Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint

Botanical Name:  Mentha piperita

Where it grows:  USA, Egypt, Hungary

US Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Special Characteristics:Square stem, light purple flowers
How the oil is produced:Steam distillation
Fragrance: Sweet, mint, herbal, green
Blends well with: Geranium, most other mints, rosemary, lavender, rose, citrus, tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon

Interested in growing your own peppermint?  You can purchase roots for planting from DragonflyBuz at http://ow.ly/cbDWg

Now that many of us are under a heat wave Peppermint popped into my mind.  It has a crisp scent that congers an image of lush mountain forests and takes you away on a cool breeze.

Peppermint is often noted more for its amazing ability to easy tummy troubles than an aromatherapy oil.  It’s flavoring is used in after-dinner mints, teas, medications for the stomach etc. because it eases heartburn, cramping and other ailments so well. 

These wonderful Peppermint Berlingots can be purchased from Etsy Shop FusionSweets at http://ow.ly/cbEcu

It offers astringent properties along with antibacterial properties making this a great addition to cosmetics and other topical creams for the face and body.  It can be soothing to irritated skin but at the same time refreshing when used in a wash or splash.

This refreshing Face Cleanser can be purchased from Etsy shop, NaturalLogic at http://ow.ly/cbEsr

Not only is Peppermint wonderful for its physical effects on the body but its oil has a great effect on the mind and spirit.   This great aromatherapy oil can help uplift your spirits, awaken and sharpen the mind when used for its fragrance.   While it can stimulate the mind to be more alert it also calms nervousness at the same time; it can relax and sooth stress and anxiety.  The fragrance by itself can help relieve nausea and is great to take with on long trips if you tend to get car sick.  Keeping a cotton ball in the car with a few drops of Peppermint essential oil on it may actually do the trick; I have personally used this when traveling with my children and it really works.

Essential Oils are always best choice for aromatherapy.  This Peppermint Essential Oil can be purchased from Etsy shop, AcientOils at http://ow.ly/cbEDo

I especially love to use Peppermint as one of my standard sachet mixes that I must always have on hand.  Using a pomander or basket filled with the sachet mix can freshen your stuffy closets while also repelling insects and pests.  It is great when a fragrance will not only repel the creepy crawlies but is also pleasing to humans.  

My Peppermint Sachet Mix can be found on ArtFire at http://ow.ly/cbBwl  It is made with natural peppermint, essential oil and other botanical ingredients to give it a long lasting fragrance.  You can purchase sample sizes if you would like to try before you buy a standard sized bag.

 Most of my Pomanders are vintage; what simple but great way to help the environment.  Using refillable pomanders will save on waste, does not rely on airisols and other harsh chemicals to fragrance your rooms or closets.  Plus they are very pretty too!   You can find my Pomanders at Artfire http://ow.ly/cbBQG and each will come with your choice of handmade sachet mix.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint - Pink

Curated By: ButterflyInTh...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Aromatherapy Thursday - Peppermint - Green

Curated By: ButterflyInTh...

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

Note: When using any essential oil too much of a good thing can have a negative impact so make sure to practice safety. Aromatherapy should never replace medical treatment and you should consult your physician before using any alternative medicine

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

Whenever using essential oils conduct an allergy test prior to use and never apply directly to your skin or directly stick your nose close to the bottle (dropper, spoon, cover, etc.) Often essential oils are strong enough to burn the thin membranes inside your nose.

Before using any alternative treatments or therapy you should always consult your physician first.  If you have medical  conditions such as Epilepsy or if you are pregnant you should always consult your physician prior to use.  

Keep away from children.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Lemon Balm

Botanical Name:  Mellissa officinalis

Where it grows: North Africa, USA, Mid East, South Europe, Hungary

US Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Special Characteristics: Square stem, Bright red flowers
How the oil is produced: Steam distillation
Fragrance: Lemon with a light mint, herbal, green, citrus
Blends well with: Geranium, most other mints, rosemary, lavender, Rose, Citrus, Lemongrass,

Etsy Shop, Simple Earth Creations, has a wonderful herbal tea made with lemon balm that can be found at:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimpleEarthCreations?ref=seller_info

Lemon Balm is another one of my favorite herbs.  When I was young I was very interested in herbology and would suck up any information on natural healing and holistic treatments as I could.  I visited another farm with my family where the mother had been very knowledgeable and had several large herb gardens.  As we walked the fields of green leaves and small flowers she taught me how to identify herbs in the wild. 

