Now that we have made our way through the crazy sugar high of Halloween I am looking forward to homemade soups full of nourishing whole foods. I thoroughly enjoy the seasonal spices typical of wintertime meals. Clove, Bay leaf, Black Pepper, Nutmeg and Cinnamon are a few of my favorite aromas of the holidays. Adding a drop or two of my choice essential oil is a cheap and easy way to flavor my dishes but also boost my family’s immune system. My morning cup of coffee is much improved after a tablespoon of honey and a drop of Cassia essential oil. This particular oil is a kin to Cinnamon with a less intense yet a bit spicier flavor. It has properties that contribute to the reduction of illness and emotional distress. Be sure to dilute Cassia essential oil in coconut oil before applying to sensitive skin. Tossing a drop or two into your morning smoothie would make for a delicious seasonal treat. Try one banana, half an apple, almond milk, cashew butter, and a dollop of canned pumpkin plus two drops of Cassia essential oil for a refreshing and healthful breakfast. Cassia contains a high amount of fiber so daily use is very beneficial. This essential oil is a known anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-diarrhea, anti-arthritic, and anti-depressant. Unfortunately, Cassia essential oil is not safe for use during pregnancy or nursing because it dries up the milk supply and works on the mucus membranes. Cassia is a native plant of China and Burma where it is used for a variety of ailments as well as recipes. The hot scent lends itself beautifully to teas and perfumes. This oil can be used to make a fabulous wintertime rub for sore muscles. When used on the face and scalp Cassia’s astringent properties help maintain tight skin and strong hair. This is a delicious and simple essential oil that will help quell any holiday stress and ease tension in the body. Take the time this season to slow down and savor some self-care with a Cassia infused massage.
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When it comes to essential oils I find the properties of one can be so different from the next. These tiny bottles of medicine have the capabilities to heal a wide variety of ailments. I am amazed at how much we can benefit from even just one drop of a good quality essential oil. Look at Lavender, it has the ability to calm a screaming child and also relieve sunburned or overheated skin at the same time. The essential oil featured today is probably one of the most versatile essential oils known to man. Tiny flowers produced from an herb are steam distilled into a fruity scented liquid. The aroma when inhaled through the nostrils has the power to immediately reduce feelings of anger, hopelessness, and anxiety. This is fabulous oil for anyone dealing with emotional pain or trauma from past events. As Helichrysum is working on an emotional and psychological level it is also reducing these hot spots on a physical level as well. If one would regularly massage 2 drops of this oil, mixed with a bit of olive oil, onto the abdomen twice daily it would begin to detoxify and heal the liver, the pancreas and the gallbladder. While attacking those heavy metals and sweeping them out of the body as well. This is one seriously healing tool to have in your bathroom or kitchen. Remember to store these oils in a dark and cool place. They do travel well but don’t sacrifice the quality, always be sure to have them covered up and stored away so to avoid waste. Another reason I enjoy using my essential oils in my home is watching my toddler call out for the oils. He gravitates toward the aroma and responds beautifully to the healing properties. Helichrysum is great for children because a small amount can reduce sinus infections, earaches, and even nose bleeds! For earaches you would use a few drops massaged around the ear but never in the ear. The properties of Helichrysum ranging from antibacterial to anti-coagulant make it one versatile healer. Stop in to see us for some healing and request a reflexology treatment with the accompaniment of Helichrysum essential oil. Better yet, ask for your own bottle to share with the family. Just a few drops a day. Such a simple change in your daily routine will greatly improve the body, mind, and soul.
One of my favorite household spices has always been Black Pepper. This delicious and down-to-earth flavor can make the average potato pop. I have grown to realize that my original interest in this spice was probably due to the fact that I am often cold. As we dive into the cooler months I am finding myself shivering from sun up to sun down. It is quite an uncomfortable feeling since the temperature outside is continually dropping. Essential oils have helped my circulation improve immensely over the past few years. I have worked with Geranium and Cinnamon to heat up my hands and feet with much success. Currently on my oil protocol is an essential oil that comes from the yummy berry known as Black Pepper. This oil can be used in the kitchen by adding a drop or two to your favorite meals. Beyond the culinary realm Black Pepper has an array of amazing benefits. It helps to decrease mental fatigue, nerve pain, worry, stress, anger, critical mindsets and even cravings. These properties can in turn aid in the decrease of symptoms related to arthritis, rheumatism and sore muscles. When Black Pepper essential oil enters your blood stream it encourages the removal of uric acid from your system making it such a fabulous anti-arthritic tool. This essential oil also increases sweating and urination in the body and thus makes for a great go to for detoxification routines. Black Pepper brings a heavy dose of antioxidants along for the ride, too. There are even small amounts of vitamins A and K within Black Pepper essential oil so use it regularly if you’re dealing with vision loss or circulatory issues. The aroma is spicy and vibrant so pair this oil with Juniper Berry and Clary Sage to encourage further healing of the low back and abdomen. You could diffuse this blend or add it to a vegetable oil and massage on the tummy before bed. There are barely any contraindications associated with this oil but repeated high doses can cause sleeplessness so start out with just a drop or two a day. This oil includes antispasmodic, aphrodisiac and antibacterial properties making it useful for a wide range of health issues. I am sure you all would enjoy a little heat during the next few months so stop by our cozy spa for a deep tissue massage paired with a few drops of this healing oil. Your body and your mind will feel at ease!
One of my favorite topics about essential oils is how they can be used in an emotional way to heal the body and mind. Each essential oil is therefore tied to or linked up with certain emotional states. Certainly one can see why all tree essential oils deliver a stable and rooted emotional energy to the wearer. One such grounding oil comes from the Arborvitae tree. This has become known as the ‘tree of life’ and it carries within a deeply calming and trusting emotional component. When this essential oil enters your bloodstream you are likely to feel an increase in your willfulness and perhaps that an overall sense of courage is placed upon your shoulders. This makes for an incredible essential oil to accompany your morning routine whether it is a few drops to your body oil or one drop on your neck. Since Arborvitae is also a stimulant this oil is best used earlier in the day. But do not shy away from this essential oil when rising with your morning meditation. Arborvitae added to your temples can increase ones spiritual connection so be sure to keep it near during yoga as well. As you unwind and de-stress Arborvitae essential oil gently lifts away rigidity and workaholic tendencies that may keep you bogged down during your day. Beyond the above-mentioned benefits Arborvitae is also known to decrease Staph infection, Hepatitis B and C, rheumatism, thrush, tumors and even Hand Foot and Mouth disease. Now I don’t know if you all remember but my toddler and I suffered through HFM disease a while back and I cannot imagine how much less we would have had to endure had this essential oil been by our sides. One of the reasons I use essential oils regularly in cleaning my home as well as my body is due to the fact that a very little bit goes such a long way. These substances are so incredibly economical. The icing on the cake is that they are free of chemicals and additives that have wreaked havoc on our environment and thus our health. These are natural and ancient healing tools, we would be wise to take notice and incorporate them into our daily routines. Let us treat you to an unforgettable foot soak and reflexology session with a few drops of Arborvitae. The experience will send you soaring!
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NLMSCBy: Kristen and Bethany Archives
February 2016
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