One essential oil that I absolutely love adding to soups and stews is Rosemary. It’s grounding fragrance takes me back to dinners of lamb or chicken and potatoes. The aroma is known to be a mental as well as a physical stimulant. Use this essential oil in your morning facial moisturizer or to soak in the tub after dinner for a rejuvenating end to your day. It is so versatile that many ancient cultures considered Rosemary to be sacred. While making your food flavorful it also aids in digestion and reduces the amount of carcinogens that end up in your meat after a back yard grill out. As well as soothing muscular aches this oil also reduces flare-ups in arthritic individuals. Rosemary essential oil decreases severity of depression while fighting fatigue and memory loss. If ever you are feeling an illness coming on or happen to be around sick people a few drops of Rosemary near the temples will protect your body from invaders. Combine equal parts Rosemary essential oil and Lemon essential oil in a few tablespoons of coconut oil and apply to the chest and feet for help during an exam or test. If you’re looking to add a bit more shine to your tresses look no further than Rosemary essential oil. A few drops added to jojoba oil and applied to wet hair for a 15 minute soak can completely revitalize your look, shampoo out after. For an essential oil that can be used in many different routines around the house look into purchasing a bottle of Rosemary essential oil. You will be amazed at how powerfully it can keep your body and mind feeling fresh and youthful. The aroma is one of an earthly nature, not too strong, perfect for men and women, young and old. Come by the spa for a wonderfully soothing massage with a bit of Rosemary essential oil!
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

      Here we are in the middle of such a glorious season: Spring!  One thing that comes to mind as we transition from the cooler months into warmth is cleaning house.  My critters cannot get enough outdoor activity lately and that means a whole lot of dirt is making its way inside our home.  The citrus essential oils make for incredibly powerful household cleaners and my favorite happens to be Lemon.  This tart and bright scented oil can eliminate odors when diffused in different rooms around the abode.  It also makes for a great kitchen cleanser, keeping counter tops and appliances sparkling and fresh.  The best part about using Lemon essential oil as a household cleaner is that it is non-toxic to the environment in which it is being used.  Therefore, your children, pets, even house plants do not have to suffer each time you tidy up your living space.  Beyond cleaning your home, this essential oil can help to keep your body and mind pure as well.  When taken internally, Lemon turns alkaline and therefore helps to detoxify the human system.  While doing some major internal cleansing it can also uplift the mood.  Lemon essential oil is high in antioxidants so be sure to add it to smoothies and other yummy springtime drinks.  This oil is known to boost left brain activity like analytical thought processes and focus so be sure to apply it to the right side of the body if looking for a bit of balance in the brain.  Moreover, Lemon essential oil is one to keep handy when preparing to clean house or even clean out those cobwebs in the back of our minds.  I often reflect upon colors when we enter a new season and yellow most definitely comes to mind right about now.  Do yourself a favor and come in for a spring clean of your body and mind with some massage therapy and a bit of Lemon essential oil!
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

     One of the most important tasks at hand for today’s generation of health savvy individuals is cleansing the body of heavy metals.  Elements like fluoride, aluminum, barium and others have been found in our drinking water and soil.  These are very hard for the body to rid on it’s own, but with the aid of Cilantro essential oil, the heavy metals are swept away.  The components of this particular essential oil cling to these heavy metals in our system and then remove them through our elimination processes.  How cool of a tool is Cilantro essential oil?  It is known to have both an anti fungal and anti bacterial effect on the body.  Cilantro has also been known to help aid those with anxiety and encourage a good nights sleep in the process.  The moment you open your bottle of Cilantro essential oil you will notice the deliciously fresh aroma that most likely reminds you of tacos and guacamole.  A few drops of this essential oil in your salsa will eliminate the need for fresh herbs.  Cilantro has also been used as a digestive culinary tool for ages.  Moreover, you can make use of this oil during cold and flu season to rid the body of infections and aches.  Rub a few drops onto the feet for a boost in circulation, especially during the wintertime.  Essential oil of Cilantro has incredibly powerful antioxidant properties to help protect the body from oxidative stresses of the environment.  Anyone dealing with chronic infections will find relief if they mix cilantro with garlic and omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, nuts, seeds).  This trio has very strong synergistic powers that help people heal faster than ever before.  Briefly, Cilantro essential oil is fun, flavorful and fierce, so make sure to use it wisely.  Look for our selection at the spa and grab a bottle of your own to use at home.  This oil is one that each and everybody needs in today’s hectic world. 

By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

      As we burst into this spring season, many of us will be cleansing and detoxifying our bodies and minds of heavy winter foods.  Enjoying a wonderfully rejuvenating massage can help to get the lymphatic system moving after a lot of hibernation and rest.  When combined with certain essential oils, this spring clean can be extremely powerful.  Personally, I have been juicing a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables everyday for the past week or so in order to jump start this renewal process.  One ingredient I cannot be without is ginger root.  This is also available in the form of a spicy scented essential oil.  Ginger root essential oil is a wonderful gut healer, warming the digestive tract.  In fact, this particular oil has been very powerful with alcoholics trying to overcome their desire for a drink while simultaneously tending to their tummy.  Moreover, ginger can give pregnant women suffering from morning sickness or nausea a bit of relief as it calms the stomach.  Anyone dealing with strains, sprains or even broken bones will find that Ginger essential oil eases the pain and discomfort of their injury.  The root itself has been used for thousands of years in both ancient Indian and Chinese medical practices.  There is a component in ginger known to help ignite internal fires in order to help people make decisions and act on hunches.  This particular oil is safe to ingest as long as Certified Therapeutic Grade and typically tastes lovely combined with a citrus fruit of some kind.  Be careful when applying to babies or the elderly, as it can be quite spicy.  Also make certain to watch for exposure to sunlight after applying topically as it can cause burns.  Ask for an abdominal massage with the application of Ginger essential oil before your next treatment to aid in important springtime detoxification!
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC