The E-Scent-tials of Life! Mentha X Piperita:

Oh, wondrous mentha x piperita, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!

Okay, okay, I'll dial it down.... 1/2 a notch.... maybe! Essential oil of peppermint, how-some-ever, should be in EVERYone's medicine cabinet. Allow me to explain (and I'll try not to dramatize too much). I am learning about, and coming to love, essential oils. That is, the oil that is extracted from such plants as roses, lavender and, yes, peppermint to name just a (very) few.

About four or five years ago, I discovered this wonderful book called "Aromatherapy Through The Seasons" by Judith Fitzsimmons and Paula Bousquet. It's a terrific book with a list of quite a number of essential oils along with recipes for their various mixtures and uses. I will, from time to time, bring up various oils and have been given permission by Ms. Fitzsimmons to reproduce some of her recipes. If you want them all, well, you'll just have to buy the book yourself. Trust me, it's well worth the money!

The main reason I decided to buy this book was because I am a certified massage therapist and, at the time, was working for a minor league hockey team. I needed good oil recipes for the care of these men's abused muscles. I found those recipes in Aromatherapy and learned a good bit for my personal use in the process.

From time to time, I suffer from migraines. Well, I suffer from them if I don't catch them early enough or, occasionally, if they're so bad catching them early enough merely means being able to keep the pain to a semi-tolerable level. On those particular days, I resort to a trick I learned from reading Ms. Fitzsimmons' book. Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil. A drop (just 1) on the finger tip and massage it into my aching temples, across my forehead at the hairline and even up the back up of my neck. Peppermint has properties that cause a capillary reaction; they warm from the oil (which is a conundrum because peppermint is cooling oil... but it really does warm!) and expand allowing increased blood flow which, in turn, allows the meds to reach where they're most needed. The warming action is also a distraction to your nerves. Instead of busily throbbing from the pain, they think "Oh. Look. Heat. Let's pay attention here!"

A piece of advice when using this oil in this manner? Make sure you have nowhere to drive yourself. Something about the fumes from the oil can make your eyes feel like they'd rather stay closed. Indulge them. Lie back and let the oil and meds, do the work. Also, if your headaches and/or migraines make you sensitive to smells, you might not want to try this. The Squirt absolutely can NOT stand strong smells when she gets a migraine. Which, unfortunately, means she can’t use this oil to reduce her pain. If you're desperate enough to try it anyway, try it in smaaaaaaall doses. Peppermint oil really is very strong. I would suggest diluting it in a small bottle of canola oil (yes, canola cooking oil can be rubbed into the skin and it will absorb. I used it on my hockey players all the time.). One drop in about 2 tablespoons should do it. If it's still too strong for you, dilute it with one more tablespoon of oil. If that doesn't work, you may be one of the unlucky few like the Squirt.

(aside)
Another headache reliever is Lavender oil. It's a milder scent than peppermint and also very good at relieving tension headaches. In this case, don't rub it into the skin. Put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and keep it near your nose. As the scent soothes and relaxes you, the pain should also subside.

(back to the story)
Another thing about peppermint oil, it's good for an upset stomach. I'd actually recommend drinking peppermint tea rather than the oil, but I know Europeans will put a drop or two in a glass of warmish-hot water and drink it. I tried that. Not a pleasant taste (tho' it did work). Go with the tea. Honestly. Or, as an alternative if you don't have tea, peppermint gum. Of course, now you're diluted with sugars, etc., but it can help a bit to calm the tummy and when you're hurting... any port in a storm, eh?

Now, for the treat. A couple of Ms. Fitzsimmons recipes using that wonderful oil, mentha x piperita.  We've all pushed ourselves a little too far, or turned at just the wrong moment in just the right/wrong way and BAM! we've pulled or sprained a muscle. I've used the following recipe to great effect on both athletes and non-athletes alike. If you want to make up more than just a couple of tablespoons worth of this mix, be sure to put it in a dark brown or blue bottle and keep it stored in a dry, dark place (like your pantry... just label it well so someone doesn't mistake it for some sort of exotic cooking oil!)

Muscle Sprain Remedy:
10 drops Eucalyptus oil
10 drops Peppermint oil
10 drops Rosemary oil
Mix the oils into 2 tablespoons of vegetable (or canola) oil. Cool sprain with ice pack for 20 minutes, then massage with blend. (Warning: do not use rosemary oil if you are pregnant or epileptic. It is not recommended to use rosemary oil on infants as it is rather strong for them.)

This still feels good if you don't have a sprain, just stiff, tired muscles. Rosemary and peppermint are very good for getting the circulation going.

And for those of you who can't use an alcohol-based mouthwash, this next (and last for tonight) recipe is for you.

