CHASE AWAY THE WINTER BLUES

I find essential oil burners an excellent way to fragrance the home in winters. When I am feeling down I place 5 - 20 drops of essential oil of sweet orange into some water in the shallow bowl that forms the topof the burner. Inside the burner I light a small candle to heat the water, so vapourising the oil.

The oil of the fruit of this evergreen tree acts as a mild antidepressant,with its pleasing and uplifting aroma.

A few other ways to use this wonderful aroma to chase the blues away -
Use as a perfume - mix a few drops in jojoba oil and dab on your wrists and pulse points.
Dot a tissue with the pure essential and inhale the delicious aroma.

Rose Petal Facial Steam

Rosewater has been used for ages as a skin tonic, and this steam is a delightful way to open pores and release toxins. It is very good for dry skin.

Ingredients – 1 cup fresh rose petals + 1 gallon almost-boiling water.

Method – Put fresh rose petals in a large bowl and pour almost boiling water over them. Place towel over head and lean face over bowl, about 12 inches away, to absorb steam and vapors. Keep breathing in vapors for 15 minutes. Gently pat dry.

Once you are done with the steam, you can make rosewater. First, strain the steam liquid and save the petals and the water separately. Pour water into a medium saucepan and shimmer for about 30 minutes, or until there is approximately one cup of liquid left. Once reduced, pour it over the saved petals and steep for another 20 minutes, strain the liquid again. Discard petals and pour liquid into a glass bottle and allow to cool. After cleansing, use cotton balls to gently swipe rosewater over the skin.

Beautiful Hands

There are some things you just cannot hide and your hands are splendid example. Like your face, voice and eyes, your hands also express the essential you. They are your ambassadors to the world. So it always seems a pity, if they are neglected, as they let down your whole appearance. To have a good-looking hands always apply a good, lubricating hand cream after washing.

Try this home made hand Exfoliator.

Apricot Oil & Sugar Hand Exfoliator

Sugar abrasion is a popular method for cleaning and stimulating the skin. The apricot oil serves as natural lubricant, moisturizer and skin rejuvenator.

Ingredients - ½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons apricot oil + ½ lemon juice.

Method - Mix the ingredients and immediately rub the mixture on hands. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and apply moisturizer.

Skin Care for Winter

In winter the Skin is normally dry, in this season is either oil or moisture-dry. The skin care regime should emphasize the moisturizing and nourishing routine in order to protect and revitalize the skin.

Cleansing - Use a Rose cleansing cream morning and night. Do not wash your skin, even with a mild soap.

Milk, to which a dash of turmeric has been added makes a good home cleanser.

Toning - Equal quantities of Rose water and Witch-hazel make a good toner after cleansing as it also decongests the skin.

Cucumber juice is also an effective toner for the dry skin in winter.

Moisturizing & Conditioning - For the dryness it is important to layer your moisturizers and conditioners to trap in the moisture and oil.

First apply a few drops of face oil made up of 3 drops of Sandalwood oil, 1 tablespoon of Almond oil and 1 teaspoon of Castor oil. After 5 minutes, apply a moisturizer.

Twice a Week - A gentle facial scrub with Oatmeal and Almonds. Dampen your face with water and massage with the scrub cream gently. Rinse off with warm water.

To Make Your Own

A tablespoon of fresh cream, 1 crushed almond and a pinch of oats mixed together

Once a Week - Use a soothing facial mask.

Mix together 1 tablespoon of milk powder, 1/2 a banana, 1/2 teaspoon honey and enough yoghurt to make a paste.

Other fruits that could be used are melon and avocado. Add 1 drop of sandalwood to the pack.

Aromatic Cosmetic Care for Dry Hair

Here are some natural, time-tested recipes to replace chemical products.

The Protein Conditioner - Beat together 1 tablespoon of castor oil, 1 tablespoon of almond oil, 1 tablespoon of glycerine, 1 teaspoon of cider venegar and 1 teaspoon of protein, plus 4 drops of sandalwood. Apply it on the scalp and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

A Special Massage Oil/Toner - In equal quantities of castor oil and coconut oil, add 1 teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Heat a little and massage gently into the scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week

To Make the Hair Shine - A few drops of ylang ylang spread on the palm of your hand and applied to freshly washed dry hair gives it an instant shine and keeps split ends away.

Mantra

A Mantra my sister Anna follows to maintain her life and home in order. Write this Mantra on Index Cards perfumed with Basil essential oil and paste them in every room of your house

• 'If you take it out, put it back'.
• 'If you open it, close it'.
• 'If you throw it down, pick it up'.
• 'If you take if off, hang it up'.

Back to School Days

Every morning I light an aromatic candle before meditation - to thank god for another day and to bestow his light on all that I do and surround me with his light all through the day. Lighting a candleis a metaphor for the process of illumination, fire transmites physical energy into light.

So Today I got an Ayurvedic Teacher. His name is Pritam Raj, who is teaching me Anatomy and physiology. I feel that I am back in school. It is a wonderful experience.