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“When we send down water upon it, [earth], it quivers and swells, and puts forth herbs of every joyous kind.” ~The Koran

For those of you new to my blog, website and facebook page, I am the author of two lifestyle books on home-spa rituals, taking time for yourself, and luxuriating in your own relaxing retreat at home. It is such a privilege to help make your world a prettier, more comfortable place. For those of you who have been friends and fans for the last 10 years, I have so enjoyed hearing how these books have inspired you to indulge in life’s little luxuries with wonderful body treatments, aromatherapy, spa cuisine, and home caring rituals.

From pages 39 & 40 of “Chin Deep in Bubbles”— Essential Oils and Their Qualities

In Shakespeare’s, Hamlet, Ophelia describes a bouquet of flowers as she treads closer and closer to her watery grave. She gives each flower a meaning. Did you know that each herb has a special meaning too? When using the following essential oils in your home-spa recipes, I encourage you to ponder the meaning behind each herb.

BASIL~ (Basileus) means “king.” Said to have grown at the sight of the crucifixion. Calms nerves. Stimulates memory. Has a clove-like aroma.

CAMOMILE~ (Chamaemelum Nobile) means “energy in adversity.” Has a soporific effect. Induces sleep. Calms nerves. Soothes, relaxes, refreshes. Is a wonderful aid for digestion.

CEDARWOOD~ (Cedrus) means “strength.” Relaxes. Posesses a sensual scent.

CLARY SAGE~ (Salvia Sclarea) means “domestic virtue.” Refreshing. Sometimes used to flavor wine.

EUCALYPTUS~ (Eucalyptus) means “to cover.” Clears nasal passages. Soothes, cools and invigorates.

FRANKINCENSE~ (Boswellia) means “free, pure, calming.”

GERANIUM~ (Geranium) means comforting, relaxing, soothing.

GINGER~ (Zingiber Officinale) means “lively.” Calms the stomach. Sharpens the senses.

JASMINE~ (Jasminum) Also known as “Jessamine.” Means “amiability.” Mostly grown in France and Morocco. Soothing and fragrant.

LAVENDER~ (Lavendula) means “distrust.” A favorite, classic, old world plant. Related to mint. Extremely healing and energizing.

LEMONGRASS~ (Cymbopogon Citratus) means “cheer.” Rejuvenating.

MYRRH~ (Commiphora) means “gladness.” Relieves stress. Medicinal. Meditative.

NEROLI~ Distilled from orange blossoms. Named for 17th princess of Nerola, Anna Maria. Orange blossoms mean “purity.” Uplifting.

PATCHOULI~ (Pogostemon Cablin) means “virtue.” Also called Love Oil. Soothing.

*Note- Always dilute essential oils. Store in dark glass bottles.

Enjoy!

~Melissa