December 2005

Click here to receive this newsletter in your inbox each month. It's My Nature's Aromatherapy & Herbal Comforts Newsletter - December, 2005 Issue http://itsmynature.net *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Welcome to It's My Nature's online email newsletter. Our goal is to provide you with interesting, useful information about herbs and aromatherapy. We will share ways to relieve the stress of daily life and bring a little natural comfort into your life and the lives of those you love. It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a couple of weeks away! We hope you are enjoying this holiday season. Unfortunately, our computer crashed last week so we are late in getting the newsletter out this month. Sorry for the delay! Be sure to check out our Ease the Stress article this month to learn several tips to reduce your holiday stress. Peppermint is our featured herb and essential oil this month because it is great for uplifting you and it is very effective in helping you stay healthy during the cold and flu season. We also have lots of great stocking stuffers on sale this month that everyone is sure to love. Happy Holidays! Our website is continually being updated so please remember to BOOKMARK it and visit often. http://itsmynature.net *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Monthly Tip: It's a good idea to rotate use of essential oils. This will reduce the chance of acquiring sensitization from using the same oils over a long period of time. Try to use a wide variety of different essential oils. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ This article was first published in our December, 2003 newsletter. It still applies this holiday season and is worth repeating. Ease the Stress - Tips To Reduce Holiday Stress The holiday season is in full swing and chances are, so are your stress levels. It's challenging enough to take care of daily responsibilities without adding anything extra to do. Throw in changing, often inclement weather, and a few emotion packed traditions and it's no wonder the holidays bring additional stress to many. Trying to fit in more time for shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, planning, partying and traveling can be very stressful. We run around frantically with a sense of not having enough time, resources, or relationships, with which to enjoy the holiday season. By the time the holidays are over, we are frazzled and completely stressed out. So now is the time to define the experience you want to have this holiday season. Keep it in front of you and stay true to yourself. If the holidays are a special time for you, then you will need to reprioritize your activities in order to clear time to enjoy holiday-related activities. Learn to say no when necessary. Maybe you will want to say no to anything that doesn't directly produce money or express holiday activity. Say no to meetings that aren't holiday celebrations. Say no to requests that could be done after the holidays. Say no to the routines that don't add to or support your holiday experience. It is most important during this time to take good care of yourself. Do some type of pleasurable exercise everyday. This is the number one way to relieve stress and tension and an added bonus is that it gets you away from the stressful situations for awhile. Wake up 15 to 20 minutes earlier than normal and give yourself a few precious moments before you head into your day. Use this time just for yourself. Meditate, stretch, write in your journal, give yourself a foot bath or foot massage. Pamper yourself and you will feel more like pampering others. Get some fresh air daily and eat good healthy foods and drink plenty of water. We aren't as thirsty in cooler weather but it is so important to drink a lot of water every day to flush out toxins, hydrate the skin and aid our digestion. While doing chores like wrapping presents and writing cards, turn on some soothing music and put your favorite essential oil blend in the diffuser. This makes the chores seem less like work and more like fun. A lot of people dread the holidays because their inner experience is so different from what is being hyped all around us. Holidays can be hard on our emotions. Tune out the hype and stay tuned in to who you are. Adopt an attitude that no matter how things go, you will make the best of whatever happens. We need to remember to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. If you drink alcohol, do so moderately. Drinking excessively can cause additional stresses like offending those around you, physical dehydration, unpleasant hangovers and unsafe driving. It is also important during this time to get enough sleep. With all there is to do, the parties, the preparations, the shopping, the wrapping, and the cooking, it is easy to pay for the additional time required with our sleep time. The problem for many is that when they don't get enough sleep, they get cranky and don't enjoy what they are doing as much. And others may not enjoy being around them much either! Don't forget to laugh!! Laugh out loud every day. Don't take it all so seriously. Keep in mind that the holidays will be over soon regardless of how we handle them so why not just laugh and be happy! A bright new year is just around the corner. Happy Holidays to All! