Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy Newsletter December 2003

Birch Hill Happenings
AROMATHERAPY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 5.12 December 2003
In this newsletter we will try to help you further your knowledge and use of essential oils.

>>>>>>OIL THIS ISSUE<<<<<<<<<

Fir Needle ***

Botanical names: Picea vulgaris
Country of Origin - Siberia
Processed - Steam distilled
Part used - needles
Smell - the "Christmas tree" aroma, refreshing, crisp scent of a forest
Color -clear
Note - Middle to top note
*** - There are many, many species of Fir Needle. We selected this one as we feel it more closely smells like the Balsam fir we associate with Christmas here in Minnesota. Also it is more reasonably priced. Some Fir needle species are very expensive to produce but don't necessarily smell as good or are as representative.
All have the same properties and can be used the same for your Fir needle aromatherapy needs. Fir Needle and Pine Needle can be used in the same recipes.
PROPERTIES & USES: Anti spasmodic, anti inflammatory, anti fungal, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, nervine, tonic.

Skin & Hair: Acne, dry skin, eczema
Respiratory: bronchitis, expectorant, asthma
Muscular/Skeletal: muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, muscular rheumatism, arthritis, aching joints.
Immune: fights viral infections - colds, flus etc.
Digestive: helps with intestinal fungal infections.
Genito/urinary/reproductive: candida, inflammatory prostatitis
Nervous - Brain/Mind: anxiety, debility, stress, tension, extreme exhaustion, and is uplifting.

Industry/Commercial/ Other uses: household cleaning products and fragrancing, especially for Christmas tree and wreath scenting.

CAUTIONS: May cause a skin irritation, so do skin testing prior to using on the skin. Do not take orally (ingest) as any essential oil can be an oral toxin.
*Any essential oil - ingested in large (and sometimes
even small) amounts can be fatal.*
*Keep out of reach of children.*

<<<<<<<< AROMATHERAPY HELP for Pain >>>>>>>>
Pain - There are many ways to deal with pain. You can numb it, reduce inflammation and swelling, use heat and penetrate it or you can stop it with the brain, or short circuit it, or relax and sedate it.

To numb it try oils like Clove bud, Frankincense, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender and Lemongrass. These oils help to numb the nerve endings. These oils work to help dull the pain.
To Reduce inflammation try Chamomile, Geranium, Helichrysum, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Rose and Tea Tree. These oils help to relieve swelling and inflammation. Once nerves aren't being 'squeezed' pain is often times lessened.
Oils that produce penetrating heat to relieve pain include Bay Laurel, Black pepper, Cinnamon, Clove bud, Ginger, Juniper, Peppermint and Thyme. Oils that penetrate deep into tissues produce heating sensations. This will increase the blood supply to these areas and bring relief this way too.
Oils that penetrate but do not produce heat are Marjoram, Rosemary and Sage. These bring relief deep into the tissues.
Reducing the brains ability to register what's happening - you can try Frankincense, Ginger and Lemongrass. They act on the center of the brain that registers pain sensations. These oils are best when inhaled.
We can Short circuit the pain. Birch and Ginger are great oils to use for this but birch should be used carefully as it is a strong oil. Birch has components similar to aspirin and is great for muscle aches and pains.

Often times just relaxing can help alleviate pain. Some relaxing oils include Chamomile, Clary sage , Helichrysum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrtle and Petitgrain. These oils can be used in diffusers, the bath or in massage oils.

Now after I've listed oils to use for pain - the best way is to pick one to 4 oils that are in the lists above. Make a blend of them. Mix them with a carrier oil and massage or rub into the affected areas.
Many times you will have to experiment to find out what combinations will work for you. Also since many of these oils are very potent always use small amounts mixed with carrier oils to start.
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share. Please let us know and what kind of pain you used it for. We'll try to include it in a future issue. What works for you may work for someone else. And as everyone knows living with pain is no picnic!

<<<<<<<<<BLENDS TO TRY>>>>>>>>>>>

Air Freshener - the smell of the Forest! **
Pine or Fir Needle - 40 drops
Cajuput - 40 drops
Cypress - 20 drops
Sandalwood - 20 drops
Add to 4 ounces distilled water, shake well and spray into room.

Breathe Easier **
Lemon - 5 drops
Pine or Fir Needle - 5 drops
Lavender - 5 drops
Spearmint - 5 drops
Mix these oils and then use in any diffuser.

The synergistic blend of these oils will help open airways, and disinfect the air around you. The anti bacterial and anti viral properties of each oil will help your bodies immune system to fight off any of those 'nasty' little germs!

<<<<<<<<<<HELPFUL INFO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It's Christmas Eve and all through the house the children were so excited and ... well you know the story.
What to do to help them settle down for the night??? Try this blend during the evening hours. You can call it your Little Santa's Helper!!
Blend together,
5 drops Cedarwood,
3 drops Chamomile,
3 drops Geranium ,
3 drops Orange and
3 drops Lavender.
Place in any diffuser and enjoy. This is a very peaceful blend and will help to relax you and the children for a Long Winter's Sleep!! (Well, at least until Christmas morning!!)

<<<<<<<<<< BIRCH HILL HAPPENINGS NEWS>>>>>>>

Hello Everyone,

The Holidays are here! Where did the fall go??
We have a shorter than normal shopping season since Thanksgiving was so late in November. You'll want to place your orders soon!
We are fully stocked with all your favorite items.

Please check out our "SPECIALS" ! You will probably won't find lower pricing on the diffusers throughout the internet.
And as you know, many of our oil prices have been reduced!

Check out our new Featured oil for this month - "Fir Needle"
It is the "Christmas tree scent" - of course!

We have gifts and ideas priced under $20.00, some below $10.00.
The SCENTBALLS and Car Scenters have some extra special deals for now. We feel they are easy to use and inexpensive gifts for anyone wanting to begin using Essential oils.

Scent balls are so easy to use and essential oils are quickly dispersed into the room. You'll want to have a few extras on hand for quick scenting or to take with as you travel - especially during this Cold and Flu season.
The personal area diffusers are cute little stocking stuffers. These can be placed near your work area, in the kitchen or bathroom. or any room. You simply place a few drops of oil on the surfaces and let them slowly evaporate into the air and area. We have two designs - One is a Floral shape and the other a Desert Sand stone disc.

If you want more diffusing, our Air Flow Nebulizing Diffuser is on sale through the end of the year. This is a very wonderful unit for atomizing your essential oils and will have them permeating the room within a few minutes.

Place your orders early so they will arrive in time for Christmas.
December 17 - at Noon -
is the Deadline for placing Christmas orders.

We won't be shipping out any orders after December 18 until the week of Jan 5, 2004.
Please see Holiday/Shipping info for orders placed after 12:00 Noon on December 17, 2003.
We wish and hope each of you have a
Healthy, Safe, Happy and Wonderfully "Smelly" Holiday
and New Year!
‘til next month,

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Alan and Penny

NOTE: Please use bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com when e-mailing us.
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