Justin's Garden

Aromatherapy
For a number of years now I have used essential oils in my home. After our accident and the death of our son Justin these essential oils played a positive role in helping us to deal with the deep sense of loss. If anything they brought comforting familiar aroma's to our home, but I do believe that they were and are beneficial in helping us through the sleepless nights, the pain and confusion. For these reasons I want to share some of the blends and books I found beneficial

The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood (a complete guide to Aromatherapy and essential oils) is a book I refer to very frequently and one I would recommend.

The Fragrant Mind also by Valerie Ann Worwood (Aromatherapy for personality, mind, mood and emotion.) There are many other great books on the market but these are the two I particularly like and refer to for help in choosing oils and blends.

The main oils I used in the first year were Rose Maroc, Lavender, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Rose Otto, Geranium, TeaTree, Basil, Bergamot, Rosemary and Marjoram, Black Pepper, Neroli, Clary Sage, to name but a few.

Using Aromatherapy Oil's on a Burner
As not everyone is open to massage I use the oils on an electric Aroma Stone. I found that Rose Otto and Basil helped dissipate the sadness on the days that life seemed totally unbearable.
Place 1 drop of Basil and 3 drops of Rose Otto onto the Burner.
(I used this blend particularly in the morning time.)
4 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Rose on a burner. (Evening)
4 drops of Geranium and 2 drops Clary Sage. (Daytime)

These are just some of the blends I use on my burner, there are thousand's more or you can choose to use just one oil like Lavender or Geranium, but do not over do it. Lavender may also be dropped on a pillow or (as I have done many times) dropped subtly onto clothes of those we love and know are having a difficult time.

Massage with Aromatherapy Oil's

As part of my recovery from injuries I sustained in the accident I have been having massage, Reflexology and various Natural Treatment's to aid my physical and emotional well being.
The main Essential oil used in my treatments is Lavender for pain but I also add Rose Otto or Geranium. As a Base Oil (carrier) I use either Grapeseed or Sweet Almond Oil.
The recommended dilution's are as follows:
10 drops of Essential Oils to 10ml of Base Oil
So if I was mixing two oils with a base oil I would use:
6 Drops of Lavender.
4 Drops of Rose Otto or
2 - 4 drops of Geranium.
10mls of Sweet Almond Oil or Grapeseed oil.

Massage is very soothing and comforting, for me it gives me special time to myself when I can totally relax. There are times when the tears flow as I relax and let the thoughts I normally suppress come to the forefront of my mind, at these times I know I am safe because there is someone with me who will listen and let me be, not judge and not try to stop me from feeling.