Tarragon essential oil is one of the spiciest in the bunch. I love waking up to that aroma whether it is a few drops in the tub or a dot on my temples. This essential oil certainly helps the morning routine by waking up the body and stimulating the mind. Drinking a glassful of water with a drop or two of Tarragon essential oil gets your body prepared for the day ahead. Not only does Tarragon aid in digestion but also both lymph and blood circulation. You are helping your body enhance it’s own immunity by incorporating Tarragon into your self-care regimen. This oil is also high in antioxidants making it a fabulous addition to cleansing or detoxifying. Keep in mind that the essential oil of Tarragon is mildly toxic and so must be avoided by pregnant women and babies. The mild toxicity in Tarragon is what keeps ticks and bugs out of your garden when planted outdoors. It also kills off worms, tapeworms and other critters when taken internally or applied to the affected area. Tarragon has also been found to be anti-cancerous in certain situations. Women would be wise to keep a bottle of Tarragon near by when dealing with heavy menstruation or a urinary tract infection as this oil has been shown to regulate and heal both. If you are having any tooth discomfort apply a drop to the area and gums for immediate relief. As we quickly approach the warmest season of the year do yourself a favor and whip up an invigorating body splash. Add 4-5 drops of Tarragon and 4-5 drops of Lavender to a spray bottle full of water and keep it in the car for an automatic chill pill during the summer. Come by the spa and let us help you keep cool this season with a Tarragon infused massage.
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

Clary Sage is extremely effective for anyone seeking balance.  This essential oil has been highly prized by ancient civilizations as a strong antidepressant.  The oil when applied will release feelings of despair and encourage wellbeing and a sense of calm.  It can also help release bloating and flatulence that has built up within the body due to stress and anxiety.  This musky and slightly woodsy scent combines very well with any citrus essential oil for a sweet and fresh yet relaxing aroma.  Think of Clary Sage when working with women who are suffering from postpartum depression as it can aid in healing the urinary tract as well as balancing the hormonal system of females.  Be aware that this particular oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and may be avoided if breastfeeding as well.  Pack a bottle of Clary Sage before heading out on a hike because it can be very useful in the treatment of wounds or spasms.  The essential oil of Clary Sage will clean out a gash on the body quickly without any harmful side effects.  Apply a few drops at the end of your day to ward off any soreness and keep muscles from seizing.  It makes for a wonderful addition to massage therapy easing the body into a euphoric state while simultaneously easing tension from the muscles as well as the mind.  It also helps the therapist to open up creatively and use their powers of intuition while working.  Beyond its incredible range of helpful properties this essential oil has a lovely aroma.  Personally, this essential oil is one of my favorites for scenting my body.  Clary Sage acts as a powerful deodorant too so it will work hard for you while you’re working hard.  It truly is an essential oil for everyone and I hope you all have a chance to experience the calm, centering qualities of Clary Sage. 

The scent of this North American tree takes me back to warm campfires and relaxing evenings. I adore the aroma but its powerful detoxifying and cleansing properties are why I keep this essential oil around my house. Cedarwood can aid in lymphatic drainage and the reduction of cellulite from the body. It can even help combat acne in those with sensitive skin. The beauty of using essential oils in your skincare routine is an escape from the harsh chemicals of many facial products today. Add a drop or two to a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage on the face and scalp after washing up before bedtime. This routine will greatly improve the complexion of many different individuals as the essential oil reacts with each person in a unique way. So Mom, Dad, the teens and the young child can all be using Cedarwood in their self-care routine. Cedarwood can even be used in the care of dogs within the home. Apply one drop of Cedarwood to a palm full of shampoo before lathering up your pooch and the oil will kill off any and all fleas or parasites. The essential oil of Cedarwood is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic and insect repellant. The oil connects with ones heart chakra, ensuring a sense of safety and comfort. Apply one drop to a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage over the heart for a welcome start to the day. The essential oil of Cedarwood helps combat episodes of anger and anxiety so the wearer will feel balanced throughout the day. This sense of calm makes Cedarwood an incredible addition to a full body massage. Have the therapist begin with a few drops on top of the spine to ensure immediate absorption. Take a deep breath and relax, release, recharge…

      I love the smell of fresh herbs being foraged during the spring season.  Nothing is quite as uplifting and rejuvenating to my spirit as the scent of Basil.  This lovely herb is known for its culinary usage in Italian inspired dishes.  But there is oh so much more to the Basil plant than pizza and pasta.  This particular herb has as many as 40 different varieties growing all over the world.  Basil contains properties that are antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic, making for a powerful remedy.  You can use this essential oil to help relieve any congestion from the lungs/chest, prostate and ear canals.  Apply a cotton ball with a few drops of Basil essential oil onto the opening of a child’s ear for any earaches or mild infections and you’ll notice instant relief.  Essential oil of Basil is a strong muscle relaxant; apply a bit to your feet at the end of a long day for an unwinding ritual before bed.  While you’re nodding off the oil will continue working as it aids your stomach in digestion, due to its antispasmodic qualities.  The oil works internally to detoxify the body by disinfecting the urinary tract and the veins/arteries.  This oil also acts as a diuretic encouraging the flow of excess water weight and aiding in dietary changes.  As the body eliminates toxic wastes the mind will eliminate feelings of fear or anxiety with the help of Basil essential oil.  It makes for a fabulous postoperative potion in order to help the person come back into homeostasis.  Furthermore, a bottle of Basil essential oil can help curb cravings for drugs, alcohol, sugar, tobacco or caffeine when a person is battling addiction.  There are so many different types of people who would benefit from this particular oil that it makes a good fit in any household.  Moreover, the aroma of this essential oil alone is enough to revive someone from a down day almost immediately and that is pretty powerful stuff!
By: Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist @ NLMSC

     As the temperatures warm up so do the amount of little critters flying about in the air.  If you’re annoyed by the bugs just grab yourself a bottle of Lemongrass essential oil.  This potent and savory aroma has the power to repel mosquitoes and other irritating insects.  You can either add a few drops to your lotion and massage on the body or just soak ribbons in an essential oil solution and tie onto the trees in your yard.  Essential oil of Lemongrass acts to calm and relax the body and mind similarly to that of Lavender.  Lemongrass aids in digestion so go ahead and add a few drops to curry or stir fry dishes for a tasty tangy treat for your tummy.  The oil is also known to help heal the skin but do be sure to test before applying as it can burn those with sensitive systems.  Lemongrass aids in detoxification routines and can increase lymphatic flow in the body.  It is also helpful in repairing tendons and ligaments as well as soothing tired muscles so be certain to add it into your massage therapy session.  Lemongrass has been used for a very long time in Chinese medical practices for the treatment of stomach upset and headaches as well.  The essential oil is a potent sedative and has even increased people’s psychic abilities at times.  Lemongrass is known to protect us from electromagnetic energies so make sure to carry this oil to the office and apply before working on the computer.  It is a really great oil to aid in the release of negative emotions from the body and mind as well as transforming those emotions into positives.  A drop or two of this essential oil is delightful in a cup of warm milk or milk substitute with a bit of honey.  Make certain you have purchased Certified Therapeutic Pure Grade oils before ingesting the product.  This particular oil helps to boost self-esteem and a sense of hope in the world, what a gift essential oils are to us humans.  Come by and check out our selection of essential oils, maybe you’ll take a bottle home to keep you feeling your best!