Mandarin Dreams

I love it when I rediscover an old favorite while poking around the essential oil cabinet. Last night, it was Red Mandarin, a wonderful citrus oil perfect for calming and balancing. A few drops in the essential oil diffuser or, better yet, a few drops in my nightly facial moisturizer, and after a few deep breaths, heaven. Plus, Mandarin is known to help congested skin. And what skin isn't messed up at this time of year as we encounter the change in seasons (and congestion from cold, dry air one day, rainy humidity the next)? Interestingly enough, Mandarin is one of the safest essential oils. It's an uplifting, cheering, soothing oil. It helps to calm the nervous system, and its relaxing properties make it effective for soothing restlessness, as well as hyperactivity in children. (Or hyperactivity in adults like me who seem to have a lot of balls in the air right now!) It has a slightly hypnotic effect, so it can be a go-to to calm an over-active mind and promote a restful night's sleep. I know for me it was like finding an old friend who just popped into town ... and asking her to stay awhile!