Aromatherapy: The Basics
Oils should be diluted as recommended for their use.
Always do a patch test on the skin to ensure there is no allergic reaction to the oil.
Remember the flammable nature of oils and use cautiously near open flames.
***ALWAYS STORE OILS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN***
The use of essential oils is not intended to cure disease or be a substitute for regular healthcare provided by a licensed Medical Doctor.
To receive a free copy of my complete essential oil safety guide, a winter recipe or a household cleaning recipe, email me at escentualoils@gmail.com
give each head of household a copy.
3.
Do not expect your family member’s personalities to have changed since the last time you were together...just know they are who they are. Those you have issues with will never be who you want them to be. One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for disaster is to have false expectations.
4.Accept and respect family traditions. Remember one day, if you are blessed, you will be the senior member of the family.
5.Do not take the holiday gather as an opportunity to address unresolved family disputes. If it was not resolved in the 365 days since your last gathering, there is no reason to believe it will be settled during the week.
6.Set precise house rules for the children, clear and clearly explained. Rules all adults are willing and authorized to enforce. No bay-bay kids allowed.
7.Make clear adults are expected to clean areas one usually cleans behind themselves (i.e. no one should yank back the shower curtain to find previous user soap scum)…remember the maid has week off so she could go home for the holiday too.
8.Pets…so you plan to bring along your favorite furry friend…”news flash” – everyone, contrary to popular belief, is not a pet lover and there may be relatives with severe pet allergies. Definitely discuss this before you show up at the door with Fife, Fido and/or Fluffy. If pets are allowed, there must be clear boundaries; determine where they will be allowed to roam during the week. Talk about ruining Christmas dinner - Cujo finds his way to the kitchen to grab a sample of the glazed ham but it was so good that he got carried away…not even the bone remained - “has anyone seen the glazed ham”?
9.Set and post the noise level rules for early morning and late night hours in a common area. There are bound to be early morning roosters and the late night insomniacs.
10.Solitude…yes…although we have gathered for bonding time…people still need “ME” time during the week. It is OK to take time alone to do your routine meditation, reflection, exercise, etc. Do not feel obligated to miss this important part of you taking care of you. For some this might be the only way of maintaining sanity for the week…a legitimate way to escape!
Although this doesn’t beat being able to play Rip Van Wrinkle for the week or getting your family to believe the alien abduction kidnapping snapshot, I hope these few suggestions help make your trip home for the holidays an experience you will look forward to…OK…that might be stretching it a bit much…but at least one where you can build good memories.
I have shared a few helpful tips with you…now I have a question for all my readers – What does one do with the re-gifted fruitcake you receive for the holidays? Email me your suggestion and the best submission will get an essential oil bathroom diffuser. Send me your submission until New Years Eve. The staff here at Not Ur Momma’s News needs a few good laughs to start our year off right…so make them good and interesting.
From my home to yours, we wish you and yours a blessed, safe and joyous holiday season.
Aromatherapy: The Basics
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils to heal and/or revitalize the mind, body and spirit. True essential oils are 100% all natural that have been distilled or cold-pressed from plants and flowers.
The terminology aromatherapy originated in the 1930's from a French chemist, however the use of essential oils for their healing properties date back centuries ago used by the Chinese, Egyptian, Persian, Indian and Arabic cultures. There is reference to the use of oils dating back to Biblical times. Oils are used in rituals and ceremonies of certain cultures and religions even today
Aromatherapy has been handed down through the ages and the western world is being reintroduced to the benefits of their use.
The use of oils can bring healing on three levels, the physical, mental, and the spiritual. Research has shown essential oils to be some of the strongest antimicrobial agents; ridding the body of toxins and fighting infection. They are known to be able to affect ones mood and having a calming effect for someone who has difficulty sleeping. Essential oils can be used to clean, replacing some of the harsh toxins we used in our homes today.
Essential oils must be respected for their potential harmful properties as well.
Essential oils are very potent and it is recommended that they not be used directly on the skins unless they are identified as safe for undiluted topical use. The two oils that may be applied directly to the skin are lavender and tea tree. Essential oils should NEVER BE INGESTED (taken by mouth).
Individuals with chronic illness (diabetes, stroke, hypertension, epilepsy, heart conditions, being treated for cancer, pregnant) seniors, and taking prescription medications should consult their PMD (primary care doctor) and/or pharmacist before beginning the use of aromatherapy.
