Aromatherapy essential oils, all natural holistic oils - Articles

PALMAROSA

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:13:38 -0400

by: Suzanne Bovenizer cmt, cst

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In the perfumery business, there are many copycat scents that are used to adulterate and dilute pure essences because their smells are so similar. Palmarosa is one of these impostor oils because it mimics the smell of rose. Records show that in ancient times, palmarosa was added to pure rose oil and shipped to the ports of the Red Sea, in an attempt to swindle the buyer who was spending vast sums of money for the precious rose oil. But, in all fairness, Palmarosa has its own place in the essential oil trade because of its therapeutic properties.

Palmarosa is steam distilled from the fresh of dried grass of Cymbopogon martini. It is native to India and Pakistan but is now grown in Africa, Brazil and Indonesia. It has a light, sweet, floral scent, much like a mix between rose and geranium and is used these days in cosmetics, soaps and perfumes.

Therapeutically it is wonderful for the skin and can be used as an antiseptic for acne, dermatitis and minor skin infections. It has the ability to help heal tissue and rejuvenate skin, therefore can be an excellent help with scar tissue and wrinkles. Massaged onto the face and neck, it is great for all skin treatments because it moisturizes the skin, regulates sebum production and stimulates skin regeneration.

Palmarosa also is an effective aid for the digestive system. In A Guide to Aromatherapy, M. Maury states “This is an essence which acts on the pathogenic intestinal flora…this essence favors the transmutation of the pathogenic agent into normal cells of intestinal mucous membranes.” We can believe from this that palmarosa acts on intestinal infections and neutralizes the germs, creating a healthier intestinal tract. It is also known to stimulate digestion and can be of use with anorexia, encouraging hunger and regulating the digestive juices.

For the nervous system, palmarosa has the ability to calm nervous exhaustion, therefore creating more energy for positive expression. Stress and tension melt away when this oil is burned in an aroma lamp. Because of its likeness to rose, it is considered a ‘feel-good’ oil, allowing a sense of well being and joy to permeate through, dissipating depression and moroseness. And because it is cheaper to produce, it is a much more affordable oil in comparison to rose oil!

Now that winter is fast approaching and darkness is closing in, maybe a little palmarosa oil in an aroma lamp on a cold, bleak night might help to lift the spirits and allow the joy in.

Frankincense

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:17:51 -0400

Frankincense, Myrrh, and Spices

The Oldest Global Supply Chain?

by: Bradley Z. Hull

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Frankincense, myrrh, and spices were highly coveted and highlyexpensive necessities of life in the ancient world. They weretransported from distant corners of the world to their Mediterraneancustomers, and their routes crossed the Arabian Peninsula bycamel caravan. An Arabian tribe, the Nabataeans, monopolizedthis trade nearly two thousand years ago. Their supply chain,with a hub-and-spoke structure, partnerships, value-added services,innovative packaging, and early adoption of technology, bearsstriking resemblance to those of today. It differed though,in its elaborate and painstaking security precautions. Thistight security was mandated by the lawlessness of the era andthe high value of the merchandise. The Nabataean supply chainmaintained its competitive advantage for more than five centuries.This article compares it with those of today and examines theNabataeans, a nomadic tribe that shaped the basic concepts ofsupply chain management.

Ylang Ylang

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 16:29:50 -0400

Aromatherapy Spotlight on Ylang Ylang Essential Oil by Lisa Maliga

http://www.aromaessentialsltd.com/acatalog/Ylang_II.html

Ylang ylang, pronounced ee-lung ee-lung, is as exotic sounding as the tropical regions from where these fragrant flowers originate. The name means, "flower of flowers" and the abundantly sweet flowers are prettily colored pink, mauve or yellow, colors frequently seen during sunrise and sunset. These trees flourish in the tropics; the islands of the South Pacific [Philippines, Guam, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook and the Marquesas]. Additionally, ylang ylang trees have been planted in Hawaii and New Caledonia. Near the coast of southeast Africa, some of the finest ylang ylang producing trees flourish in the Comoro Islands and Madagascar.

As this distinctively named flower hails from the warmer parts of the world, the [botanical name Cananga Odorata var. genuina] can also warm up your love life. Indonesian newlyweds discover their bed covered in the highly scented blossoms as according to "The Essential Oils Book" by Colleen K. Dodt, ylang ylang: "…. is believed to be antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, calming, euphoric…It has been found effective in reducing sexual difficulties resulting from anxiety, stress, and depression."

