I am so very thankful for the holiday season. Our family managed to bake cookies, decorate the tree and visit with friends all without the cold and flu symptoms typical of wintertime. I owe much of our good health to essential oils. We have been diffusing a few drops every morning and bathing with the oils in the evening. While we appreciate the oils and their ability to ward off germs we are also enjoying the nostalgic aromas that waft through the air. The conifer oils offer so many luscious scents that pair so very well with hot apple cider and warm fires. One of our favorites to use during this time of the year comes from the Spruce tree. The pine needles of this lovely tree are steam distilled in order to create the essential oil known as Spruce. It has a fresh and fruity smell that not only helps rid the air of microbes but also aids in relaxation. Try to diffuse 2 drops each of Spruce, Cedar wood and Clary Sage before bedtime for a blissful night’s sleep. Spruce essential oil contains antiseptic, tonic, diuretic, astringent and expectorant properties. If anyone in your family is dealing with respiratory ailments just apply a few drops of Spruce essential oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub on the chest and feet for immediate relief. You could also add 5 drops of Spruce essential oil to a spray bottle full of water and spray on the bedding of a sick one before a nap. This is a fabulous essential oil to use during massage therapy as it not only decreases muscular aches and pains but also reduces arthritic symptoms in the body. Often times the cooler months bring on issues like sciatica and lumbago both of which respond well to the application of Spruce essential oil. This essential oil has even been known to decrease bone pain so it would be wise to carry a bottle with on the hill if you’re participating in snow sports. Please allow us to treat you to a Spruce infused foot soak this winter season with a few drops of a blend that we carry called Balance. You will leave feeling grounded, relaxed and pain free!
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I am certain that my toddler would not be able to fall asleep as easily if it weren’t for our trusty essential oils. We typically wind down in the evening with a bathtub full of warm water and a few drops of Vetiver. After the bath we take time to moisturize his skin with a bit of coconut oil and some Cedar wood essential oil. Lastly, I add a drop of Lime or Lemon essential oil to his bottle of water instead of sugary juice. He fights bedtime just as any toddler would but the oils help keep those tantrums to a minimum. While we are out during the day he occasionally throws a fit in the store or in his car seat often times because he is over stimulated and tired. I grab my bottle of Balance, an epic blend of oils used to decrease anxiety. A drop or two on his neck or feet and he is a happy camper by the time we get to our next destination. One of the oils found in this wonderful blend is called Blue Tansy. This yellow flower is native to North Africa and resembles the daisy flower. The flowers and leaves are steam distilled to create an essential oil that is actually blue in color. This essential oil is sometimes known as Moroccan Chamomile and actually has similar properties to the Chamomile plant. Blue Tansy essential oil contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and sedative properties. Therefore, it makes for a fabulous fever reducer, cold fighter, stress buster and sleep aid. Blue Tansy can be added to your facial moisturizer to discourage wrinkles and soothe dry skin. It is actually poisonous if taken in large quantities so be sure to start with just a drop or two, never going beyond 8 drops for one adult. Because it has such strong properties most viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi cannot survive in its presence. If your child deals with recurrent ear infections it may actually be a signal that there is an underlying fungal infection. The continuous application of Blue Tansy to the neck and feet can discourage the fungal growth and the recurring ear infection as well. This essential oil makes for a great bug spray, just add 5 drops of Blue Tansy to a small spray bottle full of water and apply to the kids before an outdoor adventure. Not only will they stay bug free but they will also smell divine! If you’re feeling a bit irritated this holiday season drop by the spa for a relaxing reflexology treatment featuring Blue Tansy essential oil and let the tension melt away.
