I am delighted to have a guest blog from one of the world’s leading aromatherapists and educators, Andrea Butje. Andrea, based in Florida,  is founder of the renowned Aromatherapy on-line training college, Aromahead. She also writes an informative and inspiring blog.  If you would like to learn more about aromatherapy and the use of essential oils, have a look at link below to Andrea’s new book, The Heart of Aromatherapy – just launched and full of recipes and information.

She shares some thoughts and a recipe for an aromatherapy shower blend:

Make your own: luxe morning shower blend

 Turn your morning shower into a calming, centering ritual with guest blogger, aromatherapist and author Andrea Butje’s home made Sweet Orange and Balsam Fir Essential Oils Shower Gel Recipe

Rain showers are so rejuvenating! They leave the earth fresh, fragrant, and nourished from the outside in. The water washes away all the dust and dirt, and everything comes out clean and renewed.

You could say the same thing about your daily shower. It can help you feel revitalized and centered no matter what time of day you take it. A morning shower can set you up to go through your day feeling your best, and showering in the evening can help your body and mind relax after a long day.

If you’re concerned about the ingredients in your body care products, you can make your own shower gel with essential oils, and then you won’t have to worry! Certain essential oils can add to the emotionally balancing effects of a shower, while offering nourishment to your skin.

Here’s a rejuvenating recipe for homemade shower gel with rejuvenating essential oils

Sweet Orange & Balsam Fir Shower Gel

• 1 oz (30 ml) aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis)
• 7 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• 6 drops Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
• 3 drops Geranium (Pelargonium × asperum)

Make your blend in a 1 oz (30 ml) PET plastic bottle with a flip-top. (For shower blends, it’s safer than glass and is a non-reactive plastic that doesn’t leach.) You can just pour your aloe into the bottle, and then add your essential oils. Close the lid and shake gently. I recommend making this blend fresh every few weeks.

This homemade shower gel works in several ways to help balance your emotions. Sweet Orange is uplifting and calming, Balsam Fir has a centering presence, and just three drops of Geranium are enough to offer a comforting, heart-opening effect. The three oils work together to enhance one another’s properties.

Take a moment: A shower is an essential start to the day, often lost in the morning rush. Tomorrow, make it a tiny, life affirming ritual. Use an oil blend like this one, and breathe in the calming, centering aroma, for an amazing start to your day.

• Andrea’s new book, The Heart of Aromatherapy (Hay House) This is the link to order and get 2 great video bonuses: http://aromahead.com/newbook  Also available on Amazon.co.uk