Julie Mikos

Aromatherapy for the Bride

What are essential oils and aromatherapy? According to the website, A World of Aromatherapy, “essential oils are the highly concentrated essences of aromatic plants” such as flowers, fruits, herbs, seeds, woods, and roots. “Aromatherapy is the art of using these oils to promote healing of the body and the mind.”1 Since scent goes directly into the olfactory of the brain, the body gets an immediate signal to respond to the charms of its character: a gentle sniff from a bottle of chamomile essential oil will have a relaxing effect; while a whiff from a bottle of rosemary essential oil will enliven.

Priscilla Wannamaker

“Experts say that no human sense is more directly connected to the emotions than the sense of smell. ‘Before we know we are even in contact with a smell we have already received it and reacted to it,’ a professional perfumer, Mandy Aftel, said. ‘Smells come in without language and go directly to the emotional center of the brain. That’s why they are so connected to memory.’ ”2

Julie Mikos

Valerie Ann Worwood, author of many books on aromatherapy, has designed a way to assist women in becoming what she calls a “naturally fragrant bride. A fragrant bride,” according to the expert, “is one with inner calm and outer radiance, and one that uses aromatherapy and fragrance to enhance the whole bridal experience.”3 In her kit, The Bride’s Big Day, Ms. Worwood offers various aromatic concoctions to pamper yourself into relaxed bliss!

Aromatherapy for You
Aromatherapy consultant Joanne Falke, of Decatur, Georgia, who grew up with a father passionate about gardening, has been growing flowers all of her life and now uses them in her aromatherapy blending studio. Training with aromatherapy gurus from California to Atlanta, she has combined this interest with a love for the healing arts and the way ritual plays a part in a more peaceful, abundant life. As a massage therapist, Joanne mixes essential oils with her lotions and burns aromatherapy candles to assist in the soothing effect of her work.

Joanne shares with Weddings of Grace readers a few basics to create refreshing rituals for brides-to-be and the people in their world.

First, the basic ingredients to create your own aromatherapy home kit:   1. Epsom Salt (for sore muscles) 2. A small bottle of lavender essential oil (for relaxing properties; can substitute chamomile) 3. A small bottle of peppermint essential oil (for uplifting properties; can substitute rosemary) 4. Rosewater facial mist Second, simple relaxing rituals:   ~ What a difference a refreshing foot-soak can make to ease a tired day. Dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt in a pan of cool water (enough to cover your feet completely); add two drops of peppermint essential oil and swish around. Pop those feet in and take at least 15-20 minutes to soak and relax…..and be energized! ~ Getting a headache from stress or tiredness? Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on your fingertips and gently massage it in at the base of your neck for a bit of relief. ~ To support a restful sleep, put some flower petals in a pretty dish on your night table and sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on the petals for a soothing way to enter your dreams. (Perhaps use petals that are fading from a special bouquet of flowers you received!) ~ Do you use an eye mask for sleeping? Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on the mask (on the side away from your eyes) to support a peaceful night’s rest. ~ For a pick-me-up anytime of day, spritz rosewater facial mist on your face for revitalizing refreshment! Third, Joanne suggests these resources for general supplies and specific products:   1. Jurlique, www.jurlique.com. (A great resource for essential oils. Take note of their “Rosewater Freshener” and other facial mists.) 2. Abra, www.abratherapeutics.com. (Especially note their “Energy Tonic Bath” for a therapeutic, energizing bath!) 3. Origins, www.origins.com (Don’t miss their “Sleep Perchance to Dream Pillow Mist” to support restful sleep.)

Flora photos above (in respective order) by Drew Newman, Priscilla Wannamaker, Julie Mikos