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I write this holiday issue Phil Coulter, Aaron Neville, and Mannheim
Steamroller Christmas CDs play softly in the background. This is one of
my favorite times of the year .... a time when we all feel more able to
express our love and appreciation for family and friends. The sounds,
the scents, the warmth of love generated by this mystical, magical
season combine to make our world a little better, if only for a time.
Around the world all pause to watch the stars in the sky, to smile at
someone in the street, to give thanks for all life's miracles.
Add to your holiday enjoyment by adding the fragrances of the season
to your celebrations. Take a cotton handkerchief (look for one with
lacy, or embroidered edges) and place it in a cup so that the edges hang
over and the cup supports the handkerchief. In a bowl, place 1/2 cup
oatmeal or bran (you're looking for something absorbent here). Add 10
drops of Peppermint essential oil (promotes alertness, concentration).
Stir the oil into the oatmeal. Place the oatmeal into the handkerchief
in the cup and gather the sides of the hanky and tie it closed with
colorful satin ribbons. Tie on a tree branch or leave a few in a bowl
near the front door.
Tie bundles of cinnamon (promotes warming, alertness, focus,
happiness) sticks with silver, gold and red curling ribbons. Place these
bundles in your powder room, in the kitchen area, and on the sideboard.
Melt green and/or red hot wax and add cinnamon, ginger (confidence,
happiness), and grapefruit (positivity) essential oils. Dip the bottom
half of large pinecones into the scented hot wax. Allow to dry on a
waxed paper. Place in a basket by the fireplace and use as a fire
starter.
Each of these holiday ideas make delightful gifts. Friends and family
will appreciate the thought and effort, and will relax and enjoy the
season even more!
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Versatile Aroma:
Tea Tree
This oil has a very long history of use by the
aborigines in Australia. Tea tree, or ti tree, is a member of the
Melaleuca family. Of course, scientists have played their part in
defining some of the properties of this essential oil. They have found
that it is active against all varieties of infectious organisms,
bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is a very powerful immuno-stimulant
which allows it to fight against all these organisms.
Today many products containing tea tree oil are
found on the shelves of health food stores. Look for it in soap,
toothpaste, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles and other products. In
soap it may balance oily skin, in toothpaste it protects gums from
periodontal disease. Its immuno-stimulant properties make it especially
useful as a room spray when someone is, or has been ill. Tea tree's
spicy aroma is making it a welcome part of colognes and aftershaves.
While the tea tree aroma is pleasantly spicy, it is strong. Some people
prefer to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, or add it to compatible
oils, such as lavender, clary sage, pine, or many of the spice oils,
which can tone down the aroma.
Tea tree is useful in treating acne, athlete's foot, insect bites,
rashes and wounds. It also stimulates the immune system when you are
fighting colds, fever, flu and infectious diseases. Remember to consult
your doctor about these conditions, and let him or her know that you are
using tea tree oil.
Tea tree is best used in a proper dilution with a carrier oil. Used full
strength it may cause some skin irritation or sensitization in some
individuals. And it should certainly be diluted for use around children
or infants. The oil itself is non-toxic and non-irritant when used
properly. This oil is one handy to have in your home first aid kit. |
