Plant Therapy’s Favorite Holiday Recipe and Giveaway!
By: Ellen Brenner, Certified Aromatherapist
During this season of celebration, we take time for giving and gathering with loved ones.
But there’s a problem! At the same time, it can also mean less time for respite and restoration of ourselves, leading to a sense of depletion. Yet, if we can give ourselves the time to gather our energy, we can gain a much greater sense of well-being, even during the hustle and bustle.
Improve You Life in Just 20 Minutes?
Meditation allows us that necessary timeout to calm our conscious mind and tap into our core essence so that we may nourish ourselves from our own inner source of strength. Research has shown just 20 minutes a day can have a positive impact on our health, down to the genetic level, by boosting the immune response and reducing the inflammation response which are both linked to stress. Even short, single sessions yield positive results. You may wish to read “M Is For Meditation” for more about the positive effects of meditation and how to get started with some simple steps.
I can’t emphasize this enough:
Aromatherapy excels in helping to calm the mind and soothe the spirit, making it a perfect partner for meditation. In thinking about a special synergy for this season, I was inspired by the gifts of the Magi. Also known as wise men, who hailed from the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia, Magi make appearances in ancient texts across many spiritual traditions. The story, of course, with which we are most familiar this time of year is the visit of the Magi to Jesus upon his birth to present the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Inspired by these historically prized offerings, this modern-day synergy of aromatic essences is rich in scent for the spirit.
~ Meditation of the Magi ~
2 drops Davana (Gold) Artemisia pallens
2 drops Myrrh Commiphora myrrha
1 drop Frankincense Carteri CO2 Boswellia carteri
Why Do These Oils Matter?
The aromatics of the essences in this synergy have been used throughout time in sacred ceremonies across many spiritual traditions. This synergy is calming to the conscious mind while supporting introspection, meditation and prayer, and restoration of our mind, body, and spirit. These essences can support us in strengthening our spiritual selves through connection to higher consciousness and higher information while keeping us grounded in our bodies.
Use this synergy according to your personal preference. For inhalation, add 5 drops to a Diffuser, 15 drops to an Aromatherapy Inhaler, or 1 drop to an Aromatherapy Diffuser Locket.
You may also choose to apply topically as an anointing blend or perfume creating a 1-2% dilution (3-6 drops) in 10 ml rollerball bottle with Jojoba Carrier Oil or carrier oil of your choice.
Cautions: Not KidSafe®. Avoid during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
Plant Therapy’s Favorite Holiday Recipes Giveaway #4
Sources:
Keim, Joni, and Ruah Bull. Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils. CreateSpace, 2015.
Lawless, Julia. Aromatherapy and the Mind. HarperCollins Publishers. 2014. Kindle Edition.
Shutes, Jade. The Dynamics of Blending: a Guide to Blending and Reference Manual for Essential Oils and Base Materials. NW College for Herbal and Aromatic Studies, 2011.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Quinn, Corina. “Reset Your Health.” Yoga Journal June 2014: 22.
“Magi.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Aug. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magi.