This beautiful painting can be found at ArtFire shop Ninthya at http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/nithya

One thing that would always stay with me was a simple trick to tell what plants belong into the mint family.  She told me to always check the stems; if they are square there is a strong possibility they are some kind of mint.  Over the years this has remained true, if it had a square stem it would be part of the mint family when I looked them up.  Lemon Balm is part of the mint family and does have the square stem. 

Lemon Balm has a beautiful lemony scent and can easily be grown in your garden.  One thing to be aware of with the mint family is that they are very aggressive.  I you don’t want your entire garden to be taken over you must contain their roots.

Lemon Balm is considered to be a calming fragrance and in aromatherapy it is used to up lift your mood and relieve nervous tension.  It can be used in as a warm bath soak or in a diffuser to help ease the day’s stress.  It is also known to have antibacterial properties and help topically with bug bites, eczema, and other skin issues.  It is also useful during the menstrual cycle to help relieve headaches, cramping and nausea. 



Note:  When using any essential oil too much of a good thing can have a negative impact so make sure to practice safety.  Aromatherapy should never replace medical treatment and you should consult your physician before using any alternative medicine

This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

Whenever using essential oils conduct an allergy test prior to use and never apply directly to your skin or directly stick your nose close to the bottle (dropper, spoon, cover, etc.) Often essential oils are strong enough to burn the thin membranes inside your nose.

Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Orange

During this time of year the lovely orange blossoms have faded away and little oranges are slowly developing.  According to the Sunkist Website some oranges will mature as early as 5 months while some oranges will take an astonishing 18 months fully mature.  This wonderful fruit is used so frequently in our lives that we may not even realize how much oranges, and in general citrus, we consume or use.   Not only do we eat bushels of oranges as fresh fruit but we consume products that use it for flavoring and as a natural preservative.  We also use many household products that utilize the heavenly scent to clean and fragrance our homes.  It can be found as notes in perfume, shampoo, and other personal products.

You can purchase Sweet Orange Essential oil from Etsy shop RJsCloset at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RJsCloset?ref=seller_info

While there are too many types of oranges to mention in this blog, two that are commonly used in aromatherapy are simply called Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange.  Bitter Orange comes from a tree that is named the same.  It is very similar looking to other oranges but the fruit is too sour to eat whole and mostly grown for flavoring and the fragrant peel. The oil comes from cold pressing the peel and has a slight grapefruit scent, these characteristics gives it the name Bitter Orange.

This great print come from Etsy shop EarlyBirdSale at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/earlybirdsale?ref=seller_info

Sweet Orange oil is also produced from the peel of that fruit and a cold press process.  The difference is that Sweet Orange oil comes from an edible fruit which is why it is deemed sweet.   There are some subtle differences other than just the grapefruit like tone in Bitter Orange but overall in aromatherapy they can be used pretty interchangeably and will be based more on personal preferences.

Both Orange oils are very prized and inexpensive additions to your aromatherapy collection.  The fragrance is up lifting and can help relieve some people from symptoms of depression.  The invigorating scent can help you feel refreshed when struggling with emotional and physical fatigue.  It is said to help calm the nerves and raise your spirit, overall a very invigorating aroma.  It is also used in products because of its know antiseptic properties. 

Here are some fun products that use either Bitter Orange or Sweet Orange essential oils in their making:


The essential oil from citrus peels can cause photosensitivity so you should avoid sunlight if you have just recently used a massage oil or product that has the oil in it or at least be aware that you may be more inclined to burn.  It will, of course, depend on your skin type and the strength or the oils that you use.  Some people may fine they are highly sensitive while others may not have any issues at all.
Never use any essential oil (except lavender) neat on your skin; always mix with a carrier oil.

