My Finding Inspiration series was written out of a need that comes up in my practice, most often in Spring and Fall. I feel we all need a bit of enlightenment now and then to help us move forward. Finding motivation through inspiration can be the spark which sets you on your way!

Natures Gifts

Spring is here. What better time to take advantage of the power of our sense of smell!

We can find great inspiration through the power of our olfactory senses. Spring time is the season of renewal, where flowers Blossom, all green things grow and people feel a renewal of energy within themselves. People even begin to wear lighter colored clothing to match the environment around them. Seek your inspiration in the scent of fresh flowers filling the air, as well as the bloom of green Herbs. Take advantage of these natural riches.

Utilize the Essence of Aromatherapy  Read more...

There are many great benefits of using aromatherapy and essential oils and some of the benefits may have never crossed your mind. Did you know that the right kind of essential oils can help with acne and skin blemishes? It is trueyou can use essential oils to help your skin look and feel great. Here are some tips you need to know. Why not try natural remedies before you invest in expensive medications and doctor visits?

First of all, you need to understand a little more about aromatherapy before you start using it. You can essential oils in a variety of ways, but when you use them right, you can use them directly on your skin. You can also inhale the scents for added benefit. There has been a lot of research into acne and skin blemishes when it comes to essential oils. It works.  Read more...

Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the form of Essential Oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Aromatherapy is supportive in the winter season of quiet regeneration. Winter Essential Oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against the cold weather.

Essential Oils for winter include woody, evergreen, citrus, spice and resin oils. Gingerbread and delicious spice cake come to mind with pungent Essential Oils such as Clove, Cinnamon, allspice, Ginger and Nutmeg. Fresh citrus oils including Bergamot, sweet Orange, Lemon and Tangerine recall memories of old fashioned citrus pomanders.

Warming oils include Orange, Black Pepper and Rosemary. Immune boosting oils are Tea-Tree, Lavender, Sandalwood and Bergamot. To ease congestion and fight infections use Tea-Tree, Pine, Eucalyptus and Lavender. Bergamot tea is useful for a Sore Throat and can be used as a gargle. Chamomile tea is very soothing and eases an upset stomach.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)Bergamot is uplifting sweet with a fruity fragrance. Helpful for Depression. Refreshes a room. Avoid sunbathing and sunbeds when using this oil.  Read more...

VARIOUS CIVILISATIONS throughout history have employed the use of aromatic plants for religious, medicinal, cosmetic and magickal purposes. One of the earliest forms of aromatherapy was the use of aromatic plants as Incense. The word perfume comes from the Latin word perfumum, which means through smoke. This would have originally referred to the use of Incense. Incense was burned as a way to get rid of evil spirits, which many of the ancients considered to be the cause of disease. Associations became made between the healing of disease and the aromas of the plants used in the healing treatments, and this became the early foundation for what we now know today as aromatherapy.  Read more...

Bath and massage oils are made by adding Essential Oils to vegetable Carrier Oil bases. The ratio is one teaspoon of Essential Oil to 4 ounces of Carrier Oil. Use amber or cobalt Blue glass for your oils and keep out of direct light. Do not store in plastic bottles. It is best not to store in the bathroom because of the heat during showers.

Bath Oils

Using Essential Oils in the bath is one of the nicest ways to enjoy their therapeutic benefits. Adding them to a Carrier Oil help to disperse the Essential Oils throughout the water and onto to your body. Lighter oils disperse more readily in the water. To use bath oils, draw your bath first, close the door and then add about two teaspoons of bath oil to your water.

Heavier oils lie on the top of the bath water and will cling to your skin when leaving the bath.

Light oils suitable for bath oils that readily disperse include Sunflower oil and Grapeseed oil.  Read more...

The below blends can help during times of grief. Rose is noted to be especially helpful during times of grief, so you will notice that it is an ingredient in all of the below blends. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Blend #1

* 2 drops Rose
* 3 drops Sandalwood

Blend #2

* 2 drops Rose
* 3 drops Cypress

Blend #3

* 1 drop Neroli
* 1 drop Rose
* 3 drops Sandalwood

Blend #4

* 1 drop Rose
* 1 drop Helichrysum
* 1 drop Cypress
* 2 drops Frankincense

Directions: Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you’d like to use the blend – diffuser, bath oil, massage oil or air freshener

The below blends can help enhance happiness, joy and peace. Citrus oils are a wonderful choice when seeking a pleasant, happy environment, and they are inexpensive. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Blend #1

* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang
* 1 drop Grapefruit

Blend #2

* 1 drop Geranium
* 2 drops Frankincense
* 2 drops Orange

Blend #3

* 2 drops Sandalwood
* 1 drop Rose
* 2 drops Bergamot

Blend #4

* 2 drops Lemon, Orange or Bergamot
* 2 drops Grapefruit
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang, Rose or Neroli

Directions: Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you’d like to use the blend – diffuser, bath oil, massage oil or air freshener

The blends below can help reduce irritability. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Blend #1

* 3 drops Mandarin
* 2 drops Lavender

Blend #2

* 2 drops Lavender
* 1 drop Neroli
* 2 drops Roman Chamomile

Blend #3

* 1 drop Neroli
* 4 drops Sandalwood

Blend #4

* 2 drops Mandarin
* 3 drops Sandalwood

Blend #5

* 3 drops Roman Chamomile
* 2 drops Mandarin

Directions:

Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you’d like to use the blend – Diffuser, bath oil, massage oil or air freshener

Carrier Oils may be applied directly on the skin, and/or Essential Oils may be added for use as body, bath or massage oils. As most holistic aroma therapy treatments involve massage, it is important that Carrier Oils are pure, unadulterated and naturally extracted.

Vegetable oils are the most familiar Carrier Oils used in aromatherapy as they have many interesting properties & benefits. Store away from heat & strong light sources. (May be refrigerated to extend shelf life). External use only.

Sweet Almond ~ Prunus dulcis ~ amygdalus var. dulcis

The earliest use of Almond oil dates back to the Romans who used it extensively in Skincare preparations. Sweet Almond is a well tolerated, light, nonintrusive Base Oil for massage with a faint or no fragrance.

* Protects, nourishes & pampers the skin.

* Ideal for chapped or irritated skin.

* Has excellent penetrating properties.

* Beneficial regardless of skin type or age.

* Particularly good for dry, sensitive skin.

Apricot Kernel ~ Prunus armeniaca  Read more...