One of the many reasons I love to share candles, is that they can be used for their aromatherapy properties.  Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from botanical material (flowers, herbs and other aromatic plants) to achieve relaxation, relief from stress and other disorders. The smell of a candle can evoke so many feelings and emotions, as well as bring on relaxation or can be energizing and everything else in between.  Now that I have my blog up and running, I can share some of these benefits with you.  My first topic will be this months’ Candle scent of the month, Bay Leaf and Cloves.  Here are some of the aroma-therapeutic benefits of these two items:

Bay leaf is also known as the Laurel leaf, Sweet Bay, and Mediterranean Bay.  The leaf comes from the Laurus nobilis tree.  This sturdy evergreen tree is a native of West Indies, Venezuela and the Guiana’s. The bay tree grows to about 10 meters (30 feet), has long aromatic lance-shaped leaves, small white-yellow flowers and black berries. Bay oil was very popular with the Romans, who thought that the herb was symbolic of wisdom, peace and protection. The Latin ‘Laudis’ means ‘to praise”, which is why the victors at the Olympic games were presented with a laurel (bay) wreath. The leaves are collected from a tree that is at least 5 years old.  It is a good antiseptic for the respiratory system, perks up the digestive system, settles stomach pain, and is known for promoting confidence, courage and insight. In vapor therapy, bay oil can be used for an infection, for fever and general aches and pains. It can also trigger inspiration and has a calming effect on the mind.

Clove–A native of Indonesia and the Malacca Islands, it is an evergreen tree that grows to about 10 meters (30 feet) tall and has bright green leaves and nail-shaped rose-peach flower buds which turn, upon drying, a deep red brown. These are beaten from the tree and dried.  The Latin word ‘Clavus’ means nail shaped, referring to the bud.  It was often used by the Greeks, Roman and the Chinese, to ease toothache and as a breath sweetener, especially when talking to the Emperor. It has antiseptic properties and was used in the prevention of contagious diseases, such as the Plague.  It was an important commodity in the spice trade and is still used in perfumes, mulled wines and liqueurs, love potions, dental products, stuck in an orange, as pomade, and insect repellant.  it does have wonderful properties – from stimulating the mind and lifting depression, to aiding digestion, relieving pain in arthritis and rheumatism, and easing respiratory problems. Also known to aid in keeping moths at bay.  In vapor therapy, clove can be useful for bronchitis and dizziness and to help lift depression, while strengthening memory and fighting weakness and lethargy.

Ok…now…let me throw in my disclaimer…this is in no way meant to be any type of medical advice.  I am just offering up some interesting and maybe even useful information.  Pardon that, but just have to CYA, if ya know what I mean.

I hope you enjoy my blog.  I have wanted to get one started for awhile now.  Many thanks to my sister for helping me get it up and running…it wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her!

To view this months’ candle scent, Bay Leaf & Cloves, please click here: http://www.jennscandleshop.scent-team.com/shop/show_item.php?prodnum=JR24700

Til next time…this is Jenn…signing off.