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Herb and Essential Oil of the Month - Peppermint Mentha piperata Peppermint is the most popular member of the mint family. Its mellow scent helps most problems of the stomach. From nausea and vomiting to irritable bowel syndrome, it promotes digestion and soothes the lining of the stomach, relieving cramps and abdominal pain. This also provides relief for bloating, constipation, diarrhea and can help prevent gallstones. Peppermint is approved by the FDA as a natural remedy for the common cold. It is an ingredient in many cough remedies, nasal decongestants, inhalants and topical ointments. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and clears congestion and coughs related to colds and allergies. Drinking the tea or inhaling its menthol vapors can ease breathing and reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies. A Peppermint spray will help cool the body when overheated due to fever. Aromatherapy Usage Inhalation - For nausea, motion sickness, car sickness or hot flashes, carry a small bottle of Peppermint with you and inhale as needed. This is also good for asthma, bronchitis, dry cough and congestion. Skin Care - For acne, blackheads and breakouts. Add to cleansing cream or a wet cotton ball and apply directly to area of trouble. Use 15 drops oil to 1 oz lotion or cream. Tea - Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Peppermint 5 minutes. Drink after dinner to aid digestion. Drink 3-4 cups per day during bouts with colds, flu, bronchitis, allergies and headaches, Bath - Use for energizing baths and to relieve muscle aches and pains and skin irritations. Headache Relief - Apply directly to area of pain. Helps with nausea that comes with migraine pain. Massage - Excellent to stimulate muscles and to relieve pain. Provides a cool sensation to help with inflammation. Keep away from eyes. Dried Herb Usage The leaves can be added to the bath for itching skin conditions, sore and over worked muscles and arthritis. Add 1 quart strong Peppermint tea that has cooled to your bath water. Peppermint tea is also good for indigestion, stomach cramps, cold and allergy symptoms, sore throats and as a mouth gargle. Add to culinary recipes, including green salads and fresh fruit salads. Pure Essential Oil Usage Peppermint is so nice when used on overworked feet and legs. Add to a foot bath or your favorite lotion. Apply directly on the forehead and temples or where it hurts to reduce headache pain. Controls chronic pain when massaged into the skin. Peppermint tricks the nerves: It stimulates those that produce a cool, soothing sensation and desensitizes those that pick up pain messages. Add to your favorite massage oil. Excellent combined with Lavender. Medicinal Properties Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, chologogue (stimulates flow of bile), emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, vasoconstrictor and vermifuge. Peppermint also contains B vitamins, vitamin C and A, calcium, and potassium. Peppermint blends well with Rosemary, Lavender, Marjoram, Lemon, Eucalyptus and many others. Safety Considerations: * While drinking Peppermint tea is safe, never ingest pure Peppermint essential oil. * Keep out of reach of children and do not give mint in any form to children under the age of 5. It can give them a choking feeling. * Avoid large doses if you're pregnant, it can relax the uterus. * May interfere with iron absorption. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Recipes Peppermint Recipes & Tips To make a Peppermint vapor, add 5 to 10 drops of Peppermint oil to 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cover your head with a large towel while leaning over the pot. Ants hate Peppermint Essential Oil. Place a few drops where they enter the house or 2 drops on the ant nest. A compress with Peppermint Essential Oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus infection. Mix 5 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil in two cups of warm water. Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose and your cheekbones. Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed. Excellent for headaches too. Disinfectant Room Spray 3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil 1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil 1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil 1 ounce of Water Combine ingredients. Shake well before using. This combination is also suitable as a chest rub. (Replace the water in this recipe with a carrier oil.) Diffuser Blend 6 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil 2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil Use 3-4 drops in a diffuser or add 2 drops to a warm bath. For Massage Blend - Add 2 drops to 2 teaspoons of Sweet Almond Oil. Massage on chest and back. Stomach Ache Blend 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil Blend with 1 oz. of carrier oil, Sweet Almond is good but any will do. Massage on tummy area with gentle clockwise strokes. Not for young children. Monthly Specials You can take the stress away from your holiday shopping by ordering online. So Order Now and Have Less Stress Later! We can even gift wrap and ship it right to the recipient