Some people are very fortunate they are able to bound out of bed in the morning ready to face the day and all its challenges with lots of energy. Others of us find that we wake up slowly and need more time to be really ready for the day and all it has in store for us. I'll admit I fit into the latter category. I need time to wake up and I'll set my alarm clock really early so that I have that extra half hour or so to slowly surface and get myself ready to get on with my day. Essential oils can be wonderful in getting one up and going but, as I'd rather sleep I end up not having any time in the morning for a leisurely bath. By the time I'm up and ready I hit the shower and I need to get going. I have found that a particularly effective boost for me is to add 1 - 2 drops of an essential oil or an essential oil synergy to help me fully wake up and be ready for anything the day holds in store. I don't just have one blend that I use all the time as I prefer to customize my blend to be applicable for whatever I particularly need that day. I also like to take into consideration how I might be feeling emotionally. I really love to have one or more citrus oils in my wake up shower blend and because I am not applying the essential oils topically to my body I don't have to worry about phototoxicity. Anyway I highly recommend this as a great way to start the day.
The shower blend I used today was 2 drops of my refreshing synergy: 5 parts Grapefruit, 3 parts Juniper and 1 part Vetiver.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Headaches, Migraines and Aromatherapy
All of us suffer from headaches from time to time and their causes are myriad. Emotional disorders, head injuries, fever, intracranial vascular disorders, dental disease, diseases of the ears, nose or eyes, environmental conditions can all cause headaches. The most common type of headaches appears to be muscle tension headaches and migraines.
Tension Headaches generally seem to begin in the morning or early afternoon and steadily worsen during the day. Often there is a steady, moderately severe pain above the eyes or in the back of the head. A feeling of tight pressure as if there were a band around the head may also accompany the pain. The pain may spread over the entire head and sometimes down into the back of the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches can often be prevented or controlled by avoiding or understanding and adjusting to the stresses that bring them on. Essential oils can be helpful in assisting one to overcome and avoid headaches by relaxing one physically and emotionally and helping to reduce stress. They can also be helpful with some of the underlying causes, which can lead to headaches such as constipation, digestive problems, PMS etc.
Essential oils, which have been found to be helpful in combating or easing headaches, include lavender, peppermint, rosemary and marjoram. There are a number of different ways one can use essential oils to achieve this effect.
Many people find a special recipe of their own to work with, however when you feel a headache there are a number of things you could try.
ﾷ Take a soothing, relaxing bath
ﾷ Massage the temples, head, neck and shoulders
ﾷ Apply an icy compress to the head
ﾷ Inhale a drop or two of essential oil from a tissue
Migraine Headaches a recurring, throbbing intense pain which usually affects one side of the head, but sometimes both sides. The pain begins suddenly and may be preceded or accompanied by visual, neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms. Although migraine headaches can start at any age, they usually begin between the ages of 10 and 30. Sometimes they will disappear after the age of 50. Migraines are more common in women than in men. Migraine headaches are generally more severe than tension headaches. They occur when arteries to the brain constrict and then dilate (narrow and then widen), which activates nearby pain receptors.
There appear to be three characteristic groups of symptoms:
ﾷ Visual disturbances, which may occur at the beginning of an attack. They can take the form of flashes of light, spots or patterns before the eyes or sometimes partial loss of vision.
ﾷ A severe throbbing headache which usually starts on one side of the head and may last for several hours
ﾷ Nausea and vomiting are often present.
Aromatherapy is most effective when used as a preventative measure. Regular massage with essential oils particularly to the head, neck and shoulders may be helpful. Often once a migraine attack has begun some sufferers may find the smell of most essential oils to be overbearing and sometimes that can’t bear to be touched.
ﾷ A cold or warm compress (whichever gives the most relief) made up with equal parts of lavender and peppermint can be helpful. Change frequently as the temperature of the compress changes.
ﾷ Extremely light massage of the temples with lavender might be helpful
ﾷ As some migraines appear to be due to a restricted flow of blood to the brain, a hot or warm compress made with sweet marjoram applied to the back of the neck may help to increase the flow of blood to the head.
My Favourite Headache Blend is : Lavender 4 drops, Marjoram 4 drops, Peppermint 1 drop I add this synergy to 10ml of jojoba oil in a roll-on applicator.
