Lemon Up!

I first fell in love with aromatherapy before I had even heard the word, much less knew what it meant. Fresh-mown grass made me happy, the fuzzy-leafed, lush geraniums Granny grew from a pinch of leaf intrigued me with their earthy smell, and I inhaled the essence of allure with each swipe of Mom's Charles of the Ritz face powder. But it was Lemon Up shampoo, my morning ritual as a teenager, that signaled the start of each day, and to this day, Lemon (Citrus Limon) reigns supreme as liquid sunshine essential for kicking off any morning. The uplifting aroma will stimulate your senses, so upon awakening, dab a drop on your forehead to help wake you up to the new day. This area, the "Third Eye" or Sixth Chakra, is to those who follow Ayurvedic philosophy, the area belonging to vision; a drop of Lemon will help "open up" the mind and encourage enlightenment for the new day. Similarly, lighten your space upon rising with a mist of essential oil of Lemon in distilled water, a simple yet perfect way to start your daily journey of scent and aromatic design for living.

(Family: Citrus; Smell: Sharp, fresh; Color: Pale greenish-yellow. Properties: Boosts concentration; antiseptic; diuretic; said to assist with digestion and aches associated with arthritis; helps treat cellulite; a mood lifter.)