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9 FRAGRANT SCENTS TO GROW AND CREATE YOUR OWN AROMATHERAPY GARDEN…

May 27, 2023May 24, 2023 barmac5

For hundreds of years, people have believed that scents have the power to boost your mood, health, and well being. Now, a scientific study has proved that this is the case.

Parts of our brain that process smell, memory, and emotions are closely related, and scents can affect our brainwaves in powerful and measurable ways according to a recent article.

Lavender for example helps with a cognitive performance for our mood and sleep and also as a muscle relaxant and migraine reliever. This happens due to the lavender’s pleasant smell leading to a positive emotional response. Evidence also suggests that physiological effects, including the scent interacting with brain receptors and neurotransmitters to promote relaxation.

Eucalyptus is an excellent addition to an aromatherapy garden. The vapors might help relieve sinus congestion when inhaled or soothe minor wounds when applied topically.

Ylang, Ylang, Perfect for soothing an argument, ylang ylang is known for its relaxing properties. “The pure essential oil of these blossoms has been found to aid issues of palpitations, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.

Lavender, which I have already written about and is a very popular choice. The sweetly scented plant has long been believed to relieve stress, soothe wounds, aid with poor sleep, and ease menstrual pain. The essential oil from these fragrant perennials is also used in aromatherapy for depression and anxiety.

Lemon, Citrus scents work wonders at calming work stress. Lemon and other citrus fragrances improve concentration and have calming properties.

Chamomile, Chamomile is a beautiful garden plant with fragrant flowers and a long history of use in herbal medicine.In addition to its lovely smell, chamomile is said to have skin-healing properties, too.

Mint, Its aroma and medicinal properties being linked to stress and pain relief, as well as appetite stimulation and digestive support.

Jasmine, also used in teas, its extract is believed to help relieve stress, headaches, depression, anxiety, and PMS symptoms.

Lilac, with its sweet and intoxicating scent, lilac eases tension and lifts spirits, and some even claim that lilac oil can increase concentration and boost mental activity when inhaled.

And finally, Rosemary, A stressful supermarket shop can be eased by rosemary. It can improve your memory and reduce feelings of mental and physical tiredness due to its stimulating properties.

When designing your own therapeutic garden, think about whether you want an area for relaxation, which might include planting some of the above or marjoram, or damask rose or an area to increase your concentration so you could then add peppermint or a trellis of jasmine.

I have just planted a row of lavender just under my dining room window which is near my front door as I thought a smell coming into the house of lavender would be lovely as well as smelling it while dining. Here are a number of books available on this but my favourite which I bought recently is the RHS Your Wellbeing Garden by Professor Alistair Griffiths and award-winning garden designer Matt Keightley.

Learn how connecting with nature can reduce stress and improve wellbeing. You don’t even need a garden – even a balcony or houseplants can help to boost your mood. Every recommendation is backed by scientific research, drawn together by the team of RHS scientists and experts. Favourite garden designer at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Matt Keightley then suggests how to translate the science into ideas for your green space.

With this groundbreaking book, find out how, in sometimes very simple ways, you can create an outdoor space that nourishes your mind and body, and is good for our planet too.

Source: Bobvila, Amazon

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TWENTY TIPS FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS…

May 19, 2023May 15, 2023 barmac5

If you have been newly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia here are a few tips to help you deal with the condition.

1. Never be afraid to ask for help, be it with the shopping, cooking or cleaning. As most sufferers tend to ‘look fine’ most people do not realise the pain they are suffering inside, so if you don’t ask you won’t get help.

2. If work is leaving you exhausted and in pain, then design a flexible plan that works for you and your boss. Ask about working from home part-time, or setting your hours for earlier or later in the day so you can be more productive, during this busy time.

3. Don’t try to always put on a happy face. Your loved ones need to know what makes your symptoms worse.

4. Rest, rest and more rest, every little helps to recharge your batteries. When you feel that overwhelming urge to sleep try and get forty winks.

5. Support groups can play an important part in the lives of people with chronic illnesses. Whether in person or online, they offer a safe place to talk with others who may share your frustrations and concerns.

6. Tomorrow is another day and with Fibromyalgia tomorrow can be a more comfortable day, so try to not think negative when you are having a bad day.

7. Keep all your ‘helpful’ pain relievers on hand, be it a hot water bottle, pillow, cushion or whatever you have that helps your pain.

8. A useful purchase for going out is a lightweight portable stadium seat which you can find on Amazon.

9. Also a sciatica support cushion can be great to have in your car while travelling. I could not manage many journeys without mine. There are lots to choose from.

10.This is an Adjustable Tripod Walking Stick and seat. If, like me you cannot stand for long in a queue then this is just perfect. The Height adjustable walking stick seat is designed to provide support and comfort and provides a stable and comfortable seated position when you need a break from standing.

11. Have a very hot bath or a hot shower. When it comes to reducing pain, soaking yourself in super hot water may not be your first thought but it can actually provide significant relief. My day starts with me taking my meds then having a hot shower. I feel totally different twenty minutes later. Heat, heat and more heat helps with pain.

12. Try and stay as active as possible which is a hard thing to ask if you are in pain but staying active is a powerful way to reduce daily pain. A walk a day may keep the Doctor away. Ten minutes can make a big difference to your health and well being then increase it to 15 or 20 minutes. Your GP or physiotherapist may be able to refer you to a health professional who specialises in helping people with fibromyalgia work out an exercise plan.

13. Leave the house cleaning until you are on a good day and do it in stages and not all at once. Always pace yourself to help avoid flare ups.

14. Try and get a rest every day. Sleep is very important for Fibro sufferers so if you have had a bad night rest for an hour in the afternoon. I have a daily nap between 3-4pm and if I miss it I feel tired late afternoon which then seems to trigger more pain.

15. Shop online then you don’t need to carry anything but still get your walks in on a daily basis if you can.

16. Keep a trigger journal it will remind you what and when you seem to get your flare ups.

17. Learn how to relax. If you have fibromyalgia, it’s important to regularly take time to relax or practise relaxation techniques. Stress can make your symptoms worse or cause them to flare up more often. There are many relaxation aids available, including books, tapes and courses.

18. Take up a hobby. Find something that really relaxes you. At the moment I am really into adult paint by numbers and find it very very relaxing to do. I also like knitting but do need to pace myself with knitting as it soon affects my arms.