Tension Headaches generally seem to begin in the morning or early afternoon and steadily worsen during the day. Often there is a steady, moderately severe pain above the eyes or in the back of the head. A feeling of tight pressure as if there were a band around the head may also accompany the pain. The pain may spread over the entire head and sometimes down into the back of the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches can often be prevented or controlled by avoiding or understanding and adjusting to the stresses that bring them on. Essential oils can be helpful in assisting one to overcome and avoid headaches by relaxing one physically and emotionally and helping to reduce stress. They can also be helpful with some of the underlying causes, which can lead to headaches such as constipation, digestive problems, PMS etc.
Essential oils, which have been found to be helpful in combating or easing headaches, include lavender, peppermint, rosemary and marjoram. There are a number of different ways one can use essential oils to achieve this effect.
Many people find a special recipe of their own to work with, however when you feel a headache there are a number of things you could try.
ﾷ Take a soothing, relaxing bath
ﾷ Massage the temples, head, neck and shoulders
ﾷ Apply an icy compress to the head
ﾷ Inhale a drop or two of essential oil from a tissue
Migraine Headaches a recurring, throbbing intense pain which usually affects one side of the head, but sometimes both sides. The pain begins suddenly and may be preceded or accompanied by visual, neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms. Although migraine headaches can start at any age, they usually begin between the ages of 10 and 30. Sometimes they will disappear after the age of 50. Migraines are more common in women than in men. Migraine headaches are generally more severe than tension headaches. They occur when arteries to the brain constrict and then dilate (narrow and then widen), which activates nearby pain receptors.
There appear to be three characteristic groups of symptoms:
ﾷ Visual disturbances, which may occur at the beginning of an attack. They can take the form of flashes of light, spots or patterns before the eyes or sometimes partial loss of vision.
ﾷ A severe throbbing headache which usually starts on one side of the head and may last for several hours
ﾷ Nausea and vomiting are often present.
Aromatherapy is most effective when used as a preventative measure. Regular massage with essential oils particularly to the head, neck and shoulders may be helpful. Often once a migraine attack has begun some sufferers may find the smell of most essential oils to be overbearing and sometimes that can’t bear to be touched.
ﾷ A cold or warm compress (whichever gives the most relief) made up with equal parts of lavender and peppermint can be helpful. Change frequently as the temperature of the compress changes.
ﾷ Extremely light massage of the temples with lavender might be helpful
ﾷ As some migraines appear to be due to a restricted flow of blood to the brain, a hot or warm compress made with sweet marjoram applied to the back of the neck may help to increase the flow of blood to the head.
My Favourite Headache Blend is : Lavender 4 drops, Marjoram 4 drops, Peppermint 1 drop I add this synergy to 10ml of jojoba oil in a roll-on applicator.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Bergamot
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) not to be confused with the common garden herb, bee balm (Monarda didyma) which is also called Bergamot is a member of the Rutaceae family. The tree in the wild can grow up to 12 meters, however under cultivation it is pruned to about 4 - 5 metres. It has deep green leaves and small white fragrant flowers. The fruit is about the size of a small orange and not considered edible. The plant originated in the tropical parts of Asia and is grown in Italy and the Ivory Coast. A greenish - yellow essential oil is extracted by expression from the peel of the fruit. It has a sweet citrus floral aroma. For more on this profile go to Bergamot
Bergamot has a wonderful uplifting aroma and it is an aroma that appeals to people of all ages. In the 1960s and 70, Italian doctor, Paoli Rosvesti, confirmed through his research that bergamot helped to relieve depressive states and anxiety.
Contraindications: Expressed bergamot is known to cause phototoxicity when applied to the skin. Exposure to sunlight and UV rays should be avoided for 12 hours after application. It may also irritate sensitive skin. One can also purchase Bergamot FCF. This oil has been rectified to remove the furocoumarins which are considered to be responsible for the phototoxic reaction.
My Blend for Today in the diffuser: Lavender 3, Bergamot 3, Rosewood 1
Bergamot has a wonderful uplifting aroma and it is an aroma that appeals to people of all ages. In the 1960s and 70, Italian doctor, Paoli Rosvesti, confirmed through his research that bergamot helped to relieve depressive states and anxiety.
Contraindications: Expressed bergamot is known to cause phototoxicity when applied to the skin. Exposure to sunlight and UV rays should be avoided for 12 hours after application. It may also irritate sensitive skin. One can also purchase Bergamot FCF. This oil has been rectified to remove the furocoumarins which are considered to be responsible for the phototoxic reaction.
