In this newsletter we will try to help you further your knowledge and use of essential oils.

Physical ailment

Has Jack Frost Nipped at your Nose (or toes and fingers)??

by Penny Keay

Brrrr!! It's been cold outside.

I know, the ground hog says only about 4 more weeks til spring. So, there is still plenty of time for old man winter to continue to rear his ugliness for the next several weeks.

With the cold temps many of us have had to go out and in so doing, we may have let Jack Frost nip at our noses, ears, fingers, toes etc., a little too long.

We hope that we used common sense and didn't let it get to be more than just a nip.

If you have experienced more than a nip, it is frost bite. And you know this is very serious and should seek immediate medical attention.

What can you do if it's just a little frost nip? You know, where the skin got extremely cold and you may have actually lost the sense or feeling of touch. Complete numbness.

First Aid common sense says, do not rub the area. Warm, gently but quickly. You can use tepid water.

Do not use hot or even luke warmwater.

Remember you can't feel anything, so how are you suppose to tell how hot it is? Well, most likely someone around you is helping you. If not, then you have to use your elbow to feel the water. If it's warm to your elbow, it might be too warm for the frost nipped skin too. So, cool it down.

Once you have the water right, place the cold extremities in the water and gradually, warm things up. (If it is your nose or ears, place a wash cloth in the water. Or if your hands are not affected. You can just place them on the affected areas).

Oh beware, as things warm up, they may become painful. Frosted skin once it begins to regain feeling will tingle and hurt. This can be extremely uncomfortable.

Now is when you will want to apply some Lavender and Helichrysum to the affected parts. can be applied neatly but Helichrysum should be diluted in a carrier oil or lotion. I suggest using a easily absorbed carrier such as Jojoba . You can also use Evening Primrose or Rosehipseed oil mixed with a little Sunflower oil. All these carrier oils have great healing properties especially when the skin has been exposed to damaging conditions. Tamanu oil has great healing for any type of skin problem too. Other essential oils that may help include Neroli, Rose Otto, Niaouli, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Geranium and Tea Tree as these all help with burns too.

Frosted skin is damaged skin. It will require some help over the next few days. Frosted skin is damaged similar to skin that has been burned with a heat source.

Keep it from being reexposed to the cold temps as this can cause further damage. Likewise, you don't want it exposed to excessive heat either.

Keep it moisturized. Use lotions and continue to use the Jojoba or other carrier oilsin combination with the essential oils.

If at anytime, your skin turns or becomes discolored, or if you see blisters form, you need to see your doctor. Your frost nip was most likely frost bite and needs special medical attention.

Remember Aromatherapy is complimentary, and you may be able to continue to use essential oils but if you do have frost bite get the advise of your physician before continuing.

Well, we hope you don't experience any frost bite or frost nip and just remember - Spring is Just around the corner. - Or so the Ground hog says!!!

Emotional Concern

Sick and Tired of Winter? Try these Oils to help with Cabin Fever

by Penny Keay

This time of year - and especially this winter - many people get very tired of being cooped up inside.

Most of the United States has been having crazy weather, due to the unusually warm air in the south pacific earlier that has affected the way the Jet Stream acts.

Here in Minnesota, which typically gets plenty of snow, we have very little on the ground. We watch the weather and see the massive snow and ice storms that have crossed the continent just about every week all winter. We have been lucky in that respect as we have only had a few inches of snow and until recently, fairly mild temps.

Of course, we just had 2 weeks of BITTERLY cold weather, that has affected the whole country. This has kept us indoors. 20-30 below zero with high winds giving us 50-60 below wind chills, it is just not safe to be outdoors for any length of time.

Even though we know spring is just around the corner, some of us yearn to be outside. Because the weather is so unpredictable, being outside can sometimes be dangerous.

Ice and snow, gray and cloudy days all contribute to Cabin Fever which is a mild form of depression and seasonal affective disorder.

As spring approaches, the sunshine helps most folks to brighten up naturally. So when weather permits, get outdoors. Let the sunshine on your face. Take off your glasses and don't wear sunglasses (your common sense tells you not to look directly into the sun!). Your eyes are a window into the electrical - chemical reactions that your body needs to make you feel better.

Aromatherapy can help too. It can make one feel better by relieving the stress of the wintertime 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 Otto. 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, Inspiration, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. You might want to try one of our other blends. Tropical Dreams, Caribbean, Forest Rain or Mother nature or even our new S'Woods or V'Nillas. Let these diffuse in the air. Close your eyes and dream of warm sandy beachs, hiking in the woods after a spring rain, or just enjoying the outdoors. Even if it's just in your minds eye!

Many of our blends contain one or more of the above mentioned essential oils. Diffusing any of them in the air will definitely help to chase the winter blahs away!

Of course, if you can escape to a warmer climate in the southern half of the USA for a couple weeks it might be all you need to get rid of the "Cabin Fever" blues.

