Herbal Lift is the latest in the range and harnesses the properties of herbs to create an uplifting blend of essential oils within the massage wax. The oils are largely cephalic ( they clear the mind and stimulate mental activity) and the blend is intended to help with the fogginess and mental fatigue within the brain and mind that modern living seems to impart. Mental clarity, alertness and vigour restoration are associated with these oils. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herb found in the Mediterranean and was used for annointing kings as well as for 'expelling melancholy vapours from the heart'. It was used in the past for headaches, migraines and head-colds. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) was well known and revered by the Greeks, Romans and even the Egyptians. It's antiseptic properties gave it a use in hospitals until this century. It is an excellent brain stimulant and is renowned in folklore to aid the memory. It used to be inhaled while studying to aid the memory and a sprig was then placed on the desk during the writing of exams. When the memory failed, a quick sniff of crushed leaves was supposed to help with the retrieval of what was learned. This may still have an application today in the Herbal Lift! It is also an analgesic and an excellent tonic of the heart, liver and gallbladder. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) brings a relaxing element to the formula, and it is often used for those suffering from tension. Even though it is a very relaxing essential oil, it can lead to feeling of lightness and euphoria - even the name 'Clary' may be a derivation or 'clarus' meaning clear in Latin. It is also antispasmodic and warming and may be useful in abdominal massage. Palmarosa (Cympobogon martinii) is derived from a scented grass and is a wide spectrum bactericide, also being used for fevers and infectious diseases. It is hydrating and stimulating in terms of skincare and helps with sebum balance. It is also a digestive stimulant, again useful for abdominal massage. Caution: Three of these essential oils are emmenagogues - they encourage menstruation and it goes without saying that Herbal Lift should not be used during pregnancy. This, however, has led to an interesting use that has been reported. It is used by some therapists during childbirth massage to help bring on labour; thus harnessing the emmenagogue properties. Only qualified therapists should use it for any purpose related to pregnancy massage and then should have a complete understanding of the essential oils. Generally, only Bee Balme and Unscented Massage Wax should be used during pregnancy, and then only in the second and third trimester. For more information please consult your health visitor or doctor. |