if you wish! The Post Office advises that you ship by December 18th if you are looking for Christmas arrival. Aromatherapy Starter Set - You do not need to be an expert in the use of essential oils to create blends. And this great little kit provides everything you need to get started. Includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender and Ylang Ylang essential oils, Grapeseed Oil, 3 droppers and 3 small empty vials for creating your own blends. Also provided is a 10 page reference guide which includes recipes, tips and blending instructions. $26.95 Online Special $22.95 http://itsmynature.net/html/Sampler.html Healing Inhalation Herbs - Clear Lid, Keeps Scent Longer A sweet combination of Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. This Euphoric scent clears the mind, lifts the spirit, and creates a feeling of comfort and well-being. Great for office desk and to share with your friends. $9.95 Online Special $8.50 http://itsmynature.net/html/Potpourri.html Fizzers- Dried Lavender flowers or Roses top these heart shaped Bath Fizzers. Drop a fizzer into your bath just before entering and watch it fizz. Softening your skin has never felt so good. Made with pure essential oils and baking soda. $5.95 Online Special $4.95 One Time Use. http://itsmynature.net/html/Fizzer.html Lavender Bags - The uses are endless. These little 3x5 muslin bags filled with pure Lavender can be tucked just about anywhere. In the dryer, air ducts, car, office desk, under your pillow, or in a drawer. Lavender is a nice alternative to repel moths. - Beats moth balls any day. Gold trimmed box makes these a cute gift. Set of 3 $7.95 Online Special $6.75 http://itsmynature.net/html/LavenderBags.html Massage Marbles - An Effervescent Treat! Based on an ancient acupressure technique to soothe sore, tired, hot, itching feet. Pacific Sea and Epsom salts tone and deep clean skin and pores, while soothing inflammation and muscle aches. Choose from Lavender Tea Tree or Euphoria. $15.95 Online Special $13.50 http://itsmynature.net/html/BathSalts.html Peppermint Essential Oil -100% Pure and Unadulterated. Clears and stimulates the mind, aids concentration, calms nerves. Excellent for motion sickness, headaches and nausea. Has anti-septic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties, among others. Aids acne, toothache, colds, flu, mental fatigue & nervous tension. To relieve headaches, rub on directly where it hurts. 1/8 oz Vial $4.95 - ONLINE SPECIAL - $4.25 each 1 oz Bottle $13.50 - ONLINE SPECIAL - $11.50 each http://itsmynature.net/html/EssentialOils.html Peppermint Dried Herb - For all your aromatherapy recipes and craft ideas. Choose from the small 2 cup zipbag size or our 1 lb size. 2 cup size: $6.25 ONLINE SPECIAL - $5.50 each 1 lb size $10.50 ONLINE SPECIAL - $8.95 each http://itsmynature.net/html/Herbs.html More Stocking Stuffer Ideas If you are new to the world of Aromatherapy, we have a fun shopping page for you. We have listed an array of products that make great gifts. They are organized by price with the lowest price starting at $5.95. http://itsmynature.net/html/StockingStuffer.html To Help You Find a Gift for Someone Special or Who Has It All: Here is a link to some of our favorite Christmas gift ideas. http://itsmynature.net/html/Christmas.html *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Ordering Information Phone orders -Call Toll Free 1-888-445-5051 PST Or order online on our secure shopping website: http://www.itsmynature.net Orders are processed and shipped quickly from Oregon via US Mail & UPS Ground. Visa /Mastercard /American Express / Discover / Debit Cards / Paypal accepted. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Subscribe To subscribe to this newsletter: email vicki@itsmynature.net with the SUBJECT "Newsletter subscription" If you do not wish to receive this monthly newsletter, simply send an email to nature@presys.com. Please put unsubscribe in the subject line. You are receiving this newsletter because you have: A. Requested a catalog or, B. Signed up to receive the newsletter or, C. Inquired about our product, services or had an aromatherapy related question. D. Ordered from us online. Thank you for your interest in Aromatherapy and It's My Nature's Comfort Products. Feel free to pass this Newsletter on to a friend, so they can sign up and receive it free each month too! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Copyright 2005, It's My Nature Information Directory Aromatherapy Articles Tips & Recipes | Newsletter Archive Herbal Property Chart | Herbs by Ailment Aromatherapy Product Directory Bath Salts & Bath Herbs & New Fizzers & Soaps Face Scrubs, Balms and Masks Salves, Creams, Lip Balms & Powders Diffusers & Oil Warmers Incense, Smudge Sticks & Votives Dried Herbs, Empty Bottles, Mortar & Pestles Pure Essential Oils, Starter Kits & Sampler Kits Carrier Oils, Infused Oils & Velvet Pouches Massage Oils & New Massage Bars Tea: Herbal, Green, Black & Accessories Novelties & Aromatherapy Gifts Eye Pillows, Dream Pillows & Neck Wraps- Microwaveable Spritzers, Computer Wrist Rest, Lavender Bags & Sachets, New Potpourri Simmers | Candles, Catnip Pillows & Gift Sets Gift Wrapping Available    It's My Nature P.O. 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