Before you run out and purchase some ylang ylang, you should be aware of the fact that this is an aromatic plant that needs to be used sparingly. Too much ylang ylang and you'll get a headache. The aroma is annoying to some, but to many it's very soothing and calming.

Ylang ylang is reminiscent of another tropical floral star in aromatherapy, namely jasmine. It has been dubbed the "poor man's jasmine" as the lower grades of ylang ylang are priced in the single or double digits. The botanical name is derived from the Malaysian word, "kenanga" which is the vernacular for the genus. "Odorata" simply means fragrant.

Grades of Ylang Ylang: As with any essential oil, the higher the price the higher the quality. And Ylang ylang, unlike many other essential oils, has several different grades [or fractions] ranging from the costly Ylang Ylang Superior Extra down to the least expensive, Ylang Ylang III. Ylang Ylang Superior Extra - This is an extraordinary form of ylang ylang which is considered by experts to represent the finest notes of this lovely floral. Found on Mayotte Island off the coast of Madagascar, this grade of oil is from certified organically grown flowers. Ylang Ylang Complete - This grade is comprised of all fractions of the ylang ylang essential oil from the Extra to Grades I, II, and III. Ylang Ylang Extra - The most floral smelling of the grades. This grade is recommended for perfumers as it is the most full-bodied and has spicy background notes. It is taken from the initial distillation where the petals are only distilled for one hour. Ylang Ylang I - A very nice floral and the perfect introduction to this flower essential oil. This is the first distillation, obtained during the second to third hour of distillation. Ylang Ylang II - This is the second distillation, obtained during the third to fourth hour of distillation Ylang Ylang III - Having been distilled for at least a day, the resulting grade of ylang ylang is the heaviest in scent. This grade is best used for aromatherapy beginners on a budget or to scent soap, candles and other bath and body products. Ylang Ylang CO2 - Distilled by CO2 [carbon dioxide], when a certain amount of pressure is applied the gas changes to liquid; thus, this is one of the safest ways to extract oils. Most ylang ylang extracted in this manner is quite expensive. Ylang Ylang Absolute - This method of extraction is done by alcohol washing of the concrete obtained from the ylang ylang petals. Done primarily in France from the Comoro Islands flowers, the pale yellow oil has a balsamic undertone. Absolutes are outstanding for perfumery due to their long-lasting aroma.

Benefits of Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang is a calming, soothing essential oil that helps alleviate stress. It also helps high blood pressure and decreases nervous tension. Is an excellent balancing oil for oily or dry skin. Ylang ylang has been reputed to stimulate hair growth and is a natural conditioner. Julia Lawless, author of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," writes: "In the Victorian age, the oil was used in the hair treatment Macassar oil."

Safety/Precautions: Aromatherapy author Colleen K. Dodt wrote: "My sister found ylang ylang helpful during her pregnancy when high blood pressure threatened. The scent calmed and relaxed her, which naturally lowered her blood pressure." As with any natural product, common sense is the first defense. If you or someone you know has a strong dislike for a certain scent, then don't use it. If concerned about safety, always check with your healthcare practitioner.

Uses for Ylang Ylang: Bath soak ~ All you need is one or two drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing. Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Ylang ylang will fill the room with its exotic floral aroma and relaxation should follow. Hair ~ Add one or two drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Also, Ylang ylang is believed to stimulate hair growth.

Blending with Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang can greatly enhance sandalwood, rosewood, or any citrus oil such as: grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, petitgrain, and other florals like lavender, jasmine, tuberose and rose. To offer a marvelous contrast, use black pepper, Peru balsam, patchouli or vetivert.

Ylang ylang is a fragrant year round reminder for those of us living in colder regions. Slip away on a tropical vacation as you inhale the heady floral bouquet. While not all of us can board a plane and benefit from a tropical vacation, for only a few dollars we can buy a ylang ylang scented product and transport ourselves there via the imagination.

About the Author

Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.com Everything Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, and custom SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 250+ fragrances, designer duplicates and essential oils.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Mon, 9 Jun 2008 16:02:00 -0400

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil)

Tea tree oil is an extraction from the Melaleuca tree. Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant (drinking tea) Camellia sinensis or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera.

