A New Beginning
As we begin a new year we have decided it was time to change our Newsletter. As many of you have followed us throughout the years, you know we have featured a different essential oil each month.
Well, over the past 6 plus years we have profiled each of the essential oils we have available from our online business.
Since we don't want to start repeating them,  we decided it was time for a change.
Eventually, each of those past issues will be available online.  (They have been taken down temporarily as Penny updates the pages).
They will be in an archived area, so you will be able to access the information on each oil. We will let you know once this area of our website is available again.
With this issue we felt it was time to further expand the education of our visitors and customers .  We are going to approach the study of Aromatherapy by addressing more specific areas. Such as how the different oils can be used and the different ways to use these oils to better your health and well-being - physically, emotionally and more.

Each issue will have a "Physical ailment", "Emotional concern",  a "Health and Beauty" section and also an "Around the House and Garden" section.   Our newsletter will still have the familiar "Recipes to Try" and the " Birch Hill Happenings News " to announces specials and new products.  And to help keep us in touch with our readers.
Please let us know what you think of the New Format and if you have suggestions or things you would like to see,
let us know that too!
Now on with the Newsletter!!

PHYSICAL AILMENTS
COLD SORES
These nasty little - painful lesions - are caused by the herpes simplex virus.  Many essential oils can help with viral infections but need to be in your system soon after you are exposed.   Those that suffer from cold sores know there can be many things that 'trigger' an outbreak.  Stress,  whether it be from emotional or physical - being run down so a cold or flu can take hold can easily bring on a cold sore.
Prevention is best done by controlling your exposure to stress and of course others with colds and flus.  But once your 'cold sore' has attacked, you may get relief by applying a drop of Tea tree on the blisters several times throughout the day.  Tea Tree can be applied 'neatly' which means undiluted.  Lavender may also be applied neatly.  Roman chamomile, Eucalyptus, Bergamot and Geranium may also stop the blistering in it's tracks.  To apply these other oils first mix them with a small amount of vodka. The best ratio is up to 6 drops in 5 ml of vodka.   Mix well and dab on the blister using a cotton-tip applicator. Remember everyone's immune system is different and with Aromatherapy we can try different essential oils - what works for one person may not work for the next.  Usually you can find one that works best for you.  Keep a journal of what you try at each outbreak.  Recording things like how much, how applied and what oil(s) were used.  Soon you will know what works best for you!
If the blisters open up, mixing any of the above essential oils with a small amount of Sweet Almond oil will help to keep the skin moist and less likely to crack.  All essential oils have healing properties and will help your body to heal itself.
 

EMOTIONAL CONCERNS
CABIN FEVER (a type of Mild Depression)
This time of year - and especially this winter - many people get very tired of being cooped up inside.  Even though we know spring is just around the corner some of us yearn to be outside.  Because the weather is so unpredictable, and being outside can sometimes be dangerous. Ice and snow, gray and cloudy days all contribute to Cabin Fever.  As spring approaches the sunshine helps most folks to brighten up naturally.  Aromatherapy can help to make one feel better by relieving the stress of the winter blues.
Any of the Citrus oils such as Grapefruit,Orange, Lime are uplifting as are Frankincense, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Clary sage, Jasmine, Neroli, and Rose   The best way is to diffuse them is in the air.  Although many prefer to have someone give them a massage or to take a bath where you add a few drops of the oils to the water.
Try the single oils first or mix two or three together.  We also have pre blended synergy's such as Beautiful, Celebration, Citrus, Elation, Refreshing, and Revitalizing.  Most of these contain  one or more of the above oils. Diffusing them in the air will definitely chase the "Cabin Fever" blues away!
 

