~ 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.

Lavender is a versatile and much underused herb for cooking. In today’s up market restaurants and bistros, fresh edible flowers are making a comeback as enhancements to both the flavour and appearance of food.

Try adding a few to your Herbes de Provence mixture - you’ll be amazed at the subtle yet extraordinary difference Lavender will make.

As a member of the same family as many of our most popular herbs, it is not surprising that lavender is edible and that its use in food preparation is also returning. Flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried, and both buds and stems can be used dried. Lavender is a member of the mint family and is close to rosemary, sage, and thyme. It is best used with fennel, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, and savory.

English Lavender (L. angustifolia in general and Munstead/Hidcote varieties, in particular when freshly picked) have the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is the one most commonly used in cooking. The uses of lavender are limited only by your imagination. Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor, with lemon and citrus notes. The potency of the lavender flowers increases with drying. In cooking, use 1/3 the quantity of dried flowers to fresh. The key to cooking with lavender is to experiment; start out with a small amount of flowers, and add more as you go.

NOTE: Adding too much lavender to your recipe can be like eating perfume and will make your dish bitter. Because of the strong flavour of lavender, the secret is that a little goes a long way.

The lavender flowers add a beautiful colour to salads. Lavender can also be substituted for rosemary in many bread recipes. The flowers can be put in sugar and sealed tightly for a couple of weeks then the sugar can be substituted for ordinary sugar for a cake, buns or custards. Grind the lavender in a herb or coffee grinder or mash it with mortar and pestle.

The spikes and leaves of lavender can be used in most dishes in place of rosemary in most recipes. Use the spikes or stems for making fruit or shrimp kebabs.

Flowers look beautiful and taste good too in a glass of champagne, with chocolate cake, or as a garnish for sorbets or ice creams. Lavender lends itself to savoury dishes also, from hearty stews to wine-reduced sauces. Diminutive blooms add a mysterious scent to custards, flans or sorbets.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ: Do NOT eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers or do so at your own risk. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides, not labeled for food crops. Edible Lavender has been tested for microbial activity and is almost always greyish blue, not the bright blue of the dried Lavender bunches you see in florists which have usually had their colour augmented (dyed in other words) Such dyed Lavender is not suitable for ingestion.

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.

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.

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.

There is so much focus on women and natural skincare, yet we musn’t forget the masculine beings who dwell alongside us. Men need tender loving care as well, and this includes paying careful attention to the delicate skin on a mans neck and face. Essential oils can help reduce the unpleasant experience of razor burn, a result of a fast morning shave. Small red dots on the face and neck, and flaky and sore skin may also be aggravated or compounded by acne. Avoid using aftershaves containing alcohol and other strong chemical products.

Here are a few recipes I wanted to share with those interested…

Aftershave Aroma
* 10 drops Lavender
* 8 drops Tea Tree
* 2 oz distilled water
Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake mixture well before
each application.

Morning Bliss
* 6 drops Cedarwood
* 3 drops Pine Needle
* 4 drops Grapefruit
* 3 drops Lavender
* 2 oz Massage Lotion
Combine and mix in a bottle. Apply after shaving.

Nourishing Face Cream
* 4 drops Tea Tree
* 4 drops Lavender
* 3 drops Myrrh
* 4 Tbs of Massage Lotion or your favorite skin cream
Apply sparingly, morning and night.

Note: As always, be certain you are not allergic to any ingredients listed above, using your own good judgement or that of your natural health care provider.

I am finding so many uses for honey. It is much, much more than a nutritious sweet and I am amazed that so many have overlooked this delicious and natural remedy. I will touch upon this subject in more detail really soon, but for now I would like to share a great little recipe for a honey bath…

Honey is very nourishing to the skin. Mix 3-5 drops of essential oil in 2 Tbs of honey and pour the mixture into the bathtub. For a relaxing evening bath, use oils like Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender or Orange.

Now just relax and enjoy!