Tend & Mend with Plant Power

Physical therapy. Psychotherapy. Speech therapy. Shock Therapy. The word "therapy" often calls to mind the idea of hard work; a kind of health treatment that requires a person to go beyond his or her comfort level in order to get well. In the world of therapies, however, there is at least one type that breaks the mold. While many therapies temporarily increase stress in a person's life, this one instantly de-stresses the body and mind in the most pleasurable of ways. It's known to millions as aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is my kind of health program--something that offers relief through the sense of smell. It accomplishes what eating-for-comfort only attempts to do. While the latter often ends up burdening the body even further, plants used in aromatherapy have the potential to heal us on many different levels. Anyone who has stepped down into a warm bath sprinkled with several drops of lavender essential oil knows exactly what I'm talking about. When you feel like you're spring-loaded and ready to pop, lavender's power to calm frazzled nerves seems near-miraculous. Besides soothing the savage beast in all of us, lavender imparts a fresh, clean feeling to the user ("lavender" comes from the Latin word "lavare"--to wash), plus it is a pleasant-smelling disinfectant for all kinds of cuts and scrapes. Ever burn your forehead when straightening bangs with a flat iron? Smooth a few drops of lavender essential oil across the reddened skin. Not only will it minimize the pain, but the skin will heal without leaving a mark. Lavender is one of only two essential oils that can safely be applied to skin neat, which means undiluted. (The other one is tea tree oil.) Most should be mixed with a carrier oil like almond or jojoba before applying to the skin. If lavender were a celebrity, it would surely be Meryl Streep for its unprecedented versatility. I rely on lavender like Toula's dad used Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Here are a few other favorites from my medicine cabinet:

Rosemary--Its fresh, green and cerebral qualities really wake me up in the morning. One whiff and my whole body feels uplifted. It also helps strengthen nerves and soothe tired muscles. Rosemary is excellent when inhaled in a morning bath or shower (which reminds me to order some tomorrow). Celebrity counterpart: Gwynneth Paltrow

Ylang ylang--This exotic flower is a bit heady for some people, but it lends a delicious, sensual note when used with lemon and sandalwood in a massage oil. I particularly like it for softening and rejuvenating the skin. It also stimulates the part of the brain that releases endorphins. Celebrity counterpart: Angelina Jolie

Peppermint--Who doesn't love refreshing, exhilarating peppermint? It's bursting with freshness! I mix 50 drops of peppermint essential oil in a 4-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water and mist my body when I'm feeling hot, exhausted and completely worn out. Celebrity counterpart: Meg Ryan

Lemon--The citrusy scent from the rind of the lemon is liquid sunshine--happy, radiant and bright. Corporations in Japan use lemon oil to induce clear thinking in their employees. It's also a disinfectant and balances oily skin. Clears the air of stale smoke when mixed with cedar. Celebrity counterpart: Kate Hudson

Sweet Orange--A surprising and versatile aroma. Even though orange is a fresh, lively scent, the essential oil is relaxing to our psyche.  It also soothes rough, calloused skin and helps rejuvenate agng skin. Sweet orange is especially good for calming anxiety and nervousness. Celebrity counterpart: Annette Bening

Clove--Sweet, spicy, and very exotic. Clove is a lingering scent that you won't easily forget. It's terrific mixed with sweet orange and patchouli. I use a mixture of these 3 essential oils in a diffuser or in a carrier of walnut oil to polish woodwork in my home. It smells heavenly! Celebrity counterpart: Halle Berry

Patchouli--Woody, earthy, smoky--you either love it or hate it; there's no inbetween. Patchouli is the classic scent of the 60's counter culture. Highly regarded as an aphrodisiac, this thick resin from the mint family is serious about healing wounds and infections, too. Celebrity counterpart: Madonna 

I was thrilled when we decided to carry essential oils at Swanson. My employee order is getting larger and longer. Still, I figure I'm coming out ahead. Psychotherapists get upwards of $100 an hour. All I have to do is take a bath, and I feel good as new. Well, at the very least I smell herbaly, which isn't too bad either.