~ Lavender ‘N Chocolate ~

A gentle and tender touch is essential in passing along our feelings of love to those who are dear to us. Adults are fond of massage, so you may be certain that babies respond with pleasure to the soothing touch through gentle massage. This will help create a foundation which is secure, loving and giving as well. Let us consider the tremendous value and everlasting benefits in caring for our babies in this way. I have always loved touching and kissing my babies, and they have never gone without feeling my love and care.

Baby massage - helps circulation and enhances body function, however the most important factor is providing you and your baby with very enjoyable moments and memories. It is natural for a mother to give a massage and natural for a baby to receive it. The most suitable oils for babies are Lavender and Roman chamomile. Both oils will help with most aspects of your baby’s problems. Massage may help calm an over-active child and can help promote healthy sleep, ease stomach problems, prevent diaper rash, and soften skin. Use 2 to 3 drops of essential oils in a small cup of warm mixing oil.

Studies are showing that massaged babies are more alert, sleep better, gain weight faster, and look happier. Use this knowledge to spend more memorable and quality time with your precious one.

Hmmm… have you ever considered what makes oranges so special besides their vitamin C content, and delightfully delicious taste? We always have a fairly large supply of fresh oranges on hand in our house, being a favourite. I have always known these luscious, lovely little fruits bring more to us humble beings than meets the eye. What I didn’t know, was what a treasure we have in such a simple fruit. Now I have a bit of history, traditions, and scientific studies to back up my inner sense of this jewel of a fruit. Let’s explore the lovely scents and taste of the orange.

Nature’s Jewel

Orange (Citrus sinensis) - Orange is a small tree with shiny oval leaves, fragrant white flowers, and sweet, very nutritious fruits. It yields orange essential oil from its fruit, neroli oil (one of the main constituents of Eau-de-Cologne) from its flower, and petitgrain oil from its leaves. The orange is native to China and India, however it is cultivated today in many warm climates in the USA, Europe, Mexico, or Brazil.

The orange’s main chemical components are 90% Limonene, while the remaining 10% is made up of odorous constituents such as citral, citronellal, auraptenol and acids. The essential oil is located within the small sacks in the outer part of the skin. If you pinch the skin close to the candle flame, the released oil will burn producing tiny stars. The flash point for orange essential oil is 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23C).

Oranges symbolize innocence and fertility. In Chinese medicine, it was used to help with colds, coughs, and appetite problems. Traditionally it has been used as a tonic and as a support for the digestion system. It may influence one’s mood, create positive and happy feelings, and awaken activity. Orange oil will help you brighten gloomy feelings, dark thoughts and stressful situations. The oil is very beneficial and soothing for dry, irritated, and non-cystic acne prone skin. It has great regenerating properties and is valuable for mature skin. It may stimulate the lymphatic fluid, and it is a very good choice in massage procedure for helping swollen tissue.

Orange oil is a good source of vitamin C. It’s a good idea to add essential oil into a diffuser at times of flu or colds. It may help relieve tiredness, promote energy, and support the immune system.

Orange was also traditionally used to help the digestion system, alleviate occasional bloating or pressure, and prevent nausea associated with motion.

Use essential oil in combination with your daily skin care products and as an essential part of inhalation to help regulate your psyche and mood. If you use it as a necessary part of your massage procedure, you can aid digestion and help the muscular systems.

In the first part of this article, called Looking into the Psyche of Aromatherapy we touched upon the two different theories about how essential oils affect human psyche. I would like to continue with the following.

Essential Oils - The Gentle Touch and Scent Massage is probably the oldest and simplest method of helping your body. A massage is enjoyable to give and relaxing to receive. It is an ancient therapy; the word “anoint” has almost the same meaning as massage. Ancient people always used essential oils while giving a massage, and the ancient wisdom has not lost its popularity. It is still a pleasant art of touching that is beneficial to the mind and body.

Aromatherapy massage is a traditional form that uses essential oils together with the form of Shiatsu, Neuro-Muscular, Connective Tissue massage, or Lymphatic Tissue massage. A full aromatherapy massage may last up to 1 to 1-½ hours. Its main purpose is to relax and nourish the body. It may also help improve circulation, digestion, and respiration. It can also help speed up the elimination process, while promoting a warm, satisfied feeling of ease that takes away stress and worry. There are just a few basic strokes what you need to learn; everything else can come from your intuition and caring feelings.

Basic Massage Strokes

Effleurage - the basic stroking movement. The meaning comes from the French word “effleurer” which means “to touch lightly.” When done with a fast motion, it is invigorating. There are many variations, such as palm, thumb, pick-up effleurage, and “carresse du poing” that means: “closed hand” effleurage. You can do a few effleurage strokes on each part of the body. Use enough oil for your hands to slide easily over the skin.

Petrissage - often used to soften and relax tired muscles. The technique involves lifting up the muscle and applying compression with both hands.

Kneading - a one handed kneading that is similar in action to the two-handed petrissage - mostly used on short muscles.

Lymph tissue massage - assists lymph passage and helps reduce any minor swelling. This massage requires very little pressure at a slow speed.

Swedish massage - soft tissue massage that incorporates several types of movement - effleurage, kneading, cupping or hacking.

You can also include parts of reflexology massage, shiatsu massage, or acupressure. When you have chosen the right essential oils and carrier oil to serve your purpose, and a room that has been specially prepared, you can start a massage. Blend oils in a small bowl within reach, thus allowing one hand to maintain contact with massaged part. An ideal step-by-step procedure should start with massaging the back, legs, arms, stomach, chest, neck, scalp and face. Massage should always be pleasurable and rhythmical. For a full body massage, add 15-20 drops of essential oils per 1 oz of carrier oil. For a longer massage, use mixing oil; for a shorter massage, use a local application of Tangible lotion.