The term "tea tree oil" is also somewhat of a misnomer since Melaleuca alternifolia is a paperbark rather than a tea tree (genus Leptospermum). Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden color essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil has beneficial medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal action), and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties.

History and extraction

Terpinen-4-ol

The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use “tea trees” as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.^[1]^[2]

Use of the oil itself, as opposed to the unextracted plant material, did not become common practice until researcher Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the 1920s and 1930s. In evaluating the antimicrobial activity of M. alternifolia, tea tree oil was rated as 11 times more active than phenol.^[3]

The commercial tea tree oil industry was born after the medicinal properties of the oil were first reported by Penfold in the 1920s. It was produced from natural bush stands of M. alternifolia that produced oil with the appropriate chemotype. The plant material was hand cut and often distilled on the spot in makeshift, mobile, wood-fired bush stills.

Production ebbed after World War II as demand for the oil declined, presumably due to the development of effective antibiotics and the waning image of natural products. Interest in the oil was rekindled in the 1970s as part of the general renaissance of interest in natural products. Commercial plantations were established in the 1970s and 1980s, which lead to mechanization and large-scale production of a consistent essential oil product.^[4]

Among over 98 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial actions.

Although tea tree oil is normally extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia commercially, it can also be extracted from Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia. Tea tree oil is defined by international standard ISO 4730 ("Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type"), which specifies levels of 14 components which are needed to define the oil as "tea tree oil."

Medicinal use

Tea tree oil has been recognized as a potent antiseptic in Australia anecdotally for much longer than there has been scientific evidence. However, recent studies support a role for tea tree oil in skin care and treatment of various ailments.

Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin.^[6] In vivo, shampoo with 5% tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the most common cause of the condition.^[7]

Tea Tree Oil is used medically as well as in cosmetic products.

Effectiveness of topical tea tree oil preparations for Candidiasis is supported by their ability to kill Candida in vitro.^[8]

In the treatment of moderate acne, topical application of 5% tea tree oil has shown an effect comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide, albeit with slower onset of action.^[9] Another study in 2007 5% strength gel was compared against a placebo, with statistically significant results.^[10]

Tea tree oil is also effective for treating insect bites,^[11] boils and minor wounds.^[12] It has also been known to help soothe sunburn,^[13]^[14] poison ivy,^[15]^[16] ear infections,^[17] and bee stings.^[18]^[19]

Diluted solutions of tea tree oil are sold as remedies which claim to treat bacterial and fungal infection in pet fish.

Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing tea tree oil are shown to be effective for a number of oral problems. Some of these include halitosis (bad breath), gum disease, and canker sores.^[20]^[21]^[22]

There is some limited research that has shown that tea tree oil may have anti-viral activity, especially with the Herpes virus (cold sores, chicken pox and shingles blisters, warts, etc.)^[23]

Safety

Melaleuca oil is used almost exclusively externally.

Data on oral use of tea tree oil in humans in large quantities is sparse aside from several anecdotal reports of side effects following oral ingestion.^[24] Symptoms may include ataxia and drowsiness.

A small number of people experience allergic contact dermatitis as a reaction to dermal contact with tea tree oil. In an Italian study of 725 consecutive patients, patients were patch tested with undiluted, 1% and 0.1% Tea Tree Oil. For undiluted tea tree oil, nearly 6% of the patients observed positive reactions of skin irritation. Only 1 of 725 patients observed a positive reaction of skin irritation with the 1% dilution. None of the 725 patients observed adverse reactions with the 0.1% dilution.^[25] Allergic reactions may be due to the various oxidation products that are formed by exposure of the oil to light and/or air.^[26]^[27]

External application of undiluted tea tree oil and/or at inappropriate high doses has been associated with toxicity, including death, in cats and other animals.^[28]^[29]^[30]

A disputed case study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that "repeated topical exposure to lavender and tea tree oils probably caused prepubertal gynecomastia" (abnormal breast development) in three young boys.^[31] The study involved just three individuals and found lavender to be the only common ingredient used by the boys in the study. While all three cases involved the use of products containing lavender oil as an ingredient, only one boy also used products containing tea tree oil. In all cases, the prepubertal gynecomastia reversed after several months. Use of the products containing lavender and tea tree oils were also discontinued during this time. In the same paper, results from cell culture assays indicated that both essential oils exhibit weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties in vitro, (i.e. in a test tube, an artificial environment outside the living human organism) but no tests were conducted in vivo. Researchers also indicated that other components in these products may also have contributed to the gynecomastia, or that genetics might play a role. Researchers also noted that estrogenic or antiandrogenic activities have also been reported for some other commonly used essential oils as well as some foods such as almonds and peanuts, but cited no associated cases of prepubertal gynecomastia.^[32] Others have cast doubt on the conclusions of the article and dismissed the study as having used "poor methodology".^[33]^[34]^[35]^[36]^[37]

