Aromatic Astrology - Leo

Essential oils are incredibly versatile. An essential oil blend can focus on body (physical conditions such as headaches, sprains, bruises, wounds, shingles, herpes etc.), mind (emotional conditions such as stress, anger, grieving, fear, protection etc), or spirit (transformational blending such as personality, archetype, astrology, Doctrine of Signatures, soul qualities etc). One can choose to focus on any one level or combination of levels to address a myriad of needs.

Today I thought that I'd look at some Astrological blending. I have quite a few birthdays coming up so it seemed like a good idea to me to come up with one or two signature blends for the Leos in my life.

Scott Cunningham in The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews, classifies the following oils under Leo: Benzoin, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Juniper, Nutmeg, Orange, Rosemary and Sandalwood while Patricia Davis in Astrological Aromatherapy only lists Jasmine as the signature oil for Leo.

I thought that I'd create both a Male and Female Signature Blend for Leo and Jasmine seems a good choice to me to start both blends off. Jasmine is so often called the King of Oils and on a subtle level it is considered to unite and harmonize opposites thereby promoting wholeness. An oil often used to warm and open the heart, it is also thought to balance feminine and masculine energies. So definitely appropriate for both blends. As Sandalwood has traditionally been used a lot in men's fragrances I decided to add it to just the Leo Lord blend and to lighten this a bit I decided to add Juniper. For the Leo Lady blend I've added Orange, which dispels negative and Rosemary, which has the theme of loyalty and love.

Lord Leo
Jasmine - 1 drop
Juniper - 4 drops
Sandalwood - 8 drops

Lady Leo
Jasmine - 1 drop
Orange - 10 drops
Rosemary - 5 drops

Now to let it sit for a few days and see what it smells like. It's starting off quite nicely anyway.

A couple of quotes from famous Leos:

"Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold."
-- Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, author
"Love yourself first and everythiPublish Postng else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world."
-- Lucille Ball, comedian
"Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves."
-- Dorothy Parker, Fashion

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper nigrum

Black Pepper, Piper nigrum, has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat malaria and cholera, as well as to relieve digestive complaints such as dysentery and diarrhea. Indian monks include black pepper in their diet every day to help them sustain their endurance and increase their energy. You will find a mini profile on Black Pepper on the Articles page of the website.

On a subtle level, Black Pepper can be used for protection and to promote courage. It is also helpful for alertness. It can enhance the desire to get going on a new project or getting on with a new direction in life. It can be help to bring daydreams into reality and assist in removing blockages in the energy field. It can also help to free the mind from envious thoughts. Black Pepper can be used to help one focus on what you want to manifest. It is also helpful in overcoming feelings of constraint and reducing overwhelming anxieties. It can help one to deal with anger and give one the courage to do so. Black Pepper helps one to listen to our inner intuition and to take chances.

Use in low concentrations on the skin as this oil can cause skin irritation.

Black Pepper has also been featured in a research study and found to be effective in helping one to quit smoking. See my very first blog entry in May 2006.

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.

"No bought potpourri is so pleasant as that made from ones own garden, for the petals of the flowersone has gathered at home hold the sunshine and memories of summer, and of past summers only the sunny days should be remembered." Eleanor Sinclair-Rhode

Essential Oils and Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a chronic disease, is the most common joint disorder. Osteoarthritis can start to appear in middle age and by the time most people are around 70 they will have shown symptoms of this condition. This chronic condition causes the cartilage that is found between the bone joints to wear away, which in turn manifests in stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis can also cause called bone spurs to grow around the joints. Although this condition is generally considered to be related to the aging process, much of the time the actual cause is unknown and many factors including metabolic, genetic, chemical and mechanical factors can play a role in its development. Over time the cartilage of the affected joint becomes rough and degenerates and as it disappears one ends up with bone rubbing on bone. Bony spurs can also develop around the joint.

While on occasion there may be no symptoms at all, generally symptoms include: a gradual and subtle onset of deep aching joint pain which might worsen after exercise and improve after rest; joint swelling; limited movement; morning stiffness; grating of the joint with motion and joint pain in rainy weather.