My Blend for Today in the diffuser: Lavender 3, Bergamot 3, Rosewood 1
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Roman Baths and Essential Oils
Bathing is something that has been enjoyed since the very earliest days. The Ancient Romans were famous for their baths. To get a feel of what these were like an interesting site to look around is Roman Baths in Bath . Bathing appears to have been part of the daily routine for men of all classes as well as most women. Apart from being a place to get clean the Roman Baths also fulfilled a social function. Sports and recreational activities were available as well. First they exercised, and then their bodies were scrapped off with a strigil, and then they moved through a series of bath rooms at varying different tempretures. When they were finished they could have a massage and move on to stroll the gardens, or visit the library, or a number of different activities. For more information on this see Roman Baths and Bathing.
It is believed that the Romans added lavender to their bath water to relieve fatigue and stiff joints. There are apparently two suggestions for the origin of the name lavender. One being that the name is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’ which means to wash and the other that it derives from the latin ‘lividula’ meaning bluish in colour.
Our modern bathing rituals pale in comparison to the lengthy process enjoyed by the Romans, in this day and age we just don't have the time to spend on such a leisurely pastime, however we can still enjoy some of the benefits by adding essential oils to our baths. Lavender Essential Oil is wonderfully relaxing and helpful for fatigue and stiff joints today just as it was all those centuries ago. Fill the bath with warm water and then add 3 - 8 drops of essential oil. It is best to first dilute your essential oil or essential oil blend in a teaspoon of carrier oil (sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil) so that you can disperse it throughout the water, otherwise the essential oil tends to float on top of the bath water.
My Blend for today which I am adding to my bath: Lavender 3, Grapefruit 2.
It is believed that the Romans added lavender to their bath water to relieve fatigue and stiff joints. There are apparently two suggestions for the origin of the name lavender. One being that the name is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’ which means to wash and the other that it derives from the latin ‘lividula’ meaning bluish in colour.
Our modern bathing rituals pale in comparison to the lengthy process enjoyed by the Romans, in this day and age we just don't have the time to spend on such a leisurely pastime, however we can still enjoy some of the benefits by adding essential oils to our baths. Lavender Essential Oil is wonderfully relaxing and helpful for fatigue and stiff joints today just as it was all those centuries ago. Fill the bath with warm water and then add 3 - 8 drops of essential oil. It is best to first dilute your essential oil or essential oil blend in a teaspoon of carrier oil (sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil) so that you can disperse it throughout the water, otherwise the essential oil tends to float on top of the bath water.
My Blend for today which I am adding to my bath: Lavender 3, Grapefruit 2.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Rosemary Essential Oil
I find that I am still drawn to thinking about Rosemary this morning. This fragrant, versatile plant has long been used and there are some very interesting legends and folklore that has grown up around the plant. Knowing some of these legends and folklore uses sometimes give us a hint as to the inner energetics imbued in the plant and therefore the essential oil. After all the energetics apply to every part of the plant. This gives food for thought and allows one to speculate on what might be some of the possible applications for the oil on an energetic level.
For instance there are a number of different variations of a Medieval Christian legend that involves the rosemary bush, and the Flight to Egypt of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The gist of the legend is that the rosemary bush had white flowers. On the flight to Egypt Mary laid her blue cloak over the bush to form a bed for baby Jesus, when she picked him up and removed her cloak the flowers had turned blue. The significance of this is that the people of that time believed the colour blue to symbolize heaven, eternity, truth and wisdom. Knowing this perhaps one could consider using rosemary on a subltle level when one wants to evoke these sentiments.
In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was considered a symbol of remembrance, love and death where it was used in both wedding and funeral rites signifying enduring love. It is considered to be the herb of fidelity.
During Medieval times there was also the belief that Rosemary grows well in the garden when the wife dominates, poorly in the garden when the husband dominates and not at all in the gardens of the unjust and unrighteous.
Rosemary is also considered to be a Christmas herb and there is a legend that anyone who smells it on Christmas Eve will have happiness for the rest of the year.
Avoid during pregnancy and use with extreme caution if suffering from epilepsy and high blood pressure.
