Beat the Monday blues with some good old camphor. A powerful anti bacterial agent camphor crystals have been used for centuries to purify spaces and usher in positive vibrations. Culled from the Cinammon Camphora trees these crystals have been used as medicine, for religious ceremonies and to aid in mind body cleansing. Within 30 minutes of burning you should feel a little relief.
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Woke up with a nagging muscle pull? Didn’t sleep too well? Can’t get the butterflies out of your stomach? Can’t stop thinking about someone’s negativity towards you? Feel like you’re coming down with a cold?
Burn camphor for relief.
A powerful anti bacterial agent, camphor crystals have been used for years to purify spaces and usher in positive energy. Extracted from the Cinammom Camphora tree, these fragrant white crystals have been used during religious ceremonies for centuries as it is believed to please the Gods.
Camphor also has a number of medicinal properties including relief from joint pain, skin allergies and most popularly as a decongestant. The perfect way to soothe and heal mind, body and soul issues, allow the aroma of camphor to bring your energies back to balance, ready for a new day.
When is a good time for Camphor?
When you move into a new home or office. Camphor not only purifies and cleanses the environment of old, stale energies it also acts as an antibacterial agent removing germs and bacteria.
During flu or viral season especially when the season changes and there are bugs in the air, burning camphor daily helps protect the home and keeps insects away. Camphor is a natural decongestant and if rubbed on the chest and nose helps reduces stuffiness and congestion.
For pain relief and itching. Typically camphor is added in balms and creams for joint pain, fungal infections and itchiness. However, in such cases it is best to go for medically approved camphor based medication under the supervision of a doctor.
When you can’t sleep. Camphor essential oil or even camphor crystals in the bedroom help relieves stress and keeps the mind from overthinking. It is also known to reduce the chances of nightmares especially in young children who may be prone to night terrors.
When you’re anxious. Burning camphor after your morning prayers and meditations helps dispel any toxic energy from you and your surroundings. It purifies your space and works well after a fight, or an encounter with a toxic person.
When you’ve got money problems. Many believe camphor attracts prosperity and breaks any negativity associated with money blocks.
When you can’t focus on studies. Camphor is believed to aid concentration and calm and is especially good as a short term memory aide.
When you want to elevate your consciousness. Since camphor is associated with the sacred and divine, it is said burning camphor during meditation and prayer elevates, energises and allows for a deeper mystical connection with the Source.
As with all healing aides, camphor is best used in moderation. For medical ailments, do make sure it’s used under medical supervision. Never overdo things and ensure you wash your hands after use. Avoid ingesting camphor and do keep it away from the reach of small children. Camphor crystals and essential oils are easily available online and are fairly reasonably priced.
For personalised Tarot appointmentsand Energy Healing DM me or leave a whatsapp message on 9810138315. Follow for tips, info and forecasts here https://www.instagram.com/mitabhan/
In continuation with my space cleansing series of articles, Sage incense works well as a quick substitute to burning sage bundles. Within a few minutes the energy shifts and it works better if you’ve got the doors or windows open as well. A natural purifier the scent of sage is anti microbial, mood elevating and the quickest way to detox your living space. After experimenting with various brands, I’ve discovered Hem Precious White Sage to be pretty effective. As with all aromatherapy aides, do be cautious if pregnant or allergic to strong smells and smoke.
For personalised Tarot appointmentsand Energy Healing DM me or leave a whatsapp message on 9810138315. Follow for tips, info and forecasts here https://www.instagram.com/mitabhan/
Considered to be one of the most luxurious oils in aromatherapy, Neroli essential oil is used extensively in healing and in skin care. A personal favourite a few whiffs of pure essential oil and I’m smiling:) Apart from being an uplifting top note, Neroli essential oil works in its gentle and sweet way to reduce pain, suffering, exhaustion and hormone related moods. It blends beautifully with other oils but can be used as is in an aroma burner. Note of caution – Avoid Neroli if you have a citrus allergy and if you need to be alert Eg during an exam as it can make you a little drowsy. And remember aromatherapy is a slow, gentle treatment best used along with allopathy and if not sure, check with your primary doctor. Wishing you happiness 🙂
The warm, heady fragrance of Loban (benzoin) reminds me of the poojas in my grandmother’s house. This ancient purifier with its intense smoke has been an intrinsic part of rituals from Ancient India. However as caution it should not be used by those with asthma and respiratory ailments.
