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 - Bee Balm - Wild Bergamot

When I lived in the Midwest I had a giant herb garden, approximately  50 feet wide by 70 feet long and in the shape of a tear drop (I was feeling creative at the time.)  It was trimmed with salvaged red bricks and along side this lush patch ran a path of small bricks that was also salvaged.  My herb garden was filled with so many amazing treasures and one of those was Bee Balm.


Just a small part of my garden in Wisconsin

I loved the Bee Balm because it was part of the mint family making it easier to grow than to contain.  One thing about mints is that if you do not keep them in a confined area they will completely take over your spaces (including the grass.)  Bee Balm is a wonderful plant it has many properties, it makes a lovely tea, and the plant itself is extremely pleasing to the eye.  Deep mint green leaves whirl up it stalk and at the end a blast of fire red flowers that look like exploding fireworks; simply beautiful!   Butterflys and humming birds are especially attracted these lovely blossoms making it an added bonus for planting them.

This beautiful Giclee Print of Scott Hamber's original art work  can be found in Etsy shop
Trillium Studios at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrilliumStudios?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm also has other relatives and I stumbled upon one accidentally on a hike through my home land in Wisconsin.  At times I would get so frustrated with the short Wisconsin growing season and I often felt a little short changed, at least until something like my discovery of Wild Bergamot then I would feel in good gardener spirits again.  On this walk I noticed a plant that resembled a member of the mint family that donned a familiar tuft of flowers but in purple.  I took some home and it was only a matter of minutes that I was able to confirm that it was indeed Wild Bergamot.  Of course shortly after that I transplanted some from the hills on our property to my garden and it, like it kin, took off into a lovely little patch.

You can purchase seeds for the Wild Bergamot from Etsy shop Nature Maid Treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatureMaidTreasures?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm's fuzzy leaves are often used in tea.  Other people have described the flavor as being similar to oregano but I found it to be a little bit more on the order of other mints.  The tea is reported to aid in digestion; helping in a range of mild irritations such as flatulence and indigestion.  As with most things it is more up to the individual whether this truly works to relieve any of those symptoms.

Topically it has been used to help relieve things such as fungal infections and athlete's foot.  The Wild Bergamot had been used by Native Americans to treat wounds and for many other medicinal purposes.

This lovely handmade soap can be found in Etsy shop Goodies By Heather at http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodiesbyHeather?ref=seller_info

I love lip balm and this wonderful selection can be found in Etsy shop Heavenly Honey Farm at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeavenlyHoneyFarm?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm is another member of the mint family that can stimulate the senses when used in aromatherapy.  The essential oil comes from the flower head giving it a sweet citrusy floral scent.   It helps combat fatigue (which is always a good thing for me) along with having a calming affect.  The aroma is uplifting and can help you in those tense and stressful moments. 

As with all herbal, natural and aromatherapy products, Bee Balm should never be used in place of medical treatment or a visit to your doctors office for treatment.  Always consult your physician prior to use of any homeopathic or natural remedy.  Note always be aware and check for allergies prior to use of any new products.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Sage

Don't forget to enter for this giveaway package.  Go to Christie Cottage, at http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/win-it-wednesday-new-giveaway.html, for details on how to enter.  Giveaway ends 2/22/12 so don't miss out!!!

Many people will think of Sage only during cooking but it not only does it work well to season meats it has deep spiritual meaning, many medical purposes, cosmetic properties and is used in aromatherapy. 

Don't have garden space?  You can get some fresh sage from ETSY shop Sweet Finds 2012 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetFinds2012?ref=seller_info

Sage is a very pretty plant when it is dried and combined into potpourris, posies and other dried arrangements.   While the leaves are hardy and hold its shape well when mixed with other herbs in natural craft, they are a delicate silver - minty shade of green that adds a delicate touch.  The leaves of the sage plant is used to created the essential oil.  Unlike some other plants the leaves are first dried before the distillation process, making the true essential oil slightly more expensive than others.

This wonderful dried White Sage can be found in ETSY shop White Magic at http://www.etsy.com/people/whitemagic?ref=ls_profile

One very  use is to bundle dried or fresh sage into a smudge stick, an Native American tradition used to cleanse rooms of negative energy and to purify the space along with the persons inhabiting the area.  Making your own smudge stick is as easy and I found a very quick video on Utube that describes a quick and easy way to make one.  If possible use red hemp or cotton as it is the traditional color of the binding.


In the holistic world, Sage, is know for its nervine and antiseptic properties.  It has been used in salves and rubs to help relieve some of the painful symptoms of rheumatism.  Topically it is also known to be used to cleanse and help heal skin conditions.  Cosmetically it has been used in gargles and deodorants to combat offensive odors. 