Please note that you should always consult your physician prior to using essential oils if you have any medical conditions.  Also note that aromatherapy should never take the place of medical treatment, physically and mentally.  Always do an allergy check prior to use.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Chamomile

Grow Your Own!!!  Seeds found in ETSY shop Cubits at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cubits?ref=seller_info

Chamomile is such a sunny dainty little flower that has a clean soothing scent.  It looks and smells like came straight from the summer sun.  I am particularly fond of Chamomile because it was the first "herb" I discovered growing wild in the Midwest fields.  Of course there are many kinds of Chamomile and typically those that we relate to aromatherapy are German, Roman, and English Chamomile.  Their fragrances are more delicate than the wild Chamomile I found.

These dried flowers can be used to make your own wonderful relaxing blends.  Found in ETSY shop Herbal Sunshine at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/herbalsunshine?ref=seller_info

Chamomile is heralded for its soothing properties not only through aromatherapy but in teas.  It is often used to sooth stomach aches and noted for calming the nervous digestive tract. 

This scrumptious Chamomile Tea can be found in ETSY shop Spirit Horse Herbals at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/spirithorseherbals?ref=seller_info

In aromatherapy no other pair seems more natural as Lavender and Chamomile; Lavender aides in sleep and relaxation while Chamomile provides an additional soothing property.

This relaxing combination can be found in ETSY shop Skinplicity at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Skinplicity?ref=seller_info

Using these two wonderful herbs together can be as simple as adding 3 drops of Chamomile oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil into 2 Teaspoons of vegetable or grape seed oil.  Because of their clean scents, many other oils, such as Bergamot, can be easily added for additional "tones” creating a little more complex aroma.  Using this same combination you can treat yourself to a relaxing bath.

This wonderful Organic Herbal Bath Soak can be found in ETSY shop Organic Pagan at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThyLocalOrganicPagan?ref=pr_shop

Chamomile has also been noted to add special shine to a person's hair.  Used alone steeped as a strong tea it, can be used as a rinse to highlight blonde hair.  But it can also be used in companion with other herbs and ingredients to bring out highlights for anyone and it will give your hair a beautiful luster.   (My mother never let me color my hair so finding that large patch of wild Chamomile was extra important to me as a teen.)

This wonderful Herbal Rich Hair Oil was found in ETSY shop Brown Butter Beauty at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristineGant?ref=seller_info

To Chamomile the flower that makes you smile...




Remember to always check for allergies prior to using any essential oil or aromatherapy product.  Use the patch test as described in my blog post, Aromatherapy Thursday - Lavender.  Also note that aromatherapy is to enhance and bring enjoyment to a person's life and never to be substituted for medical care with your physician.  If you are a pregnant woman or if you are planning to use aromatherapy on a child you should check with your physician first.

Thursday's BNR and BNS Treasuries

I hope that you have a chance to check out these wonderful treasuries and meet all of us that are participating.  If you stop by make sure that you say "Hi Butterfly" in the comments.  I am hosting a little game tonight...

Be the first one to visit each of these treasuries then post a "Hi Butterfly" in the comments at each treasury.  While you are there make note of which item I have listed in each one.  Make a comment here with the list include your email address and you will win a coupon code just for you for $5.00 off any item (yes, even if it is only $5.00 then it is free with the exception of shipping.)  Contest ends 5/6/11 at 4:00am Pacific Time.

Can you find me in Girly Girl?



How about in Lovely?



And last but not least May Flowers?

Tuesdays Treasuries

Here are some great treasuries that I am participating in.  Please stop by leave a comment and let them know that the Butterfly sent you.   Also there are great coupon codes for my shop and others.  Please tweet these, FB them, and post them if you don't mind.  I would love the additional exposure for my shop and the others. I hope everyone is having a Happy Tuesday!!

Aromatherapy Thursday - Mandarin

This beautiful fine art print was found in ETSY shop Honey & Jam Photography at http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeyandjamphotos?ref=seller_info

The lovely fragrance of Mandarin oil is an uplifting and stimulating scent that can create a feeling of euphoria.  The Mandarin is part of the citrus family and has similar properties but with a gentler action.  This property makes using Mandarin oil for aromatherapy ideal for most people including children and those that are pregnant.  