If used in concentrations below 4% or particularly below 1%, tea tree oil may fail to kill bacteria and create an evolutionary pressure which may result in them becoming less sensitive to tea tree oil and even some antibiotics in vitro.^[38]

Tea tree oil is not recommended for use in the ears.^[39]

References

^ Shemesh, A., and W. L. Mayo. 1991. "Australian tea tree oil: a natural antiseptic and fungicidal agent." Aust. J. Pharm. 72:802-803
^ Low, T. 1990. Bush medicine. Harper Collins Publishers, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
^ Penfold, A. R., and R. Grant. 1925. "The germicidal values of some Australian essential oils and their pure constituents, together with those for some essential oil isolates, and synthetics. Part III." J. R. Soc. New South Wales 59:346-349.
^ Johns, M. R., J. E. Johns, and V. Rudolph. 1992. "Steam distillation of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil." J. Sci. Food Agric. 58:49-53
^ Material Safety Data Sheet..
^ Nenoff P, Haustein UF, Brandt W (1996). "Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro". Skin Pharmacol. 9 (6): 388-94. PMID 9055360.
^ Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS (2002). "Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo". J Am Acad Dermatol. 47 (6): 852-5. doi:10.1067/mjd.2002.122734. PMID 12451368.
^ Hammer K, Carson C, Riley T (1998). "In-vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and tea tree oil products, against Candida spp.". J Antimicrob Chemother 42 (5): 591-5. doi:10.1093/jac/42.5.591. PMID 9848442.
^ Bassett I, Pannowitz D, Barnetson R (1990). "A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne.". Med J Aust 153 (8): 455-8. PMID 2145499.
^ The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
^ TeaTreeOilUses.com
^ Clark, S. T. (1994). The Great Melaleuca Fact Book, 54.
^ WebMD.com
^ AuraCacia.com
^ Health911.com
^ HealthyChild.com
^ InnVista.com
^ RD.com
^ Clark, S. T. (1994). The Great Melaleuca Fact Book.
^ Shemesh, A. and Mayo, W.L. (1991). "A Natural Antiseptic and Fungicide". International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
^ Walsh, L.J. and Longstaff, J. (1987). "The Antimicrobial Effects of an Essential Oil on Selected Oral Pathogens". Periodontology 8: 11-15.
^ Shapiro, S., Meier, A. and Guggenheim, B. (1994). "The Anti-microbial Activity of Essential Oils and Essential Oil Components Towards Oral Bacteria,"". Oral Microbiology Immunology 9:4: 202-208.
^ Bishop, C.D. (1995). "Anti-viral Activity of the Essential Oil of Melaleuca alternifolia". Journal of Essential Oil Research: 641-644.
^ Morris M, Donoghue A, Markowitz J, Osterhoudt K (2003). "Ingestion of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy.". Pediatr Emerg Care 19 (3): 169-71. doi:10.1097/01.pec.0000081241.98249.7b. PMID 12813303.
^ Lisi P, Melingi L, Pigatto P, Ayala F, Suppa F, Foti C, Angelini G (2000). "Prevalenza della sensibilizzazione all´olio essenziale di Melaleuca.". Ann Ital Dermatol Allergol 54: 141-144.
^ Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB (May 2006). "A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil.". Food Chemistry Toxicology 44: 616-625. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.001.
^ Rutherford T, Nixon R, Tam M, Tate B (May 2007). "Allergy to tea tree oil: retrospective review of 41 cases with positive patch tests over 4.5 years.". Australasian Journal of Dermatology 48: 83-87. doi:10.1111/j.1440-0960.2007.00341.x.
^ Bischoff, K. and Guale, F. (1998). "Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Oil Poisoning in Three Purebred Cats.". Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 10.
^ Villar D, Knight MJ, Hansen SR, Buck WB (April 1998). "Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils applied topically on dogs and cats.". Veterinary Human Toxicology.
^ Small, B.E.J. (1981). "Tea Tree Oil". Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
^ Henley D, Lipson N, Korach K, Bloch C (2007). "Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils". N Engl J Med 356 (5): 479-85. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa064725. PMID 17267908.
^ Henley D, Lipson N, Korach K, Bloch C (2007). "Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils". N Engl J Med 356 (5): 479-85. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa064725. PMID 17267908.
^ Cosmetics and Toiletries Magazine
^ Essential Oils Not Linked to Breast Growth in Young Boys
^ Personal Care Products Council | CTFA Statement on Essential Oils
^ http://www.fmafragrance.org/sub_pages/020107henleyresponse.pdf
^ http://www.naha.org/articles/Tisserand,%20R.%20Gynecomastia2_2007.pdf
^ Habituation to sub-lethal concentrations of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is associated with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics in human pathogens
^ eDrugDigest

