Nourish Your Soul, Be Kind To You ~

Hand, Foot and Full body Baths to Pamper Yourself!

Hand Baths can be used as a beauty treatment for your hands to soften any hard skin before you apply your hand cream/oil and conditions such as arthritis, aches and pains and burns etc. In a bowl place some warm water, 2 drops of patchouli, 2 drops of lemon and 3 drops of geranium. Allow your hands to soak for 5-10 minutes, remove from the water, making sure you have a towel next to the bowl to pat them dry. Apply your Aromatherapy hand cream or oil.

Foot baths are a wonderful alternative to full body baths, especially as we need to conserve our water. They can be relaxing, stimulating and used for many different conditions for example tired aching feet, swollen feet and ankles, softening hard skin, relaxing, anxiety, stress and tension.

Try this for a relaxing, soothing soak; fill a heatproof bowl with very warm water not too hot, what feels comfortable for you add rose, sandalwood, rosewood and lemon, 3 drops of each. Agitate the water gently, pop your feet straight in and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to have a towel handy for when you have finished.

Tip - when getting ready for your foot bath place a towel under the bowl, then pour in your water, add the essential oils and agitate before placing your feet in the bowl.             Agitating the water helps to disperse the oils, sit back and enjoy. As an extra add some rock salt and fresh herbs. When you are ready to take your feet out, place them onto the towel, move the bowl carefully to one side, wrap the towel around your feet and pat dry. Apply moisturiser or an oil blend, sit back and relax.

If you don’t have any essential oils and feel like pampering yourself with a foot bath use fresh herbs from your garden,  calendula flowers, rose petals,  rosemary, lemon thyme, Marjoram or lavender. Add half a teaspoon of olive oil and some sliced lemon or lime.

Having an Aromatherapy bath is so healing on many levels. 

Bathing can be used for reducing stress, tension, anxiety and depression. Other conditions that can be treated muscular aches and pains, skin conditions for example very dry skin, a tepid bath can be used to reduce inflammation, insomnia, having time out and being mindful of the process.

When using essential oils in a bath, 6 - 10 drops of essential oil in total is recommended. Add your chosen essential oils just before hopping in and make sure you agitate the water to break up the oils. If you have sensitive skin you may choose to use a dispersant. A dispersant can be milk, vegetable oil or a product specifically made for use with essential oils, known as a disper. Always add your oils to the disper, milk or vegetable oil first, then pour into the bath and gently agitate. If vegetable oils used be sure to have a non-slip mat in your bath.

To receive the most benefit you only need to soak for 10 - 15 mins.

When bathing you have 2 methods of absorbtion they are through your skin known as the integumentary system and your olfactory by breathing in the oils.

A question I am sometimes asked.

Q. Why do we use the same amount of essential oil drops in a full body bath as a hand and foot bath, there is so much more water?

A. We are covering more area of our body with water; therefore we are receiving a higher absorbtion rate. As I mentioned earlier we also have two methods of Absorbtion, more is being taken in.

For some of us, it may not be practical to have a full body bath due to lack of water.  We live in the Hunter Valley and rely on rain water, other areas have water restrictions. So please do be conscious of how much water you use. Your bathing water can be recycled by using on your garden bed or pot plants.

Below are a few blends you may like to try for yourself. Remember to research the essential oils and their contra-indications. If in doubt you can contact me or a qualified Aromatherapist near you. The following recipes may aid in reducing some symptoms however we are all individuals and the results may differ from one person to another.

One of my old favourites in a full body bath

3 drops of Geranium, 2 drops of patchouli and 5 drops of bergamot This was a blend I would use at night before bed to help me relax as well as release stress and tension.

 Please take note that bergamot is best used at night, it is photosensitive which means it reacts to light (sunlight and possibly ultra-violet light), causing chloasma or temporary discolouration of the skin.

Here is a simply divine bath blend, totally indulging and decadent!

3 drops each of pure rose, neroli and jasmine absolutely brings out the Goddess in us all! If you are fortunate enough to have some tuberose add a couple of drops as well…

3 drops of vetiver or rhu khus, 2 drops of rosewood and 2 drops of lemon

Frankincense love it! 4 drops with 3 drops rose and 2 drops of champa

Foot bath recipes

3 drops of sandalwood, 2 drops of red myrtle and 3 drops lemon, I find this calming and refreshing

For an energising and invigorating blend I can’t go past 4 drops of grapefruit, 2 drops of cardamom and 1drop of ginger co2 ( ginger can irritate the skin so one drop is plenty)

Hand bath recipes

4 drops of neroli, 2 drops of geranium and 2 drops of lemon

3 drops of alpine lavender, 2 of drops geranium and 2 drops of sandalwood

Remember to be mindful, taking in the beautiful aroma’s breathing slowly and deeply. Enjoy pampering yourself!

