Geranium Aromatherapy: Mood Regulating & Healing

           

  One of the most remarkable things about geranium essential oil is that it's both an anti-depressant & a sedative at once. Although this seems an impossible feat, it is true! Geranium has a regulating quality to it (much like the regulating aspect of lavender) making it invaluable for treating depression, anxiety, fatigue & nervous tension. A treasure to have on hand during the hot cranky months of summer, indeed!

              
        The hormone stabilizing aspects of geranium make it a wonderfully effective solution for irritability & mood swings. Raging hormones due to PMS, menopause, or other influences are easily calmed by geranium's sweet medicine. Being that it is a light adrenal stimulant, it effectively cuts through the thick fog of fatigue, lethargy & ongoing sadness, especially in  women... That being said, geranium can be found in many bath, body & relaxation blends geared toward tension taming & PMS relief. It is a key ingredient in our in-house blended Joy bath salts, PMS bath salts & Joy essential oil.

            A natural bug repellent, geranium is often found in chemical-free repellents for children, pets & sensitive skin. Geranium is a key ingredients in the Badger Anti-Bug Balm we carry at Urban Sanctuary. We love it! Bugs hate it... Geranium plants in pots can help deter mosquitoes on porches & patios. However, it seems to be more effective when applied directly to the skin or used in soaps. Favorites in our boutique are our Zum geranium bars, EO Rose Geranium Citrus Handsoap (organic) & EO Rose Geranium Citrus Bubbles. 

             I chose to focus on just three aspects of geranium for hot weather stress relief, but the healing properties of geranium are plentiful. The list of medicinal properties includes:

• analgesic
• nervous tonic 
• diuretic  
• insect repellent  
• adrenal stimulant
• anti-infectious 
• stimulant  
• sedative       
• mood regulator
• kidney tonic 
• liver tonic
• PMS relief
• anti-depressant
• anti-diabetic 
• immune system builder      

              Carried over to Europe on ships in the late 16th century, Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum) originated in Africa. Today, most of it is produced in Egypt & Morocco. The single note that we carry is an Aura Cacia organic essential oil produced in Egypt.

              The oil of geranium is thick & sweet. It blends well with lemon, grapefruit & other citrus oils because they are top notes, which lighten up geranium's thick heavy scent. Geranium also blends well with sharp essential oils, such as rosemary or clove because they penetrate geranium's cloying smell... Some find geranium alone to be too heady & sweet. It is a matter of personal preference, of course. I usually prefer to blend it.

             Look forward to another piece on the beauty benefits of geranium for dry skin & skin over thirty. Please write us with questions to Candice at candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com.  Or share your own geranium bath blends & insect repellent recipes. 

Staff Highlight: Elizabeth Sheppard

Elizabeth Sheppard has worked as a massage therapist at Urban Sanctuary for over six years. She came on staff as extra help during our Valentine's Day rush in February 2009, and we have loved her ever since...  One of the reasons we love Elizabeth is her personality -- she is really up-beat and easy to talk to. Her comforting touch makes her massage absolutely magical!

Where are you from? 
 Snellville, Georgia 

Why did you move to Athens?
 For school

How long have you lived here?
 10 years

What are some of your favorite things about living in Athens?
The sense of community, great food and great shopping options (Co-op!),  and the music.

Favorite hang-outs?
 My front porch swing.

Favorite places to shop?
Trader Joe’s and Native American Gallery

Favorite places to eat?
Trapeze and The Grit

Do you garden?
I love to garden – veggies, flowers, and a variety of herbs...

Do you speak any foreign  languages?
Hola  and Bonjour!

TV? 
True Blood and The Walking Dead

Do you have any pets? 
A giant husky/retriever mix named Benny

Elizabeth is passionate about herbal medicine. She loves giving mud and seaweed wraps. Interested in a spa service with Elizabeth? She is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Try a massage scrub combo, a mud wrap, seaweed wrap or a deep tissue massage with her! To schedule a massage with Elizabeth call 706-613-3947.

11 Foods for Hot Weather Fatigue

The heat and humidity of summer can be a real drain! Heavy and processed foods require more energy to be broken down, which increases body heat and depletes your reserves. There are many stamina boosting foods you can eat daily to offset fatigue when the temperature soars above 90 degrees.These are my favorites:

• Apples – Crunchy, juicy apples are inexpensive and easy to carry with you.  Their natural sugars, anti-oxidants, and fiber combine to energize you.
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• Quinoa – A nutritional powerhouse favored by Inca warriors, quinoa is fluffy and light. It is a complete protein whose nutty taste works well with eggs, meats, beans, fish, and in salads.
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• Cucumber – Cooling, stomach-soothing, and hydrating, cucumbers make a refreshing snack or side dish during summertime. My mom used to cut up cucumber wedges in my lunchbox in June. Cucumber water is divine. 
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• Lentils and Beans – Loaded with fiber, carbs, and proteins, beans and lentils are great energy foods. Bean sauces, soups, dips, and burritos are nice served hot or cold. Great for physical stamina!
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• Green Grapes – Juicy and refreshing, grapes can cut through the brain fog that settles in around 99 degrees. They are naturally sweet and energizing!

• Raw spinach – Iron and folate-filled spinach is good for stamina and mood.
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• Bananas – They help maintain good blood pressure and heart rhythms, and replace the much needed potassium that is lost due to sweating. The sugars and carbs in bananas digest easily.
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• Celery – Gives you a dose of fiber and vitamins B & C. Celery also balances sodium levels.
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• Hard-boiled eggs – Eat cold in the summertime to give your brain a jump start. Great protein source.
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• Mushrooms – Packed with vitamin B, mushrooms are a terrific meat substitute either cooked or raw. Mushrooms also have an anti-depressant quality.
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• Pineapple – Pineapple will probably show up on all of my food remedy lists. It’s a magical food.  Bromelain and other nutrients in pineapples cleanse the body, loosen the joints, and aid in digestion. 

Add these foods to your summer grocery list. Look for any food with extra water, vitamins, or minerals. Locally raised vegetables, fruits, and eggs offer you greater nutrition and energy. In the summer, pick a few energy boosting snacks from this list to keep in your gym bag or at the office. I find I can work in the garden for hours longer when I power up with any of these 14. Write in and tell me what your favorite energy boosting summer foods are!

Staff Highlight: Jennifer Bridges

            Jennifer Bridges has been at Urban Sanctuary for almost 4 years. She loves speed waxing and is probably the fastest at Urban Sanctuary. Jennifer also loves microdermabrasion and the Naturopathica facial peels. Jennifer gives results producing  and deeply cleansing facials.

Do you have any pets?

I have a beagle named Jake, and I am fostering a sweet puppy named Sophie.

What music do you enjoy?
  
I enjoy all genres of music, but I like country the most because the lyrics tell a meaningful story. Some of my favorite artists include Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.

What movies do you like?  

The Notebook, and everything from comedy to chick flicks to drama and war movies.

What about TV shows?  

Dexter and One Tree Hill

Do you have any hobbies?

Cooking is a passion I learned from my mom and granddad, and I love trying out new recipes or coming up with different concoctions on my own! I love shopping, scrapbooking, road trips, and hiking.

Jennifer is an esthetician, make-up artist, and speed waxer. Some of her favorite Urban Services are Brazilian and  Bikini Waxing, Urban Facial, Clarifying Facial, and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. To book a session with Jennifer, contact us at 706-613-3947 or info@urbansanctuaryspa.com