DIY aromatherapy for personalized holiday gifts - Colorado Springs Gazette

[MassageNews]

Caption + Jennifer Mulson staff mug Thursday, June 12, 2014. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The power of essential oils goes beyond just smelling good.

Lavender is well-known for its ability to induce relaxation. Rose oil is a popular choice for facial cleansers due to its action on the skin. And eucalyptus and cinnamon oils are often used in muscle rubs to soothe aches and pains.

Sprouts Farmers Market will offer a free webinar on concocting special oil blends for holiday gifts. Aromatherapist Charlynn Avery and nutritionist Janet Little will provide tips and recipes online on Dec. 15.

"They've been around for a long time," said Avery about essential oils. "They're concentrated volatile oils that come from lots of different plants in a lot of different ways."

The interactive webinar will allow participants to ask questions and jot down recipe ideas for gifts, including post-workout body care mists and lotions.

Oils are used in a multitude of products, including cosmetics, perfumes and cleaners. Many of us don't even know we've been using them, Avery said, but it's not too late to realize the power of the plant world.

"It's more than a gift," Avery said, "but something to use for holiday gatherings or when folks come to your home for a holiday dinner or party. Everybody feels happy and you can send them home with the blend you made."

THREE GOOD OILS FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR

- Bergamot: The citrus oil tends to be universally appealing to our sense of smell and can make us feel happy and peaceful, said Avery. And unlike lavender, which can make people feel sleepy, bergamot can be used during the day. "I call it oil for daily calm," said Avery.

- Clove bud: The spicy smell makes us feel comforted, maybe because many of us recognize it from cooking holiday meals. It's often used in typical Thanksgiving foods, including the turkey brine and oranges filled with cloves.

- Peppermint: It's a favorite at the holidays. True peppermint oil wakes us up and gives us a boost - helpful during the short days. The refreshing aroma can also provide an immediate association with the holidays. Research has found that keeping it diffused in our cars can help calm road rage, Avery said, another reason to keep it on hand during holiday travel.