If you have attended one of my yoga classes, you know I usually end with an essential oil offering. Essential oils heighten the senses and can help promote relaxation, build immunity and boost energy.

While I was trimming my lemon tree, my hands were filled with the fragrance of lemons. It was wonderful, the house was filled with the lemon scent as were my hands for most of the day. I had so many lemons, I decided to bring them to class as an offering for my yoga students. Then I had a thought! What if I used the lemons, lemons leaves and the lavender from my garden instead of essential oils.

I placed lavender leaves and lemons with stems in the front of the studio. I first asked if anyone had an allergy concerns if I were to keep these out during class. Then, I invited the attendees to come select one or two if they desired.

We opened class with eyes closed, holding the object of their choice, breathing in the scents of nature, reflecting on any memories that might be invited. Next, we went through asanas, closed with a mediation, once again incorporating the natural aromas from the lemons and lavender. The students were welcome to take whatever they wanted home. I also educated students on the scents being offered and how they might help in their daily life.

Aromatherapy promotes well-being and can be used to help treat certain conditions. While I’m not an aromatherapist, I recognize the power that essential oils can have.

I chose lavender and lemons for my classes before the holidays to help reduce stress and increase concentration.

Some of the benefits of Lemon oil are:

antiseptic
antidepressant
antiviral
decreases indigestion
reduces blood pressure

Lavender benefits:

relaxes brain waves
reduces stress
relieves muscle pain, migraines and other headaches, and inflammation
boosts immunity

References: https://www.howstuffworks.com