Easily available in the form of Cones, Resin Crystals and Incense sticks, Loban is relatively inexpensive and available online or in pooja shops. I have found the Antarkranti cones to be the best and my tiny way of showing support to the prisoners who are being reformed and rehabilitated. Read more about them here https://www.antarkranti.org/
Deep sigh of relief. Place incense cones in a ceramic dish to prevent ash falling out and it looks prettier as well:)
Loban is a great purifier during exams or after a party at home as it removes dull, stagnant vibes. However, because of it’s intense smoke and fragrance it’s best to burn it once every season rather than daily or frequently.
You know it’s time for a space clearing session when people start falling sick too often, worrying needlessly and always feel tired even in their own bedrooms. Space clearing is the purification of the atmosperic energies. And unlike other alternative healing remedies which take time to deliver results, the results here almost instantaneous.
There are countless ways to purify your living space ranging from healing crystals, chants, havans, himalayan singing bowls, aromatherapy etc You may like to experiment with different forms of healing alone or in combination. Your best guide is your own intuition.
Personally I’ve found aromatherapy works very well as it purifies the scent of the air and unconsciously we breathe in all that healing goodness, cleansing us internally as well. A session lasts about 15 minutes and is best done early in the mornings after Meditation or during Dusk – a time which many ancients seers believed to be the time of maximum negativity on Earth.
My alltime favourite space cleanser is Agarwood. Also known as Oudh, it’s a beautiful wood bark that’s been hailed for centuries for its superlative healing powers and soothing fragrance.
An instant uplifter only a 2cm piece of the bark is needed. You can burn it in an aroma burner or place 4 pieces in the corners of your space. “Agarwood calms the nervous system, expels negative energies, brings alertness, relieves anxiety, invokes a sense of strength and peace and enhances cerebral functioning. It helps create harmony in your home.”
For those who’d like to use it with their meditation, nothing could be better than Agarwood. Buddhists use agarwood for transmutation of ignorance. Tibetan monks use it to bring energy to calm the mind and spirit. The Sufis and Japanese Shaman use agarwood oil in their esoteric ceremonies. It enhances mental clarity, opens the third eye and all of the upper charkas while calming the entire system
Almost char black in colour, agarwood delivers instant relief and within hours of burning, you may feel the whole atmosphere of the home changing for the better.
The ancient texts of Ayurveda have highlighted the innumerable benefits of Guggal as both oral medicine in its powdered form or as a therapeutic aid in the form of incense sticks and cones made from its resin. Derived from the sansksrit word “guggulu” meaning protection from diseases, it is considered an allrounder as it balances all the doshas at a mind, body soul level gently and effectively.
As a fragrance, Guggal is believed to work at many levels in your living and work space:
Reduces anxiety and angst. The heady notes of Guggal work to bring in a sense of soothing calm in environments where there may have been tension, grief, worry or loss.
Aids sleep and works as a gentle relaxant by gently easing out fatigue caused by overthinking.
Used extensively in prayers and rituals, Guggal is believed to drive negativity away with its sweet scent and usher in divine grace and good luck.
Works as an insect repellant especially in the rainy months.
Promotes concentration and focus on study.
One tip, too much of a good thing is never too good. I’ve discovered one small cone of Guggal is enough to bring about a burst of positivity, when burnt for hours, it can make the environment dense and cloying.
Guggal can be found as incense sticks or cones, here I prefer to use the cones by AntarKranti, as it brings a short burst of positivity.
Guggal incense cones tend to topple over, here I’ve used a tea light candle as a stabilising base.
Guggal resin can also be burnt on coals as a smudging device. Image from Deccan Herald.
Anxiety has a way of coming in waves. Some may be up all night thinking. Some may be bingeing . Some may be restless and confused. Some may wander about with this tight knot in your stomach. Completely natural during these difficult days, there are a few ways which have helped not only me release the anxiety but also countless others.
Here are 5 quick and easy ways to relieve yourself of anxiety.
Deep belly breathing or pranic breathing is the fastest way to release pent up stress and anxiety. Incorporate it as part of your meditation or just do this whenever you start feeling the knot of anxiety.
Spending more time outdoors. Even if it’s a walk in the neighbourhood park. Colour therapy speaks about the healing and soothing powers of the colour green. And who else can heal best but Mother Nature.
