New Year 2015 – New YOU!

If living a healthier lifestyle is part of your goal this year, give yourself the gift of aromatic self-care by incorporating the use of essential oils at your home or office, where appropriate. Aromatherapy is not only fun and easy, but with the start of a good book like The Aromatherapy Companion by Victoria Edwards, you can discover the many facets of aromatherapy.

Strengthening the immune system is important, especially during January, as it is one of the months where respiratory ailments such as colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis seem to thrive. You can use essential oils that are beneficial to the respiratory system, and enhance your overall immune system while at home or at the office.

Although not a comprehensive list, here are some of the most popular essential oils used to benefit the respiratory system:

Chamomile-Roman,Cinnamon Leaf, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fir, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Bay Laurel, Lavender, Lemon, Manuka, Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Peppermint, Scotch Pine, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Rosewood, Winter Mountain Savory, Spruce, Tea Tree, and Thyme.

You can use most essential oils in a diffuser, bath, or in a massage lotion, gel or oil. Don’t have time to get a full body massage? Try a foot rub instead. You can do this yourself and enjoy the benefits of the essential oils right away. Blend the following essential oils in a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil and after bath or shower, rub into the soles of the feet. The feet are a quick absorption site for getting essential oils to the lungs.


(Supportive to the Immune System)

4 drops Spruce-Hemlock
4 drops Frankincense
4 drops Rosewood
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Ravensara

Mix essential oils and add to 1 oz. carrier oil like Sweet Almond Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil.  After bath or shower, massage oil gently over soles of feet and ankles and relax!

There are so many levels to learning about essential oils from the novice making blends and aromatic gifts for friends and family to the professional seeking a profession as an Aromatherapist. For those wanting further knowledge incorporating essential oils in a wellness, complimentary care, hospital or hospice setting, or even to start their own business, there are many places that offer Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), classes, seminars and conferences.

The aromatic journey is a lifestyle full of wonder!

‘til next time,