SCENT to KILL, my latest Natural Remedies Mystery, is a fun combination of a cozy mystery and tips about aromatherapy, which is the practice of using essential oils to improve health and well-being. Aromatherapy can ease stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, aches and pains, and more. Three of my favorite scents are lavender, jasmine and roses, so I thought I’d share a few simple tips on how to use them today.
Lavender
Not only does Lavender (the Latin verb lavare means “to wash”) smell terrific, it’s calming and soothing and good for cuts and burns, insomnia, diaper rash, tension headache, PMS and cramps (use with clary sage and Roman chamomile). The phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals linalool and linalyl acetate) in lavender are absorbed in the skin and in the membranes inside your nose, slowing nerve impulses, and reducing stress. An easy way to start using lavender is to put five to ten drops of essential oil in your bath. Add the oil after you have filled the tub so you can enjoy the full benefits of this wonderful aroma.
Jasmine
The aroma of jasmine (Jasminum officinale v. grandiflorum) is intoxicatingly sweet, exotic, and floral. It’s also incredibly therapeutic for a variety of conditions. Jasmine essential oil eases mild depression, anxiety, and tension. It also balances energy and helps you feel more optimistic. It calms coughs and laryngitis, soothes sore muscles, stiffness, and sprains. You can apply it topically, use it on a warm or cool compress, put it in the bath, inhale it from your palm, or put it in your diffuser. It will make any room an oasis.
Roses
I love the rich, sweet floral bouquet of roses and the approximately 275 compounds have a myriad of therapeutic uses. For example, if you apply it topically, rose oil can help banish eczema, wrinkles, and acne. If you feel blue, rose essential oil will naturally lift your mood. If you have painful periods, it helps to balance hormones (just put the oil on a warm compress and apply to your lower abdomen). Rose oil also eases nervousness, anxiety, anger, sadness, and grief and can be helpful if you have respiratory problems such as allergies and hay fever. You also use rose oil to help you sleep better and feel happier. For all these conditions, simply put some on your palm and inhale it or put rose essential oil into a diffuser. Your bedroom will smell like an English garden.
Here’s the scoop on Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery
Willow McQuade, naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she’ll be holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market & Café.
Before the party is over, Roger Bixby one of the producers is dead and the police suspect murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of Willow’s ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis.
After Willow leaves the party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow’s ex becomes the prime suspect. Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.
To find the killer, Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this spooky mystery.
As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better in mind, body and spirit!
For a chance to win a copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here about your favorite natural cure.
BIO:
Chrystle Fiedler is the author of SCENT TO KILL, (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, DEATH DROPS: A Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO NATURAL REMEDIES (Alpha, 2009), co-author of BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW! (Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW!COOKBOOK (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and THE COUNTRY ALMANAC OF HOME REMEDIES (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health, Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy. Visit www.chrystlefiedler.com.
Monica Bhide says
sounds like a fascinating book!!
Mollie Cox Bryan says
I agree! And thanks for commenting!
Melissa Starliper says
Smells (I mean sounds) lovely. 🙂
Mollie Cox Bryan says
I agree! 😉 Thanks for commenting!
Jennifer says
I learned a lot from this blog post. Makes me want to go buy some oils! The book sounds interesting. I think I’ll add it to my list. Thanks for sharing.
Mollie Cox Bryan says
Thanks so much for commenting, Jennifer. Let’s go buy some oils together!
Bonnie K. says
I love a good mystery and like how aromatherapy cures is used throughout the book. I love the smell of lavender—relaxing. I drink water with apple cider vinegar daily.
Chrystle Fiedler says
Thanks for having me Mollie and to everyone for stopping by! The best place I’ve found for essential oils on-line is Floracopia – http://www.floracopia.com. One of my favorite ways to use oils is to put them in a diffuser. This can be especially helpful if you suffer from sinus infections. Although my dog didn’t like it for some reason! With Spring coming it will be so nice to get outside again and go to the source, ie smell real lavender and roses! That’s all for tonight. We’ll announce the winner tomorrow! Thanks again! Chrystle
Mollie Cox Bryan says
Thanks so much for stopping by! It’s always a pleasure. Best of luck with your book. Cheers,
Mollie
Chrystle Fiedler says
Thanks to everyone for stopping for stopping by! I hope you all enjoy SCENT to KILL: A Natural Remedies Mystery! The winner of the giveaway is: Jennifer! Jennifer please send your street mailing address to me at chrystle@chrystlefiedler.com! Thanks! Chrystle ps If anyone would like to sign up for my e-newsletter please visit http://www.chrystlefiedler.com.
Cheryl Metz says
My favorite natural cure is baking soda on a bee sting. Very soothing.