Whew!  I’m sure many of you will agree with me that 2009 was a crazy year…For my family it involved lots of change; a lot for the better, and a little for the worse.  All of it was hectic, though!  I am definitely looking forward to all of the positive changes that are sure to come in 2010.

As I’m sweeping out the old year and ringing in the new, I thought I’d take the opportunity to let you know what I’ll be doing with Love: The Element during the beginning of the New Year.  Currently, I’m planning on a series of blog posts called “A Beginner’s Journey into Aromatherapy”.  Until recently, aromatherapy was one of my interests, but I knew little about it.  I have a hunch that I am not the only one J.

This series will cover the things that can be confusing to novice aromatherapists, such as what common essential and carrier oils are and how to use them.  Different methods of using aromatherapy will be one of the things I focus on as well.

Another main focus of my blog posts will be how to use aromatherapy to pamper yourself or another. Believe it or not, the possibilities are limitless…

Since this is my New Year’s Eve post, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what my resolution is for the year of 2010, especially since it directly relates to Love: The Element.

This year I resolve to spend more time pampering myself.

For at least 20 minutes, 3 times a week, I will do something that makes me feel special and girly.  I find that even in the worst of times, if I focus a little on myself, my health and my appearance, I feel much better about everything.  It also seems to be that at the times when I need to care for myself the most, I get so caught up in my life and my family that I neglect my own needs.

So I vow to take care of me this year, for the benefit of my sanity and everyone else’s.

What are your resolutions for this year?  Is there anything in particular I can include in “A Beginner’s Journey into Aromatherapy” for you?

Happy New Year!!!  I hope this year brings you every blessing you are praying for…

Peppermint is definitely a pleasant taste and smell to many people around the world, but peppermint is not just for candy and tea.  Peppermint essential oil is surprisingly multi-purpose, and can be used in many ways around your home.

1. To Aid Digestion – This is probably the most widely recognized use for peppermint.  I have long been a fan of peppermint tea to help with indigestion and other stomach upsets including nausea, flatulence and premenstrual cramps.
2. As a Pain Reliever – Peppermint essential oil has analgesic properties as well.  Adding it to a lotion or massage oil and rubbing on the affected area can help relieve the pain associated with problems such as gout, rheumatism, and muscle and back pain.
3. Aromatherapy – Peppermint essential oil as an aromatherapy tool has a refreshing and cooling effect that can help relieve anxiety, depression and mental fatigue.  Peppermint is known to be a mild stimulant.  Candles, lotions, diffusers and a wide range of other products come scented with peppermint for this very reason.  Inhaling the scent can make one feel more alert, yet somehow more relaxed at the same time.
4. Respiratory Problems – The fact that peppermint essential oil is a stimulant is also helpful to those with asthma and other bronchial problems, as is the fact that it is a known expectorant.  Vapor therapy (putting the oil in your bath or in a vaporizer) can be used to relieve a range of respiratory ailments like dry cough, sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia.
5. Skin Care – Peppermint essential oil is also an astringent, making it a very useful in skin care products.  Not only can it help with acne and oily skin, but it can also be used for sunburn and other common skin irritations.  Peppermint is also a tool against more uncommon skin problems, such as ringworm and scabies.

My sister has always told me that your taste buds will like, and your body will crave whatever it is that you need the most, or the thing that will be most helpful to you.  Keeping this in mind, it is no wonder, between the asthma, the anxiety and the stomach problems, that I have ALWAYS loved peppermint.  I love the taste, I love the smell, I just love peppermint.  Up until now, however, I had no clue of its usefulness in skin care as well, and I love the thought of peppermint lotion, and will DEFINITELY be adding it to my next bath.  The candy cane foot soak recipe that Tyrika posted last week is the perfect place for you to start incorporating this oil in your home.

As with any other essential oil or product, discontinue using peppermint essential oil if it causes irritation.  Those with high-blood pressure should also use caution, as it does have a stimulating effect.

The scent of lavender is widely recognized by people around the world as a sweet floral present in many perfumes and bath products to aid in relaxation.  Not as commonly known are its other characteristics that make lavender essential oil a must have around the house for anyone interested in aromatherapy and/or the healing powers of natural herbs.

1. Fragrances – When lavender is included in a perfume or other fragrance product, it is most often the top or middle note.  It has a very pleasant (to many) but strong fragrance, that is not easily overpowered.
2. Aromatherapy – Lavender is known to have a soothing and calming effect on people who are exposed to it.  It promotes balance and healing and can help with depression and anxiety.  For this reason, lavender is a popular scent for bath products, candles, incense, and air fresheners, as well as a plethora of other products designed for aromatherapy.
3. Pain Relief – There are a few types of pain that lavender can help alleviate.  When combined with massage oils or lotions and rubbed on it can help with rheumatism and other joint and muscle pains.  A few drops added to the bath or diffuser can also help clear up headaches and migraines.
4. Skin Care – Lavender essential oil added to lotions, oils, ointments, and baths.  It can be a powerful skin care tool due to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.  Not only can lavender help combat oily skin and acne, but it has also been known to help athlete’s foot, scars, stretch marks, burns and insect bites.
5. Respiratory Ailments – Lavender is also a known decongestant, and as such helps with asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems such as allergies.  Diffusers and vaporizers can be helpful in getting the essential oil into the air, or it can be added to a hot bath or pot full of boiling water.

Lavender essential oil can be such an invaluable answer to everyday aches, complaints, and illnesses, it is no wonder it is so widely used around the world.  I’m sure if everyone was aware of the effects it can have on the body other than relaxation, it would be considered a household staple by all.  To many of you, I know that it probably already is.  I hope this post has given you a few more ways to use lavender essential oil for the benefit of you and your family.

Yes, Jamie and I have gone MIA once again, we humbly beg your pardon.  I have some interesting gems for you to check out in the meantime.  From holiday shopping to new genetic info on the curly hair gene, I have a well rounded list here for your reading pleasure. Without further ado, here’s your outside reading list:

1. Bright Hub – Naturally Curly Hair and a Genetic Cause. How Genes could cause Natural Curly Hair Styles
2. Wickedly Chic – Last Minute Shopping to do? Support the Indie Businesses!
3. Houston Health and Beauty Examiner – Holiday gift giving to build client relationships
4. Ujima Magazine – The Necessity of Aromatherapy During the Holidays
5. Viva Woman – DIY Beauty: Milk and lemon whitening polish

Jamie and I will be back next week to share some holiday cheer with you as you get ready to enjoy time with your loved ones this Christmas.

Luvnblessings!