There is so much available about the processing of this flower, but it is the historical lore I found fascinating. Jasmine essential oil is referred to as the King of the oils and Queen of the night. [Yes, Rose is still Queen of the Oils.]

Having traveled to many parts of the Middle East, I am familiar with the warm, intoxicating scent wafting softly past in the evening. Often a walk after nightfall would end even more joyously than it began as the aroma carried on the evening air helped to lift and encourage the spirit while relaxing my body.

As I was reading, I came across a story about Jasmine’s use in a harem. The intended harem favorite would be bathed in Jasmine-scented water, and then massaged with enhanced oil. All of this to increase the pleasure of the Prince. I truly believe the woman enjoyed the bathing/massage deeply too.

Divine hope is what Jasmine symbolizes in India. China says it denotes the sweetness of women. In Hindu & Muslim traditions, Jasmine is referred to as “the perfume of love”. Remember Cupid? Well, the Indian Love God (Karma) endeavors to influence the heart through the senses when he tips his arrows with Jasmine blossoms.
Susanne Fischer-Rizzi has this to say about Jasmine: “the fragrance diminishes fear, it is helpful in enhancing self-confidence and defeating pessimism. No other oil is quite as capable of changing our mood so intensely. It offers little choice other than optimism.”

If the mere scent on the air has the capacity to lift and encourage the soul, it just seems to follow that this essential oil is a “must-have” in your essential oil cabinet.

There are many things that stress us out, and fear is often at the top of the list. So many are fearful of this virus, and its complications. I prefer to be proactive in my approach to it.

First, you’ll find me an advocate of the healthy diet. Eating right feeds our bodies at the cellular level and greatly enhances our immune system’s ability to keep us healthy. “Eat your greens…” is often spoken at our dinner table.

There are also essential oils we can ‘eat’ that will also boost our immune system. My favorite drink consists of water with lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oils in it. Sooo refreshing-and good for you too. (There are many delicious recipes for refreshing drinks)

Second, cleanliness. If you come in contact with an ill person, just remember this simple activity. Wash your hands, consistently. My favorite cleanser is the foaming Thieves hand soap. It will help you cleanse, AND defend against threats to your health and well-being.

An extra boost that will help you defend your home and family is to put some Thieves essential oil directly on the bottom of your feet. (Some persons with sensitive skin need a carrier oil, but we used it straight.) Your skin will absorb the antiseptic nutrients in the oil, and you’ll go to sleep pleasantly surrounded by the fabulous mixed aroma of Cloves, Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Cinnamon Bark.
This essential oil blend was tested at Weber State University and found to be highly antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-infectious. It can help the body fight the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sore throats.

So reduce your stress level, get some Thieves, and be prepared for a delightful, scent-ful way to combat illness this winter season.

Any questions?

Yes, the music is provided by a daughter (years ago) that had just learned a melody on the violin. In spite of its amateur tones, I hope you enjoy the whole video in the spirit in which it is intended. Happy Holidays!

During the Christmas season, peppermint is a scent that often comes to the fore. Peppermint candy canes, peppermint potpourri, peppermint in your hot chocolate!

Here’s an unusual little story for you, from the Winter of 2009
What a weekend! We were doing Field Training Exercises with the Civil Air Patrol in Utah this weekend. Talk about cold! It was 3 degrees every morning, and only made it into the 20’s during the day. Our cadets were mostly prepared, but no one expected the depth of freezing that occurred. Some had come with only cotton socks, and not the ones recommended. So, in addition to foot warmers, we applied peppermint oil on the soles of some of their feet to help them stay warm. Thank goodness for peppermint oil!

Any other great peppermint stories out there? What have you done with yours, and have you loved the results?

Lemon & Orange Essential Oils
What a pair these two are!

My daughter called me recently. She sounded terrible. She had an awful cold, and so did her husband and tiny son. ‘What can I do, mom?’

So I asked her, “Well, what oils do you have on hand?”
“Um-I’ve got lemon, and orange.”