When you purchase your essential oils here and spend $100 you will receive ‘Alassea’ from my ‘Ethereal’ range as a perfume spray valued at $44

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)

‘Ethereal’ is a beautiful range inspired by my connection to the Faerie realm.

Are you having trouble deciding which one is for you?  Now you can have the complete collection of 12 perfumes created to give you love and support in your everyday experiences.

Alassea brings the gift of Happiness, Amariel is grounding and connecting, Anariel shares the energy of the Sun to light up your heart and soul, Beriardwhen gives protection, Erulisse gives the gift of Grace, Laisidhiel illuminates your life force, Luthien the Enchantress will evoke the Goddess within, Melcistma gives the gift of strength, Nanethiel will nurture you through difficult times always at your side, Nestarial brings her healing energy to you, Rhavaniel does not hold back running free and wild, Sidhiel brings Peace to every part of your being.

For the first 12 people to buy ‘Ethereal’ the complete collection during February 2012 you will receive an ‘Ethereal’ eJournal to write your thoughts, emotions and experiences you have with each perfume.

Buy Now to receive your gift!

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)

Hi there, my name is Julie Nelson. I have been a practising Aromatherapist for over 15 years and lectured on Aromatherapy for 13years. I have worked with chronic lung disease with my daughter during that time and have had some very good results. It is important to re-iterate that when treating any condition the treatment is specific to the individual and I recommend you consult with a qualified practitioner before using any essential oils.

Red or Sweet Myrtle, German Chamomile, Melaleuca ericafolia, Mandarin were my most used oils on Amy from 5yr’s to 10 yr’s. In the practitoner’s guide to Aromatherapy red or wild Thyme and Peppermint combined are recommended for deep lung infections, I have used this combination with Ravensara, Lemon Myrtle and Eucalptus smithii.

Applications - topically applying the oils front and back of torso by gentle massage. These treatments were used as a complementary treatment along with orthodox medication. Never take anyone off medication without a doctor’s consent. My daughter would not be alive today if it were not for modern medicine and I am a strong supporter of both complimentary and orthodox medicines, each has its place.

 My treatments varied with age and what she was presenting. Amy has a chronic and life threatening condition. She is a T.O.F = tracheoesophageal fistula. She was the youngest and smallest TOF baby born in 1988 here in Australia. Her associated condition is chronic lung disease, similar to CF however is not diagnosed as that. 
She has had recurring lung infections and countless hospitalisations for chronic lung infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and also ‘fundoplication’ surgery for reflux which specialists believe may still occur and is one of the causes for her lung infections. Amy has also at the age of 13 had a posterior spinal fusion due to the original surgery for her TOF repair. Initially the surgical procedure was very invasive going in through the front rib cage area and through the back under her right shoulder blade. To do this they cut 2 of her ribs which fused together creating a major problem. This was common for TOF children back then. Today keyhole surgery is done. Amy’s right rib cage did not grow to the same capacity as her left, this caused curvature of her spine. As she grew she had a 22 degree curve in her spine, from the age of 12 to 13 her curvature went to 41 degrees as she had started puberty. She was becoming very uncomfortable, in pain and suffered headaches every day. This is why she chose to have the spinal infusion. Her back surgery was a success and more than they had expected and they were astounded at her recovery!
There is of course a huge history so will keep this short, I wanted you to have some history to understand. One of my goals is write a case study of it this year.
Myrtle, Mandarin and German Chamomile where my most used for her chronic wet lung condition. These oils were calming and supported her immune between the ages of 5-8yrs. These oils also helped with her digestive problems as well. She associated feeling better with these particular oils and would often ask for them when she was not feeling well. They were applied by hand and foot massages in her acute stage (once she was out of danger) and chest rubs thereafter. Chamomile was used frequently in bathing. The affect was very clear, especially combined with massage. 
We always used and still do use Sweet or Red myrtle because of its calming properties as Eucalyptus globulus and radiata are too stimulating to the bronchi. 
Thyme and Peppermint for pseudomonas infection in her lungs. This bacterium thrives and colonises in wet moist lung conditions and is common in CF and chronic lung patients. 

Frankincense combined with German chamomile as an anti-inflammatory and Clary sage for slowing down the breath Neroli and Rose for emotional support for chronic anxiety and depression. 
Sandalwood and Myrrh, Tea tree, Melaleuca ericafolia, Eucalyptus smithii, Ravensara, Manuka are other oils that have been integrated in to her treatments. 
All of her treatments have been in conjunction with orthodox medicine and various another Natural remedies. 

