The Little Herb House

The Little House to Remember!

5800 Holland Church Road

Raleigh, NC  27603

(919) 772-3543

February, 2006

Volume 5, Issue 1

Greetings in 2006!  This is my first attempt at the new electronic newsletter!  Previously, I had formatted the newsletter in Microsoft Publisher; however, I realized that not everyone has Publisher and may not be able to read the e-newsletter.  If you have any trouble with this format, which is Microsoft Word, please let me know.  I am very excited about using e-mail to communicate with everyone.  It will save me lots of time (which seems to be at a premium these days)!   

Well, believe it or not, the Spring Open House date has already been set!  May 4- 6, 2006 will be the date.  I will be sending more info as we get closer to Spring.   I am still unable to hold classes/workshops because the classroom is being used as a storage facility for furniture and boxes!  Yes, we are still in the middle of remodeling our house!  We are almost finished with what we are calling Phase 2, but will be starting Phase 3 (our kitchen and laundry) in March.  As we speak, I am packing up my kitchen (ugh ugh)!   It is a great feeling to clean out clutter and throw away trash and junk; however, the time involved is tough!  A new kitchen will be worth the effort though.

The e-newsletter will not be nearly as long as the old version and will vary from issue to issue.  I may send it more often, if I have news or other info to communicate.  I may include varying topics, including recipes, aromatherapy, gardening, highlight herbs, etc.  Hope you enjoy the e-newsletter as much as you did the paper version!

Read on for this issue’s articles!

Herbally yours,                                                                                                            

Lisa                                                                                          

Winter’s Essential Oil – Bergamot                       
Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

        Because of its uplifting, refreshing fragrance and ability to boost the immune system, bergamot is the essential oil of choice for wintertime.  Simply inhaling it can lift your spirits and brighten a cold, dreary winter day.  Burning it in a diffuser all day long can even further enhance its healing, mood elevating properties.   

Bergamot oil is derived from a fruit, resembling a miniature orange, produced from the small Bergamot tree.  Like other citrus oils, Bergamot is refreshing, very uplifting and has a light, citrus fragrance. The tree originated in Italy and is now grown for the essential oil within its peel, and the flavor of its blossoms to use in Earl Grey Tea.  Do not confuse Bergamot essential oil, Citrus bergamia, with Bee Balm Bergamot (Monarda didyma), an herb of the mint family. They do have similar uplifting healing properties, but are not the same plant.

Internally, Bergamot is quite useful for the digestive system.  A nice cup of Earl Grey tea after dinner is ideal if you suffer from indigestion, flatulence or the common cold as it helps sore throats, tonsillitis, bronchitis and strengthens the immune system.

Externally, Bergamot's antiseptic and astringent properties are beneficial for most skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin infections including boils, cold sores and minor itching due to a variety of irritations including insect bites.

Emotionally, Bergamot is useful in balancing and regenerating the mind during the long winter months. It is very uplifting and aids in mental, emotional and psychological problems.  To inhale the oil from the bottle can calm the body, lower anxiety, and help with depression and PMS.  It can be useful for leveling mood swings and lessening anger, frustration and emotional addictions.  The emotional benefits of Bergamot make it a wonderful oil for bath or massage.  Use it when you are not feeling well, whether from cold or flu symptoms, or if you are feeling down emotionally.

Bergamot Blends Well With - Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Petitgrain,  Rose, Ylang Ylang and  other Citrus Oils.

Stress Buster (recipe from It’s My Nature)
Lime's tangy and lively oil aroma mixes well with Bergamot.
8 Drops Bergamot essential oil
5 Drops Lime essential oil
Place the two oils together in a diffuser or oil warmer.

Neck Wrap (recipe from It’s My Nature)
This is helpful for a stiff neck or swollen glands.
2 Drops Lavender essential oil
2 Drops Bergamot essential oil
1 Drop Tea Tree essential oil
2 Cups hot water
Mix together. While still warm, soak a soft cloth, flannel is best, in the water and wring it out. Wrap it around the neck. Cover with a towel to hold in the heat. Remove before it becomes cold. Repeat as desired.

To order Bergamot, lavender, lime or tea tree essential oil and/or Earl Grey tea, simply call (919) 772-3543 and leave your order on the message machine or e-mail your order to ltway@bellsouth.net. It will be shipped to your home within three days of placing your order.  Please remember to give your address for shipping.  Invoice will be included in shipment.  Mail check, payable to The Little Herb House, to 5800 Holland Church Road, Raleigh, NC  27603. 

Cost:           $ 7.50 ea.          ⅓ oz. Bergamot essential oil

                                                           Lavender essential oil

                                                           Lime essential oil

                                                           Tea tree essential oil

                    $ 7.95                 3 oz. Eastern Shores loose-leaf Earl Grey Tea (50-60 servings)

                    $ 3.95                 Shipping & Handling 1 essential oil

                    $ 4.95                 Shipping & Handling 4 essential oils or 1 oil + Earl Grey tea

                    $ 5.95                 Shipping & Handling 4 essential oils + Earl Grey tea      

That’s all for this issue!  Until next time, “Find a way, to enjoy herbs every day.” 

The Little Herb House

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