AND HERE WE ARE…

The holidays are behind us, we’ve greeted the new year. From a safe distance, if nothing else. We’ve entered a calmer period. But did we really recover from the previous one – the cheerful, fun, carefree, even reckless one? It is what it is – here we are. But are we at a place we want to be? We’re started various detox methods – good for us, bravo! Healthy foods, plenty of liquids, movement or exercise, quality sleep. So far, so good. It’s going as planned. If it isn’t, well, that's perfectly fine also. It doesn’t mean that we can’t go a bit further in taking care of ourselves.

SAME OLD, SAME OLD

After a period of enjoyment, indulgence, and maybe a few field trips into some otherwise "forbidden" activities, we’re seldom surprised when we find ourselves weak and exhausted. It’s as if our body is driving on reserve. Something is missing, apparently. We crave some extra tender loving care. Not only that, we also want to rise above it, we want to be stronger, more resilient. "My immunity is hanging by a thread," is a common proclamation. "I think there’s a cold lurking above me." We acknowledge that we’re tired and lacking in energy – we’re not ourselves completely.

LET’S RESTORE SOME BALANCE

And here we are… same old, same old. But that doesn’t mean that we must passively observe what it is that’s going on. We at KAIAA, of course, reach out to nature for a helping hand. She knows how to empower and persevere – balance is what she does best. She can give you that extra bit of energy, strengthen you up, stimulate all sorts of internal processes – boost your immunity. Make this simple balm and see for yourself.

WHAT DO I NEED, HOW DO I MAKE IT?

You’ll need the following:

• glass jar with lid
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of shea butter
• 9 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 9 drops of tea tree essential oil

Making it is more than easy. Firstly, you’ll need to melt the shea butter. You can do this by putting it in the glass jar you’ve chosen for your balm and placing it on the radiator. You can also melt it by steam heating. If you choose steam, be careful – aim to simply melt – don’t overheat or burn it. Add the essential oils and mix thoroughly. The last ingredient is a bit of patience – let it sit for a while in room temperature so it can solidify. When it becomes solid, seal it tightly and store in a dry and cool space. It can last a whole year that way.

WHEN, WHERE AND WHY TO USE IT?

Use it once every few days for an immunity boost. Also, give it a go if you feel weak and not up to the task, when you’re lacking in energy or if you feel a cold might be creeping in on you. Rub it on your chest, back and neck. You can also apply it to painful areas on your body. Peppermint will produce cooling and burning sensations, often at the same time. Let it do its work. It’ll enhance circulation and lift you up instantly. Tea tree will immediately join in with its immunostimulant properties. It will ring in protective and strengthening effects we aim for. It will also do it’s best to chase away fatigue. On top of everything, the shea butter will take good care of your skin and nourish it.

WE’RE GOOD TO GO

We’ve covered some major ground with this simple recipe. Such a simple balm to make, yet so powerful and versatile in its properties. Just a few ingredients for such a wide range of uses. Less is more, apparently. Try it out, feel it lifting you up a notch. Strength, renewal, resilience – that’s the way nature works.