DECEMBER TIDINGS

This time of year is so special; the magic of the holidays, the beauty of the season, the falling snow....The end of the year is a time of gratitude, joy and settling in for a long winter. The hustle and bustle can wear us down though, and the shorter days can lend to melancholy feelings. I love incorporating essential oils into my winter regime. Whether as a warming diffuser blend, a winter body lotion or steeping some herbs in a pot to scent the room, aromatherapy can help support us during these months. I encourage you to get creative, and experiment with an oil or two you are unfamiliar with. It is also a great time to set your intention for the coming year, and oils like Clary Sage (salvia sclera), Spike Lavender (lavendula latofolia), and Rosemary (rosmarinus officialis) can help support focus and devotion. The holidays also instill a feeling of tradition and spiritual introspection, so classics like Frankincense (boswellia carterii) and Myrrh (commiphora myrrha) warm our spirits, support us emotionally and connect us to our deeper selves. Enjoying aromatherapy in the winter can also keep us connected to nature when the plants are buried beneath the snow, and remind us to take some time for ourselves.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season, a blessed winter and as always, happy blending!

-Erica

FALLING INTO AUTUMN

This is my favorite season, for good reason. Cooler weather, crunchy leaves, apple picking, pumpkin pie....the scents of the season are so warming and comforting. Autumn reminds us to slow down and restore ourselves after the hectic energy of summer. It is important to give ourselves rest. An afternoon nap, a cup of herbal tea, a yoga session....all ways to heal ourselves and give our bodies and minds time to restore.

One of my favorite essential oils ever is Cinnamon Leaf. It is warm and familiar and so powerfully therapeutic! I traditionally use it more in a diffuser than topically due to its ability to cause irritation. Blended with citrus oils, or other spices like Cardamom, Allspice or Clove, will bring warmth and energy into your space! Try this Autumn blend for your home diffuser, and enjoy! Happy Blending! -4 drops Cinnamon(cinnamomum aromaticum)

-3 drops Sweet Orange (citrus sinesis)

-2 drops Clove Bud (eugenia caryophylleta)

EMBRACING SELF CARE

The term "Self Care" is having a moment. It is everywhere you look. From commercials, and advertising, to social media, we are drilled with the enlightening messages of the need for self care. As massage therapists, we are taught the importance of good body mechanics, hydration, nutrition and meditation to help our bodies and minds stay in shape. But life often gets in the way and especially this last year many of us are struggling to stay the course. Despite our best efforts, it is easy to fall into unhealthy patterns.

So how do we embrace the concept of self care? Is it grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend? A hot bath and a good book? A yoga class or treating yourself to a massage? Or maybe adding aromatherapy into your daily life. One of my favorite tools when using essential oils is making an inhaler. Inhalers are easy, affordable and can give you some quick respite in the midst of a busy day. Add up to 15 drops of your favorite oil or blend and inhale anytime you need a few minutes. Here is one of my go to blends for "my moment":

-5 drops Ylang Ylang (canaga odorata)

-3 drops Black Pepper (piper nigrum)

-3 drops Clove Bud (syzygium aromaticum)

Add to the cotton wick of an inhaler and enjoy for up to 3 weeks.

These oils blend together for a gorgeous, rich and exotic scent. The warmth of the spice oils, combined with the decadent floral of ylang ylang make it an aromatic experience. This blend also has anti-anxiety properties and may help lower blood pressure and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Sometimes, all we can do is enough. Take care and Happy Blending!