Basic Rose Potpourri
Blend 1 tsp of rose essential oil to 3 TBS coarse ground orris root and let sit, covered for a few days. For a spicy scent, add 2 TBS each of ground cloves and cinnamon. For a sweet floral scent, add 2 cups lavender and ¼ cup ground tonka bean. For a musky scent, add 1 cup patchouli leaves and ½ cup sandalwood and vetiver root. For a fruity scent, add 1 cup each of dried citrus peel, rose and lemon scented geranium leaves, and lemon balm or lemon verbena. You will soon find yourself adding a little of this and that as you become familiar with the process and begin creating your own blends.

Balsam Fir Potpourri
1 cup balsam needles
¾ cup sweet woodruff leaves
1 cup dried violet blossoms
1 cup lavender 2 TBS salt
¼ cup bee balm blossoms
1 oz balsam Peru tincture

Seal and let set to “cure”, occasionally shaking the mix.

Christmas Potpourri
1 cup each: cut and sifted: whole allspice, star anise, ginger root, and sassafras bark
2 cups each: orange peel, lemon verbena leaves, and rose buds and petals.
30 drops allspice oil, stirred into the mix 5 drops at a time.
10 6″ cinnamon sticks.

Seal and let set to “cure”, shaking occasionally.

Citrus Blend
4 cups lemon verbena leaves
2 cups lemon balm leaves
2 cups orange mint
2 cups lemon, lime or orange scented geranium leaves
1 cup apple mint
4 cups ground citrus peel
Add other flowers for color if you like
4 cups marigold or calendula petals (or other yellow and orange flowers)
2 cups orris root, mixed with 1 TBS orange oil and 1 TBS lemon oil

Seal and let set to “cure”, shaking occasionally.

Lily of the Valley Potpourri
1 cup dried lily of the valley petals
2 cups dried violet and viola flowers
¾ cup dried rose blossoms
4 tonka beans broken into pieces or 1 tsp vanilla extract
3 TBS orris root powder

Seal and let set to “cure”, occasionally shaking the mix.

Moist Potpourri
Rose petals are the primary ingredient, but any flower petals will work. Add any oils or spices to the petals you wish, and layer them with uniodized salt. Compress the potpourri under a weighted dish. Set the potpourri aside for several weeks, but do stir the mixture every day. Once fermentation of the mix begins, let it sit for 2 more weeks without stirring until a cake is formed. Break the cake into small bits, and combine with spices, oils, and fixatives. Let it blend a few more weeks, and then put it in a decorative container. It isn’t attractive, so you may want to put it where it can be smelled, but not seen.

I hope you enjoy these simply sweet recipies… I know I sure will!

~Dragon Girl~

**Note – As always, be certain of your allergies. If you are not sure what may cause harm to you personally, contact your naturopath or health care provider before using anything, even if it falls into the natural realms.

Today I have been made aware of a Lavender Cleansing Conditionerwhich appears to carry some awesome ingredients right out of natures own backyard. I was just thinking I would love to try something new, besides the generic shampoo’s and conditioners on the market today, and this sweet lavender cleansing conditioner was generously brought to my attention. What a great universe we create!

Let’s take a look at what this delicious sounding Lavender Cleansing Conditionerhas to offer, and exactly what it is we are looking at here.

Ingredients

Water, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Lavender Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Chamomile Extract, Marigold Flower Extract, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Amodimethicone, Lavender Oil, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Witch Hazel, Ceteareth-20, Sweet Almon Oil, Menthol, Avocado Oil, PEG-60, Almond Glycerides, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid

Helpful Directions

Rinse hair thoroughly and completely with cool water for at least 1 minute. Cleansing Conditioner should be applied in four sections: the crown of your head, the nape/back of head, ends to the left side of your hair and ends to the right side of your hair. For hair above your shoulders, use a minimum of 24 pumps, (6 pumps per section). For hair down to your shoulders, use a minimum of 32 pumps, (8 pumps per section). For hair past your shoulders use a minimum of 40 pumps, (10 per section). For hair to your mid-back use a minimum of 48 pumps, (12 per section). Add a splash of water to help evenly distribute through the ends and massage vigorously into scalp for 2-3 minutes. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb and clip hair up for the remainder of the shower. Leave on for at least 3-5 minutes. The longer you leave it on the better for maximum results. Rinse with cool water thoroughly for 1-2 minutes by massaging your scalp and running your fingers through to the ends. While hair is soaking wet, apply 1-3 pumps of the Cleansing Conditioner as a leave-in conditioner starting from the back of the head through to the ends. For thicker/coarser hair increase amount of pumps in order to thoroughly hydrate and cleanse the scalp and ends. If you choose to rinse and repeat, use half the amount of suggested pumps for each cleansing.

I would just like to add that I would simply love to enjoy a few minutes of lavender heaven on my scalp and hair, and can only imagine how wonderful this would feel! What a treat for a living part of our body which takes a lot of hits from the environment, as well as our own unintentional careless treatment. Our hair stands up to a lot of stress from many directions, and could use a break from the collaterol damage our busy lifestyles demand.

Breath-fresh Mouth Rinse

* 2 drops Peppermint
* 2 drops Myrrh
* 2 drops Tea Tree
* 4 oz. distilled water

Mix all ingredients in a clean bottle. Swish a proper amount of the mix in your mouth after brushing your teeth or after meals.

When the gums or the tissues supporting the teeth become damaged or inflamed, gum disease may threaten oral health.

Gum Oil

* 5 drops Tea Tree
* 2 drops Myrrh
* 3 drops Lemon
* 2 Tbs. Mixing Oil

Place the carrier oils and essential oil in container. Massage the mixture into your gums once a day, after brushing your teeth.

