am not a big person, and it feels good to be finding my way back to the size I was created to be.

All in all, I am quite happy with my progress in practicing this gentle, yet powerful art of Qigong. I will be happy to share this, my own personal journey as it unfolds, and will soon post a current picture to show how healthy I am becoming after 46 years on this beautiful planet.

**Note – To follow from the beginning of this wonderful adventure, please visit The Healing Arts of Qigong. Also, I wish to give credit to the Teacher I am following in this beautiful art… Michael Tse.

It is said that placing lavender under ones pillow brings about restful sleep, and sweet Dreams. This can be especially soothing if one is prone to get headaches, as I am. I am lucky in that I have a good supply of lavender flowers to place in sachets under my pillow, as well as in my drawers to draw the wonderful fresh scent into my clothing. I also like to burn the flowers to cleanse my home, disrupting the negative energy, and replacing it with the positive feminine energy in which lavender brings.

Although I have a good supply of lavender through friends and such, I would like to try growing it on my own this spring. I truly believe this will have a significant meaning in bringing about healing, in that it will mean that much more having grown it on my own. I love to grow things, and our home is full of green plants. Growing plants also manifests good energy in our homes, and this can feel quite rewarding and is beneficial to our wellbeing.

I also like to carry a sachet of lavender in my purse or pocket, so that if I feel stressed or tense I can just pull it out and inhale the wonderful healing scent. During times of grief this can be especially beneficial, as it brings about a sense of peace, and seems to have a sweet calming effect.

So, whether you are awake or asleep, I truly believe the healing properties of lavender will bring you good feelings, restful sleep, and Sweet Dreams. And the greatest thing is that lavender is a great scent for both men and women, so the men on the planet needn’t be shy about utilizing this amazing herb.

Can you imagine the wonderful and subtle taste lavender can bring to your favourite desert? Lavender is an edible flower that adds a great flavour to ice cream and chocolates. If you are making truffles, you can flavour them by adding the lavender to the cream as it scalds. Strain the flowers out of the cream before adding the cream to the chocolate. Making home made ice cream is a breeze, and if you are like me, you love to experiment with new flavours.

In order to make lavender ice cream, you will need:

1 1/2 cups of milk
1 1/2 cups of cream
Half of a vanilla bean split length wise
1/3 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of lavender flowers chopped

~ Scrape the seeds out of the vanilla bean and add the seeds and pod to a saucepan with the milk, cream, and lavender flowers. Bring to a scald.

~ Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.

~ Using a Bain Marie, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.

~ Very slowly, add the milk to the eggs.

~ Cook the mixture until it begins to thicken.

~ Remove from the heat and let cool.

~ Strain the liquid.

~ Chill the mixture for one hour.

~ Add the mixture to your ice cream maker.

Simple and delicious! What a delightful way to enjoy my favourite herb. You can even add some dark chocolate to the recipe to make a great chocolate chip ice cream. I will be sure to share some more simple recipes soon. Meanwhile, enjoy!

We all agree that pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. It is also a time when a woman pays special attention to her body. Aromatherapy has specific applications that can enrich your experience while bringing a new life into the world. Here are a few simple methods that may be helpful.

Morning Sickness -

Morning sickness is often the first sign of pregnancy. It can range from a mild annoyance to one of the most unpleasant experiences of pregnancy. Try putting 1-2 drops of peppermint oil on a tissue and inhale periodically.

Stretch Marks -

Stretch marks may be alleviated with a gentle massage using essential oils. Massage helps to increase elasticity and preserve the skin’s normal texture.

4 drops lavender
4 drops roman chamomile
4 drops of Tangerine
1 oz of Mixing oil

Use the above mixture in a gentle massage twice a day.

Foot bath -

Make a simple foot bath to relieve pain and help with swollen legs.

10 drops of lavender
5 drops of cypress
Bowl of warm water

Disperse oils in water, put your feet in and relax for 10-15 min.

Every moment in life is so very precious, so be sure to take the time to care for and pamper yourself. Enjoy!

**Note – As always, use good judgement and know your allergies! If you think you may have an allergic reaction to any herbs or oils mentioned, be sure to check with your naturapathic or health care provider before applying anything new.

I have to admit to having one little, tiny vanity… my hair. I just love my hair! The creator was quite generous in creating genes in which our hair can be quite beautiful, sensual and oh so shiny! Even though I claim 46 years on this Earth, I have very few silvers (which will be quite stunning some day, I must admit), and is quite long, healthy and very beautiful. I am really careful to care for it properly and give it the nutrients it deserves, and by only applying that which enhances natural health and beauty, I am able to ensure lasting beauty.

The best thing you can do for your hair is to treat it right; use natural products and choose hair care products with a pH level between 4.5 and 7. Your hair has a normal pH around 5, so the closer your hair care products come to this, the better the result.

You can create your own favourite hair products using essential oils. Essential oils will pamper and strengthen your hair, give it a nice shine, and increase the circulation in the scalp. Here are just a few tips to maintaining strength, health and beauty…

Conditioner for Split Ends

10 drops Rosewood
15 drops Sandalwood
2 oz Mixing oil
~ Work the mixture into hair ends, leave on for 20 minutes, then wash hair.

Hair Strengthening Shampoo

4 drops Cedarwood
6 drops Rosewood
4 drops Ylang Ylang
Your favourite Natural Shampoo
~ Add essential oils into your usual amount of shampoo and wash your hair with the mixture.

A few drops of Lemongrass and Wild Rosemary added to shampoo is an excellent balancing and conditioning hair treatment.

5 drops of Lemon in a cup of warm water is an effective rinse for oily hair.

5 drops of Wild Rosemary in a cup of warm water is wonderful for dry hair.

Another great tip is the use of Olive Oil once or twice a month to give your hair a great natural treatment. Add 1-3 tablespoons of olive oil, depending on length of hair, to a small saucepan. Heat until quite warm, but not too hot. Apply to freshly shampooed hair which has been towel dried. Massage scalp gently with your fingers, and comb the Olive Oil thoroughly through to the tips of your hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag, and allow to penetrate for an hour or so. I like to leave it on overnight, but it is up to you, depending upon your preferences. Wash your hair as usual… you may need to wash it twice if you do not like an oily sheen. Olive Oil is loaded full of nutrients, and your hair will absolutely love it!

**Note – As always, use good judgement and know your allergies! If you think you may have an allergic reaction to any herbs or oils mentioned, be sure to check with your naturapathic or health care provider before applying anything new.