Lavender Spike

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:47:49 -0400

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The Many Wonders of Lavender Essential Oil by Elizabeth Boardman

Lavender Essential Oil is created through a process of distillation of several species of lavender. There are two types of the oil, Lavender Flower Oil, which is clear oil and impenetrable in water, and Lavender Spike Oil that is concentrated from the Lavandula Latifolia aromatic plant.

Lavender oil is usually added to perfume products. It can also be used for aromatherapy to help soothe and aide relaxation. The fragrance of the oil is known to decrease stress. It may also be used in meditation sessions. Its components calm the mind and body, and encourage a feeling of stillness.

Lavender oil also helps in relieving tension and headaches when inhaled in the form of steam or applied to the skin. You can adjoin this with a vaporizer to care for a cough and respiratory illness. It can also serve as mosquito repellent when applied as a cologne or when included in lotions and hair products.

Supporters of alternative treatments say that lavender oil may provide first aid treatment for an array of ordinary illnesses. The thinned or pure oil solution can act as an antiseptic and pain killer when administered to minor burns and insect stings. Use only a small amount when applying it straight to the affected area. The best way to apply this is with the use of wet cotton wool padding to the affected region.

For curing sunburn and sunstroke, 10 drops of oil can be diffused in 25ml of base oil. Lavender oil when incorporated with chamomile is a treatment of eczema. To prepare a massage oil to soothe joint and muscle pain, 1ml of lavender oil should be incorporated to 1oz. of base oil and apply generously on the affected area.

Herb medicines are used for strengthening the body and curing diseases. Herbs consist of active substances that can activate side effects and has a negative response to other medications and supplements. You must seek first the advice of health professionals before taking any herbal medicine. However, occurrence of side effects is uncommon but some build up allergies with lavender.

Chamomile German

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:39:19 -0400

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Get More Sleep With Chamomile by Darrell Miller

Chamomile is a centuries-old herb. The most common variations used in promoting good health are German and Roman chamomile. The German government has approved its use for skin care (to treat swelling) and as an aide for sleep difficulties.

Chamomile is a common flowering plant native to northwestern Asia, as well as various parts of southern and central Europe. Today, it is widely cultivated all over the world, including in the United States.

Americans are generally most familiar with this herb in the form of tea and for its calming effects that aid in promoting sleep. Although chamomile is most widely known for curing sleep disorders when taken in the form of tea, it boasts a wealth of other healing benefits. There are also various other forms of distribution and ingestion.

Chamomile has been used through the centuries to promote relaxation and stress relief. It contains substances that interact with the brain and central nervous system in a fashion similar to anti-anxiety drugs. It is also widely known to control insomnia. It has mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing properties that help insomnia sufferers fall asleep easier.

In order to be effective, it is not required that chamomile be used on a regular basis. It provides immediate relief for restlessness and sleeplessness. Ingested in the form of tea, which is made from the dried flowers, it is best when steeped for about five minutes in boiling water, then sipped 30-45 minutes before retiring to bed.

The dried flowers and leaves are most often packaged as tea. It can be bought both as bags of tea and in bulk packages. Grocery stores commonly carry chamomile tea in boxes containing a number of individual bags.

