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July-2005

It's My Nature's Aromatherapy & Herbal Comforts
Newsletter - July, 2005 Issue

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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.

Summer is finally here and to celebrate we are offering Free Shipping this month on all orders over $35! It's a great time to stock up and save on everything in the store! We also have many products on sale this month, all essential oils, carrier oils and beautiful pouches to carry them in! Be sure to check out the great articles featured this month, "Understanding Aromatherapy" and "Are You Addicted to Stress". Spearmint is our featured herb and essential oil and it's on sale too. Check out the many uses it has! Enjoy Your Summer!

Our website is continually being updated so please remember to BOOKMARK it and visit often.

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Monthly Tip: PERFUMED DRAWER LINING PAPER

Choose any kind of paper, cut it to size and roll the sheets together. Then seal the roll in a plastic bag with a sheet of blotting paper on which you have dropped your essential oil combinations. Leave it for about a week to allow the scent to permeate the papers. These can also be customized with anti-insect oils.

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UNDERSTANDING AROMATHERAPY - By Gabriel Foster

In the 1920's, a French cosmetic chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was one day making fragrances in his laboratory, when he accidentally burned his arm. He then thrust his badly burnt arm into the nearest cold liquid, which turned out to be a tub of lavender oil. To his surprise, the pain was decreased dramatically and left no usual burn results, such as, redness, heat, inflammation, and blisters. He also noticed that the wound healed quickly and left none of the usual scars associated with burns. It was at that point that Gattefosse dedicated his life to researching the medicinal properties of what we now call nature's essential oils. Incidentally, he was the first to coin the term aromatherapy.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are aromatic liquid substances extracted from specific species of trees, roots, leaves, fruits, grasses and flowers. These concentrated oils are far more valuable to humankind, than just pleasing aromas. The healing properties of the essential oils, have long been known in ancient times. From Egypt to India to China and used accordingly. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and leaves no toxins like their medical drug counterparts; this is an effective way to use them. They are excreted from the body through urine, feces, perspiration, and exhalation.

Medicinal And Healing

The essential oils have a proven history of healing and treating many ailments. Acne, burns, insomnia, depression, indigestion, dandruff, and cervical cancer to name a few. They may not necessarily cure all ailments, but do manage them effectively. The modern day medical system and drug industry have been using active ingredients found in the essential oils in their chemical drug making and treatment professions. However, because they've been chemically modified by science, they do leave toxins in the body after use, among other related problems. Essential oils in there natural form, are far more beneficial to your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Cosmetic And Beauty

Apart from being able to heal and treat various ailments, essential oils have a varied and proven means of being great cosmetic alternatives. They can be used to make your own line of natural cosmetics that's both healthy and none toxic in nature. Imagine making your own body lotion that treats your skin like a pampered king or queen. Cosmetics that wave goodbye to cellulite and rediscover the gorgeousness of your hands. The potential is limitless and very safe. Natural beauty with no high price to pay, just nature's goldmine in your household.

Air Fresheners & Cleaners

Aromatherapy also provides a means to natural air fresheners and cleaners in the form of ....... you guessed it, those wonder working essential oils. Create air fresheners with lemon, geranium, pettigraine and sandalwood blends to perform the music of a breathtaking musical dancing throughout your house in aromas that both paint your face with a smile and childlike awe. Create scents that is not only composed of sweet smelling aromas, but have natural bacteria fighting skills to them. Even soaps can be created, powerful enough to punch the ugliness of bacteria, yet mild enough to shower you with the grace of angels.

Cooking & Food Recipes

So we come to the culinary arts. Yes, using the essential oils in cooking, does open up new exciting paths for the taste of foods. Even the food industry uses these oil to enhance and create new taste treats. The only problem is, because they are produced on a larger scale, much of the essential oils strengths are no longer present. However, you in your own kitchen, can make up for that little oversight. Herbs, spices, citrus, fruits, and flowers, are the essential main oils you will be using in the kitchen. Use them to elevate the taste of soups, breathe life into vegetables dishes, and addict the taste buds with cakes and desserts, among other dishes.

Domestic Pet Care

Still in awe of the many benefits and uses of aromatherapy? Essential oils help keep ticks, fleas and other diminutive creatures, off your dog for less than there commercial chemical counterparts. Watch as you help your dogs' coughs, colds and flu become more manageable and disappear with the essential oils niaouli, eucalyptus and tea tree. It's not just dogs than can benefit from aromatherapy, but cats, rabbits, hamsters and horses. Essential oils offer many remedies and solutions for taking care of your domesticated little friends and companions, saving you a dreaded and expensive trip to the vet.

Garden Guards

Using essential oils in your garden, can prove to be one of the wisest decisions you'll ever make. Many commercial garden products like pesticides, fungicides or wood preservatives, can wreck havoc in the form of dangerous poisoning, not just on pest and bugs, but in the inevitable foods you're growing that will end up in your stomach. The beautiful flowers and plants, you'll be sniffing and touching will definitely have some sort of toxic effect on you, because of the chemicals sprayed on them. This is where using the essential oils as a natural alternative, will not endanger your health. The functions of certain essential oils in the plants before they were extracted, shows that they were able to protect against bacteria and viruses. The strong antibacterial and antiviral properties in the essential oils, are also known for effectively dealing with fungi and mold. Essential oils also deter and prevent pest and insects from harming your garden.

Ancient Miracle

Aromatherapy offers you a choice between toxic chemicals and natural ones that will enhance and beautify your existence on the planet. In addition, it presents to you the gift of acquiring inexpensive solutions to your expensive ones. A chance to naturally take care of your pets as they take care of your happiness and self-esteem. Beautify your self safely without the harmful monsters of chemical cosmetics and live like royalty with the taste of foods fit for the gods. Furthermore, aromatherapy offers the miracle of effective healing and treatment that do more good than there chemical brothers.

