Getting Blissed Out with Aromatherapy

with Valerie Worwood

Getting married and having a baby may be the two most important events in any woman’s life, and feeling beautiful and relaxed is an important part of the preparation for each. World renown author, Valerie Worwood, maintains that the “natural” bride or mother-to-be is one with inner calm and outer radiance, and one that uses aromatherapy to enhance the entire experience. Weddings and childbirth are important events all over the world, regardless of the culture, and it is not unusual to spend months in preparation. Valerie suggests beginning to pamper yourself months before the big date. These two special occasions can inspire us to learn more about natural essence oils and how they can affect and enhance our physical and emotional state.

The ancient art of aromatherapy is one of the most enduring tools for an overall sense of well-being. It utilizes the use of natural plant substances called essential oils that are obtained from aromatic plants such as flowers, fruits, herbs, seeds, woods, and roots. The most important part of using essential oils and aromatherapy is ensuring that you use pure essential oils. Some stores specialize in essential oils (including some health food stores). If you cannot find a good supplier in your area, essential oils are sold on the internet. Look for companies with labels that display the botanical names as well as the common names, for example, “100% pure essential oil of Lavender – Lavendula angustifolia.”

Here are some of Valerie’s favorite “make at home” aromatherapy ‘recipes’ for feminine radiance and inner calm. Her two new gift kits, appropriately named “Bliss Boxes”—The Bride’s Big Day and The Pampered Pregnancy come with instruction books (teeming with recipes to create your own aromatherapy baths, skin treatments, and more), aromatherapy candles and instrumental CDs to wisk that nervous bride or mom-to-be into ‘la-la-land.’ Perfect and oh-so-thoughtful holiday or shower gifts from the heart!

Jasmine Milk Bath

Whole milk, 1 cup
Almond oil, 1 teaspoon
Rose or Jasmine, 2 drops OR
diluted Rose or Jasmine oil, 1 teaspoon
Mix together then add to your bath.

Pure rose and jasmine oils can be expensive, so you can purchase them diluted in jojoba oil. This provides a much cheaper option and, in the case of baths, will do the job just as well.

Lavender Calming Body Oil

Lavender, 5 drops
Almond oil, 1 tablespoon

Mix in a bottle, and shake well before use. Apply as an body oil.

Day Moisturizing Face Oil for Evenly Balanced Skin

Rose, 3 drops
Lavender, 1 drop
Lemon, 5 drops
Almond or hazelnut oil, 2 tablespoons

Add the essential oil blend to the almond or hazelnut oil and mix well. Apply to slightly damp skin. Massage well into the skin, then dab the face with a tissue until no excess oil shows.

Foot Treatment Synergistic Blend

Palma rosa, 6 drops
Lemon, 4 drops
Peppermint, 1 drop

Blend together in these proportions and use 5 drops in 1 teaspoon jojoba oil. Before use, first soak the feet in a bowl of warm water in which a dozen or so small, round stones have been placed along with a tablespoon of salt and 4 drops of your favorite essential oils. Inhale the aroma and rub the soles of your feet back and forth over the pebbles. After dabbing dry, massage the oil well into the whole of the foot, taking time to massage the toes.

The information above was excerpted with permission from The Bride’s Big Day Bliss Box by Valerie Worwood (New World Library, 2004).

Valerie Worwood, one of the world’s leading authorities on aromatherapy, has been practicing for nearly 25 years. Her many books include the bestselling "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy", "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child", and "The Fragrant Mind." She resides in England where she runs an aromatherapy clinic. Bliss boxes available from www.newworldlibrary.com.