Ahhh...Thoughts of April's Showers' Flowers

It has been a long winter for many of us, with non-consistent snowy days and rain, cold temperatures, and lots of wind. I've always enjoyed the four seasons: snowflakes are pretty, snowshoeing is good exercise, hats and scarves can be fun to wear (especially the ones my mom knits), and winter is a special aunt's favorite time of year. Cozying up in front of the fireplace is always a treat, and a mug of hot chocolate, a snifter of warm brandy, or a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup seem to me calorie-faded comforts of a winter's day.

I'm not quite sure the exact reasons why I particularly have not enjoyed this year's chilly season. Thoughts I've had are:

1. The season was preceded by Hurricane Sandy, extending the dark, cold months that were ahead of us.
2. This, my first winter season training outdoors for an upcoming race, was not so enjoyable.
3. My husband and I were too busy to embrace outdoor activities as in previous years.
4. I am getting older and my mind can't tolerate the bleak, raw wintry climate.
5. I am getting older and my body can't tolerate the bleak, raw, wintry climate.
6. It has nothing to do with age: I don't like wintertime anymore just as I didn't like mushrooms, spinach, and avacados as a child, and I could and would eat them everyday now as an adult, if I choose. Preferences merely change with age.

With reflections of sunshine, gentle breezes, and the arrival and aromas of flowers, I'll begin to create some aromatic lotions, oils, and scrubs. My mood and physical needs determine which scents I'll use. Lavender has a soothing, sweet herbal fragrance. It's known to be an antiseptic essential oil, and acts as a relaxing, stress-reducing aromatherapy. Another popular scent is peppermint; its herbal, fragrant leaves aid in cramping, nausea, and is stimulating and energizing. Sandalwood, a personal favorite, is one of the oldest essential oils to be used in personal care. It has a soft, woody smell, and is often used to reduce anxiety and insomnia, encourages new cell growth, and if you're looking for some extra help, can be an influential aphrodisiac!

The list of essences is long. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy is a great place to acquire information. The focus of this non-profit organization is to educate and bring public awareness regarding aromatherapy and its benefits. The International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association is a similar type of organization outside of the USA. These web sites can be a sensational start to your exploration into the world of scent. Your body, mind and nose will be pleased!

The brief paragraph that follows, copied from the University of Maryland Medical Center's web page, details the interesting history of aromatherapy:

What is the history of aromatherapy?

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes.

More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he applied it to a burn on his hand caused by an explosion in his laboratory. He then started to analyze the chemical properties of essential oils and how they were used to treat burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In 1928, Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950s massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other health care providers began using aromatherapy. Aromatherapy did not become popular in the United States until the 1980s. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold as "aromatherapy." However, many of these products contain synthetic fragrances that do not have the same properties as essential oils.

 

As mentioned above, be sure to look for 100% natural essential oils, not synthetic, when you choose your scents. A pure essential oil will clearly state on their label that it is extracted 100% from its botanical source; stay away from oils whose labels contain the words "fragrance," "blend," or "diluted." Among several reputable companies are Aura Cacia, Essential Oil Company, and Young Living. Many of your local health food stores can assist you in choosing and using the best essential oils for your needs.

 

A simple recipe for a relaxing oil:
(If I want to make this in to a scrub, I'll add organic brown sugar (yes, the kind you buy in the food store!)).

 

5 drops lavender oil

1 drop chamomile oil

1 drop ylang ylang oil

1/2 - 3/4 ounce carrier oil

Carrier oils "carry" the essential oil, meaning that the essential oils must be (manually) diluted with another substance. Varieties of carrier oils include: avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, among so many others. More information on carrier oils can be found here: http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/whatcarr.asp

Have fun with your oils, be creative, and enjoy Spring!