Topical Aromatherapy Blend for Physical and Emotional Support -- Bring a Little Bit of the Forest In

Sunday after church I typically set the day aside for rest, writing, and reading. I'm currently working on an article for the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) ejournal on Cupressus sempervirens or cypress hydrosol.

Of course writing an article means a lot of research on the botany of cypress as well as the use of the plant, essential oil, and hydrosol. As I learn more about a plant I'm writing about my appreciation grows and I just couldn't help sharing about this essential oil.

I've used cypress essential oil in blends to ease coughs but today I was struck by the beauty and timeliness of the energetics of this oil.

Cypress essential oil is said to support and offer stability during transitions and to keep the body's energy flowing in a steady way. The essential oil aids in circulation, offers anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties, and can help ease congestion. These properties arise from it's major aromatic components of a-pinene, delta-3 carene, terpinolene, limonene, and beta-myrcene.

According to the U.S. Forest Service exposure to forests "strengthens our immune systems, reduces blood pressure, increases, energy, boosts mood, and helps us regain focus." It is called "shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing" in Japan and as little as 20 minutes can produce positive results. (1)

While it is ideal to get out into a forest if you can't, you can bring a little bit of the forest into your home using essential oils.

Try the blend below to enjoy the support of cypress and other tree oils and the brightness of citrus. This blend is great for massage, a beneficial chest rub, for achy muscles, or enjoying the aroma of the forest no matter where you are. It will support your physical and emotional terrain.

Forest When You Can't Get to the Trees Blend:

1 oz unscented lotion

jar

3 drops Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil

3 drops (Abies balsamea) Balsam fir essential oil

3 drops Lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil

1 drop Corn mint (Mentha arvensis) or Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) essential oil

add lotion to jar, add essential oils, and mix well. Use on sore muscles, as a chest rub, or to simply to enjoy the aroma and benefits of the oils. The blend can also be used for massage.

Well, I've got to get to writing the article. Check out the NAHA website to learn more about aromatherapy or their ejournal or feel free to contact me if you have any questions about cypress, aromatherapy, or essential oils.

Be well friends,

Tricia

1. U.S. Forest Service Website, Walk in the Woods for Wellness: Health Benefits of Forests Accessed from: > https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/out-and-about/walk-woods-wellness-health-benefits-forests#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20forests%20strengthens%20our,treeless%20environments%20just%20don't.