Blend for today: Rosemary 3, Basil 2, Petitgrain 4
For instance there are a number of different variations of a Medieval Christian legend that involves the rosemary bush, and the Flight to Egypt of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The gist of the legend is that the rosemary bush had white flowers. On the flight to Egypt Mary laid her blue cloak over the bush to form a bed for baby Jesus, when she picked him up and removed her cloak the flowers had turned blue. The significance of this is that the people of that time believed the colour blue to symbolize heaven, eternity, truth and wisdom. Knowing this perhaps one could consider using rosemary on a subltle level when one wants to evoke these sentiments.
In ancient Greece and Rome, rosemary was considered a symbol of remembrance, love and death where it was used in both wedding and funeral rites signifying enduring love. It is considered to be the herb of fidelity.
During Medieval times there was also the belief that Rosemary grows well in the garden when the wife dominates, poorly in the garden when the husband dominates and not at all in the gardens of the unjust and unrighteous.
Rosemary is also considered to be a Christmas herb and there is a legend that anyone who smells it on Christmas Eve will have happiness for the rest of the year.
Avoid during pregnancy and use with extreme caution if suffering from epilepsy and high blood pressure.
Blend for today: Rosemary 3, Basil 2, Petitgrain 4
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Blending Essential Oils
What a beautiful Sunday morning, I have the door open to the deck and I can hear the birds chirpping away happily. As I look across my deck I see my new Rosemary bush and I am reminded of an exercise I will do with students when they are actually with me in class. The Rosemary has triggered the memory as this was one of the oils prominent in this exercise the last time I did this with some students.
In addition to the oils that we have in our synergy, when we create a blend we all put something of ourselves into it. The exercise I do to illustrate this is for a group of us to choose several oils, any oils and then we all create the blend in exactly the same order as one another. So for instance in the example that triggered my memory this morning only two oils were chosen Bergamot and Rosemary. We all started with a 10ml rollerball bottle containing 10ml of jojoba and we dutifully each put in our drops of Rosemary and Bergamot. Exactly the same number of drops of each oil and in exactly the same order. We then put the tops on and rolled the bottle in our hands a little and then started sniffing. Each of the blends smelled quite different. Some were stronger than others, in some you could smell the Rosemary more strongly in others the Bergamot. At any rate a phenomenon that is fascinating to me every time I take part in it and an illustration to me once again as to how we bring in our own energy every time we create a blend. Keeping this in mind we really should be totally mindful whenever we create a synergy as much as possible.
Blend for today : Rosemary 2 drops, Bergamot 5 drops.
In addition to the oils that we have in our synergy, when we create a blend we all put something of ourselves into it. The exercise I do to illustrate this is for a group of us to choose several oils, any oils and then we all create the blend in exactly the same order as one another. So for instance in the example that triggered my memory this morning only two oils were chosen Bergamot and Rosemary. We all started with a 10ml rollerball bottle containing 10ml of jojoba and we dutifully each put in our drops of Rosemary and Bergamot. Exactly the same number of drops of each oil and in exactly the same order. We then put the tops on and rolled the bottle in our hands a little and then started sniffing. Each of the blends smelled quite different. Some were stronger than others, in some you could smell the Rosemary more strongly in others the Bergamot. At any rate a phenomenon that is fascinating to me every time I take part in it and an illustration to me once again as to how we bring in our own energy every time we create a blend. Keeping this in mind we really should be totally mindful whenever we create a synergy as much as possible.
Blend for today : Rosemary 2 drops, Bergamot 5 drops.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Cardamom Essential Oil
It’s a week since I came down with a very nasty tummy bug and I'm still finding that my tummy is not quite back to normal. Thank goodness for my essential oils and the oil I feel particularly drawn to today is Cardamom. Traditionally cardamom seeds have been used for a wide variety of complaints including fluid retention, coughs and various nervous disorders. Cardamom will calm the stomach after vomiting and will also stimulate the appetite. It is also helpful for gas, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Interestingly enough on a more subtle level Cardamom is considered to be an antidote to sugar cravings. It also helps one to overcome blockages that could be preventing the opening of creative or sexual expression. Consider using Cardamom when one is overburdened with responsibilities or when one needs to allow one’s heart to open to others so we can be more gracious in our dealings with them. Considered non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.
My diffuser blend for today : Cardamom 3 drops, Ginger (CO2) 1 drop, Grapefruit 3 drops
Stop Smoking using Essential Oils
I am often asked whether there are any essential oils that can help one to stop smoking. The truth of the matter is that a number of people have found using aromatherapy and essential oils to be very helpful when they want to quit smoking. One of the best ways seems to be to put a single note oil or a synergy into an inhaler. These little plastic inhalers are great when it comes to something just one person wants to sniff at but if you don't have any blank inhalers then a drop or two of your synergy on a tissue, cotton ball or sniffing strip work just as well. You could also sniff directly out of the bottle but because the essential oil molecules remain trapped inside the bottle the aroma doesn't develop as well as when it is fully exposed to the air.
