THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - don't get overcome

Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure. The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it. You are overcome by the fact because you think you are. 

Norman Vincent Peale

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -don't lose sight of your dreams

 We grow great by dreams.

 All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening.

 Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.

~ Woodrow Wilson

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OUR END OF TERM CHRISTMAS PARTY

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - you're right!

If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right. 

~ Mary Kay Ash

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ESSENTIAL OIL BODY TREATMENTS AND WHEN TO USE THEM

An essential oil body treatment is pure oil for maximum moisturising with the right therapeutic drops added for your needs or requirements - and that is all it is. You can use them as often as you like, they are additive-free, pure, simple, non irritant, very inexpensive and quick and easy to mix.
The best time to apply them is after a bath or shower when the skin is warm soft and damp, as the essential oils are absorbed more rapidly into the skin.
Ideally this can be done twice each day, but as most of us don't bath twice a day an alternative is to massage the oils in. Massaging oils into the skin creates friction and warmth so that the oils almost melt into the body.
more to follow...

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - give thanks

 Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.

~ Brian Tracy

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ESSENTIAL MOISTURISERS

An essential oil moisturiser is the best treatment available. To apply essential oils for maximum benefit you need to dilute them with a carrier oil, not just to stop them from being too strong, but also so that they spread evenly, evaporate slowly and are held on the skin while they are absorbed. The carrier oil as much as the aromatic ones you add makes them such good moisturisers.
All moisturising creams work by sealing the suface of the skin to trap the natural water inside the tissues and to stop it evaporating out into the air. As it is the oil and not water that gives the moisturising effect, the more oil in the moisturiser the better. This is particularly so with body moisturisers.
Legs and arms have few sebaceous glands (oil producing pores that help keep skin naturally soft) and this is why you often get rough, dry patches on feet, knees and elbows. However, the upper back area has so many sebaceous glands that they often block causing spots and greasiness.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE BODY

When we think of skincare we often think of areas from the neck upward. However, the skin on the rest of our body is just the same as the skin on our faces, and of course, as there is more of it, it needs more attention. Most people would say their bodies weren't perfect, yet they do little or nothing to improve them. 
Using essential oils on the body achieves more in less time than any other beauty regime. This is because you can treat individual areas with made-to-measure products that are instantly absorbed, inexpensive and extremely effective.
Instead of buying an exfoliator to smooth skin, you can make your own and include an essential oil to break down the cellulite at the same time. Instead of using a body lotion, you can create one moisturiser with an essential oil to treat your oily back, for instance and another to soothe the dry skin on the rest of your body.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - attitude

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.

~ William James

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BEDTIME TREATMENTS - Aromatherapy

Apply a few drops of your favourite oil to a tissue before going to bed and leave it beside your pillow (I sometimes tuck it inside my pillowcase) so that you can inhale it while you sleep.

You can use oils to relax you, oils with aphrodisiac properties, oils for treating insomnia, colds or headache, and oils that boost confidence or lift bad moods.

For daytime use, apply to a handkerchief as the aroma will linger longer on fabric.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - dreams come true

Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.

~ John Updike

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AROMATHERAPY - COLD COMPRESSES

COLD COMPRESSES FOR : HEADACHES, SPRAINS, INFLAMMATION, TO REDUCE FEVER, BURNS, BLISTERED SORE FEET, RASHES, SWOLLEN BUMPS, CHICKEN POX, SUNBURN OR A HANGOVER.

BEST METHOD:

This is an ideal way to use essential oils to help soothe inflammation or reduce fever. Follow the same procedure for hot poultices but place the oils in 100 ml (20fl.oz/1 pt) of cold water with six ice cubes in a bowl.

BEST OILS:

Headaches - basil, chamomile, rose, violet

*

Sprains - basil, camphor, citronella, marjoram

*

Inflammation - clary sage

*

Fever - bargamot, tea-tree

*

Swollen  bumps - rose, laurel

*

Burns, sunburn - patchouli, chamomile,

lavender, geranium, marigold

*

Blistered sore feet - birch, lavender, geranium, tea-tree

*

Rashes - cedarwood, chamomile, geranium,

marigold, violet, yarrow

*

Measles, Chicken Pox - bergamot, eucalyptus

chamomile, marigold, lavender, tea-tree

*

Hangover - rose, geranium, neroli  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ..be true to yourself

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.

~ Raymond Hull

BEST OILS FOR POULTICES - AROMATHERAPY

BEST OILS FOR POULTICES

Backache - lavender, euraclytpus, petitgrain  

*

Earache - lavender

*

Cramps - ambrette, cypress, tarragon, juniper, peppermint,

 clary sage

*

Boils - clary sage, galbanum, lemon grass,

tea tree, rosemary

*

Aching feet - citronella, laurel, lemon, rosemary

*

Arthritis - lime, myrrh, spruce

*

Rheumatism - angelica, lime, pine

*

Tummy ache - angelica, cypress, fennel, ginger, 

peppermint, tarragon

*

Stiff neck - spruce, eucalyptus

*

Muscular pain - ambrette, basil, eucalyptus, bay, 

camphor, ginger, petitgrain, pine, marjoram, rosemary

*

Sore throat, congestion - angelica, myrrh, eucalyptus,

sandalwood, ginger, peppermint, pine, thyme

  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - don't give up

Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.