Mouthwash:
4 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Mix the oils into 2 cups of distilled water (or water you have boiled and allowed to cool). Don't knock it until you've tried it. The flavoring differences between peppermint and lemon make a refreshing, effective and tasty brew. [just be sure to shake well before each use.... oil and water and all that]

Now, lest any of you think I would just pull an idea or recipe out of my hat and throw it at you, rest assured that I will not post anything on this site for which I haven't already done empirical testing. In other words, I've already tried it and it's worked. This is also not to say the things that work for me will have the same effect for you. If you even suspect you are having a reaction to something, cease all usage immediately and, if it doesn't clear up, see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

That said, I also want it understood that, while I like essential oils and think aromatherapy is a good and relaxing thing, I do not think these things take the place of medications your doctor may have prescribed for you. If you are already on medications, please check with your physician to be sure none of your medications will react badly to any essential oils.

However, I do think essential oils have their place in our arsenal against headaches, germs, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, tummy troubles, etc. After all, God created the plants these oils came from and He said in Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side on and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat....: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." God wanted us healthy. He wanted us happy. He invented herbs, oils and, more recently, what we call "modern" medications for us. Trying the "natural route" is fine and to be encouraged, but don't abandon your doctor all together. Learn to mix the two harmoniously.

One final note, a legitimate, caring herbalist or aroma-therapist will be more than happy to deal with your doctor as needed.  If you find someone who tries the line "I can help you where your doctor cannot. And he will not be able to find out about this illness without causing it to spread too rapidly to cure...." is a snake oil salesman.  Pure and simple.  The same way "beautiful oriental women to massage you" parlors give legitimate massage therapists a bad name, so do these snake oil salesmen give legitimate herbalist and aroma-therapists a bad name.  RUN. FROM. THEM!  You can find someone legitimate by asking around.  And by questioning the herbalist or aroma-therapist about their willingness to give details to your doctor.

 Okay, okay one more "One Final Note", this one from Ms. Fitzsimmons' website (which is listed below):
Leave It to the Pros:

Just because [plants/oils are] found in nature, that doesn't mean you don't need to exercise care when using essential oils. Essential oils are potent and concentrated extracts and are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated than a dried plant. Pure essential oils from plants must appear in the product in quantities considered therapeutic and should ideally be of the finest quality.

A trained aromatherapist understands the therapeutic properties of each plant that offer natural healing actions and knows the appropriate use of each essential oil, including how to blend oils properly. This allows them to create safe and effective aromatherapy solutions.  
 
This is not to say you can't use the recipes provided.  These are recipes Ms. Fitzsimmons has specifically created and printed for your use and enjoyment.

And don't be afraid to educate yourself!   http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/

Tea For What Ails You

I am a great lover of tea.  Blame it on my English antecedents if you must, but hot tea is simply good for what ails you!  And, if you start looking at all the herbal teas out there.... apparently a lot ails us!

No, actually, there are teas that are specifically formulated to aid our bodies in fighting off or recuperating from various illnesses and discomforts.  Actually, in some cases, "discomfort" may be too mild a word.  I speak of that "curse of all women", or, as Rachel put it in Genesis 31:35 when she told her father she couldn't stand at his entering into her home because "the custom of women is upon me".... nice euphamism, eh?

Some of my favorite teas are custom blends done by Spice Traders and Teas (yes, I will post their web site at the end of this post).  They have a lovely light, refreshing blend called Morning Rose.  Other than the fact that one of it's main ingredients is rose hips, and rose hips are just chock full of vitamin C, this tea isn't necessarily a "cure" or aid for any ailments.  I mention it because it truly is a wonderful morning tea. Especially if you have the joy of sitting on your porch, in a swing, listening to the birds sing. (~sigh~)

Then there's the tea my BFF "Mad Molly" enjoys, Pirate Chi!  It has ginger (good for digestion), cinnamon, cloves and cardamom (get the blood flowing) and will wake you up! (don't even ASK about the coffee she drinks!)

However, I mentioned "discomfort" and "the curse - or custom - of all women" in conjunction with teas when I started and there was a reason.  Spice Traders and Teas has a tea called "Women's Blend" for us at "that time of the month" and, sisters, let me tell you I just love this tea!! When I feel achy, sore, tired, cramped, bloated.... any of it or all of it.... I make a nice, hot mug of this tea.  Whether it's the heat, the actual blending of herbs used by Spice Traders or my own mental beliefs, this tea sooooooothes me.  It's not long before I realize I'm not cramping or sore, I'm less bloated.... I can just breath again! I have highly recommended this tea to others and now I HIGHLY recommend it to you! 

Now, don't get me wrong.  This is not a miracle cure all.  I do not guarantee it will work for everyone.  There are some who are on medications for more than just the monthly "custom of women" and it's entirely possible that it won't have the same benefits for you as it has for me.  But, at $7.00 for 2 ounces (that's actually a LOT of tea!!!) it's not a loss for you to try it!  And, if you happen to be a lover of tea, such as I am, you may wish to try some of the others they have listed.  Again, at (about) $7.00 for 2 ounces (again, a LOT of tea), it's actually a good price.  Remember, this is all custom blended tea.  You're not buying if off the shelf next to the Lipton.

