Holiday Bazaar this weekend

Local members of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists will be holding a Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Left Hand Grange as part of this weekend’s festivities in Niwot.

Lora Cantele, an aromatherapist out of Gunbarrel, said that the event is for people who aren’t certified in aromatherapy, but want to get into using essential oils.

At the bazaar there will be information on safe topical uses, inhalation and other different methods of using the oils.

“We feel like it’s our duty to provide solid public education,” Cantele said. “Aromatherapy is becoming popular with the advent of companies coming in and selling oils. They don’t always provide proper education. All of our members are trained to provide resources for safe use because it is becoming so popular.”

She said that when using essential oils, it is important to know proper uses in order to get the most benefit.

“The members will be able to speak to the public about what we do,” Cantele said. “There will be information there about our organization, what we offer and what people can find on our website.”

Several members of AIA live in the area and are practitioners in a variety of fields.

“Some of us do product development for larger companies, others just do it for fun,” Cantele said. “Most of us do it because it’s part of our practice. It’s a way to let people know how beneficial aromatherapy can be for them.”

She said that another aspect of the bazaar is to inform people on what aromatherapists actually do.

“When you make an appointment with a massage therapist you know what you’re going to get when you go,” Cantele said. “With an aromatherapist, what we offer is more than just the use of essential oils. It may include lifestyle changes or supplements, all in the interest of health and well-being.”

The bazaar will include booths featuring books, body care products, jewelry, teas and herbal blends and spices. A few local authors on the topic will also be available.

“One of the aims of the organization is to increase awareness and expand access to aromatherapists,” Cantele said. “We also want to further research for therapists and the public.”

Cantele said that while many of the products make great gifts, one thing to remember is that one of the biggest uses of essential oils is to help mitigate stress and anxiety, especially during the holiday season.

“When you consider that stress is an underlying cause of many diseases, aromatherapy can be really beneficial in alleviating that stress which can ultimately lead to a reduction in ill-health,” Cantele said.

Information on essential oils and the non-profit organization can be found on the website, http://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to come through, see what we have to offer and for us to answer any questions,” Cantele said.