ESSENTIAL OILS - POULTICES

Using a poultice is an ideal way to use essential oils to relieve muscular pain and chest congestion. Add 5 drops of essential oils to 100ml (20 fl.oz/1 pint) of very hot water in a saucepan, then cover it. Wearing rubber gloves, remove the lid and lay a folded cloth or flannel over the surface of the water to absorb the oil. Squeeze out excess water and place it over the effected area until it has cooled to blood temperature. Reheat and repeat. Always test the poultice before applying to skin to ensure it isn't too hot.

Use Hot poultices for: backache, earache (one drop of oil on a damp cotton wool ball), cramps, boils, aching feet, arthritis, rheumatism, tummy ache, stiff neck, muscular pain, sore throat or chest congestion. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - belief gets you there

Ability is what gives you the opportunity; belief is what gets you there. 

~ Apollo

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ... defy gravity

May your dreams defy the laws of gravity.

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - be the one

When odds are one in a million, be that one.

ESSENTIAL OILS MIXING (continued)

Oils to be used in moderation

basil

bay

camphor

fennel

ginger

laurel

sage tarragon

thyme

valerian

Oil that are Photo-toxic

angelica

bergamot

citronella

ginger

lemon

lime

mandarin

Oils to be avoided in Pregnancy

angelica

bergamot

laurel

rosemary

thyme

basil

fennel

marjoram

sage

yarrow

cedarwood

juniper

myrrh

tarragon

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY .. opportunities

Problems are only opportunities with thorns on them.

~ Hugh Miller

LEARNING TO MIX ESSENTIAL OIL COMBINATIONS

When you first start mixing your own combinations remember that less is best. Use only three oils per blend for most combinations. Occasionally you can use four, but only if they are from the same fragrance category (see previous article). For instance, four floral essential oils such as lavender, neroli, ylang-ylang and rose.
Always try your combination before you mix it so you don't waste essential oils. The best way is to cut up some long strips of blotting paper. Apply one drop of each oil to the tip of the blotting paper strip (if you are using oils in equal amounts). If one oil will dominate your recipe more than the others, add two drops of the dominant oil to the blotter strip. Then hold the strips together by the bottom end and fan the oily tips backwards and forwards under your nose while you inhale.
Let you nose be the judge and if you like the combination go for it!

Since our favourite fragrances are determined by the memories and feelings they evoke as much as their actual odour, aromatherapy is a very personal thing.
If you are mixing for someone else make sure you test it on them first with blotting paper as although you may love it they might not.

MALE FAVOURITES

basil

bergamot

eucalyptus

frankincense

jasmine

lavender

lemon

patchouli

pine

sandalwood

FEMALE FAVOURITES

bergamot

geranium

jasmine

lavender

neroli

patchouli

peppermint

rose

sage

ylang-ylang

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - set yourself free

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. 

~ Lewis B. Smedes

COMBINING ESSENTIAL OILS

When it comes to creating your own essential oil recipes, for pleasure or treatment, the main rule os to keep them simple until you have had some practice.

You will find that some essential oils cancel each other out, while some will clash! Others help one another therapeutically; for example, Chamomile's anti inflammatory action is strengthened by Lavender. Some essential oils like Rose and Lavender go with anything.

The Ten Best Mixers

bergamot

lavender

chamomile

neroli

frankincense

rose

geranium

sandalwood

jasmine

ylang-ylang

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - listen to your heart

Listen to your heart above all other voices.

~ Marta Kagan

STORING ESSENTIAL OILS

Pure essential oils should be stored in a cool place in dark glass, airtight bottles, out of direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children. They will then keep in perfect condition for up to a year.

Once the essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil they will keep for up to six months if you add the contents of a vitamin E capsule or one teaspoon of wheatgerm oil. This acts as an anti-oxidant and will help preserve the mixture. Otherwise it can be kept in the fridge so the carrier oil doesn't go rancid. It is always best to blend oils for aromatherapy in small amounts so they are fresh and as potent as possible. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ..forgive for peace and happiness

To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.

~ Robert Muller

BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS

For massage or application anywhere on the skin, essential oils must be first mixed with a carrier oil (base oil). Any of the cold pressed plant oils will do, as these not only dilute the essential oils so they are safe to use, but also help spread them evenly, slow down their evaporation rate and increase their absorption into the skin.
When blending essential oils, first measure out the carrier oil and put it into a ceramic bowl for immediate use, or a glass bottle if it is going to be stored. Then add the drops of essential oil and mix them well. If you intend to make enough for repeated use, make sure you label the bottle clearly with the number of essential oil drops in the mix. It is important to choose a pure, good quality vegetable oil as a carrier. Mineral oil (usually called baby oil) is not a good carrier because it has a low penetrating ability.

