Sacred Forest Body Oil

Trees, like all plant medicine, have many uses and constituents, as well as specific magical powers and connections to place and spirit. Few other plants have provided us with as many gifts and benefits— food, shelter, medicine, tools, clothing, and transportation.

Evergreen trees, in particular, have a long history and symbolism. They are one of the oldest species of trees to inhabit the earth. Evergreen medicine is powerful, and, for many, life-changing. There is a deep wisdom residing within their austere beauty as well as the magnificent ability to adapt to an array of environments. While other plants die off, their ability to stay green during the cold winter months is a symbol of everlasting life.

Physical: soothes and hydrates skin, eases pain, loosens stiff muscles, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties protect and nourish the skin; retain natural glow; soothes itching; promotes healthy hair; pulls toxins; invigorating and stimulating scent elevates mood and revitalizes the mind

Magical: centering, self-esteem, healing, purification, money, protection, expansion, success, new beginnings

Olea europaea (Olive) oil*, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) oil*, Sesamum indicum (sesame) oil*, Pinus strobus (White Pine) needle*, Thuja Occidentalis (Cedar)*,Picea sp. (Spruce) needle*, Abies sp. (Fir) needle*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Essential oil blend. *Organic and/or wildcrafted

Apply as needed, to nourish, replenish and soothe dry/irritated skin, and/or to soothe sore muscles, stimulate circulation, and encourage the grounding protection of the forest. Body oiling: Apply to damp skin and massage in long strokes on arms and legs; in circular motion toward your heart on joints, and in broad circular motion on abdomen and chest. Allow to absorb. Store in a cool, dark place. Keeps for 12+ months with proper storage. Do not ingest. Discontinue use if reaction occurs.

Using herb-infused oils is a simple, deeply healing form of self care, whose effects you can feel immediately. In Ayurveda, abhyanga (self massage, with oil) is a daily practice. The Sanskrit word sneha means, both, “oil” and “love”— in essence, you are saturating yourself with love; creating feelings of stability, warmth, and comfort.

Self-massage is the act of massaging yourself. It is more than just slathering oil on your body, as you would when applying lotion to moisturize. It is a ritual-- a gentle practice that involves taking the time to be with yourself, to support your mind, body, and spirit.

Ayurveda recommends devoting fifteen minutes (in the morning or before bed) for self-massage, ensuring love and attention is paid to each of the tissue layers as you nourish them with a warm oil.

Through self massage, the warm oil penetrates through deep layers of tissue in our bodies, directly accessing our nervous, lymphatic, and immune systems. By keeping the body hydrated, we keep these systems nourished and healthy. Some benefits of body oiling include:
- improved musculoskeletal and nervous system health
- softer, stronger, and healthier skin
- relaxed muscles and pain relief
- improved quality of sleep
- increased mobility
- stimulates internal organs
- lubricates joints, tones tissues, and strengthens limbs
- improved circulation and lymph drainage
- clearer thinking
- increased energy and stamina
- a well nourished whole body

HOW TO PERFORM SELF MASSAGE

Perform abhyanga in the morning for a day of vigor and increased energy.Perform abhyanga before bed, for a more restful sleep.

Heat oil by placing the jar in a pan of hot water, until it is a pleasant temperature for you.

Sit quietly and slow your breathing. Applying the oil, generously to your body, working your way down:

- Crown of your head: work outward in a circular motion. spend some time here, to focus on your vital energy

- Face: upward, circular motion on forehead, temples, cheeks, jaw, ears

- Limbs (arms and legs): long, circular strokes, toward your heart

- Joints (elbows and knees): circular motion toward your heart

- Abdomen & chest: broad, clockwise, circular motion. On the abdomen, follow the path of the large intestine by moving up on the right side of the abdomen, then across, and down on the left side

- Feet: spend a few minutes here, there are many nerve endings

Leave oil on to penetrate for 5-15 minutes. Take a hot shower or bath to help expand the pores, so the oil is absorbed even more. Avoid vigorous application of soap. It’s okay to leave some of the oil on.

Gently pat yourself dry.