In the meantime, you can enjoy all those beautiful natural scents to give you the uplifting motivation you need to make it till spring.

Health and Beauty

Romancing your Love

by Penny Keay

Many people ask "how are you two surviving working with each other all day long?" Well, to be honest we do both work at this business and we do see each other. But we both have individual duties and so other than a few hours in the afternoon, we really are too busy to notice each other.

Whoa! You say! No, we don't get tired of each other's company. We truly enjoy being together. And though we do work side by side we do take the time each day to still keep the romance.

Time and time again, we have heard the question - what makes a marriage last? My observations are very simple and have heard these same things by those married for decades.

• Keep the conversations going. You both need to talk and 'listen'.
• Be attentative to each other.
• Don't take each other for granted.
• Appreciate everything you do and do for each other, and let them know.
• And Keep the romance alive. Just because you have caught your 'catch', you still need to keep it on the line.

Al and I are soon to be married 32 years but have known each other for 35. We always joke that he chased me until I caught him!!

We keep the romance alive in our relationship each day. Not only are we respectful of each other, we compliment and thank each little thing the other does for us. Something as simple as putting a cup or glass in the kitchen.

Of course, you want to know how this all ties in with Aromatherapy? Well, Each day, we get to smell wonderful oils. But we still enjoy using them in a romantic way several times a week.

Now I'm not talking any 4 hours session here. I'm talking about the little things you do each day. As many of you may know, Al has a bad back. So on some days, after he has been standing too long, or sitting too long, his back is a little sore. He asks for a little back rub.

Of course, we have several massage oils already for use in our bedroom. So depending on how bad his back is acting will determine what blend I use. Now, I don't give him a long back rub. Just concentrate on the area that is the most sore and rub for about 10 minutes. I know, that a full massage would probably be better, but Al likes the 10 minute back rubs too. As do I, when I have a sore back too.

What I like is the long soak in a hot bath tub. Al will often join me after I'm about 'cooked'. The water will then be tolerable to him. We sit in the tub and talk. Talk about anything.

Sometimes I'll put a little Jasmine in my hair or on my neck in the evening. Al loves the smell Jasmine so when we are feeling romantic I like to dab a little on my hair. This brightens Al up immediately!

It's the little things you do each and every day, that keeps the Romance! It's simple and easy and you don't have to spend a ton of money.

It's not the lavish gifts you give your love, it's all the little things that truly add up in your life.

So what are you waiting for? Call your 'love' up on the phone (even if you work together!!) and ask him or her out for a date.

Something simple as just meeting for a cup of coffee.

Something simple to keep the Romance!

Let every day be Valentine's day, why save it for just one day of the year?

Around the House and Garden

Diffusing to Chase the Blues away

by Penny Keay

There are several ways to get the benefits of essential oils into the air to chase away the wintertime blues.

Simply put a few drops on any type of Terra Cotta Disc or a few cotton balls. If you have forced air heating, put the Terra Cotta Disc or the cotton balls near or on the heat registers. The air currents will quickly diffuse the oils into the air.

Okay, so you have a old fashioned steam or boiler type heat. Again, just place the Terra Cotta Discon top of the heater. Just move the mittens and gloves to a different drying spot for a few hours!!

If you use other heating methods or don't need to heat and have a ceiling fan again, just put your diffuser near the fan and again, let the air currents diffuse your essential oils.

I'm sure you have more ways to diffuse your oils without the fancy diffusers.

Of course, if you can afford it buying a few simple diffusers such as the terra cotta passive diffusers and placing them around the house is easy and fun.

Try this great blend. It has wonderful essential oils that are not only great smelling but also have wonderful disinfecting and air purifying properties.

The Blues Chaser

Orange - 40 drops
Clove bud - 20 drops
Ylang Ylang - 10 drops
Bergamot - 10 drops
Ginger - 5 drops
Cinnamon - 5 drops
Lemon - 5 drops
Nutmeg - 5 drops

Blend all the essential oils in an amber bottle, shake well. Then put several drops in your favorite diffuser. Be sure to put a label on this blend. As this makes a lot of this blend and you'll want to remember what all is in it.

Recipes to try

by Penny Keay

BIRCH HILL HAPPENINGS NEWS

Hello Everyone,

Happy Belated Valentines Day!

We hope you remember to celebrate the romance in your life every day. Valentines Day may be just one special day of the year but you need to keep the romance in your relationship every day of the year!

There are a couple new changes with our website and benefits for our customers.

First announcement is for our very new web page - it's our

"What's New at Birch Hill Happenings! "

On this page, we have all the new products listed, also a list of the most recently added products. As most of you know, when we can lower prices we do and so the reduced priced products are also listed on the ""What's New" page.

Included on the ""What's New" page are the few items that we are discontinueing or are discounted for clearance.

We hope that you will check our "new page" out now and remember to check back often.

Of course, we'll also announce new products here with each new newsletter.

Our other new announcement is the change to our "Special Deals".

