Gifts For $18 and Less - Lemon Sage Body Polish, Lavender Mint SippingChocolate and Yuzu Soy Candles

Level Naturals Coffee Body Polish can be purchased online or in Urban Sanctuary's gift store for $18.

You won't find Black Friday madness at Urban Sanctuary. Our motto is " Be Kind. Unwind." What you will find at Urban Sanctuary are soothing and comforting gifts for the home, organic bath and body gifts, vintage jewelry, gourmet sipping chocolate, eco-friendly candles and aromatic products to delight your senses. Our online store has new inventory daily. Call 706-613-3947 to inquire about the items on this list not yet available online.

Here are some of our favorite gifts for $18 or less.

• My Sweet Nomsa Vintage Style Czech Glass Earrings $15
• Pink Love Salt Sachets by Fig and Yarrow $12
• Flying Bird Botanicals Lavender Mint Sipping Chocolate $16
• Energizing Shower Bombs $2.25-$7.99
• Deep Steep Grapefruit Bergamot Body Butter $12
•   Level Naturals Bath Bombs Lemon, Sage, Ginger $3-$17
• Mission Fig and Lychee Soy Candle $19.99
• Oat Milk Bath Tea - $12
• Sweet Dreams Travel Tin Candle $12.50
• Lavender Chamomile Bath Bombs $3-$17
• Peace of Mind Tea $15
• Citrus Vanilla Sugar Scrub $18
• Herbivore Botanicals Soap $9
• Zum Goats Milk Soap Bundles $10
• Calm Bath Salts $18
• Honeydew Melon Bubble Bath by Deep Steep  $12

We put a lot of care into selecting the product lines we carry at Urban Sanctuary. Man-Friendly, Eco-Friendly, Hand Crafted, Small Batches, Organic, Natural and Unique. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary and do some of your holiday shopping here. Gift Certificates can be purchased online. We are open seven days a week.

 

Level One Naturals Body Polish is available online and in-store at Urban Sanctuary.

Basil: Healing For The Mind and Body

Basil has a vast array of strengthening and medicinal properties and there are many ways to make good use of its potent healing and life giving compounds. The plant originated in the Middle East and Asia. Basil is now being cultivated across the globe and over 100 different varieties have been raised. Its very popular as a culinary herb and in aromatherapy products. Basil can be found in medicinal tinctures and compounds, aromatherapy blends, hair oil and shampoo,soap, massage oil and sports rubs.

Basil contains a powerful compound proven to stabilize blood sugar, improve respiration and increase circulation. That compound is called cinnamanic acid. Lemon scented basil, cinnamon basil, red Thai basil and camphor like varieties each have their own unique chemical make up. However, the basic medicinal properties remain constant from strand to strand.

When ingested, as a culinary herb or supplement, basil has the capacity to aid the body in fighting colds, flu and viral infections, much like echinacea.Basil is an incredible immune system booster. It also combats bowel inflammation and rheumatiod arthritus.

 Essential oil of basil and standardized extracts are the most potent form.Utilizing basil aromatherapy or extracts will give you  rapid access to the medicinal benifits as well as the emotional recharge that basil can provide. Here are some of the common benefits:

• relief from allergies
• muscle soreness
• joint pain
• head aches and migranes
• nausea ( even from chemotherapy)
• rattled nerves
• mental fatigue
• cold and flu symptoms
• indegestion

Basil is known for its uplifting properties. Basil aromatherapy can help with lack of confidence. It has been said to "taketh away sorrowfulness" and to be "good for the heart" (Gerard).

Gifts for Moms and Daughters

Urban Sanctuary has several spa days designed with Moms in mind...

Relationships are celebrated every day, all year at Urban Sanctuary. In fact, we just might be the best place to send your Mom and/or Daughter to unwind. Choose your time and price. We have created a lovely space with every touch of comfort to coax stress and tension out of the body and settle the mind. Just what every woman deserves and needs.

Urban Sanctuary celebrates relationships. Mothers and daughters, grandmothers, sisters and friends are welcome to have spa services together on the same day at the same time. We have waiting lounges designed specifically for this purpose. Unwind together in a beautiful tranquil space.

Here are some great spa services for Mothers and Daughters:

• Mother Daughter Spa Day
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Mommy To Be Spa Day
• Hot Stone Pedicure
• Prenatal Massage 
• Pear Fig Facial
• Lemongrass Hydrating facial
• Asian Foot Massage
• Lavender Lime Scalp Massage
• French Manicure
• Queen for a Day

Descriptions of all of these services can be found online on the various pages of our service menu and if you'd like, you can purchase gift certificates online. Most services can be set up to accommodate 2 or more people visiting the spa together. We have couples pedicures and couples massages for friends and family sharing Spa Time. Have fun browsing through our website or call 706-613-3947 with questions, and we'll help you decide what will make you most happy.

