Soy Candles, Reed Diffusers, Fleur de Lis

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass has pungent, fresh, lemon, hay-like top notes with earthy, green grassy undertones.  It blends well with most citruses and florals and also with marjoram, black pepper, rosemary, angelica root and ginger.

Main Therapeutic Properties:  Analgesic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, bactericide, carminative, deodorant, febrifuge, insecticidal, nervine, tonic.

Lemongrass is called the "connective tissue essential oil," because it tightens and tones the skin and connective tissue.  This makes it useful in massage and compresses after sports injuries, general sprains and strains, and after dieting when the connective tissues and skin may have lost tone and become slack.  Overall, Lemongrass is cooling, refreshing and stimulating.  It has excellent antiseptic and deodorant properties, which make it a good choice to use in an oil burner to clear and freshen the air.  Lemongrass is also good for concentration and clear thinking, so it is useful in an oil burner when you are studying or meditating.

SEASONAL TRANSITIONS
Spring Recipes For Your Oil Burner

Spring Air Freshener:  3 drops Melissa, 3 drops Grapefruit

Breezy:  Fresh and light.  2 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Mandarin

Refreshing and Uplifing:  3 drops Lime, 3 drops Lemongrass

Cool Down:  3 drops Peppermint, 3 drops Lime OR 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Geranium

Citrus Clean:  2 drops Lime, 1 drop Lemongrass, 1 drop Mandarin, 1 drop Orange

Lenten Fasting:  A blend to keep your mind alert while you are fasting.  1 drop Lemon, 1 drop Rosemary, 1 drop Lemongrass, 1 drop Peppermint

Eliminate Toilet Odors:  3 drops Tea-Tree, 2 drops Pine, 2 drops Lavender

Laryngitis And Sore Throats

The best treatment for both conditions is regular steam inhalations, up to five times per day, with benzoin (in the form of Friar's Balsam), thyme, rosewood, sandalwood or lavender.  Additionally, make a gargle using 1 or 2 drops of thyme in a cup of warm water, and gargle between inhalations to ease the pain. 

How To Make A Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalations have long been used to treat colds, coughs, sore throats, sinusitis, chest infections and other respiratory problems. 

You will need:  A large bowl, boiling water, 4-5 drops of an appropriate essential oil and a towel

1.  Half-fill a bowl with the boiling water, then sprinkle in your chosen essential oil.
2.  Bend over the bowl, cover your head with the towel and breathe in deeply through your nose for a few minutes, remembering to keep your eyes closed
3.  Alternatively, you can use a facial sauna to do a steam inhalation, but make sure you that you adjust the amount of essential oil if the container of water in the sauna is small

Strengthening your resolve through meditation

Purpose:  To cultivate strength and determination, renewing your resolution each time you meditate.

What To Do

1.  Float your chosen blend of essential oils on the water of your oil burner and light the candle
2.  Sit comfortably in a meditation posture. Close your eyes and become aware of the effect of the essential oils you are using
3.  Bring to mind your resolution.  Be clear about your reasons for making the resolution, and make a commitment to yourself to see it through.  Focus your attention on it.
4.  As you focus on your resolve, the reality of carrying your resolution through to it's conclusion will become evident.  You will be faced with potential difficulties and your mind may come up with reasons and excuses not to fulfill it.
5.  Breathe deeply, and be aware of the psychologically strengthening effect of the essential oils.  Face up to all the reasons why you might not see your resolution through, and dispel them with strong determination.
6.  Finish with a few minutes of calm breathing.  Take your time getting up and moving on. 

Here are some special blends (for your oil burner) to accompany your favorite style of massage

SHIATSU:  An invigorating combination of oils to move energy and stimulate circulation.  3 drops Ginger and 3 drops Marjoram

SWEDISH:  Oils known to revitalize and strengthen your energy.  2 drops Rosemary, 2 drops Basil, 2 drops Peppermint

SENSUAL:  The perfect blend to intensify feelings of intimacy and physical closeness.  2 drops Clary Sage, 2 drops Patchouli, 2 drops Orange

STRESS-RELEASE:  A relaxing mix to relieve tensions and impart a sense of youth and vitality.  2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Chamomile, 2 drops Sandalwood

Oil Burner Recipe

"Autumn"

3 drops Cedarwood and 3 drops Petitgrain  OR

3 drops Sandalwood and 3 drops Lavender

Oil Burner Recipe

"Winter"

3 drops Clove and 3 drops Ginger OR

3 drops Cinnamon and 3 drops Orange

Oil Burner Recipe

"Christmas"

2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Myrrh, 2 drops Sandalwood  OR

2 drops Cinnamon, 2 drops Orange, 2 drops Clove

Oil Burner Recipes for Dinner Parties

Asian:  3 drops Aniseed and 3 drops Grapefruit

Australian:  2 drops Lemon Myrtle, 2 drops Eucalyptus, 1 drop Tea-tree

Japanese:  3 drops Orange, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Eucalyptus, 1 drop Cinnamon

Thai:  3 drops Lemongrass and 3 drops Lime

Indian:  2 drops Ginger, 2 drops Cinnamon, 2 drops Clove

Mexican:  3 drops Ginger and 3 drops Lemon

Vegetarian:  6 drops Sandalwood

European:  2 drops Orange, 2 drops Neroli, 1 drop Ylang Ylang, 1 drop Geranium

The Workaholic's Bath

1 drop Neroli

2 drops Lavender

1 drop Geranium

Oil Burner Recipe

Social Occasions

Refreshing and invigorating, these recipes will recharge and uplift everyone's mood, contributing to an enjoyable social occasion.

3 drops Rosewood and 3 drops Geranium OR  3 drops Cinnamon and 3 drops Clove