Aromatherapy

[Texasmujer]

There is one thing you must be aware of: Essential oils are for EXTERNAL USE ONLY. If your skin is sensitive, test a spot on your arm before submerging your body in a bath. Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children the way you would any medicine, and treat them with the same respect. Mugwort, for exmple, should not be used by pregnant women. Essential oils should also not be used on the body undiluted; they need to be blended with a neutral base, such as almond oil, wheat-germ oil, or jojoba oil. Read up on the subject and check with a knowledgeable aromatherapist. You can also locate an aromatherapist through health food stores, herbal shops, natural cosmetic shops, therapeutic massage centers, or word of mouth.

*Sweeten your suroundings. Dip a cotton ball in pure vanilla extract and place in a small dish. * For an energizing scent, simmer citrus peels in a pot. * To eliminate unpleasant cooking odors, pour vinegar in a saucer and place on countertop. Or boil 1 tablespooon of vinegar in 1 cup of water. *Rub vinegar or the end of a celery stalk on your hands before and after slicing onions. *Cook up a pleasant odor by boiling cinnamon and cloves. For easier cleanup, boil in a cheesecloth bag. *In addition to that box in your fridge, stash an open box of baking soda in closed to absorb odors. * Create yur own potpourri by placing herbs and spices in small baskets, jars or sachet bags. Place around your home. *Let the sun shine in. Open curtains and windows---sunshine is a natural disinfectant. *Get green. Indoor plants are natural purifiers. *The best way to neutralize carpet odors? Sprinkle on baking soda and lket sit for an hour. Then vacuum. *To absorb odors, sprinkle baking soda in cat boxxes befor adding litter.