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week.

Aromatherapy That Boosts Energy: 8 Great Choices

Urban Sanctuary's uplifting aromatherapy blends include Lavender Lime and Obnoxiously Strong Peppermint.

Aromatherapy can put a little pep in your step when you're running low on energy. With tax season coming to a close and pollen season in full swing, many of us are feeling a bit fatigued. Energizing and refreshing aromatherapy blends can serve to stimulate your senses and jump start your brain naturally. No sugar crash. No caffeine burn out. And when used properly, aromatherapy has no negative side effects. Quick and easy. Isn't that nice...?

Many of the uplifting essential oils on the list below ease sinus headaches, allergies and fatigue. Choose from the oils on this list to get a lift for yourself.

• Rosemary
• Lime
• Tea Tree
• Basil
• Peppermint
• Geranium
• Pink Grapefruit
• Lavender

There are many convenient and effective ways to use aromatherapy. Urban Sanctuary has many blended aromatherapy products to chose from as well as single notes. Stop in for a consultation and test out a few scents. Go with the ones that make you feel the best.

Sandalwood Aromatherapy Benefits

Urban Sanctuary has Sandalwood soap and candles available for purchase and features a Sandalwood Scalp  massage.

Sandalwood is a very precocious essential oil with great medicinal and fortifying properties. It is one of the most expensive essential oils on the planet, to harvest, because the Sandalwood tree must be at least 30 years old before it produces any of the sweet oil. Sandalwood trees are considered sacred in several of the countries where they thrive and that limits the availability and increases the value in the world marketplace. The effects of the oil are incredible and well worth the effort, if you can find a small vial to purchase and use at home.

Sandalwood aromatherapy is great for scalp and foot massage, because it pacifies the nervous system and brings calm and focus to scattered, fragmented energy. Sandalwood oil is both calming and cooling for overactive skin. It is healing and balancing in cases of inflammation, insomnia, frayed nerves, lack of sex drive, a racing mind, lack of focus, anxiety, dry skin, dry scalp and itchy scalp. Here are some of the primary benefits in list form. Sandalwood oil is commonly used to promote:

• peace
• balanced nerves
• restful sleep
• meditation
• sex drive
• calm
• confidence
• healthy skin
• healthy scalp
• focus
• spiritual fortitude

Sandalwood has been used throughout the ages in meditation practice. It is known for heart healing and opening. It's also a powerful aphrodisiac.

Sandalwood can be found in many soaps, candles, bath and cosmetic blends. It has a sweet woodsy scent that is slightly masculine with out being overpowering. It is popular with both men and women.

Try a Sandalwood Scalp and Neck Massage at Urban Sanctuary. Or stop into our store and sample our Zum sandalwood soap and candles. Call 706-613-3947 to inquire or book yourself a massage and spa service. We are open seven days a week, in Athens, Georgia to provide the perfect place to unwind...

Nettle Remedy Oil: A Winter Wonder for Dry Itchy Skin and Achy Joints

Nettle Remedy Oil can be purchased at Urban Sanctuary. Shop our Farmesthetics products online.

Nettle (Urtica Dioica) has been employed for centuries in both the Eastern and Western worlds to treat allergies, skin irritations, internal health problems and arthritis. Nettle leaf is commonly prescribed in Germany to treat bladder infections, kidney stones, allergies and arthritis. It is very popular in Austria, England and China, as well. Nettle is a wonder cure for skin irritations and achy joints. Recent studies conducted at the National School of Naturopathic Medicine, in Portland Oregon, show that Nettle is extremely effective for treating allergies with little to no negative side effects. Try Nettle Remedy Oil for:

• achy joints
• stiff fingers and toes
• high blood pressure
• allergies
• childhood eczema
• dry scalp and dandruff
• sciatica
• bronchitus
• bursitus
• bladder infections
• cold and flu

Nervous tension and many of the above ailments are well remedied with topical application Of Nettles Remedy Oil. Take a hot bath with 2-4 capfuls in it. Try scalp massage, abdominal massage, a chest rub, neck rub, hand and foot massage or a full body massage with Nettles Oil. These methods of application will allow you to reap the healing benefits for yourself.

Call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 to book yourself a massage incorporating our Farmesthetics Nettle Remedy oil or to purchase a bottle for home use. View our foot massage, scalp massage, specialty massage, products and gift certificates online. Urban Sanctuary has been voted Best Day Spa in Athens, Georgia 8 times! We are open 7 days a week. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary... 

Add 2-4 caps full of Nettle Remedy Oil to a hot bath for relief from arthritis, dry itchy skin and nervous tension.

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.