Good oils for relaxing massage treatments are Lavender, Roman chamomile, Frankincense, Marjoram, Clary sage, Geranium, or Ylang ylang. Oils that may help with minor muscle pain or strains are Helichrysum, Orange, Peppermint, Clove, Pine needle, or Wild rosemary.

Yummm… I am making this for a special treat at our next Family gathering. I just love chocolate in it’s many delectable and delightful forms, and this recipe sounds absolutely mouth watering delicious! I can just see the look on my daughters face when she takes a bite out of one of these sweet and spicy little babies! Caution!! Consumption of these chocolate delights may cause an epidemic of satisfied women and a curious sense of wellbeing…

For the Brownies:

1 Stick (1/2 Cup) Butter, Melted
3/4 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Flour
1/3 Cup Dagoba Xocolatl Drinking Chocolate
1 Tbs Cocoa Powder
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 325° with rack in centre of oven.
Line a 9″x9″ pan with tinfoil.
Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs in a bowl. Stir until
thoroughly blended.
In a separate container, combine flour, Xocolatl, cocoa, baking
powder and salt.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and incorporate completely.
Do not over-mix!
Reserve 1/2 cup of this batter and pour the rest in the prepared pan.
Sprinkle pecans on top of the batter.

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

8 Ounces Cream Cheese
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Egg

Beat the cream cheese with the sugar.
Add the vanilla and the egg.
Blend thoroughly.
Pour this over the brownie batter (and nuts)
Place the reserved batter in small dollops on the top.
Use a knife or an spoon handle to swirl the two batters without
mixing them.

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 mins or until the brownies start to
pull away from the sides of the pan and the edges of the brownies are
just beginning to brown.

Chill for at least two hours before cutting into squares.

**Credit for this delicious recipe goes to…

Huw Richardson
Buffalo, NY

One historic piece of wisdom proclaims, “Food nourishes the body, however flowers heal the soul”. In many ways, these two needs are inseparable. You have to feed your body to stay physically healthy and you have to feed your psyche to stay emotionally healthy. Essential oils play an important role in affecting mood, emotions, or memory. We already know about the connection between an olfactory cell and limbic brain system. Inhalation is a method by which essential oils quickly enter the body and take effect - to help the body heal itself. Essential oils may influence the human psyche by interacting with the nervous system, environment, and one’s personal will. Essential oils can control psychological changes in the human body through direct interaction with body systems, or they may produce learned psychological response. Learned responses may be different in each person or culture.

There are two different theories about how essential oils affect human psyche

Reflective theory assumes that essential oils influence the olfactory system and the sense of smell. The olfactory nerves have receptor sites that are stimulated by specific chemical components in particular essential oils. The stimulated receptors send signals to the brain, especially to the part of brain (amygdala and hippocampus) where the regulation of emotion, memory, sleep circle, or sexuality are affected.

While the Reflective Theory only requires interaction with olfactory epithelum, the Systemic theory assumes that essential oils interact directly with the brain and other systems of the body. People can also have learned psychological responses to essential oils by relating them with specific pleasant or unpleasant experiences. Memories can create or evoke change in the brain and psyche. For example, pine needle oil may bring back pleasant memories of Christmas, and these enjoyable memories can influence happy emotions.

Thus, the right essential oil may help with human emotions - happiness, anger, fear, sadness. Essential oils may influence the Autonomic Nervous System, which is part of the Peripheral Nervous System, and controls the involuntary functions of organs such as the heart, blood vessels, lungs, bladder, glands and gastrointestinal tract etc. There are three main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the Sympathetic and the Parasympathetic, Systems which provide a dual mechanism for controlling internal organs, and the Enteric System that regulates the activity of the gut.

The Sympathetic Nervous System can be described as a “fight or flight response.” Stimulation of this part can cause the hands to sweat, the heart rate to increase, or the blood pressure to rise. The Parasympathetic System is often described as a “rest and digest” movement. It may help digestion and relaxation, while decreasing the blood pressure.

Today, human beings are challenged by a stressful lifestyle that leads to tension and stress. Some essential oils may act on the Parasympathetic Nervous System to help the body relax and calm down. Some essential oils may invigorate the body or senses. Examples of stimulating essential oils are jasmine, basil, clove, geranium, lemongrass, and peppermint. Examples of sedative essential oils are lavender, chamomile, marjoram, and sandalwood. We might say that pleasant odors help ease feelings of tension, fear or confusion.

Mood can affect our memory, cognition and behavior. When you are in a good mood, you are more optimistic. You can learn faster and pay more attention to one’s studies. Why not use essential oils to help enhance your behavior, memory or learning process?

Aromas are able to evoke vivid memories of the past. The odors around us can bring about memory retrieval. With the help of essential oils, we may influence the memories of our past. Essential oils can support your children’s study progress and aid in memory functions. The door is open…

**Stay tuned for part two… coming soon!

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.

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.

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.

Enhancing our well being with aromatherapy, and finding the highest quality of essential oils to maintain physical, emotional, and spiritual balance is essential. Those who know me can attest to my love of the scent, and many beneficial uses of my favourite herb, lavender.

Lavender Highland is an evergreen, woody shrub that grows about 3 feet high. It has pale green narrow leaves, and beautiful violet-blue flowers. The entire plant is highly aromatic. Lavendula Vera is also known as Lavendula Officinalis, and Lavendula Angustifolia. All these names indicate a true lavender. The essential oil from a true lavender is prized for its ester content. Esters provide a relaxing quality with a sweet aroma.

The best Lavender in the world, with the highest ester content, comes from the high-mountain region of Provence, France. This is Oshadhi’s Highland Lavender. No other Lavender compares to its exquisite aroma and unsurpassed therapeutic qualites for skin care, first aid, and stress.