Lavender to Calm and Soothe Your Soul

Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia is better known for its aromatherapy benefits, soothing, calming, relaxing, and stimulating. Medicinally, Lavender is an antitumoral, an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory and prevents the build-up of sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. The French Scientist Rene Gatefosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, Lavender is still one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopeia. Lavender is one of the few floras that is the least allergenic, yet so versatile that it can be used in body moisturizers, candles, and soaps. It is most certainly a spa favorite and commonly used during aromatherapy massages.

Lavender angustifolia is also known as Lavender, English Lavender, or True Lavender. It is a small, herbaceous to semi-woody, semi-evergreen perennial or perennial herb that you might see along walkways, raised walls, or borders. It is also often referred to as the “queen of herbs” for gardens.

Lavandula translates as “to wash” referring to an extract of Lavender being used as an oil in the bath. Angustifolia translates as “narrow-leaved”.

In the kitchen, Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb for cooking. English Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is one most commonly used in cooking. For salads, the lavender flowers add a beautiful color. The spikes and leaves of lavender can be used in most dishes in place of rosemary in most recipes. Use the spikes or stems for making fruit or shrimp kabobs. Just place your favorite fruit on the stems and grill.

Take a look at our selection of Lavender products, and our featured spa recipe this month which is Seared Scallops with Lavender, Lime and Champagne. Enjoy!

Massage at Home

Don't have the time to run to the spa for a massage? Not many of us do these days. Finding the time is always a problem and money is tight.

Here is what we do at home after dinner while sitting on the couch. I bring down one of my body moisturizers and give my husband a hand and foot massage and he in return gives me one. Just taking all the tension out of our hands and feet by massaging them makes us feel so much more relaxed. If you are on the computer like we are 98% of the time then you must notice your hands getting tired and cramped. We are fairly active too during the week either hiking or taking spin classes at the gym. Can't forget all the walks with the dog too............. A foot massage is very soothing and invigorating at the same time.

Take 30 minutes in the evening and get close to your significant other and give each other a much needed hand and foot massage.

Hand Massage Tips: Take your partner's hand and with your thumb massage the palm of their hand working your way up to their fingers. Massage each of the fingers and the thumb in turn, squeezing, rotating and pulling them gently. Massage the back of the hand too working in between the bone and fingers to relieve more tension.

Foot Massage Tips: Did you know that foot massages promote good health and well-being? Take your partners foot and hold it firmly in one hand while using the palm of your other hand to stroke along the foot from heal to toes. Make the hand into a fist and, with the finger joints pressed into the foot, stroke firmly along the sole of the foot. Squeeze the heel.
Massage each of the toes, sqeezing and gently pulling each one in turn. Take your thumb and in circular motion rub the entire bottom of the foot. Squeeze the foot gently to relieve any remaining tension.


The organic body moisturizer will not leave your hands or feet feeling greasy. This lotion absorbs well into the skin leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Have Fun and Escape, Rejuvenate & Celebrate

Tranquil Places by Eclipse-spa.com

At the end of a long day or week, you might be dreaming of a spa retreat to take you far, far away. Maybe this can’t happen due to work obligations or a lack of time or money. Don’t despair! With a few extra frills you can slip into your own self-created spa experience at home.Using some of the same items you’ll pay double for at a spa, your bath can become an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Fluffy towels, plush bathrobes, soaps that stimulate the senses, and candles to create the setting that will transform mundane rituals into a pampered way to end your day.Set the mood with music. If you don’t already have music in the bathroom, bring in a CD or MP3 player. Then, light aromatherapy candles to create the ambience. Dim, or turn out the lights leaving only a soothing glow—the candle’s light and fragrance will provide soothing therapy to relieve your stress.Next, fill your bath with bath salts, tea baths, or bath oils that are designed to relax your muscles and soften your skin. Use just the right fragrances—ones designed to relieve stress and soothe your soul. Have some loofah sponges on hand to naturally exfoliate your skin—use them to give yourself a gentle massage.Lastly, get a glass of wine or a cup of warm tea, and step into the tub and relax. One secret to creating a transcendent spa experience at home is simply taking the time to enjoy it. Give this gift to yourself, you deserve it.