Gratitude is a key factor in living authentically, and has also been the focus of many recent health and wellbeing studies. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley in collaboration with UC/Davis have found that people who practice gratitude consistently report a host of benefits:

• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure
• Higher levels of positive emotions
• More joy, optimism and happiness
• Acting with more generosity and compassion
• Feeling less lonely and isolated

Read more about the healing power of gratitude

Here are some simple ways you can work the practice of gratitude into your Autumn wellbeing efforts.

1. Begin each day with a quick meditation or prayer by giving thanks for the good fortune to have the new day in front of you.
2. Keep a gratitude journal, and write down all the things in your life you are grateful for, big and small.
3. Take turns around the dinner table giving each family member an opportunity to express something for which they are grateful from the day just concluded.

Try one or more of these simple tips daily, and you will find that your life will unfold in new and amazing ways.

The post Autumn: The Season of Gratitude appeared first on NaturallySavvy.com.

Therapeutic Use of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000

years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used

essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. They are concentrated

extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants.

The efficacy of essential oils is in the speed at which they are

absorbed into the bloodstream. When inhaled through the nose, this happens

almost instantly; through the skin in as little as 15 minutes. The oils’

fragrances are believed to activate nerve cells in the nasal cavity sending

impulses to the limbic system, which is the area of the brain associated with

emotions and memory. When applied topically (onto the skin) they activate

thermal receptors and destroy microbes and fungi, since many essential oils are

antiseptic and some are antibacterial.

Purveyors of the highest integrity oils harvest particular parts of a

yourself more closely with the cycles of nature.

Aromatherapy during this Spring season of cleansing and

detoxifying, presents many choices. A quickie treatment is to put a few drops

on a tissue or cloth handkerchief and hold under your nose. Try dropping a

couple drops on your yoga mat before practice or pillowcase right before you go

to sleep.

Read more: 17 Uses for Essential Oils

Another effective way to use essential oils, is by bathing

in them. You only need to use 5 or 6 drops of oil in a medium sized bath of

water. Drop them into a clean tub of warm water so you can absorb the oils and

their beneficial properties INTO your

body. Save the super-hot sauna-like purging for another time. You should also

save your scrubbing and soaping off for another bath. Let the oils stay on your

skin for as long as possible.

Heliocrysum (Helichrysum italicum): Heliocrysum is harvested

mostly around the Mediterranean region, and has a ball-shaped golden flower

with a pungent, curry-like smell with a faint honey sweetness.

Greek in origin,

brain, which connects us to our artistic and creative expression.

It has been found to be beneficial in clearing

stagnation in the liver as well as being helpful in overall detoxification

since it stimulates and supports the lymphatic system. In France, it is widely

used for respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis. This oil also

provides relief from fever and other general states of inflammation and gently

soothes the body when a few drops are added to a cool cloth pressed on the

forehead or pulse points of the body.

Read more: The Importance of a Healthy Liver

It has

cytophylactic properties, in that it encourages recycling of dead cells and

production of new cells. This property can be particularly beneficial for skin care, making heliocrysum excellent as an ingredient in rejuvenating facial oils.

By adding 2 to 3 drops to a teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut or olive,

heliocrysum is the ideal Spring revitalizing remedy.

Juniper Berry (Juniperus

communis): In Chinese five-element acupuncture, Spring supports the liver

& gall bladder meridians. Juniper is recommended to detoxify both these

organs and their meridians bringing balance and harmony to the body. Juniper also protects against infection and is

a perfect defense against those lingering winter colds and flu. It stimulates

the immune system to bring rejuvenation and vitality to the body after months

of hibernation and stagnation. Juniper is renowned for its diuretic and

detoxifying properties. The use of this essential oil in massage will help to

eliminate toxic wastes and release sluggish body fluids.

This powerful, detoxifying oil extracted from

the berry of the plant, is a purifier, and helps avert nervous tension. Juniper

essential oil is an antiviral, antiseptic, diuretic, and can help relieve pain,

and expel uric acid from the system.

Juniper’s spicy aroma helps to strengthen

of psychic debris. As it detoxifies the body, so can juniper detox the mind.

(Avoid rubbing directly on the skin as it can be irritating for some

people. It should be avoided during pregnancy.)Read more: 25 Ways Essential Oils Will Make Your Life Way Better

Spring Detox Aromatherapy  Blend

Here is a wonderful combination of quintessential seasonal aromas that

instantly confer all the rejuvenating and uplift that seem to be in the air

right now. These are essential oils that everyone should have on hand as part

of a basic Aromatherapy starter kit.

4 drops of Lavender essential oil

2 drops of Bergamot essential oil

2 drops of Lemon essential oil

Add oils to a one ounce of a light carrier oil

such as raw, virgin coconut or almond. Massage on temples and pulse points. You

can also add the oils to a four-ounce bottle of purified spring water. Shake well

and spray around your head, on your pillow before sleeping at night, in your

car, or any place you want to replace old, stagnant air and energy with new.

Lavender, bergamot and lemon stimulate the

be rubbed directly on just about anyone’s skin without causing irritation.

The post Aromatherapy for Spring Detoxification Plus a Recipe appeared first on NaturallySavvy.com.