So which essential oils are the best to use? Well people have had success with quite a few different oils. For instance one of our students reported that while taking the 101 course she found that working with bergamot took away all her cravings for cigarettes and so she was able to give up smoking very easily. I have not been able to find any research to back this up but the fact is that it worked for her. However there has been a study done on using the essential oil of black pepper to help quit smoking and so this is definitely an oil to consider using.
When considering which oils to use in your synergy also keep in mind the emotional swings the person is experiencing and symptoms. You can always add essential oils to your synergy that will help to deal with these, for instance if they are feeling aggitated because they are on withdrawal add something calming Roman chamomile, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang are three that pop into my mind as I write this. Using essential oils and essential oil synergies are a simple but very effective way to help one through something that is more often than not very challenging. I am offering personal inhaler's with Black Pepper for anyone who wants to try this. You can order these online through the secure shopping cart on West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy's website, Other Products.
Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms.
Rose JE, Behm FM.Nicotine Research Laboratory (151-S), V.A. Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705.
Previous studies have suggested that sensory cues associated with cigarette smoking can suppress certain smoking withdrawal symptoms, including craving for cigarettes. In this study we investigated the subjective effects of a cigarette substitute delivering a vapor of black pepper essential oil. Forty-eight cigarette smokers participated in a 3-h session conducted after overnight deprivation from smoking. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: one group of smokers puffed on a device that delivered a vapor from essential oil of black pepper; a second group puffed on the device with a mint/menthol cartridge, and a third group used a device containing an empty cartridge. Subjects puffed and inhaled ad libitum from the device throughout the session during which no smoking was allowed. Reported craving for cigarettes was significantly reduced in the pepper condition relative to each of the two control conditions. In addition, negative affect and somatic symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the pepper condition relative to the unflavored placebo. The intensity of sensations in the chest was also significantly higher for the pepper condition. These results support the view that respiratory tract sensations are important in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms. Cigarette substitutes delivering pepper constituents may prove useful in smoking cessation treatment.
PMID: 8033760 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
So which essential oils are the best to use? Well people have had success with quite a few different oils. For instance one of our students reported that while taking the 101 course she found that working with bergamot took away all her cravings for cigarettes and so she was able to give up smoking very easily. I have not been able to find any research to back this up but the fact is that it worked for her. However there has been a study done on using the essential oil of black pepper to help quit smoking and so this is definitely an oil to consider using.
When considering which oils to use in your synergy also keep in mind the emotional swings the person is experiencing and symptoms. You can always add essential oils to your synergy that will help to deal with these, for instance if they are feeling aggitated because they are on withdrawal add something calming Roman chamomile, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang are three that pop into my mind as I write this. Using essential oils and essential oil synergies are a simple but very effective way to help one through something that is more often than not very challenging. I am offering personal inhaler's with Black Pepper for anyone who wants to try this. You can order these online through the secure shopping cart on West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy's website, Other Products.
Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms.
Rose JE, Behm FM.Nicotine Research Laboratory (151-S), V.A. Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705.
Previous studies have suggested that sensory cues associated with cigarette smoking can suppress certain smoking withdrawal symptoms, including craving for cigarettes. In this study we investigated the subjective effects of a cigarette substitute delivering a vapor of black pepper essential oil. Forty-eight cigarette smokers participated in a 3-h session conducted after overnight deprivation from smoking. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: one group of smokers puffed on a device that delivered a vapor from essential oil of black pepper; a second group puffed on the device with a mint/menthol cartridge, and a third group used a device containing an empty cartridge. Subjects puffed and inhaled ad libitum from the device throughout the session during which no smoking was allowed. Reported craving for cigarettes was significantly reduced in the pepper condition relative to each of the two control conditions. In addition, negative affect and somatic symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the pepper condition relative to the unflavored placebo. The intensity of sensations in the chest was also significantly higher for the pepper condition. These results support the view that respiratory tract sensations are important in alleviating smoking withdrawal symptoms. Cigarette substitutes delivering pepper constituents may prove useful in smoking cessation treatment.
PMID: 8033760 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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