Natural vitamin and herb stores and some whole food stores may offer chamomile in a number of forms such as:

Liquid capsules Infusions (tea) Dried flower heads in bulk Tincture (concentrated in alcohol) Liquid extracts Creams Ointments Sachets

In some people who are allergic to ragweed pollen, chamomile may cause an allergic reaction. Chamomile may also interfere with anticoagulants (blood thinners). If you suffer from either of these symptoms, consult your physician before using chamomile in any form. Aside from these warnings, chamomile is considered one of the safest herbs in existence for regular use.

Other Uses for Chamomile

Chamomile has many uses that are not as widely known as its sleep-aiding power. It works well for babies who are teething and for those who have been in a nervous state over a period of time.

Infusions and essential oils from the flowers of the chamomile plant are used in shampoos and perfumes. It is most common in shampoos made for fair-haired individuals. The flowers may also be added to certain cosmetic products as an anti-allergenic ingredient.

In its dried form, it is used in potpourris, herb pillows and incense, and burned for aromatherapy. As a compress or wash, it can help ease sunburn, skin inflammation and other burns. Infuse the essential oils into a bath for tired and aching muscles, sore feet, dry or rough skin and to relax in general. Outdoors, you can use it in liquid form to help feed and care for other plants or as an insect repellent.

In the form of an infusion, bath or tincture use it to treat:

Chest colds Slow-healing wounds Abscesses Gum inflammation Colic Psoriasis Eczema Chicken pox Diaper rash

In the form of a tea, use it to treat:

Upset stomach Menstrual pain Sleep problems

Chamomile has also been found to reduce the histamine-based swelling of allergies, as well as rheumatism and arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

If you suffer from insomnia, have trouble getting to sleep or sleep restlessly, you may consider using chamomile in some form to aid in promoting faster, deeper and longer sleep patterns. When sleeplessness comes with allergies and congestion, chamomile can aid both symptoms. As you can see, chamomile offers many botanical benefits, including a restful night's sleep, to health-conscious individuals who prefer to use natural herbs.

Davana Oil

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:24:50 -0400

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Davana Oil is obtained by steam distillation of the over ground parts of the flowering herb, Artemisia Pallens. The plant grows in the southern parts of India. India is the only producer and exporter of Davana oil.

Davana Oil is very dark green or brownish green in color. It has a sharp, penetrating, bitter green, foliage like and powerfully herbaceous with a sweet balsamic, tenacious backnote.

The essential oil of Davana is widely used in food flavoring and perfumery Industries. It is extensively used in flavorings of food, liquor and pastry industries besides perfumery. It blends well with essential oils like Sandalwood, Vetiver, Rose, Jasmine, etc.

About the Author

Dr.Prashantkumar Kudli Shrinivas is having 12 years industrial experience in Aroma chemicals and Perfumery & Flavour formulations. He is a permanent member of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers & NMR Association of India

Marjoram

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 16:31:03 -0500

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Marjoram

Conservation status

Secure

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Origanum
Species:	O. majorana

Binomial name

Origanum majorana
L.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. It is also called Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram and Majorana hortensis.

The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major).^[1]

Marjoram is cultivated for its aromatic leaves, either green or dry, for culinary purposes; the tops are cut as the plants begin to flower and are dried slowly in the shade. It is often used in herb combinations such as Herbes de Provence and Za'atar.

Carrot Seed Oil

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 15:57:09 -0500

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carrot seed oil is the essential oil extract of the seed from the carrot plant Daucus carota. The oil has a woody, earthy sweet smell and is yellow or amber-coloured to pale orange-brown in appearance. Carrot seeds, also known as Queen Anne's Lace, have been used since antiquity as an herbal contraceptive^[1]. The pharmocologically active constituents of carrot seed extract are three flavones: luteolin, luteolin 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin 4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside^[2].
References
^ http://www.sisterzeus.com/HContra.htm
^ Kumarasamy Y, Nahar L, Byres M, Delazar A, Sarker SD. 2005. The assessment of biological activities associated with the major constituents of the methanol extract of 'wild carrot' (Daucus carota L) seeds. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 5(1):61-72

Add Incense to Your Fireplace

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:03:00 -0500

Jan 31, 2005

The warm glow of a fireplace is so inviting, the sound of the crackling wood unmistakable. How about the scent? Find out here how to add a new dimension to your fireplace experience.