TOF Emedicine

After posting this today I have decided to do a videozine on this subject. I have long wanted to write about it in depth, however find that a bit daunting, so I will be talking about our experiences. Keep you eyes open for my TOF videos.

There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. 

~ ♥ Mother Teresa

Keep on smiling, share them around, they do not cost anything, yet give so much!

Happiness is Neroli !

Self love is a subject that has been written about many times over and I have no doubt it will continue to be. 

Self love plays one of the most important roles in our lives. When we love ourselves, accept ourselves for who and what we are, we can conquer the world!

Do you constantly beat yourself up, put yourself down, feel guilty for no reason, Blame yourself for things going wrong?

If you answered yes, then it is time to stop and begin your new life of self love now!

I hear you saying, but it isn’t that easy… not buts about it. 

It is time to focus on YOU, cherish YOU, Nurture YOU, be kind to YOU, love YOU.

Negative chatter is one of the culprits~when you find yourself doing this, stop and ask yourself ~ How can I turn this into a positive? 

From every negative experience we have, there will always be something to gain and learn. look for that, it is there.

Now I know that this can be a challenge. However it is not impossible. I know because I practice this and have been doing so for 23 years. I began to awaken to my full potential when my daughter was born with a life threatening congenital condition. I know she came to me because I could handle it. She is my greatest gift in life and my greatest teacher. I am on my journey, living my purpose because of the experiences I have lived. I have had many challenges which I embraced and learnt from through Amy and for the better indeed.

I highly recommend this book ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers.

This book was passed onto me when I was beginning a new chapter in my life. It was life changing for me, I read this book, and would pick it up randomly and yes every time I did that I would open it up to the perfect page, the one I needed to read at that time. I love how the Universe works!

Aromatherapy and essential oils have played an enormous role in both of our lives emotionally, physically and spiritually. I encourage you to work with essential oils to give you support, strength and the will to carry on and move forward.

Here are some examples of essential oils and what they represent~

Sandalwood and Frankincense are for letting go of obsessive thoughts

Cedarwood gives us the will to hold firm

Basil, Rosemary and Peppermint are very strengthening to the mind, Peppermint calms a racing mind

Cypress assists and supports us with transition and transformation, changing old patterns

Juniper is purifying and cleansing, opening us up to expanding and growing

Rose, Neroli, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Melissa represent LOVE, they are strongly associated to the heart chakra, they work with us to heal our heart

Geranium, Bergamot and Grapefruit are balancing, liberating, supportive and uplifting

Vetiver, Patchouli, Ginger and Black Pepper are very grounding and connecting

Cinnamon, Cardamom and Clove give the gift of encouragement

Lavender, Chamomile, Mandarin and Sweet Orange are nurturing, gentle and happy oils

Everlasting assists with self acceptance, patience and perserverence 

What I have given you here is simply the beginning to support you on your journey to self love.

Here is an exercise to help get you started~

Choose your favourite essential oil, create a sacred space for YOU, have a journal, a pen and get comfy.

Take a moment to ground and connect with yourself by placing your feet firmly on the ground and breathe in and out slowly, deeply purposefully allowing your mind to relax… take your essential oil and gently inhale it, feel it flowing down into your body filling every part of your being… stay with this for a moment take note of how you feel, what you feel .. is your body relaxing? Are you smiling? have any happy memories been evoked?

Now write down your experience in detail.

Each week choose a different essential oil and do this exercise. What you are doing is creating a tool, a tool that you can refer to time and time again to ground and connect, uplift your emotions, find support and so on.

Enjoy the process and enjoy YOU. I wish you love always.

Each week I feature an essential oil to do this exercise Join me each Tuesday on Aromatique Essentials Facebook page and experience the wonderful world of Aromatherapy and begin to take charge of YOU !

Buy your essential oils now

Essential therapeutics practitioner is available through Aromatique Essentials

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)

3 Secret Wishes Your Adult Child Won’t Tell You About

amyenb:

Editorial featured in Aromatique Essentials Magazine. The A-Team came together again and shot another gorgeous story.

Photographer: Amy Nelson-Blain
Styling and Set Design: Julie Nelson
Hair and Make-Up: Bernadette Talbot
Jewellery: Make A Strand
Silk Flowers: Teeki Designs
Talent: Kat Andersen and Alex Brennan @ AVA Model Management
Featuring: Aranel, Belle and Arwen

‘Amariel’ and ‘Alassea’ are Signature Perfume Blends created by Aromatique Essentials for their ‘Ethereal’ range.

Love Yourself

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

Are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy?

