Aromatherapy Thursday - Lemongrass

These wonderful Lemongrass plants can be purchased from ETSY shop Allzeros at http://www.etsy.com/shop/allzeros?ref=seller_info

I have just become a proud owner of some Lemongrass plants.  A friend of mine has giving me some cuttings and they are sprouting like mad.  I love this herb because not only does it look pretty, it smells heavenly (just like lemons) and the aroma really uplifts my spirits in the gray winter months.  But not only is Lemongrass great for aromatherapy it is wonderful to cook with and in teas; this is one of the more versatile herbs that I have found.  Lemongrass is very mild and has a wonderful flavor of lemon that will pair very nicely with fish and chicken.  This herb is also thought to aid in digestion.

Topically Lemongrass has been used to treat large pores and improve scalp condition.  You can add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoos or body wash and mix well to benefit from these properties.  If you would rather purchase products that are rich in these oils and smell wonderful there are many available for sale at ETSY that are handmade. 

Its aromatherapy properties is known to help with nerves and to ease stress.  I personally find this to be true as I package my lovely Sunny Lemon Grass Sachet mix I feel more calm and relaxed.

My sachet mix includes lemongrass, citrus peel and lemon verbena along with other dried botanicals
and essential oils for a bright sunny lemon scent.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77902335/50-off-sale-handmade-sunny-lemon-grass

Aromatherapy can be as simple as adding a few drops of Lemongrass oil to a cotton ball to use in the car for travel or as complex as diffusing oil with multiple tones.  I like to keep things simple and often will use only one or two essential oils together.  Lemongrass paired with mandarin is a very refreshing and mood stabilizing fragrance.  Here are some other products from ETSY shops using Lemongrass that are handmade and absolutely beautiful.

As with any homeopathy and aromatherapy you should always consult your physician first, never use it in replace of medical treatment and do a allergy test before using.

Early Aromatherapy - Ornamental Pomander

One of the earliest uses of aromatherapy was as pomanders.  Pomanders were small apple shaped ornaments made up of resins, herbs and perfumes that were carried or worn in midevil times to repell illness or mask foul odors.  It was also used in religious ceramonies throughout history and many pendants and ornaments were used to carry the ball of fragrance. 

Over time many cultures created there own versions of a pomander some very expensive and scientific and others very basic and cheap.  One cheaper trational version was a hollowed out apple or orange filled with herbs and spices.  Slits or decorative holes pierced this ornament allowing the fragrance to excape the fruit.  Another method is one that I enjoyed creating as a kid.  We took oranges and other citrus fruits piercing the flesh with whole cloves making designs or covering it enirely.  At the top we added a ribbon loop fastened with a pin.  We would then dry the fruit in an area away from sunlight and then either hang it from our Christmas tree or would adorn the staircase or mantel with our handmade decorations.

While this method is a great decorative tradition I have really enjoyed using the more recent vintage ornaments available to encase the wonderful sachet mixes I have been creating.  Many room fresheners have chemicals and containers that you throw away, these little treasures are made with natural products and the reusable ornaments are enviromentally friendly. 

Found at http://www.etsy.com/listing/67615179/handmade-sachet-with-vintage-ceramic