While pine cones, painted gold or glittery, can be a superb centerpiece or sight, they are heightened ever so more with the use of essential oils. Even better, these same scented pine cones can be tossed into one's fireplace or wood burning stove for a wonderful incense effect. Pine cones are also usually free, especially at this time of year. Be careful of scented pine cones from the craft store or gift shop. They may be treated with chemicals that are unsafe to burn. It is a much better idea to create the pine cones yourself. When collecting pine cones look for ones that are free from mold and completely dry. It is always best to harvest them before any dampness, rain or snow soaks them through and allows mold to grow.

A popular scent for the pine cones is cinnamon. Cinnamon essential oil is very pungent and aromatic, leaving it befitting for the at-times- very-aromatic pine cone. You may also wish to add dried powdered cinnamon for an extra boost in scent. To start deciding how you wish to use your pine cones, consider: Are they to be placed on a wreath, in a bowl of potpourri or use as fireplace kindling? If the answer is either of the first two suggestions, you can paint your pine cones for an added decorative and preservative effect. Gold paint is particularly stunning and usually renders "ooohs" and "ahhhs" from onlookers. For a more exciting effect, paint the pine cone completely white. Then lightly dust with blue glitter. You can also use chunky glitter spray paint for a fun and interesting look.

If you wish to use your scented creations as incense in the fire, you will want to forgo the paint and glitter as it may cause toxins to be released or unwanted and dangerous flares and sparks. Take the completely dried pine cone (using an oven can help with the drying process) and place it into a glass or china bowl or container. Place about a teaspoon worth of essential oil, via drops, over the cones and mix gently with a spoon. Then springle loose cinnamon powder over them and, if you wish, add a few broken cinnamon sticks. Cover and let sit at least a week in a cool, dry area of your house. Another more messy way is to take hot beeswax, add essential oil and dried powder cinnamon and dip the pine cone a few times until completely covered. Then allow them to dry on wax paper. Melted glycerin soap likely would also work nicely and be easier to clean up. As an added bit of scent, when burned, you can roll the pine cones after being dipped in wax in myrrh &/or frankincense resins. You can also melt the resins and cover the pinecones or thin pieces of kindling wood with it, letting it dry on wax paper in a cool place.

To make a more perfumed blend, you can mix a few essential oils together to scent your pine cones. Try clove, bitter almond and a bit of dried ginger. Pine of course is another welcome option and so is a bit of Pinon resin for a taste of the West. You will be surprised how wonderfully aromatic these pine cones can be in your fireplace, be it indoors or out, not to mention something different and unique for visitors to enjoy. One person asked how to scent brooms to be used as aromatic decor. Well the above will work great as would dried potpourri.

-MAM

Aromatherapy - Plant to the Bottle

nospam@example.com (AromaEssentialsLTD.com) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:48:37 -0500

by Jan Kusmirek (more info)
listed in aromatherapy, originally published in issue 15 - Oct/Nov 1996

Aromatherapy comes in many forms, schools and ideas. The term itself covers a diverse market place of materials, goods and products, and may encompass anything from shampoos to essential oils. Whilst great work is being done by various organisations, such as the Aromatherapy Organisations Council which is the central body for UK aromatherapy organisations, as well as practitioner organisations like the International Federation of Aromatherapists and the Register of Qualified aromatherapists, there are nevertheless diverse opinions as to what constitutes good and bad courses, schools, essential oils etc.

In talking to students I have often found that one of the errors they make in considering the subject is to become too oriented to products in the early stages of their training. By this I mean that they often start with the contents of the ubiquitous brown bottle as a reference point for the understanding of an essential oil. I do not think aromatherapists are alone in this narrow view as it is very easy to slip into considering the welter of advertising and pressure to buy brought to bear not only upon the consumer but also upon the student and practitioner.

If one looks at aromatherapy as a specialised branch of herbalism then at least more emphasis would be placed upon the source of the materials used. This is less likely to be the case if an aromatherapist is specialising in skin care or working within the confines of the beauty industry where brand and image play a greater role. The one thing that all these diverse practitioners may have in common is the desire to use natural products.

Of course, one has to be very careful with that much abused term (natural products). Unless one is using fresh plant material, perhaps in food supply, one cannot really say that a substance is natural without context or further definition. Loosely speaking it is a fair bet to say that most aromatherapists view their materials as natural. One must, however, accept that the intervention of man is going to take away this naturalness to a greater or lesser degree according to the process that the material goes through.