As many of you know, we have in the past, offered one item which was discounted upto 50%.

These offers are sent via an e-mail notice which includes a special coupon code to get the item at the discounted price.

Well, we have had a few suggestions by a couple of our customers (Thanks Kathy L and Linda P.) Although they were happy with our previous "Special Deal", they suggested we try something that might be more beneficial to more than just a few customers. So we thought about it and agreed.

So our Special Deals will have a new and better twist to it.

What will it be?? Simple, If you have signed up to receive the "Special Deal for You" email notice you will be sent the special "coupon code" and the announcement of the 'Sale'. Once a month, for a limited time - somewhere between 2 to 5 days, we will run a special discount on EVERY item we sell, including special sets.

The discount will vary from 3-10% off. But in order for you to get the special code and to be in the 'know' you have to be signed up for this e-mail notice. The orders will have to be placed "on-line only" for you to get the "Special Deal".

It's as simple as that. The Sales will vary from month to month and fall on different days or weeks. A surprise to everyone.

If you are already signed up for the Special Deal notification you need not change anything. If you want to sign up you need to see our page about "Special Deals" by Clicking here There are complete details on this page too.

What is new this month for products?

RENEWAL BLEND

Many of you may be familiar with a certain MLM's blend called Juva Flex. This is our version.
This is blended with our High Therapeutic quality essential oils providing you with the same or better results
and of course the cost is considerably less than theirs. If you have been looking for an alternative for Juva Flex - You should try our new blend - Renewal.
Click here to go to the order page for Renewal Blend

The S'WOODS

This is a wonderful blend of many of the Sandalwood species from around the world. It smells terrific and can be used in place of Sandalwood in your blends, candles, soap and other recipes.
Click Here to go to the order page for The S'WOODS

The V'NILLA'S

Do you love the smell of Vanilla but the cost has been prohibitive? We now have a fantastic smelling blend of the finest essential oils and absolutes at a price everyone can afford. Again, it is a blend so you can use it in place of all the recipes that call for vanilla. This blend is 'totally awesome'!!
Click here to go to the order page for The V'NILLA'S

Next is our New Scar Lightening Blend.

We have had several requests for us to make this particular blend. Many of the essential oils are costly for you to purchase individually, but since we have good supply, we can mix it for you rather quickly and more cost effectively.

It is the same blend many people have used to help with scars. Just remember using it on a scar to lighten it and eventually hope it to melt into the rest of your skin can take months.

This is the blend that Penny used when she had surgery that involved a very long incision. It took about 6 months but the scar was almost entirely gone within that period of time.
Click here to go to the order page for our New Scar Lightening Blend.

A couple things for you to think about and plan ahead.

Al hasn't seen his Dad for two years. So at the end of the month, we will be out of the office for a long weekend starting Thursday afternoon February 22 until Tuesday February 27th so Al can see his Dad in Arizona.

So if you will be needing something during that time please place your order by Wednesday, February 21 so we can be sure to get it shipped out to you on the 22nd.

Of course, if you place an order during the time we are out, it will be shipped promptly upon our return on the Tuesday 27th or Wednesday the 28th.

After all this cold weather we've been having, someplace sunny and warm will surely be welcomed.

So remember to check out our "What's New" Page and sign up for the "Special Deals" if you haven't already 'cause you never know when we will send out that next "sale notice". (Wink, wink!)

Sorry the newsletter is a little later than normal but as many of you know we have been having printer problems. Finally we have not only one but two new printers!!

Yep, one for doing invoicing and other large sheets of paper, like price sheets and one for our new labels.

Over the next few weeks you will begin to see some of our new labels. They will be larger (where we can make them larger) and brighter. They will be water and essential oil resistant too!!

We just wanted to let you know, that even though you may get products with the old labels the product inside is not old.

In case that many of you don't know, when we get your order, your oils, and unscented base products are all bottled 'just for you'. We keep our essential oils, carrier oils and unscented base products in their bulk containers until we need to fulfill an order.

That way, we know you are always getting the freshest stock we have available. (Not a bottle that might have been hidden on some back shelf somewhere.)

So, we do have a lot of 'old' style labels we need to 'use up' first before we will be entirely switched to the new style but eventually, you will see all new labels.

Are there any of our Customers out there that have a website? Would you like to exchange links?

We are going to start a reciprocal Link page for our customers. So if you have a website and would like to link to us we will give you about 50-75 words and a hyperlink to your website.

So if you have made a purchase from us and would like to exchange links. Send us an e-mail. Put in the subject line - "Customer that wants to exchange links". Send us your website so we can take a look.

We would hope that you would let us put about the same length of a link on your site too.

That's it for this month.

As always, if we can help you with any aromatherapy question please send us an E-mail at bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

‘til next month,

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Alan and Penny

E-mail us at bhhinfo@birchhillhappenings.com

For a listing of the Resources for information in this newsletter (including recipes) and others please visit our Reference page Click here