Peace & Calming Essential Oil

As I promised in my previous entry, I am going to write about each oil that I received. Peace & Calming is part of the Essential 7 package that I received and I thought it is a good way to start my future blogs... Maybe I should have started with Into the Future but I am asking a friend of mine to write this blog as a guest contributor :)

So, let's start with Peace & Calming. The name says it all :) This essential oil, is one of my favorites. It could possibly be that you will read this about many oils as I have many favorites but this is one essential oil I take along wherever I go.

Peace & Calming has this lovely citrusy scent (Tangerine and Orange) with a hint of Patchouly, Ylang Ylang, and Blue Tansy. Whenever I smell this scent, I am reminded of freshly peeled oranges, a fresh breeze, and a bed of wildflowers growing in a valley. It has earthy qualities and I find it extremely grounding. Yet at the same time, the floral spiciness makes it very uplifting.

Tangerine is a sedative, diuretic, and decongestant. It helps stimulate the lymphatic system to release toxins.
Orange releases stagnant energy, is an antidepressant and sedative. It is excellent for calming the nervous system. It also is an antispasmodic and releases tension, frustration, anxiety, or fear.
Patchouli is a balancing oil. It helps bring body and mind together. It is grounding and a great oil to counteract a "spaced out" feeling.
Ylang Ylang is restorative and has a calming effect on the circulatory system. It also brings out feelings of joy and even euphoria. It is an analgesic, anti-depressant, and has sedative qualities.
Blue Tansy has a soothing effect on the respiratory system. It is an analgesic and sedative. It is great for muscle tension as it releases and breaks down stress.

I use this oil every time I feel stressed or whenever I need a calming influence. During the day, at the end of a long day, or for a good night sleep, this oil is wonderful! It calms the nervous system, relieves anxiety and tension, promotes relaxation, and helps with insomnia. It also may be good for hyperactive children since it has calming effects.

The way I use this oil is multi-fold. I diffuse it, inhale it neat directly out of the bottle, and/or I drop one drop on my wrists and rub both wrists together. At night before I go to sleep, I rub a few drops into the soles of my feet for a blissful and rejuvenating sleep. Also rub it into the back of your neck to get a good effect of the calming sensation. Nerve endings along the spine are very receptive and responsive. Use it in meditation and visualization. I frequently diffuse it (with permission of clients) during Hypnotherapy sessions. It allows the mind to go deeper into relaxation and aids in visualization and goal achievement. A friend of mine is using it in massage therapy as well as reflexology. It is a wonderful addition to any massage to foster relaxation.

As with any essential oil, please use caution to avoid an allergic reaction. Also, if you are pregnant or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your physician prior to using - especially if you are using an essential oil for a specific purpose.

Feel calm and at ease at all times and flow with the rhythm of life   ૐ

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Midterm Time

For many students, this time of year is crunch time for midterms. To get through this time as relaxed as possible, I gathered some tips and suggestions from my own experience as a student which I still am...

Time Management

• Study a little bit on a daily basis instead of cramming the material overnight. 
• Read the material and write it on note cards. The combination of reading, especially reading out loud so that you hear the spoken words, and the mechanics of writing will enhance your ability to remember what you studied. 
• Repeat the material as it is the repetition that makes the brain remember. 
• Start researching for your paper ahead of time so that you only have to write the paper but don't wait to write the paper until the night before it is due. 
• Set aside a specific time per day and keep to that schedule. The routine will help you reduce the stress level that you will automatically accumulate the closer you get to the exam or due date. If you are procrastinating like me, this will actually help you. 

Nutrition

• While junk food is so readily available and we even crave it when we are in stressful situations, try to eat healthy. Instead of potato chips, eat a handful of walnuts. 
• Try to nourish yourself with fresh vegetables and fruits. If the carrot sticks are not tasty enough, dip them in humus or lemon juice. I am more than aware that vegetables may taste a bit bland but herbs and spices can really enhance their flavor. I love roasted zucchini, squash, asparagus, portabella mushrooms, onions, and sliced garlic that I spread out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, drizzle with a little olive oil, and bake for about 10 minutes in the oven by 400 degrees. Sprinkle with a little lemon juice and grated parmesan cheese. Hm, so delicious and nourishing. The recipe can serve as dinner or as side dish. If you like something of more substance, mix the vegetables over pasta or rice. Add a piece of chicken or fish and you have a full meal.
  

Aromatherapy
Diffuse essential oils to stimulate your learning process and boost brain power.

• Bergamot is uplifting and relaxing. It enhances self-confidence. In case you have to give a presentation just dap a drop behind your ears or on your wrists before you go into class. (Note: test for allergies and photosensitivity prior to using).
• Frankincense helps to focus the mind and overcome stress and despair
• Lavender is calming and relaxing. Great to use for anxiety.
  
• Peppermint is great to use while studying. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint's ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness.
• Brain Power™ gives your brain a boost with essential oils that are high in sesquiterpenes. Use it to clarify thought and develop greater focus.  This is a blend from sandalwood, cedarwood, melissa, frankincense, blue cypress, lavender, and helichrysum essential oils. 

If you use an essential oil while studying at home, try to sniff on the same oil prior to your exam and even during your exam. The scent may help you remember what you studied.

How to use Essential Oils?
Diffuse essential oils using a device that disperses the oil into the air in a micro-fine vapor. There are many different diffusers on the market but if you want something stylish, check out the Home Diffuser by Young Living. The diffuser spreads the aromatic benefits of essential oils through the air without damaging their important constituents.

Exercise
Exercise helps get oxygen to your brain which in turn will help you focus and retain the information you learned.

Rest & Relaxation

• Get enough rest. Especially the night before your exam! I know, I know... clubbing and hanging out with your friends, you say, relieves your stress. Well, if it worked for you in the past, that's great but if it didn't (and it won't when you get older) you may want to get some rest before heading for the exam.
• Relax your mind in between studying with exercise, yoga, tai chi, reading a book, listening to music, dancing, etc. 
• And last but not least, stay calm, breathe, meditate...

All the above mentioned tips and hints helped me get through school and especially exam time. Good Luck!

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Cleopatra's Milk Bath

(from wholeliving.com and ezinearticles.com)
The Legendary Queen of Egypt was known for her exquisite complexion. One of her secret beauty treatments, the milk and honey bath are still being used today.

One of the main ingredients, Milk, contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate your skin. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to cleanse the deepest layers of the skin. 

Honey has an abundance of health properties.
First of all, it is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose so it is also a gentle alpha hydroxy acid. It’s made up of both minerals and vitamins to help nourish and heal the skin. Since it also contains phytochemicals that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus, it’s has a natural anti-inflammatory effect which heals wounds quickly. This makes honey a good substitute for wound dressings.

Here are a couple of ways to enjoy these 2 main ingredients found in her ancient beauty secrets.

Cleopatra Honey & Milk Bath

Ingredients
• 1/2 Cup Powdered Milk
• 1/2 Cup Raw Honey
• 2 teaspoon Jojoba Oil (optional)

Mix ingredients in a large bowl and pour your warm bath. Soak for up to 20 minutes to infuse these beneficial ingredients in your skin. This recipe makes enough for one bath.

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