Some general information

* 1 drop of Lemon oil on your toothbrush may help whiten your teeth.
* Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, and Tea Tree oils may help freshen your breath and keep bacteria away from your mouth.
* Myrrh oil may support healthy gums.

**Note – As always, be certain of your allergies. If you are not sure what may cause harm to you personally, contact your naturapath or health care provider before using anything, even if it falls into the natural realms.

Let’s take a look at a few natural strategies and options for creating a healthy atmosphere within our bodies, and giving us a priceless sense of well being.

Aromatic Foot Bath to Support Healthy Circulation

4 drops Wild Rosemary
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Eucalyptus
1 Tbs Mixing Oil

Bowl with cold water…

Add the mixture into the bowl, put feet in, and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Colder water may increase circulation by causing local stimulation.

Feeling Pressure?

4 drops Lavender
2 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Clary Sage

Put the drops on the tissue and inhale a few times. You can also add the mixture to 2 Tbs of Massage Lotion and gently massage the chest and back.

Tonic to Support Healthy Veins

6 drops Cypress
1 drop Lemon
1 drop Bergamot
2 cups cold water

In a small bowl, add the oils to the water. Swish a soft fabric in the bowl. Gently apply fabric to legs.

For relaxation, you may wish to try a sedating massage using Neroli, Lavender, or Ylang Ylang.

Enjoy!

**Special 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.

Combating the Winter Blues through Scent

Winter is a time when we enjoy the safe and warm comfort of staying inside our homes. It is the time of year when we may start to feel lethargic, depressed, or irritable. Even though winter brings special holidays that make us want to feel festive and optimistic and you can feel spring coming, we become affected by the lack of sunshine in our lives. To combat the winter blues, we love to surround ourselves with pleasant scents. Essential oils may bring balance to our hearts and peace to our minds. They may help to cleanse, release, and balance our thoughts. Let the aromatherapy shine.

Scent has a great effect on our emotions. Scientists are increasingly interested in the connection between fragrance and memory triggers in the limbic brain. They are also researching pheromones – fragrant substances that may influence physical attraction. Personal attraction or aversion is influenced by odor. Without the ability to smell, there would be very little attraction. Our body has special glands that produce a very personal perfume that changes according to our mood or state of health. Fragrance may create well-being or discomfort. If you have difficulty adapting to a new situation, or letting go of the past, a new fragrance may help create a fresh mood. It may help you change your attitude or find a new positive reaction. A pure essential oil will not create an aggressive feeling; rather it will have a positive, balancing effect.

We each have our own personal reaction to every scent. Smells, moods, and short and long-term memories are all stored in the limbic part of our brain. Dangerous or negative odors set our subconscious in the awareness stage. Positive smells like our babies’ skin or our mothers’ fragrance will bring a pleasant reminder of a positive experience for decades.

Our Ancestors knew the Power of Aromatherapy

Helping our body and psyche with scent has a history stretching back for many centuries. The very beginning of the practice of medicine has been connected with mythical rituals, magic, or religion. We may say that the history of scent began with incense burners and has continued through experience with aromas and essential oils up to the present day. The methods of treatment were based on philosophical ideas that looked at a direct connection between man and nature. In ancient civilizations, medicinal herbs were evaluated by their taste and smell.

An interesting example from the history of essential oils is thyme. The name “Thyme” is derived from the Greek word Thymiama (incense) and means courage, health, or sacrifice. It was a sign of high respect in ancient Greece to say to someone that he “smells of thyme”. Roman soldiers often added thyme to their baths to give themselves strength, health, and courage.

Rosemary played an important part in the Roman tradition of eliminating evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, it was a part of Hungarian water, a distillate of rosemary, lavender, and turpentine. According to alchemistic understanding, this was the first water of life. Many preserving properties were attributed to Carmelite water, a distillate of lemon balm, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

The seductive power of scent has always been known. The sense of smell may help create love and desire. Smell influences us much more than we think. The natural scent of flowers, essential oils, and compositions in the form of perfume, are more than just a pleasant smell. They can promote relaxation, sensuality, or spiritual depth. According to research on flowers by P. Jellinek, “esters of phenylacetic acids, fatty aldehydes, and alcohols are responsible for the aphrodisiac effect of various flower scents (jasmine, neroli).”

Essential Oils to Balance out our busy Lifestyles

Extensive studies by occupational psychologists have shown that lemon or rosemary scent may help with concentration, nutmeg may reduce stress, and lavender, interestingly, promotes a desire to buy things. Large Japanese companies are using scent throughout their employees’ workstations to help improve their performance – lemon in the morning for pick-me-up feelings, rose at lunch time for relaxation, and wood scents in the evening for stimulation and refreshment.

Another interesting discussion would focus on stress levels in our civilization. More and more studies are being done to prove that essential oils interact well with the receptors of the psychosomatic network and they may, in a soft and gentle way, restore harmony in our systems. This is especially essential to help people balance out the fast pace in the modern world of technology.

Aromatherapy is using the knowledge of the effect of scents on the body and mind. With the help of the purest essential oils we may influence our stage of mood or form of somatic anomalies. Compared with synthetic products, aromatherapy has a much higher risk-free profile. Nature provides all that we need, and the amazing and near magical powers of these scents are gifs that we should be aware of so we can utilize them to our greatest advantage. Caring for the Earth and her treasures should be high on our list of priorities as we step forth on our Paths with care and love for all which surrounds us.

Note – Information and statements regarding Aromatherapy have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. Contact your Health Care provider or Naturapathic immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem, or may be prone to an allergic reaction.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.