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Ayurvedic Tips for Aging in our sunset years🌛

Gray hair and wrinkles can be a testimony of wisdom. But in a stressful world we often get caught up in equating our worth with productivity that could weigh on us post-retirement. Everyone, at every stage of life is a gift to the world.  That said, aging does bring preventable and costly health challenges that we need to face squarely, from heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, dry skin, falling hair, cognitive decline, stroke and cancer. There is also the possibility of depletion, loneliness and ageism. So, how can we look after ourselves better to ensure we are physically and mentally stronger as we age? Ayurveda is a holistic mind-body science which supports people through a comprehensive approach to live a healthier life right into their sunset years. It emphasizes that  aging  ( Jara ) is a natural process just like the seasons. It does acknowledge natural degenerative changes but recommends prevention, building resilience and an anti-aging regimen through its br
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Blend your own seasonal scent for Autumn

Autumn is approaching, at least for those of us with discernible seasons. Though days here in Durango, Colorado, are still reaching the 90s, nights and mornings are cool and the sun is getting lower in the sky.  Whether you love pumpkin spice and changing leaves or struggle with the shortening daylight hours, a great way to mark the seasonal change is to make your own natural perfume blend for the fall. 

There are multiple themes to consider.  For example, do you want to capture the essence of the season?  Or are you wanting support with the waning light?  Or are you wanting to assist yourself on the introspective journey inward that this time of year often entails?   Are you looking for inspiration or insight on what “seeds” to plant for germination in the new year?  You likely have many other ideas that I’ve not even considered…

If the growing darkness is an issue, including sunnier uplifting scents is a good way to go. If you embrace the moving inwards that accompanies the fall, earthy scents are a good addition—or try a combination of both for a well-rounded blend.  Fall is when we are in closer touch with the subterranean…our subconscious.  It’s a time for introspection and for planting the seeds that will germinate in the spring:  Goals, intentions, wishes for the world.  A blend for diving deep and enhancing your dream life may be what’s right for you.

Here are some blends to get you started. They’re great as they are or can serve as a jumping off point for your own creativity and needs.  The proportions listed are what works for me. Your nose is different, so feel free to modify!

 

Mining The Underground

This blend is for helping you plug into your subconscious to bring back insight.  It includes oils to promote more vivid dreams and better dream recall, together with those for grounding and centering. It’s also a helpful meditation blend, providing support for your foundation but also opening your crown.  

 

Light In Fall

Many people react poorly to the shortening daylight—some pretty severely and others with a more minor or vague sense of melancholia.  Citrus oils are some of the best for bringing some light into your life.  Ginger is Qi moving and while the focus isn’t to continue your summer level of activity into the fall, you also don’t want to go stagnant, especially if low mood is an issue for you in the darker months. Benzoin and patchouli are also uplifting, with benzoin giving support for those feeling lonely or exhausted and patchouli encouraging a bigger perspective. 

 

Autumn Leaves

I love the sensations of fall.  The colors. The sound of leaves blowing along the pavement.  The scents.  (Yes, there are scents beyond pumpkin spice!)  This blend is an attempt to represent the woodsy, smoky and, yes, spicy, scents of fall.  

 

How To Use Your Essential Oil Blends

These and other blends can be used as…

 

1. Body Perfume

For a concentrated perfume to dab on wrists, dilute 50-70 drops of essential oil blend per ounce of jojoba oil. This is just for dabbing!

For an all over body scent, use 6-7 drops per ounce of carrier oil, lotion, or cream.  

Note that some of the oils in the recipes may be skin sensitizers for some people. Make sure your citrus oils have been stored in the fridge and haven’t been open for more than a year before using them in a topical blend (after dilution into a carrier oil or lotion).

 

2. Room Spray

  • 10-15 drops of essential oil blend per ounce of vodka. The alcohol scent dissipates quickly. Shake well before spraying. 

 

3. Diffuser Oil

Follow the instructions that come with your diffuser. Don’t diffuse 24 hours a day.

Add a drop to a lightbulb in the room.

  • Add a tiny bit to your pillow, no more than a drop (don’t put any on the surface of the pillowcase). 
 Anna Marija Helt

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