July 23, 2016
Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride? Never say never! The alluring, aphrodisiac essential oils included in the aromatherapy recipe blends below include natural properties known to attract, boost confidence, and support love and compassion. These ideas are more than figures of speech; the possibility of magical elixirs is there for everyone.
Certainly there is a right state of mind for feeling love. It begins with being as happy as one can be with oneself, a heightened sense of self-worth, confidence, and inner radiance. Not feeling any of these qualities?
Fear not! Through the use of oils and aromas, we can strengthen and improve our body language, sense of self, and courting signals to attract more positivity and ultimately, more love. Go forth and bewitch, ladies!
Brides in Spain traditionally pin jasmine corsages upside down on their single friends at weddings—if the corsage is lost during the reception, that woman would be next in line to marry!
Combine the essential oils in a jar and mix gently. Add the jojoba oil, and shake. Jasmine is often blended and sold infused with jojoba oil, as this individual oil can be expensive.
Floral hydrosol waters—the residual waters remaining after extraction processes—are less expensive than many higher priced essential oils.
Young women in England were known to place neroli flowers under their pillows to encourage dreams about their future husbands!
Whisk hydrosol and aloe vera gel together in a glass bowl (to thin gel, just add more hydrosol). Add essential oils and mix well. Store in a dark aromatherapy glass or PET jar away from sunlight. Rose essential oil is available as rose otto, a less expensive, diluted version. Fyi, if you're looking for a pure, unadulterated essential oil, those labeled as absolutes are the least ideal option because they are extracted with solvents.
August 21, 2016
Translated simply as ‘knowledge of life’, Ayurveda (a Sanskrit term: Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge) is an ancient Indian holistic philosophy that shows you how to live a healthy, wholesome and more fulfilled life by balancing your mind, body and spirit. At the core of Ayurveda is you, the individual, and your unique set of physical, mental and spiritual characteristics—known as dosha in Ayurvedic practice.
By taking your dominant dosha(s), Ayurveda offers insights into which foods, herbs, and lifestyle activities will enhance the quality of your life, and which ones won’t; leaving you empowered to make choices that will protect your physical health, your mental balance, and your spiritual wellbeing.
Did you know the word for oil in Sanskrit is also the word for love? With that in minds, I've decided on two DIY recipes to indulge and nourish your skin with kindness using regenerative Ayurvedic skin balancing oil blends. Ayurveda practitioners believe that when emotional and physical states are balanced, individuals are compassionate towards others and themselves. Plus, these are almost good enough to eat!
Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Oil Face Mask
2 tablespoons plain, organic yogurt
2 teaspoons organic cocoa powder
1 tablespoon raspberry seed oil
1 teaspoon coconut oil (unrefined)
5 drops rose essential oil
Blend ingredients in a glass bowl and apply over clean face, leave this moisturizing, antioxidant-rich mask on for ten minutes and rinse with warm water or a soft warm cloth. Pat dry.
Rejuvenating Lavender Scalp Oil
2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
Blend and shake oils in a flip top PET bottle, massage scalp and full body daily with blend to increase circulation.
https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety/
Candle meditation
Sit in a comfortable position on the floor or chair, while gazing at an aromatic candle flame in a dimly lit room at eye level (* place candle about 2-3 feet away, on a stable, heat resistant surface). Gently keep eyes open without blinking while gazing at flame, inhaling and exhaling slowly. When your eyes tire, close them and take notice of any visual impressions...practicing this meditation has been known to calm anxiety. Repeat from beginning, for about 5-10 minutes.
Aromatherapy is not a cure for ailments, rather, it is a complimentary treatment used only to help alleviate symptoms of ailments. It is not meant to take the place of diagnosis or treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Consult with your physician if you are pregnant or under treatment for a chronic condition (essential oils may contraindicate prescribed medications).
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it is recommended to perform a skin patch test first.
* Keep candles away from drapes, drafts, and flammable objects. Never leave candles unattended, or near pets or children. Always burn candles on a stable, heat resistant surface. Do not burn for more than 4 hours. Stop use when 1/4"" of wax remains.
https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/safety#general