Ahhh, how I adore the scents of the holidays! I thoroughly enjoy sipping a warm cup of coffee or tea in the morning as I contemplate my day. Wafts of cinnamon and dark chocolate float around my house as we bake sweets and prepare decadent desserts. I have long used Ginger essential oil in my cooking as well as my baking for added spice. I also fancy how Ginger essential oil calms and soothes my sensitive stomach. A cousin of Ginger is the spicy and warm Cardamom essential oil. This green pod is native to India where it has long been used to make the infamous cup of Chi tea. Don’t think this essential oil is solely meant for the kitchen! Cardamom has many healing properties worthy of a spot in your medicine cabinet as well. First, this essential oil contains antiseptic, astringent, digestive, stimulant and antimicrobial properties. You could toss a drop or two in about 4 ounces of water and gargle for an awesome chemical free option to your typical mouthwash. Not only will the Cardamom essential oil work to combat oral infections, it will also keep bad breath at bay. Apply a few drops to your facial cleanser for an added punch and use alongside your shampoo to deter dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp. Always dilute this particular essential oil before topical application because it has a warming effect on the skin. The stimulant quality helps to fight depression and fatigue so try a few drops first thing in the A.M. to bust those wintertime blues. Cardamom essential oil happens to be a fabulous antispasmodic so ask for this product during your next massage. This oil can also encourage weight loss and a reduction in blood pressure. Cardamom is one powerful plant so get yourself a bottle or come by the spa for a little introduction!
Certain aromas go hand in hand with particular seasons of the year. For example, something like Cinnamon brings back feelings of warm fires and snowy evenings whereas Lime smells like life on a sunny beach. I enjoy finding versatile essential oils that are useful year round. One such oil comes from a tree native to Australia, Lemon Myrtle. This essential oil has a rich fruity aroma that immediately uplifts and strengthens our spirit. When used internally, Lemon Myrtle essential oil can help to rid the body of chest congestion and even the flu. It has powerful antiseptic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties that attack digestive disorders and skin conditions head on. If you are suffering from eczema or acne go ahead and add a few drops of Lemon Myrtle to coconut oil and lather up. Rub this same mixture onto your agitated child’s spine to make bedtime much easier. Lemon Myrtle essential oil should always be diluted before topical application. The oil blends beautifully with Geranium and Eucalyptus, both of which help to cleanse the chest, heart and lungs. The smell alone is enough to aid in the removal of depressing thoughts. Tote a bottle of this oil in your purse or briefcase to the office in case you need a boost of concentration during the afternoon slump. Lastly, be sure to use this oil when beautifying the home as it helps to purify the air as well as counter tops and bathroom tubs. I like to add about 10 drops of my favorite germ busting essential oil to a spray bottle full of water for a sweet smelling, chemical free cleaning session. Come by the spa for a pick me up over the holidays so that you can sail through this busy time of year with a smile on your face.
As the mother of a busy toddler I am always turning to my uplifting and joyful essential oil blends to get me through the week. One of my favorites is a doTERRA product called Elevation. This blend is a go to for days where my mind is wandering into negative self talk and my body feels heavy. After a few drops across my chest and on my spine I seem to feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I also tend to approach future goals with much more vigor than before I applied the blend. Osmanthus essential oil, known as Osmanthus fragrance in the botanical world, is an incredibly precious and powerful product. It is believed to remove any and all nervous tension and increase feelings of pleasure and calm. Osmanthus is also believed to bring new plans and experiences to the life of those who wear this floral scent. Therefore, by using this particular blend I am opening my mind to future endeavors that may have previously seemed out of reach. The essential oil also helps to balance hormones by decreasing stress and fatigue. The Osmanthus plant is native to China where it has long been used to create a luscious cup of tea. Drinking the tea helps to improve digestive processes, appetite and skin complexion. The flower is similar in aroma to a Jasmine flower but with the addition scent of honey or dried fruits. Osmanthus is precious due to the high amount of petals required to produce the essential oil. Do not ingest Osmanthus and avoid use if pregnant or nursing. I suggest adding a few drops to your morning face lotion/oil for great looking and smelling skin. Another fabulous way to use this oil would be on the spine during a massage treatment. Come by the spa and check out our blends that contain Osmanthus essential oil like Deep Blue and Elevation, you will leave feeling brand new.
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NLMSCBy: Kristen and Bethany Archives
February 2016
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