And sure enough when I went to workout yesterday, the place was full to capacity. I had to squeak into the corner to find room in the exercise class.

People have made their New Years Resolution to lose weight and get in shape, and they are hitting the exercise circuit in full force.

Sore muscles is the  result for many.  People who are out of shape suddenly hit the gym and start going at it. The result is soreness and stiffness.

Well here is a video that can help with those sore muscles. It shows how to blend up essential oils and make a relaxing bath salt. A hot bath, with the relaxing scent of aromatherapy may be just the thing to sooth those sore muscles.

In the video, she talks about the base note, middle note and top note.  Check out the vidoe to learn about these aromatherapy terms and how to properly blend the oils.

Relaxing bath salt blend

• 16 oz of Epsom salt and/or sea salt
• 2 drops of Geranium essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
• 6 drops of Peppermint essential oil

You can tell us about your favorite aromatherapy relaxing blend by using the comment box below. Thanks for sharing.

This video does a great job of explaining all about essential oils.

There are various ways of extracting essential oils from plants and herbs.

Some are better than others.

Essential oils are basically the immune system of the plant. They help the plant to fight off:

• Bugs
• Diseases
• Fungi

Essential oils also  help bugs, birds and nectar loving creatures know what kind of plant they are.

Many ancient cultures used essential oils. They have a very long history of use.

One example, sometimes hunters would rub rosemary on themselves to help them remember their path. Rosemary has been known to help the mind.

The practice of using fragrance for mental and physical well being.

Aromatherapy is done using essential oils of plants and flowers.

Take a look at the video for more info on aromatherapy.

Did you ever notice how a scent or fragrance can affect your emotions.

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years.

Experiment with different essential oils to see which scents work for you.

Aromatherapy is a personal experience.

Aromatherapy works by direct contact with the skin in some cases, although not all oils are safe to put directly on the skin. It also works by your sense of smell.

For a quick aromatherapy boost, carry a cotton ball, and sprinkle with a few drops of your favorite oil, for an on the go aromatherapy experience.

Since this type of diffuser uses a candle, you want to make sure you don’t burn the place down. Just use care as you would any other time you use a candle.

Place a a bit of water into the aroma bowl and then add a few drops of your favorite oil, enjoy!

You can use just about any essential oil in a diffuser like this. Here are a few favorites.

• Peppermint
• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Cinnamon leaf
• Clove bud

The heat from the candle will diffuse the scent of the oils into the air.

Start with a carrier base oil, grapeseed oil, sesame oil, sweet almond or safflower oil. This will make up the bulk of your stress relieving massage oil blend.

The oil should be placed in a dark colored bottle to protect it from damage from light.

5 Steps to Vibrant Health

Add 1-2 drops of the following essential oils

• Lavender
• Petitgrain
• Ylang ylang

Now find a partner to give and receive a nice relaxing massage. Breathe deep and relax.
If you have any other ideas for a relaxing aromatherapy blend, let us know in the comment box below.

Cynthia Loving

Essential oils for cough and bronchitis

Cypress, Wonderful for addressing those heavy spastic coughs. We use this oil anytime there is excess fluid, things like simple edema. Soak your swollen feet in some water and epsom salt to which Cypress essential oil has been added. One of the top oils I’ve used for bronchitis both chronic and acute. Quieting, helps to calm down the nervous system Cedarwood Atlas, Very Calming anti-inflamnatory properties Complements well with Cypress Also good for the skin In aromatherapy, trees represent strength. These oils are great general tonics, for helping build strength in the body.