There is also another brand of tea I've come to enjoy.  It's called Traditional Medicinals and they, too, have quite the varitey.  You can find them at most health food stores, surprisingly enough in the tea aisle at the Super Target stores and, yes, on line as well.  There is one tea I have come to love called Organic Throat Coat.  You see, right around the beginning of December, I usually get a brief cold accompanied by a sore throat and/or swollen tonsils.  Between the coughing, the meds and the dry winter atmosphere, I usually end up with a very dry throat.  Since I sing in our church choir, this creates a problem!  Throat Coat to the rescue!  It has a variety of good-for-your-throat herbs in it not the least of which are licorice root, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root.  These are all wonderful herbs for aiding the healing and moisturizing of your throat.  And it has a slightly sweet taste to it that makes it enjoyable.  Again, a tea I do not hesitate to recommend to you.

You poor men are probably wondering "what about us!?"  Well, why don't you head on over to Spice Traders and Teas and see what they have available as well?  Since it IS run and owned by a man, I believe he'll have some "masculine" teas for you as well.  If that doesn't work for you, Traditional Medicinals has a tea, Dandelion Root, that smells a lot like coffee (it's a roasted blend, which is probably why).  Have your wife buy some and wrap your lips around it.  Even my Dad enjoyed that one!

http://www.spicetradersteas.com/teas.htm

http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/

Hair: Softness for Coarse Hair

My little sister (hereafter referred to as Squirt, or The Squirt) and I each have jealousy issues regarding the others' hair. I am envious of the way her hair moves like the models in all those shampoo commercials, a smooth waterfall of silken hair. She, on the other hand, is jealous of the fact my hair will not only hold a curl for longer than it takes my hair to cool from the curling iron, but that I can "do things" with my hair while she is limited to pony tails or hanging straight. The one thing I truly don't like about my hair is what my Mom genetically gifted to me.... it's coarse.

Yes, coarse hair holds a curl and, yes, I love being able to make up interesting hair styles, but I'd give a lot to have soft, silky hair when I decide to blow dry it straight. I believe I have, finally, found The Answer to that softness. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.

Yes, fellow coarse hair sufferers, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is WONderful! One of it's main ingredients is coconut milk and it's one of the best hydrating, softening agents there is. Once I started using this shampoo and conditioner, my hair was the softest it's ever been since I was a baby!

Then, I discovered a side effect that affects only those of us who must, reluctantly, make friends with either Lady Clarol or Dame Garnier Nutrisse... I speak of dying of the hair. Yes, my mother's second genetic gift was early gray. I've been dealing with it since the age of 16. Not so bad to begin with but, as a red head, it starts to cause a very... ahh... faded look. Red and gray hair do NOT mix! So, I began denying my (premature) aging by dying (the color, not the finale!).

The side effect I discovered with Herbal Essence was that my newly dyed hair color faded faster, and all over, than I thought it should. My hair stylist finally told me the secret to slowing that fade and still keeping that silkiness I craved. Use a color protector/enhancer shampoo and condition with my Herbal Essence Conditioner!
Oh, the joy! Yes, it works!! So, my two new best friends (after my colorist) are Pantene's Red Expressions and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration.

Now, you may wonder why I don't use both Pantene products, shampoo and conditioner. Well, for me, the only Panetene product I can use that doesn't feel like there's a heavy film over my hair is the Red Expressions. Sadly, the other products don't soften, they only coat and weigh down. This is not to say Pantene will not work for you, so go ahead and try it. The Squirt won't use anything but the Red Expressions, either (yes, my parents gave birth to TWO red heads... oh, the horror!) because, since her hair is so fine in spite of it's thickness, Pantene only weighs her hair down. I don't know what the difference is with their color Expressions shampoo vs. their other products, but it doesn't leave a heavy coating or film. And the Red Expressions most certainly keeps my color longer. Combined with my Herbalessences conditioner, it makes me a very happy, soft-haired red head!

Warming Up

This is a new blog and this one is for any advice I feel the need to hand out. But, this one is going to be about simpler things, like the shampoo and conditioner that works best with "color enhanced" hair (per my hair stylists' advice) or what herbal tea works best for a sore throat, or even what's going on with my newest hobby obsession. So this is simply an introductory note for this blog. Sort of, "Oh, by the way, stop over here to see what I think about Tea Tree oil as an anti-fungal/bacterial for cuts and rashes!" Or even "Hey! You should SEE the idea I got for making a new necklace from my new wire works magazine!!"

Check in periodically to see what's going on. Even tell me YOUR ideas for herbal remedies and hobbies! I like to hear new ideas (but don't be surprised if I throw in Scripture from time to time, too!)