The answer is yes. In saying this It is essential that you have the guidance of a fully qualified Aromatherapist, however you may find there are some Aromatherapists may disagree. If you would like to use essential oils I highly recommend you do your research and discuss your options with a Fully qualified Aromatherapist. There is very little known about the use of essential oils during pregnancy and here I will focus on my personal experiences and recommendations.

What you should take into consideration ~

Your Health, we are all individuals and most likely have different needs

Whether you have had any previous problems during pregnancy

What stage you are in

Essential oil burner:

Most essential oils can be used in the burner during pregnancy. Because heat is used they evaporate into the air and therefore the amount that may get into your blood stream is very minimal if any at all. Using the burner is excellent for uplifting your emotions, assisting with mood change, evoking calm and peacefulness, energising or relaxing.

Aromatherapy full body massage is not recommended in the first trimester, neck and shoulder, hands and face can be massaged. However there are other topical applications that can be used. 

Benefits of Aromatherapy massage ~

relaxing, calming, promotes blood flow, fluid retention, muscular aches and pains, depression, stress and anxiety, balance hormones post birth, healing, bonding with baby and more…

Dilution for a topical application 1.25% or less

100ml of carrier = 25drops of essential oil in total

50ml of carrier =  12 drops of essential oil in total

25ml of carrier = 6 drops of essential oil in total

Bathing and foot baths - You may choose to use a dispersant to assist in the essential oil’s dispersing into the water, so that there are no large globules floating, that may potentially cause a reaction. Having a reaction is highly unlikely and will depend on your skin condition and general health. 

Benefits of Bathing:

Relaxing, muscular aches and pain, lower back pain, hemorrhoids, insomnia, urinary tract infections, fluid retention, dry skin, would healing, pain management,

Benefits of Foot Baths:

Headaches, varicose veins, relaxing, urinary tract infections, fluid retention, swelling of the feet and legs, leg aches and pain

Dry or steam inhalations which method you choose will depend on what essential oils you are using and what you are treating.Inhalations are fast acting as they are a direct link to the brain.

Benefits of Inhalations:

Cold and flu symptoms, headaches, sinusitis, headaches, mood swings, depression, fear, stress, anxiety, morning sickness, loss of appetite, insomnia, tiredness

Topical application can be used for specific treatments for example varicose veins, muscular aches and pain, lower back pain, heart burn, during labour, post birth, episiotomy, wound healing, surgical stitches, stretch marks 

Compresses can also be used for headaches, pain management, muscle spasm

Room sprays are also a lovely and easy way to use Essential oils to promote energy, relaxation, uplift your emotions 

Citrus essential oils are the safest to use right through your pregnancy for various symptoms. To understand and find out more information it is recommended you consult with a fully qualified Aromatherapist.

Some essential oils are to be avoided during your pregnancy especially in the first tri-mester and some should not be used until the last stages, during birth.

Essential oil properties to consider or be aware of:

Emmenogogue - assists in regulating the menstrual cycle, not recommended during pregnancy.

Parturient - encourages labour.

Galactogogue - promotes milk production.

Anti-emetic - helps to reduce nausea.

When you buy Aromatique Essentials Pregnancy blend  you will receive a half hour skype or phone consultation with Julie Nelson. 

Buy Now 

This offer ends February 28, 2012.

Aromatherapy and the Art of blending to create a Beautiful and ‘Pure Essential Oil’ Perfume custom made for you.

When you breathe in your favourite scent, what happens?… You are transported to another place and time, your heart will sing and you will wear a smile… Aromatique Essentials Aromatherapy pure and natural custom made perfumes not only give you a beautiful aroma, they are uplifting to your emotions, reduce anxiety, stress, tension and worries.

Aromatique Natural Perfume blending with pure essential oil’s is an art… many elements are taken into account when your personal, custom scent is being created…

Perfume is often described as a musical metaphor…having three notes that make up a harmonious scent accord.

Top notes are the first you will inhale they will gift you with your first impression…

Then the middle notes begin to emerge just before the top notes gently fade away, they are the heart of the fragrance and lend themselves to the body of each perfume.

Base notes linger… they are rich, bring depth and mystery… leaving an everlasting impression…

Intoxicating as they unfold … your personalised perfume will ‘Capture the Essence of Your Soul’

Made with loving intention and pure essential oils Julie Nelson owner of Aromatique Essentials specialises in handcrafted signature perfumes.

There are no synthesized compounds used, Aromatique Essentials Perfumes are completely “Natural”

Buy your custom made Signature Perfume now until the end of January 2012 and you will receive an Aromatique Essentials face serum (10ml) to nourish, hydrate, protect and improve the integrity of your skin, assist in reducing the onset of wrinkles, leaving it soft, subtle and silky.

100ML heart shape green glass bottle with hand made glass beaded tassle

(Source: aromatiqueessentials.com.au)