A wonderful Mandarin Orange/Citrus Blend Sugar Body Scrub found in ETSY shop Sweet Sunny Girl at http://www.etsy.com/people/sweetsunnygirl?ref=ls_profile

I love the citrus family because it reminds me of summer and sunshine.  So it is a wonderful treat to make a lovely bright colored sachet or potpourri mix to brighten up your room in the winter.  The stimulating scent helps chase my winter blues away.  It is also a lovely refreshing fragrance on those hot summer days.  What a perfect natural gift.

My Sunny Citrus Sachet mix in ETSY shop Butterfly In The Attic at
http://www.etsy.com/listing/67026880/handmade-sunny-lemon-grass-sachet-mix

The Mandarin’s fruity and mild aroma blends well with many other fragrances such as chamomile.  This mixture of 4 drops Mandarin and 1 drop Chamomile oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier will be a nice soothing rub which can also prevent and treat stretch marks.  A bath of 3 drops Mandarin oil and 3 drops Rose oil mixed with 1/4 cup Epsom salts creates a relaxing home spa in your bathroom.  There are many uses for Mandarin oil in aromatherapy.  I have included a treasury with many wonderful treats that use this Heavenly fruity scent.

A wonderful Satsuma- Whipped Soap found in ETSY shop Paradise Body Shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ParadiseBodyShop?ref=seller_info

Always use a carrier oil such as vegetable oil or sweet grape seed oil with essential oils at a ratio of approx. 5 drops of essential oil to 2 teaspoons of carrier.  A carrier can also be Epsom salts, sea salts, or anything that will dilute the oil.  Often essential oils are very powerful and can damage the mucous membranes of the nose if inhaled directly from the bottle.  A technique called "wafting" is used when testing the scent of essential oils.  This technique is simple:  open the container and holding it at least 4 inches away from your nose, use your hand and gently wave across the top up to your nose to waft the fragrance to you.  Never directly sniff from the container's opening. 

Aromatherapy Thursday Picks...Mandarin...Part 1


Aromatherapy Thursday Picks...Mandarin...Part 2


Luxurious Bath and Beauty...Mandarin


Sunny Citrus Summer Fun

Treasuries Featuring Butterfly In The Attic

Some of the wonderful people at ETSY has featured items from my shops in treasuries recently.  I would love to share their creative choices and curation.


Always End Up Wearing Grey featuring my Lavender Bath Salts



Sweetness featuring my Lavender Oatmeal Bath Sachets



Pink Lullaby featuring one of my antique postcards



Sunshine featuring my Handmade Lemon Grass Sachet Mix



Summer is Just Around The Corner featuring my vintage saucy seaside postcard



and last but not least
I Love You Mom featuring my vintage plastic buttons



Thank you to all my ETSY friends for your support.

I'm Exhausted and It's Only Tuesday - I'm In Need Of A Home Spa

So...I realize that it is only Tuesday but for some reason or another I am exhausted.  I can't drink enough coffee or smell enough peppermint to get myself going.  Along with those symptoms, I have a writer's block of sorts so I apologize in advance. 

I am dreaming of getting a spa treatment on a Caribbean Island but the reality is that I am freezing my tuchus off on a mountain.  So...what's the next best thing?  A home spa!   My treasury and featured shop include those home spa necessities.  I hope you can treat yourself to some of these yummy delights.

To start off my fantasy spa...Hana sent me a wonderful sample of her Detox Foot Scrub and Hydrating 101 Body Butter.  I really enjoyed the foot scrub but I especially loved the Body Butter.  It is thick, very creamy and absorbs right away leaving your skin feeling immediately softer.  Love it!!!  So, thank you Hana Essentials at  http://www.etsy.com/shop/hanaessentials?ref=pr_shop



Wonderful scent at Hana Essentials



Love how my skin felt after using this product A++ at Hana Essentials



Maybe this is what I need to wake up today found at Hana Essentials



Now to complete my fantasy home spa...My Treasury

If you are on a budget; fear not.  Here is a treasury full of spa-bath & beauty samples all $2.00 and under + Shipping. Treat yourself or treat a friend or maybe both!