Using sage in aromatherapy is shown to aid in relieving nervous tension.  Sage oil is very relaxing and can be added with other essential oils such as lavender to create a nice soothing atmosphere.   Here are some products that are already made for you from my favorite ETSY shops.


As with all aromatherapy and natural products it should always be discussed with your physician prior to use and Sage should not be used as a therapy for pregnant women.  Please always make sure you are not allergic to any products or herbs prior to use.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Patchouli

Patchouli is a shrub that is found in Southeast Asia; it is related to the mint family.  Patchouli has a musky, earthy sent that very nicely blends with other oils for a rich perfume.  Natural musks come from a gland found in specific animals such as Musk Deer and it was used for the highest grade of perfume years ago because of its unique scent and strong fixative qualities.  However since musk can only be harvested by destroying the animal during the 20th century perfume makers started using synthetic musks.  Many people want something natural so instead of relying on the synthetic musks they found Patchouli, along with a few other similar scented plants, to be a great alternative giving Patchouli more notoriety in the perfume industry.

You can grow your own Patchouli by purchasing this plant from ETSY shop JensiesSoaps at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JensiesSoaps?ref=seller_info

Because Patchouli has such a strong distinct scent it should be used as a "bottom note" in perfumes.  This means that there should be less patchouli than other fragrances and should be used to enhance the perfume not dominate it.  Often I will pass by someone that is only using Patchouli by itself  and while I don't find it offensive, it is strong and probably not quite the scent that the wearer was intending.  So when using Patchouli as a component keep in mind that less is more and that it should be used as if it where a musk.

Patchouli is known as "warm" scent that can help relax you and can help enhance sleep.  It also is heralded as an aphrodisiac.  Using Patchouli as a relaxant can be as easy as adding 1 drop of it along with 5 drops of lavender on a cotton ball and placing it in a dish or as complicated as specially formulated massage oil. 

Soaking in a bath water infused with a Patchouli bath salt or oil can be very soothing for most people (but remember to always do an allergy test prior to using any new natural product.)  It has nervine and anti-inflammatory properties that can make it very useful in treating dry and irritate skin.

Here is a list of some scents that would be complimented by using Patchouli as a bottom note:
Lavender, Rose, Bergamont, Lemon, Orange, Rose Geranium, Violet, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and neroli.  When mixing scents always use just a very little of the bottom and middle notes at first because you don't want them to over power the top notes. 

As with any essential oil, homeopathic treatment, or aromatherapy, you should always consult your physician prior to use and never substitute a home treatment for medical treatment. Pregnant ladies should always use caution (and consult their physician) when using any essential oils, herbs and home treatments. Remember that just because it is natural does not automatically make it safe, so treat it with the same respect you would with a prescription and talk to your doctor first. Also you should always do allergy test prior to using any products with essential oils that you are not familiar with.

Aromatherapy Thursday ~ Thyme

Thyme is often thought of as a seasoning for poultry or other meats but just like most other herbs it has many great properties that are used in aromatherapy, homeopathy and cosmetics.

These wonderful organic seeds were found in ETSY shop Cubits at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/cubits?ref=seller_info

From a gardener's perspective, thyme is a wonderful plant because it is easy to grow and maintain. It is also wonderful to have in the garden because of the wide variety of thyme plants that you can pick from.  They can vary from plants that are bushy and tall to some that are ground cover.  They also come in different shades of greens and have different shaped/size leaves, so you can easily enhance the visual affect of your herb garden by adding a few different thyme plants.  I also love the fact that it comes in so many different scents; lemon thyme is scented like heavenly lemon and traditional English time was what I enjoyed in my garden.  As I would weed my beautiful little ground covers I could feel my mood get better and stress gently waft away on the scent of thyme.

Romans are said to have also used this plant's aroma to chase away melancholy.  Today it is used in the same manner and used by aromatherapists to strengthen one emotionally and mentally.  Whenever I am breathing the scent in while I work with a sachet mix that includes a little thyme I can feel the my brain fog lift.

Cosmetically, thyme is considered a good disinfectant, an antiseptic, and great for toning the skin.  Because of these great cleansing and toning properties thyme is often found in quality natural face creams, baths, lotions, and more.

Thyme is also useful as a natural decongestant, it can aid in digestion and is also thought to be a good muscle relaxant.  But as with any other homeopathic remedy you should always check with your doctor before using and never use this as a substitute for medical treatment.

Whenever using an 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.

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