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Perfumes - Natural Fragrances
Natural perfumes made with essential oils are not overpowering like the synthetic or commercial fragrances. Commercial fragrances are made almost exclusively of synthetic petroleum chemicals - many of them can cause allergic reactions and skin or respiratory irritations.  Whereas essential oils can be emotionally and physically therapeutic.  Since they come from nature, it is extremely rare for them to cause allergic reactions.  Remember, most folks allergic to plants are not allergic to the scent but to the pollen, dust and molds that are growing on the plant themselves. The steam distilled essential oils do not contain those impurities and therefore do not or rarely cause allergic reactions.
To make a simple Perfume from your favorite essential oil (s). Add up to or but no more than 20 drops to 15 ml of Jojoba oil.  Shake and let 'age' for several days. Then apply a drop or two to your pulse points - on your wrists, behind your ears.  Also a drop or two in your hair and combed or brushed through will add a light scent.  Because essential oils are very volatile (evaporate) you will need to reapply your 'perfume' more often than the commercial products.

AROUND THE HOUSE AND GARDEN
Aromas to Warm & Cheer the Air
Diffusing essential oils during the winter and spring can bring a cheerful and warm scent to any room.  There are several methods of diffusing oils. The traditional Atomizing diffuser will put a lot of essential oil into the air in a short period of time.  Caution should be used with this method.  Potentially you can 'overdose' if you atomize too many molecules of essential oils into the air.  This is especially true since many homes today are virtually air tight.
A wonderful way to diffuse oils is a fan type diffuser. Just add a few drops to the cotton pad and turn the unit on.  It will slowly disperse the essential oils into the room.  This method is safe around children, the elderly and pets.
You can also add a few drops to dried or silk flowers.  If you have a simmering pot on the stove - add a drop or two to add a little warm fragrance to your kitchen.   Add a few drops to the logs before you put them on the fire. This will add a wonderful scent for your cozy evening of relaxation.
Some essential oils to try - Cypress, any of the citrus oils, Frankincense.   Of course any of your favorites can be diffused too!

RECIPES TO TRY
A Calming Perfume Blend
Jojoba oil - 7 ml
Chamomile - 3 drops
Ylang ylang 3 drops
Jasmine 10% - 10 drops
Rose 5% - 10 drops
Add these oils to the Jojoba and blend (shake). Wear as a fragrance or you can always just inhale from the bottle!

A light, Romantic Perfume
Jojoba Oil - 1 Tablespoon (15 ml)
Orange - 8 drops
Cypress - 5 drops
Juniper berry - 5 drops
Sandalwood - 7 drops
Blend all the above oils together, let blend for a few days.
Wear as you would any other perfume.
 

** Remember while wearing Perfumes made of Natural and Pure Essential oils, you will continue to receive the health benefits of each oil present in the perfume. **

BIRCH HILL HAPPENINGS NEWS
Hi Everyone,
Now that you have sampled our new format for the Newsletter, we ask you to give us some feed back as to what you think.
We hope this will continue to be as informative - maybe even more so than our newsletters of the past.   We are always open for suggestions and encourage you to write us.  Send an E-mail with comments to bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com
Just a reminder to all that the Aroma Streams are available again.  These really are some of the best fan diffusers made. They are virtually maintenance free and although not silent, are very quiet.  They can run 24 hours a day without the worry of overdosing.
Finally, after many months of not being unavailable. The Sorbolene Cream is back in abundance. We have it available in 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz jars and in a bulk container tub of 32 oz.   This is a wonderful high quality cream. It can be easily diluted with distilled water to make a lotion.  Once you try this cream, you'll surely want more. It just can't be beat for dry skin use. Just a little dab will provide a great protective moisturizing seal from the drying effects of the weather.  Great to use year round.   As you can tell, we just can't say enough about this wonderful cream. It is totally scent and fragrance free!
You can use plain or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to lightly scent.
‘til next month,

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Alan and Penny

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

Disclaimer:
We do not endorse, nor do we encourage anyone to implement Aromatherapy or any suggestions contained within this site without the consent of his/her medical doctor. We also do not take any liability for your implementation of any oils, recipes, or anything else available through this site, from any book or company recommendation, or available on any site linked from Birch Hill Happenings



**Resources for information in this newsletter was obtained from the following sources:
The Fragrant Veil by Elisabeth Millar
Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis
Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty by Roberta Wilson
Practical Aromatherapy for Home and Garden Decoder
Advanced Aromatherapy Decoder
The Decoders are available from Birch Hill Happenings

To the beginning of our Catalog.

Copyright © 2004-2007 Penny Keay
Please do not use my information without my written permission.