Gabriel Foster is the editor for http://www.gabrielfoster.com, the online magazine for both vegetarians and natural health enthusiasts.

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Herb & Essential Oil of the Month- Spearmint

Spearmint's aromatherapy and herbal properties are unlimited. It's gentle fragrance is soothing to the stomach and digestive system. It's uplifting properties are great for the skin and respiratory system.

Spearmint's therapeutic properties include: anesthetic (local), antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, digestive diuretic expectorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic.

SPEARMINT'S AROMATHERAPY USAGE
Inhalation - Calms nausea and stimulates the mind. Good for sinusitis.
Skin Care - Acne, dermatitis, congested skin and any rashes or irritations.
Respiratory system - Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis.
Digestive system - Colic dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
Immune system - Colds, flu fever.
Nervous system - Fatigue, headache, migraine, nervous strain, stress.
Tea - Drink for nausea, colds, flu, fever, PMS, cramping and stress.
Bath - Soothe skin irritations and inflammation and calms the nerves.
Massage - Stimulating to the skin follicles, Antiseptic and stringent properties heal skin irritations. Helps reduce inflammation.

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Recipes

Evening Herbal Tea
Great for your nerves and your hair and nails.
2 Tbsp Spearmint
2 Tbsp Oatstraw
Combine in a glass airtight container. Use 1 teaspoon per cup after dinner, or before bedtime. Sweeten with honey for greater benefits.

Dreams Bath Blend
1/2 cup Mugwort
1/2 cup Chamomile
1/2 cup Lavender
1/2 cup Hops
1/2 cup Spearmint
1/2 cup Rose Petals
Combine in glass container. Add 1/4 cup of blend to a muslin bag or large tea infuser. Hang from faucet and let water flow through. Great for relaxing, meditation, dream quests and nourishing the skin. Can be re-used or made ahead of time. Colorful and makes a great gift.

Mind Stimulating Infuser Blend
Combine equal parts:
Spearmint essential oil
Rosemary essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil
Store in a dark glass container. Use up to 8 drops to a diffuser or oil warmer. Or add 5 drops to a teaspoon of your favorite lotion. Apply to any part of skin avoiding eye area. Great at work after lunch. Share!!

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Ease The Stress - Are You Addicted to Stress?

By Debbie Mandel

A little stress in your life is actually good for you. It wakes up your creativity, fuels your vitality and keeps your immune system vigilant. The qualifying word is little. When you find yourself rushing from activity to activity and no personal time for yourself, it's not the external world that is landing on your doorstep; rather it's your need to constantly open the door! Most likely you are addicted to stress ­ the adrenalin rush. If life were calmer and filled with free time, you probably would not know what to do with yourself.

The problem with any addiction is that the high is transitory and one always needs a bigger high to experience the rush. Addiction gives a person a false sense of control. Deep down the addict has lost personal power. A stress-addict is looking to feel numb through distraction to avoid dealing with the source of unhappiness and loss of control. It is easier to be incredibly busy than to face the painful layers of grief accumulated during the course of a lifetime. There are no new hurts; only old ones with a different cast of characters, conflicts and dramas.

Stress-addiction is equivalent to "identity theft." This means you do not know who you are and where you are really going. Your basic fear lies at the root of your personality ­ you are not good enough! Taking care of everyone and everything and keeping your mind occupied with your to-do list, you can avoid turning the focus inward and answering the ultimate question: Who am I really at the core of my being and where am I going with all this?

Here are some strategies to break the pattern of stress-addiction:
· Recognize your stress-addiction; simply by being aware, you can break the pattern.
· Start by being kind to everyone in your life ­ strangers included. Observe yourself being kind to everyone. Now, learn to be as kind to yourself as you are to a stranger.
· Write a kindness journal - with two columns - where you list the concrete acts of kindness you do for others and for yourself every day. Try to keep the lists balanced.
· Take walking meditations because sitting in a lotus position is probably not for you. Put one foot in front of the other and see that you are moving forward by relaxing and absorbing the beauty of the scenery. Progress to seated meditation.
· Take a long hot shower, or go to a steam room/sauna to release the toxins in your body. The heat will relax your muscles, clean out your pores and release physical tensions. You are now ready to listen to music, read a book, or enjoy a glass of cool water with a few sliced strawberries suspended in it.
· Awaken your senses, instead of numbing them. Experiment with fragrances, new foods, new CD's. Take out your camera and start shooting where your eyes are drawn. See if there is a pattern.
· Start a "soul collage." Cut out illustrations, photos, cartoons, fabric samples, dried flowers, etc. and create a collage that emanates from your heart. When it is finished, really look at it. What do you learn about yourself?
· Begin a strength training program. Strength training will help you find empowerment and clarity. This focus will transfer into daily life.

Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com

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Tea of the Month - Spearmint Herbal Tea

The original medicinal mint. Spearmint is included in the FDA's list of herbs that are generally regarded as safe.

Use for digestive problems and relieving congestion. A gentle and soothing tea, similar to Peppermint but milder. The mildness make Spearmint great to use with children and senior maladies.

Spearmint has an antispasmodic effect and soothes the muscle lining of the digestive system. It aids digestion and relieves indigestion. A perfect after dinner tea. It is also great for calming the nerves and excellent for nausea. Spearmint is generally great for most stomach problems including reducing colic, cramps and gas.

The menthol vapors also help relieve nasal, sinus and chest congestion. Great for the beginnings of cold and flu symptoms.

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Ordering Information
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Copyright 2005, It's My Nature