Best carrier oils for the body

grapeseed

sweet almond

sunflower

safflower

peanut

soya

Best carrier oils for the face

sweet almond

peach kernel

apricot kernel

jojoba

avocado

evening primrose (for wrinkles)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - stars above us

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

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DILUTING ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are normally measured in drops. They are usually sold in tiny 10 ml (1/2 fl oz) dark glass bottles and most have a built in dropper in the cap. If they don't you can use an eye dropper or pipette to measure them. If you are using more than one oil, wash the dropper thoroughly in between or you will mix the oils and ruin their individual aromas.

Essential oils are so volatile they evaporate rapidly so measure your drops out quickly and accurately. If you accidently spill the bottle, blot the oil up with paper towels, tissue or toilet roll, then wash it with warm water and detergent. If you just leave the oil it will evaporate throughout the room and could make you feel sick or headachy if it is too potent. There will be more recipes to follow but if you are mixing your own combinations, the general rules for safe dilution are as follows:

For Massage

15-20 drops essential oil in 60 ml (2 fl oz/12 tsp) carrier oil

7-10 drops essential oil in 30 ml (1 fl oz/6 tsp) carrier oil

3-5 drops essential oil in 15 ml (1/2 fl oz/ 3 tsp) carrier oil

For Bath

8-10 drops maximum essential oil in any one bath.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - more love

There is no remedy for love but to love more.

Henry David Thoreau

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AROMATHERAPY, ESSENTIAL OILS - METHODS OF EXTRACTION

One of the biggest surprises with essential oils is that they are not really oily. The majority are light liquids that do not dissolve in water but evaporate instantly as they are exposed to air. They come in many shades. Some examples:chamomile is clear blue, patchouli is plum coloured, violet is forest-green, sage is pale lime, sandalwood is golden yellow and geranium is colourless.
The liquid is held in tiny sacs within the living plant. Extracting it before it can escape into the air is a complicated process. The easiest and least expensive method is to turn the raw materials into steam and then distil the oil.

 The most time consuming and labour intensive way is to press the flowers into trays of fat and replace them with fresh flowers every day for a period of up to three months until the fat is saturated with essential oil. Citrus fruit peel is pressed by machines or by hand and the oil is collected in sponges below. Tree or plant resins are normally mixed with a solvent and alcohol to help separate the essential oil from the gum resin.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - LOVE AS LONG AS YOU LIVE

May you live as long as you wish and love as long as you live.

Robert A. Heinlein

ANCIENT AROMATICS

Since the beginning of life , mankind has had to experiment with plants to find out which were edible and which were fatal. Somewhere along the way, a selection were set aside for magic and medicine: it is from these that many folk remedies have evolved.
By the time most of the ancient civilisations were thriving, therapeutic use of essential oils was part of everyday life. The Egyptians in 4500 BC used Myrrh and Cedarwood oils for embalming and 6500 years later, perfectly preserved mummies are proof of their skills. Modern research shows that Cedarwood contains a natural fixative and Myrrh has strong anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, which explains why most mummies look so good considering their age.
The Egyptians were the first to distil plants in order to extract their essential oils. they used them medicinally, in religious ceremonies, as beautifying skin and face potions and perfumes, as well as for embalming. Oils were so highly prized, they were offered to the gods. The oils therepeutic uses and known properties were recorded on papyrus scrolls along with the secret recipes and how to use them. Their knowledge was so accurate it formed the basis for modern aromatherapy.

The Romans used essential oils for giving pleasure as much as for curing pain. They took leisurely, perfumed baths and massages every day. Emperor Nero's love of orgies, feasts and fragrances is legendary. 
His favourite oil was rose as it cured headaches, lifted the spirit and eased digestion. Another Roman favourite was Chamomile which was used to treat skin problems and help in wound healing: it is now known to contain Azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is why it has such a rejuvenating effect on skin.
In Greece, India, China and Arabia the use of aromatics thrived, but it wasn't until the 12th century that perfumery and herbalism spread throughout Europe. 

At the time of the Great Plague in 1665 it was so well established that Londoners burnt bundles of Lavender, Cypress and Cedar in the streets and carried personal posies as their only defence against infection.  Undoubtably it saved thousands of lives, since all these plants contain powerful antiseptic agents.
Plants were used for making medicines and remedies until around 1900. Herbalists and apothecaries dispensed infusions, powders, ointments for everything from hair loss to impotence. Then modern medicine soon took over, with pharmaceutical scientists creating magic pills which seemed to make natural remedies seem primitive or old-fashioned. By the 1960's the world focused on the advances made in surgery, hospitals and general medicine while research into herbal cures began to take second place.

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