ESSENTIAL OILS have been credited throughout history for being chemical-free alternatives to treat problems from digestion to concentration, insomnia and acne.

Peppermint oil for example is used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, it helps stop itching, and cools overworked muscles; Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam to fight congestion, or rub diluted oil into sore muscles (it is an all-natural alternative to VapoRub). Rubbing a few diluted drops on your forehead will quieten headaches, and it’s often credited with increasing concentration. A few years back, my son was attending a nursery whose owner had a very holistic approach to teaching. Every morning when we entered the doors, I would notice a wonderful peppermint smell that had a genuine ‘feel good’ factor and left me feeling great. When I asked her about it, she showed me a little electric oil diffuser she had placed on top of a closet that would diffuse peppermint oil every morning to awaken the children and switch their brains on. Very cool!

Another staple oil is Lavender. It is a go-to oil for almost any situation: Not only is it one of the few oils that is gentle enough to use undiluted, it’s a virtual first aid kit in a bottle. The antibacterial qualities allow it to fight germs and, like peppermint, it’s often credited with aiding digestion and helping fight headaches. It can help calm the nervous system, improve sleep quality, combat joint pain and help with acne.

One thing to remember when buying essential oil is to make sure they are 100% pure. You’d be surprised how many of them are diluted and have artificial fragrances in them.  When using them, please remember that almost no essential oil should be applied undiluted to the skin.  A few drops of the essential oil should be added to a carrier oil such as sunflower oil or almond oil before being rubbed into the skin. They can also be added in unscented creams, inhaled through a bowl of steaming hot water to clear sinuses and lungs (keep your eyes closed), diffused through electric or traditional oil burners, added to your bath, and can even be added to the water you clean your house with (use Lemon and Tea Tree which are germicidal oils).  I recently purchased ILA candles from Balance Spa in Oasis center that are 100%organic and made with pure essential oils that are diffused as you burn the candle. 
Essential Oils really do work, give them a try!

Inhale an energizing or relaxing smell!
The sense of smell can shape your mood and emotion, promote well being, de-stress you and even act against disease. Dr. Gary E. Schwartz, a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Yale University, has found that certain scents produce changes in blood pressure and other physiological responses comparable to those achieved through meditation…the smell of spiced apple he sais is especially effective!
Lemon and peppermint smells for example are energizing, whilst lavender and chamomile are relaxing. You can buy pure essential oils and burn them or put 2/3 drops on a tissue paper and leave on a table near you so the smell surrounds you. I am a lover of aromatherapy and use it regularly in my home. Peppermint is a smell I use every morning to induce energy as my kids head off to school. I use an electric oil burner and put it on 15mns before my kids come in for breakfast.

Another product that I just love is the ‘Altearah Bio’ range (certified organic). It’s a color/aromatherapy range of essential oils/perfumes used to enhance and alter mood. The natural perfumes are to be breathed in several times a day, in a well-being ritual.
 Spray the perfume on your hands, rub your hands together for about 10 seconds to disperse the smell, then place your hands about 2 inches away from your nose and inhale deeply with your eyes closed. Repeat this 5 times…the smell gets into the biochemical rhythm of the brain altering your state almost immediately. Ideally you should always have it on you (mine is always in my handbag)! You have 14 colors/scents to choose from and there is a specific method for choosing the color/scent that’s right for you. I won’t get into here but I’m sure the sales ladies will explain it all to you! I carry the turquoise scent and its just heavenly! The range is sold in Spa Dunya in JBR and I’ve also seen them in the spa at Jumeirah beach hotel. 


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