Since the focus of Scent to Kill, the new book that my good friend Chrystle Fiedler wrote about my latest adventure features aromatherapy tips. I thought I’d share some with you.
First though, let me tell you about the book which chronicles my efforts to find out who murdered the producer of a new psychic television show. It all started when my hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, and I were invited to attend an exclusive party for the show before production started at a mansion on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, I was much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops I would be holding at my store, Nature’s Way Market & Café.
But before the party was over, Roger Bixby one of the producers was dead and the police suspected murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of my ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis. After I left the party, late that night, I got a frantic text from Simon asking for my help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, my ex became the prime suspect. Simon begged me to crack the case and clear him and well, I just couldn’t say no. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asked me for help. She hired me to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.
To find the killer, I had to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson had been hired to provide security and was there to watch my back and help me solve this spooky mystery.
As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that show you how to use essential oils to treat a variety of conditions and to support health and well-being. I often use essential oils when I’m treating clients. Aromatherapy can:
- ease stress, anxiety, or depression
- reduce inflammation
- treat insomnia
- heal eczema
- balance hormonal function (PMS, etc.)
- enhance immune function
- neutralize nausea
- ease aches and pains
- manage migraines and other headaches
- treat upset stomach
- work as an antiseptic and antibacterial
Lavender (the Latin verb lavare means “to wash”), is one of my favorite herbs. Not only does it smell terrific, it’s calming and soothing and good for cuts and burns, insomnia, diaper rash, tension headache, PMS and cramps (use with clary sage and Roman chamomile). The phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals linalool and linalyl acetate) in lavender are absorbed in the skin and in the membranes inside your nose, slowing nerve impulses, and reducing stress. An easy way to start using lavender is to put five to ten drops of essential oil in your bath. Add the oil after you have filled the tub so you can enjoy the full benefits of this wonderful aroma. When you are on the go, just add a few drops to a tissue and take a few deep breaths. You’ll feel the tension drain away!
For a chance to win a copy of SCENT TO KILL: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here about your favorite natural cure. I look forward to “meeting” you! Contest open to US residents only and ends March 2.
Until then, I am yours naturally,
Willow McQuade, N.D.
Meet the author
Willow McQuade, ND is mystery author Chrystle Fiedler’s alter ego. Chrystle is the author of SCENT TO KILL, (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, DEATH DROPS: A Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO NATURAL REMEDIES (Alpha, 2009), co-author of BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW! (Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the BEAT SUGAR ADDICTION NOW!COOKBOOK (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and THE COUNTRY ALMANAC OF HOME REMEDIES (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health, Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy. Visit www.chrystlefiedler.com.
Books are available at retail and online booksellers.
This sounds like a great book! I love using herbs and carry a bit of mint with me when we go on trips. The scent helps to prevent car sickness! And nothing beats the aroma of a cup of chamomile tea right before bedtime!
There’s way too many side effects and addictive properties to today’s medicines, so natural remedies is definitely a better alternative. Smelling an apple to help curb a migraine headache is an idea that one of my coworkers gave me. Looking forward to trying this series.
I don’t know if I have a favorite home remedy but I remember growing up if you had a bad cold you would be given a hot toddy to make you sweat it out and help you sleep. Thank you for the giveaway
I can’t – but must – wait to start this interesting series. Thanks for writing. Dee
P.S. My favorite home remedy is a neti pot!
hot tea….w/ lemon & honey 🙂
I have not used this ina very long time but using honey, whiskey and lemon for a cough really did work good.
I don’t do much in the way of natural remedies anymore. I do on the other hand have aromatic candles in my den to help me relax when the world decides it’s a good time to aggravate the hell out of me.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m a big believer in St. John’s Wort (for depression) and Black Cohosh for night sweats. Don’t leave home without ’em. And put me in for the book drawing. dz87507 at gmail dot com
I would love to win!
My favorite home cure is honey, lemon juice and whiskey for a sore throat and cough.
Hi everyone! This is Willow’s alter ego – Chrystle checking in. Thanks to everyone for stopping by! I so love writing about Willow’s adventures at Nature’s Way Market & Cafe and beyond. She is a cheerful character with a can-do attitude that wants to help others. Two qualities that I admire and strive to emulate.
The key with natural remedies like aromatherapy is to choose what appeals and works for you. In that way it is much different from conventional medicine which, of course, does have its place. Thanks for all of your sharing! I’ll stop by later on. Yours Naturally, Chrystle
I love hot tea. If you add honey or lemon that’s good too.
I have had coughs “forever”. In college they frequently progressed into bronchitis. Cough syrups (especially the horrible stuff the college dispensary gave me) didn’t help and/or were disgusting. So, I kept a bottle of whiskey and sipped that. It cut through the cough better than most anything else. Please note: I did not drink for a buzz, just a sip to hit whatever was irritating my throat.
One remedy, really a preventative, that lots of people use is whole herb Echinacea to ward off colds. I use it all the time if I feel a cold coming on and it seems to work for me. The book sounds really interesting. I don’t know squat about aromatherapy so it would also be very educational. Thanks for the giveaway. carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
acupuncture better then antibiotic s.book sounds really interesting.lomazowr@gmail.com
When I have a sore throat I gargle with salt and water. Takes it right away. Thanks for the giveaway.
I use doTerra essential oils my favorite is onguard to help protect me from bacteria and viruses when I am working. I M a certified nurse midwife. I like to use a ginger infusion with lemon and agave syrup for coughs.
I have allergic reactions to many scents and buy unscented products whenever possible. My favorite natural cure – take a nap!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Baby oil. It soothes everything as the massage takes effect. Please put me in the drawing. Thanks. judydee22002@yahoo dot com
My favorite natural cure is hot lemonade made from fresh lemons and honey for a sore throat.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
What a great book. I love lavendar for relaxation and peppermint for upset tummy. I look forward to reading this book and picking up tid-bits. elisanabby at gmail dot com
I don’t have a favorite but my husband’s is the Hot Toddy for a cold.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Contest is closed, but comments are always welcome.