RECIPES AGAINST NASAL CONGESTION, WATER RETENTION AND SLUGGISH DIGESTION

The past few weeks have been quite wet and increasingly cold, weather likely to

bring your kapha element out of balance. This disbalance may show up as nasal  congestion, water retention or sluggish digestion, especially for people with a Kapha constitution.

Here are 3 quick, luxurious recipes to set things right:

Nasal congestion: 

- fill the bowl part of your diffuser with rose water or plain water

- add 2 drops each of black pepper or eucalyptus, turmeric and lime or orange essential oil.

- before bed, replace lime by valerian or St. John’s wort essential oil

Sluggish digestion: 

- in one tablespoon of sesame oil

- add 2 drops each of cumin, anis, fennel and cardamom essential oils
- massage the stomach area

Water retention:

- in 1/4 cup of brahmi or sesame oil

- add 2 each of the following essential oils: black pepper, juniperberry, rose, and coriander

- massage your body vigorously, especially in the ankles, knees, thighs, belly, buttocks, and watery area in the upper arms


To enhance this massage mix 40 drops of dandelion tincture in a full glass of water 30 minutes ahead of time. Drink heartily 30 minutes ahead of time.

RECIPE - Aromatherapy for water retention

A lot of people, especially Kapha women, tend to have water retention problems. It tends to accumulate on the thighs, hips, buttocks and arms. Many people, as they age also start accumulating water around the ankles and feet. This accumulation is often the result of weak kidneys and makes you feel colder than you should.

Give yourself a vigorous massage with these oils, using a pumping movement among others to stimulate the lymphatic system. Eenjoy the warming, drying, diuretic, aromatic and supportive properties of this treat. Drink a large glass of water after the massage to promote elimation of toxins.

Oil:

¼ cup sesame OR grapeseed oil

Essential oils:

6 drops juniper

3 drops lemon, lime or green mandarin

3 drops clary sage

Mix all the above in a pottery, porcelain or pyrex cup. (avoid plain glass or metal)

Warm up on a coffee warmer. Be mindful that the oil doesn’t get  to hot so you don’t burn yourself.

Can be done everyday or once a week for best results.