Well, she had enough oil on hand to help battle a pesky cold. She put a pot of water on to humidify the air, and added lemon to it. She also put some of the lemon essential oil in a spray bottle, and freshened the air. At the same time, it began disinfecting surfaces.

She put lemon on her feet, and a drop or two in her drink at lunch.

Then, when the baby was fussy, she diluted some of the orange, and massaged it into his feet. (It can help them sleep as it is calming and has a sedative effect.)

They both got a good night’s sleep.
Thank goodness for essential oils!

Benjamin truly doesn’t like green tomatoes.
This video demonstrates his solution to the problem.

If you’ve been growing herbs this year, you may have a lot of herbal help just waiting for you-ready to assist you in dealing with the effects of Halloween. There have been many plants identified to soothe and calm your spirit, as well as keep you out of harm’s way. If you haven’t been gardening, but you have some of these soothing essential oils handy, there won’t be anything you can’t handle!

Whether you place the physical rosemary in your room, or merely rub the essential oil on your feet, it is said to help prevent bad dreams. And because it’s Halloween, I’ll let you know it is also said to repel evil.

We’ve spoken about the remarkable effect Lavender has to help a body be soothed, calmed, or even just sleep better. We know bathing in lavender water is ultimately relaxing. But did you also know… -Lavender deters insects, so besides hanging a few lavender stems nearby, place some essential oil on your wrists and feet. You’ll rest better AND keep those creepy Halloween spiders at bay.

Happy Halloween!

I was chatting with my daughter, Camai, yesterday.  She said it would be nice to have feet that were warm.  I mentioned that you can put cayenne pepper in your socks and it’ll help you stay toasty.  She did it, and even kept the socks on all night.  Her feet were definitely warmer.  The next morning, however, things got a little interesting.  It was when she stepped into a nice, hot shower that the power of cayenne was greatly accentuated.  She said her feet felt like they were so hot they were on fire.

Have you ever gargled with cayenne in a cup of water?  I have.  In fact, my grandmother used to mix honey in with the water to make sure the cayenne stuck to my sore throat!  She said it would burn out whatever was ailing me.  She was right.  I never stayed sick long when I gargled with water, honey and cayenne.

So here’s my warning label, “Cayenne really feels HOT when combined with water.  Be careful.”

Back in November of 2007, I mentioned that I found the idea of notes, over-tones, and under-tones in regard to oils very interesting because of my joy in singing barbershop harmony.

Healing happens in many ways.  In addition to oils, music is well known for its uplifting properties.  There is an anonymous poem that says it very well:

For the common things of every day,
God gave man speech in the common way,
And He gave the poet words to reveal,

The deeper things men think and feel.
But for the heights and depths no words could reach,
God gave men Music, the soul’s own speech.

Have a wonderful day!

When reading an article on addictions recently, the concept of addiction was brought together with science. It read that my lack of ability to steadily follow my goal toward health and fitness was influenced by Newton’s laws. Newton’s 1st law states: “Every body routines in a state of rest … unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.” I am truly in a state of rest, and its just plain comfortable there. So, I’m addicted to my ‘state of rest’. And it will not change unless compelled to do so by a force stronger than my desire to stay where I am.

Never mind my desire to wear hip clothing (gee, I think that statement alone dates me!), go shopping, feel trim, and be able to chase my son without being winded. These desires have not been a great enough ‘force’ to compel the necessary change. Fascinating.

So where to begin? I began today, with a 15 minute, quick walk around the block. I was determined to do at least 1 thing today for my health. Then a surprising thing happened. I’d begun my day with a healthy walk, enjoying the fresh air. Next thing you know, I wanted a healthy drink. So, I had some fresh carrot/apple juice. Mmmmm. Change, desired change, then began to influence the rest of my choices. So simple, so unexpected. I’d been determined to do 1 thing for myself today, and ended up doing a few more.

It’s been a good day. A good beginning.