Keep a stress ball by your laptop, helps release any anxiety or agitation while interacting with others.Eat more fruit. The scent of oranges is supposed to boost happiness. Green leafy vegetables, fish are rich sources of nutrients that help relax us nourish us naturally.Burning Essential oils or Camphor Crystals . Lavender, Jasmine, Neroli by stimulating the smell nerve receptors and sending messages to the brain to relax. If you wake up with morning anxiety then burn it in the room upon arising, and if you suffer from evening bouts, then make sure you have your burners ready in the evening
Anxiety can hit us anytime and anywhere. And though it may initially feel like it’s getting too much, calming techniques like breathing, walking or even talking to a friend can bring relief. However, if you feel it’s chronic, or not lessening despite natural aides, do consult your medical practitioner.
The scent of oranges have been scientifically proven to be an instant pick me up especially if you’re anxious or depressed. The anti-depressive and anxiolytic properties of orange work well in the form of essential oils or even just keeping a bowl of powdered orange peel in your room allows this “happy scent” to help you let go a little.
Sleep deprived and cranky? Just light a few sticks of lavender incense in your bedroom in the evening and feel your troubles literally float away with the heady smoke. Want to create a romantic mood for a special meal at home – reach out for some rose incense to infuse the environment with pure and positive thoughts. And if you just want to clear your mind of the clutter and the confusion get yourself some sticks of Lemon or Orange to uplift and energise you.
That’s just a few examples of how incense works. The study of incense is the basis of Aromatherapy, a popular form of alternative healing and beauty treatment today.
Incense has been universally accepted as the purifier and is used across the world as part of religious ceremonies as well as medical healing.
In India, incense was and is used daily in all temples and rituals at home to sanctify devotions, where as in China incense is burned to purify and rid the environment of all negative spirits. Mexicans used incense to induce trance like states during rituals, Native Americans and Wiccans cleanse environments and human auras by smudging with bundles of aromatic herbs like white sage. the Greeks and Romans also used essential oils and fragrant herbs in all aspects of their daily lives, and many of their practices were learned from the Egyptians and Mesopotamians who were without doubt, the absolute masters in the Art of “Aromatherapy”.
Incense is believed to cleanse the environment of negative vibrations, and also has an extraordinary effect of soothing the mind. Just like a candle brings light to a dark room, the aromatic effect of incense offers tranquility to our senses. If used during meditation, incense is said to dissipate the negative energy. Burning of incense helps to create a positive state of mind and helps condition the mind to associate the typical fragrance with a positive and calm mind.
According to Dr. K. L. Sheshagiri Rao, Chief Editor of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism and Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, incense is supposed to have a calming effect on the mind. In particular, jasmine and sandalwood scents are supposed to bring out a peaceful mindset
Call it a feel good fix, incense works. Some fragrances like sandalwood have properties calm and purify, while citrus based ones are generally thought to be uplifting and clarifying. While trying out some home fragrances, you can burn 2-3 different kinds of incense together, or even opt for essential oil blends to burn to help you.
Here are a few favourites for use in the following purposes/conditions
Meditation
To aid in meditation, nothing beats the sweet aromatic smoke of sandalwood. However, if you prefer the aroma of frankincense, rose, jasmine, bergamot and geranium
Stress Relief
Tension and stress are major problems in today’s society and you can use a combination of incense and even blend the fragrances as essential oils. Good choices would include Lavender (I recommend my clients not only burn incense sticks of this delightfully soothing floral fragrance, but also opt for all personal care products in this smell to help with stress relief), Sandalwood for those who prefer a heavier aroma, Lemon, Mandarin, Lemon grass, clarysage and patchouli.
Love & Harmony
Harmony is essential to life and if you feel there have been too many disagreements lately or simply an accumulation of negative thoughts, and what could be better than burning a few sticks of the following incense to bring a harmony? Choose Rose, Peppermint, Strawberry, Gardenia, Frankincense, Myrhh and Jasmine.
Cleansing and Purifying
During the rainy season, citronella and pine works well to ward away the mosquitoes and bugs. Pine is a popular disinfectant in essential oils and is known to dissipate the germs in the air.
Easily available and highly affordable, incense can be used for a variety of things, and can be stored for long durations without any risk of losing their fragrance.
So the next time you just want a soothing fix – reach out for an incense stick and allow its smoke to uplift you.
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