Diagnosis can be made after a physical exam shows the limited range of motion, joint swelling, tenderness and grating of a joint in motion. An x-ray will show the actual loss of joint space and any wearing down of the ends of the bones or possible bone spurs.

The general goal of traditional treatment is to relieve pain; increase the strength of the joint; improve joint mobility and minimizing any disabling effects. The specific treatment depends on which joints are involved. Treatment protocols can include medication such anti-inflammatory pain killers such as aspirin and ibuprofen; supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate; lifestyle changes like an exercise program; good nutrition; weight control; and more mechanical solutions like physical therapy, braces and surgery. Weight loss can reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

In the early stages massage can help to decrease pain and muscle spasm, as well as help to maintain the range of motion of the affected joint while promoting blood circulation. When there is inflammation manual lymph drainage can be helpful. Compresses can also be very helpful for the joint and muscle pain of osteoarthritis. and a castor oil compress is often recommended.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis Innes JF, Fuller CJ, Grover ER, Kelly AL, Burn JFof the Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, Small Animal Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool studied the effects of P54FP is an extract of Indian and Javanese turmeric, Curcuma domestica and Curcuma xanthorrhiza respectively, which contains a mixture of active ingredients including curcuminoids and essential oils and found a statistically significant treatment effect in favour of P54FP.

Which could indicate that the essential oils of tumeric (Curcuma domestica) or (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) might be effective of osteoarthritis.

Analgesic oils to consider would include: angelica, aniseed, black pepper, cajuput, chamomile, cinnamon, citronella, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, elemi, fennel, fir, frankincense, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, juniper, laurel, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, niaouli, nutmeg, peppermint, ravintsara, rosemary, thyme, yarrow.

Anti-inflammatory oils to consider would include: aniseed, cardamon, chamomile, citronella, clary sage, coriander, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, geranium, ginger, helichrysum, hyssop, lemongrass, marjoram, niaouli, orange, patchouli, peppermint, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, yarrow.

There are a number of ways in which essential oils can be used. Also ensure that you consider any possible contra-indications before choosing your blend.

When your heart speaks, take good notes. ~Judith Campbell

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is a very versatile oil and a good staple in any aromatherapy kit. It can be used for nausea, headaches, muscle aches and pains, cooling a fever, digestive complaints, freshening the breath and mental exhaustion.

Peppermint has a long traditional use and is also rich in folklore. According to Roman mythology Pluto fell in love with the nymph Mentha. When his wife Persephone heard about this she was enraged and in a fit of jealousy she crushed Mentha into dust upon the ground. Although Pluto could not change her back into a nymph he did transform her into a peppermint plant, with a fresh fragrance so that whenever she was walked on she would smell sweet. Since ancient times Mint has been cultivated and used for its medicinal properties. It has been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 1000BC; the Japanese have been growing it to obtain menthol for at least 2,000 years; one of the garden herbs of which the Pharisees paid tithes (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42); The Romans apparently brought it with them as they marched through Europe and into Britain and from there it made its way to America with the settlers. Herbal folklore apparently dictates that rubbing peppermint on the feet of your lover will strengthen your devotion towards one another. A mini profile on Peppermint can be found on the website.

On a subtle level Peppermint is said to activate intuition and the Higher Mind. The Higher Mind calms memories of terror, hysteria and fear of the unknown. Peppermint can cool any resistance to new information. Peppermint clarifies and promotes clarity in communication and concentration. Peppermint also promotes healthy self-esteem, integrity and ethics. It can aid one in discovering one’s hidden gifts and strengths. It calms the nerves while it stimulates the conscious mind. And promotes inspiration and insights. Peppermint can help to dispel the Ego and also assist in overcoming feelings of inferiority. It is cleansing and helpful to those who want to live an ethical life. It is used in purification blends. Peppermint can increase sensitivity, awareness and perception, bringing an alertness, even in the dream state that helps one to remember and take in the wisdom from other worlds.

Generally considered non-toxic. Avoid in pregnancy. Keep away from children

Looking for a fun summer activity? There are lots of easy and fun recipes in my e-Book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons.