Chamomile: One of Natures Best Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Urban Sanctuary carries a multitude of bath and body products with  chamomile essential oil, as well as the tea.

Chamomile is one of nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Chamomile soothes, calms and cools both body and spirit. The tea is wonderful for upset stomach, insomnia and nervousness. Both the tea and essential oil are very healing and soothing.

The medicinal and beauty benefits of chamomile were well-employed in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Chamomile tea is used today all over the world as a digestive aid, immune system booster, sleep aid and stomach soother. The essential oil and herbal infusions of chamomile can be found in high quality beauty products, especially cleansers, masks, creams and soothing tinctures for the face. Chamomile has anti-septic properties, which in combination with its ant-inflammatory properties, makes it very effective in clearing up acne, eczema and skin irritations. It is a key ingredient in many sensitive skin products for the face and is often used to treat rashes and burns.

Less known uses of chamomile include treatment of muscle spasms, joint and muscle pain, cleaning of cuts and wounds, support in dealing with diabetes and hyperglycemia and relief from headaches. Almost anything that could be brought on by excess inflammation, heat, agitation or nervous tension is likley to be healed by chamomile. The following list includes a variety of ailments very well treated by chamomile:

• enlarged capillaries
• puffy skin
• allergies
• joint pain
• muscle spasms
• inflammation
• muscle soreness
• nervousness and anxiety
• hyperactivity
• depression
• indigestion
• headaches
• insomnia
• joint pain
• burns and rashes
• skin irritation and break outs
• weak or compromised immune system
• diareaha
• ulcers
• PMS
• menstrual pain

Chamomile essential oil has a very pungent medicinal scent. One drop of chamomile essential oil has the potency of 300 cups of the tea. That being said ,the essential oil aroma is not soft and sweet like the aroma of chamomile tea. It's quite harsh smelling and is best when diluted or blended with base note essential oils and a carrier oil or cream.

If you don't currently use chamomile at home, try incorporating it into your health, wellness and beauty routines at home. Here are some ideas to try:

• lay moist tea bags on your eyes for puffiness
• soak in a blended chamomile bath to improve sleep
• use sensitive skin products with chamomile for irritation and redness
• drink the tea to relax and boost immunity
• soak your feet in chamomile tea, bubbles or blended salts for PMS or stress relief

Call Urban Sanctuary with questions or email candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com for a list of chamomile infused products available through our store.

Staff Highlight: Dina LaFera

Dina has joined us on staff at Urban Sanctuary with 18 years of success in the field of esthetics under her belt. To name a few of Dina's gifts, she has a wonderful passion for skincare, a nice sense of community and a great love for people. We are thrilled to have Dina with us.

Dina gives facials, facial peels, waxing and microdermabrasion treatments at Urban Sanctuary during the week and weekends. Call us at 706-613-3947 to find out which available appointments suit your schedule and book yourself in for a great spa service.

Dina, tell us about your career background and your skincare philosophy.
I have come full circle with my skincare philosophy. I began working in esthetics 18 years ago at Natural Body in Buckhead and later grew into medical esthetics for a while.

I believe in balance. You must feed your skin, the largest organ in your body, the same as you would feed your body. Use whole and organic ingredients as much as possible and save the pharmaceuticals only for occasional use.

Where are you from and what brought you to Athens? 
I was born in Kingston, New York. I later moved to Athens from Atlanta to simplify my life with my children and escape Atlanta traffic. I am blessed with two angels, my daughter Gabrielle and my son Sasha.

How long have you lived here?  
7 years

Tell us what you love about Athens.  
There's an amazing sense of community here! I used to love WOW boot camp at 5:30 with my sister Andrea. (Andrea owns A LaFera salon here in town). I also really loved watching my son, Sasha (a musician), find his happiness with the help of Nuci's Space. Nuci's Space is amazing. Also, I've had the best clients in the world here! I have bonded differently with my clients in Athens than I have in any other city where I've worked. The relationships have been stronger.

What do you put your energy into when you're not at work?
I love cooking with my fiance, Martin, and cooking for friends. I love gardening and specialize in growing herbs and flowers. Fresh flowers in my house are a must!

You come from a big Italian family, right?
Yes, I am one of seven siblings. I love American Italian classic music and anything that reminds me of my family.

Anything else that you'd like to share?
I love people and food from all over the world. My dream would be to be able to speak every language and experience all cultures in my lifetime.

What a beautiful dream, the product of a lovely human being's imagination...

Read about the many services you can book with Dina and the other talented estheticians at Urban Sanctuary on our facials, facial ad-ons and microdermabrasion website pages. Microdermabrasion benefits, pumpkin and cherry facial benefits are listed on our blog, as well as the general benefits of getting facials regularly.

Urban Sanctuary is open seven days a week. Pick a day and come by for an hour. Smell the delicious soaps, try on a hot neck pillow and sample our vast array of eco-friendly, organic skincare products and gifts for the home. Some of our products can be viewed online. Gift certificates can be purchased online.