Category Archives: essential oils

Hydrating Rose Oil

The roses are blooming everywhere, so now is a great time to create your very own hydrating rose body oil.

The essential oil of roses is found to be very nourishing, moisturizing and restorative. It is good for almost all skin types and works well even with sensitive skin. The aroma is relaxing and heavenly. You will love making your own rose oil – plus it’s easy!

You’ll need:

1 cup fresh organic rose petals

1 cup sweet almond oil or sesame oil

1 wide mouth glass jar with a lid

Directions:

1. Place roses in jar and gently crush to release their oils

2. Pour the oil over the petals.

3. Secure the lid and place the jar in a dark, cool place for a week.

4. Strain the oil and place into pretty bottle.

5. Apply after bath or shower while skin is still moist.

Enjoy!

xo,

Ivy

Image via Flickr

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Lunch and a Massage…

Went into Ennis yesterday and had lunch out with my mom and Grace at Yesterday’s Pharmacy.

Yes, it’s a Pharmacy slash Diner…I don’t know why…but it’s kinda charming and the milkshakes are delicious. I also love the little mason jars they use for water glasses.

For an extra touch of kitch…they refinished their hardwood floors and decided to put socks on all the chairs and tables to prevent scratching. Upon entering the dining room, Grace loudly announced, “Chairs and tables don’t wear socks! That’s silly!” This bold statement was followed by a healthy dose of giggles.

After that we strolled over to the Montana Wellness Center, where I had my “Raindrop Therapy Massage”.

One word – heavenly.

My lovely massage therapist started me on my back and did some craniosacral work first to “open” me up. I’ve never had this kind of therapy done before and at first I felt nothing. But as she worked her way from my feet to my neck I gradually felt waves of warmth radiate up and down my spine. It was a little alarming at first but then felt very soothing. I was intrigued to say the least.

Following this she proceeded to rub a sequence of powerful essential oils into the arches of my feet. The oils used were:

* Oregano

* Thyme

* Basil

* Cypress

* Wintergreen

* Marjoram

* Peppermint

In addition to these, two essential oil blends were applied. One called Valor to balance energy and a second one called Aroma Seiz to relax the muscles.

After my feet were thoroughly massaged, I flipped over on my tummy. Let the raindrops fall!

Warm drops of oil were dripped on my spine and then lightly massaged using a feathering technique. This continued until all seven oils had been applied to my back, which was very warm at this point. She covered me with a warm damp towel and let me lay there for about ten minutes to allow the oils to penetrate deeply. My body was extremely relaxed as my back heated up quickly. Hot and intense, my skin drank deeply of these amazing oils. When I thought it was almost getting too hot, my whole back went icy cold. It sounds a bit extreme but I promise you it was very soothing. My stess, anxiety and body melted.

When my back had cooled completely she removed the towel and stretched my neck and spine. Sadly…that was the end of my sixty minutes of bliss. I always hate when a massage ends. I did love how I felt though – totally relaxed but also energized. My lower back, which almost always aches, felt calm and soothed.

It’s a totally different experience to a typical massage but for those willing to try something unique I would highly recommend it. The effects of the oils can last as long as a week in the body as they purify, detox and heal.

Anyone can give this treatment once learned, so if you want to teach yourself how to do it check this out. A book about the technique…here.

Have a great Wednesday.

xo,

Ivy

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Raindrop Therapy Massage

I decided that before heading back to reality, I needed to get a massage at the local Ennis Spa – the Montana Wellness Center. It’s a tiny little operation but the women who run it are professional, friendly and do wonderful healing work.

A couple of months ago my mom treated herself to their Raindrop Therapy Massage. She said it was blissful…so I signed up.

What is the Raindrop Therapy method?  I had no idea so I looked into it.

Raindrop Therapy, according the spa experts at the Keswick Hall Hotel in Charlottesville, VA  is –

“A specialized aromatherapy massage using over nine essential oils to create both structural and electrical
alignment to the body. Also stimulates physical and emotional harmony and detoxifies the body.”

To read more about it click here.

Needless to say, with my obsession of essential oils, I am eager to experience this.

I will let you know how it was tomorrow.

Have a fabulous Tuesday.

xo,

Ivy

Image via Keswick Hall Hotel

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Comfort a cough with essential oils

My dear husband is suffering from a cold with a dry hacking cough. It’s been keeping us both up at night and so I headed to my herb and essential oil books to find some help. I mixed this up and it seemed to ease his symptoms.

Mix 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops lemon essential oil with 2 tablespoons of organic honey. (Aura Cacia actually makes a combo essential oil with eucalyptus and lemon..find it here.) Take 1 teaspoon of this and dilute in a glass of warm water. Sip it slowly. You can add a slice of lemon too.

Then massage the back and chest with 3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil and 2 drops ginger essential oil diluted in 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil (any vegetable oil would do).

To do a steam inhalation, you could boil some distilled water, add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and inhale the steam deeply with you head and shoulders covered with a towel. Be careful not to burn yourself.  The lavender has a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect.

Got these remedy from one of my favorite books: The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. It’s a great practical guide.

Hope you are in good health.

xo,

Ivy

Image: lindseyalyce

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