WELLNESS

BY ANY OTHER A Rose

NAME IS

AROMATHERAPY

By Patricia Danflous

If your mother tells you one more time to “slow down and smell the roses,” don’t roll your eyes behind her back. That cliché advice is absolutely accurate.

The queen of essential oils, rose is known for regenerating cells, nourishing the emotions, treating stress and PMS, and frequently used as an aphrodisiac.

For thousands of years, aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, has been associated with increased well-being. Recognized today as a significant holistic complement to contemporary medicine, the practice is proving effective for a wide range of physical and emotional health issues.

According to the

National Association for

Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), aromatherapy is the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essence from plants to balance, harmonize and promote a healthy body, mind and spirit.

In her book Healing Groovy, Aromatherapist and Holistic Practitioner Sandra Sigur, LMT, CYL, SCS, explains that aromatherapy is the harvesting of essential oils from plants, flowers, roots, barks and herbs and applying those oils therapeutically.

“Essential oils are inhaled to activate the limbic system, used with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, almond) to massage into the skin or added to bath water to ease pain and encourage circulation and relaxation,” she reports. “The molecular structure of essential oil is so small that it can cross the bloodbrain barrier, making it easily absorbed to reach the organ, gland, muscle and/or emotion you are trying to connect with.”

Although there are numerous choices and hundreds of aromatherapy Aromatherapy is proving effective for a wide range of physical and emotional health issues

applications for essential oils, Sigur recommends peppermint, lemongrass and lavender as the best for an aromatherapy first aid kit.

Peppermint relieves nausea, soothes muscular aches and pains, reduces or relieves migraines and also boosts energy. Lemongrass has cleansing properties and may be used as an antiviral or insect repellent. The calming effects of lavender reduce anxiety and aids wound healing, burns, cell regeneration, insect bites and general skin care.

Depending on the condition you want to address, essential oils should be used in safe dilutions. Some oils may not be appropriate for children – children under 30 months should not use peppermint, for example – and the elderly may require significant dilutions when applying it to their skin.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have been used for centuries around the world to heal in places like Egypt, China, India, Rome, Greece, Persia and Europe, to name a few of these early locations. Today, many still see the merits in a holistic approach to healing or the benefits in using natural remedies alongside Western medicine. To make a beginner’s healing kit, start by purchasing lavender, peppermint, bergamot, tea tree, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils.

YOUR SOUL

If you are interested in incorporating aromatherapy into your lifestyle, consult an aromatherapist or learn more from NAHA at www.naha.org.

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HOW TO INCORPORATE ARUGULA INTO YOUR DIET:

Add a handful to sandwiches or wraps. Use as topping on pizzas, soups or stews. Add some to a smoothie.

ARUGULA

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If arugula is not a regular food on your shopping list, you may want to change that. These delicate leaves not only pack a punch when it comes to flavor, but also deliver great nutrition.

Otherwise known as rocket or rucola, it is a close relative to kale, mustard greens and other brassica vegetables. Arugula’s tender, bite-sized leaves are easy to prepare and suitable to be enjoyed either raw or cooked. First cultivated in the Mediterranean, it has become a staple in

Italian cuisine.

While arugula’s peak season is early spring and fall, it is readily available in grocery stores throughout the year. It can also be grown at home, either indoors or outdoors.

Young leaves are small, delicate and make the perfect addition to any salad. Older leaves develop a distinct peppery flavor that adds depth to pesto, pasta dishes or makes an excellent pizza topping.

Aside from the exquisite taste and visual appeal, its nutritional profile alone is noteworthy. Arugula has little calories but delivers high amounts of nutrients. Two cups contain less than 15 calories but are packed with around 50% of our daily requirement of beta-carotene, 25% of vitamin C and 20% of magnesium.

This eat fresh contains vitamin B5, which has been found to raise good cholesterol, lower harmful cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Studies confirm that it supports detoxifying pathways in the liver, particularly the detoxification of heavy metals that cause skin condition, fatigue or cancer.

Purchasing arugula is simple. Look for bright green leaves that are crisp but not wilted or slimy. At home, loosely wrap it in a damp paper towel, store in a refrigerator and consume within three days. Once wilted, it should not be added to salads but is safe in cooked dishes, pesto’s or soups.

ARUGULA PESTO

INGREDIENTS:

 3 cups arugula leaves  ½ cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted  1 tablespoon garlic, minced  1 cup extra-virgin olive oil  ½ teaspoon Kosher salt  ½ cup Parmesan, freshly grated

DIRECTIONS:

In a food processor or blender, combine arugula, nuts, garlic, oil and salt. Blend for 30-45 seconds until thick paste forms. Pour paste into a bowl, add Parmesan and stir until well combined. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container up to one week.