One can look at this anomaly from several angles. First of all we have the plant growing in the ground and perhaps least consideration is given to this than any other part of the supply chain. I would go so far as to say the majority of therapists begin with the bottle and in the rush of everyday life they rarely stop to think about the origins of the material in that bottle. Was it a good plant in the first place, was it grown well, was it a product of standard agriculture, organic agriculture, wild plant and so on. One could go further and ask whether the plant was a species from a cultivated variety or clone. Once one begins to think about the plant itself then we have moved to a much simpler market place or idea. This is akin to buying vegetables in any retail outlet. On offer would be different grades and varieties, in the EU of course in standardised form but elsewhere more diverse. For example, there could be old fruit, damaged fruit, half ripe fruit etc.

Hopefully within the supply lines of vegetable oils, essential oils and herbs the processor has already taken this into consideration. This cannot, however, always be the case. A part of the industrial processing of any raw material, be it for therapy or food, is to maximise use, minimise wastage, maximise profit.

Within aromatherapy two principal materials are considered necessary – vegetable oils and essential oils. Not all the start material is of good quality, this may sometimes be reflected in the eventual price. Vegetable oils in particular are subject to a variety of processes which give rise to qualities that can be found described as highly refined to extra virgin cold pressed. Essential oils which are less obviously categorised may simply seem to be, at least from the point of view of the buyer, from cheap and cheerful or for the connoisseur.

A vegetable oil, which is the basic carrier, used in aromatherapy in its simplest terms is pressed from an oil bearing seed, such as Sunflower or Olive, and nuts such as Walnut. Until this century cultures worldwide have used simple and effective extraction methods. This fresh pressed oil was considered a perishable product and used relatively quickly.

In this century the industrial revolution has got to grips with food process technology. This has come about by the need to move the products from one part of the world to another and to store in shops for lengthy periods. The ideal is to produce a food, in this case an oil, that will not age or go bad.

The aim of the chemical refining process is to remove substances and nutrients that would otherwise affect the efficacy and use of the original oil. At the same time as removing many healthy substances the refining method itself can produce so called toxins such as trans fatty acids and free radicals. This should be of interest to those aromatherapists who work in skin care where often cosmetic products claim to be using anti free radical scavengers etc. So why add them back by using the wrong material?

It would seem anomalous then to use a highly refined inert oil or to use something rancid. This, however, can often be the case simply due to price. Cheapness plays an unfortunate role sometimes in the selection of the carrier oil. Some materials yield oil readily and quickly, for example Olive, others require more technical processing, heat in particular, such as Grapeseed which then requires highly refining. Some of the oils available may not be of food grade and, as referred to above in discussing plants, would not be suitable for use – for example old material or insect riddled material.

Essential oils themselves are subject to a variety of processes. The majority of practitioners I am acquainted with would describe themselves as holistic. Presumably they would like to work with more natural materials than some who would adopt a straight biochemical approach to treatment. This is not so easy.

As referred to above not everything that is "natural" is truly that. I often say you have to work as near to nature as is possible, that remark being qualified not only by the application you have in mind but also the purpose for which the material was produced.

There is a view that natural or synthetic makes no difference at the molecular level; they may be either organised naturally or by man.

Adopting a purely biochemical approach one can see essential oils simply as chemicals. These chemicals may be so complex that man cannot reproduce them by synthesis but they are nonetheless chemicals. An holistic approach would add to this by referring to vitality or life force which goes beyond the biochemic approach. One thing for sure is that nature cannot produce anti natural molecules and natural products are biodegradable. Synthetic products are not always biodegradable and that makes a lot of difference when it comes to eliminating them.

Natural complex chemical structures may cure a disease – Taxol extracted from Yew or to prevent premature aging Ginko Biloba. Even if these are natural complex chemical structures they can be analysed to give data on reproducibility, concentration and identification. Whilst this must be good, one should allow that the analysis has its limitations and it should not begin to dictate an average standard as an optimal quality.

Essential oils can be compared to wine, there are good years and bad years, good growers and bad growers, poor manufacturers and better manufacturers and so on. No-one would really think of using a biochemical analysis to ascertain the quality of the vine, nevertheless I hear that whisky distillation, a product that shares some similarity with essential oils is to be standardised by analysis.

Essential oils yield themselves from the plant by bruising, i.e. rubbing the plant, or by volatising under heat and other given circumstances. The oils are held in sacs and other methods in the plant which require specific and careful process handling.

The end purpose of the essential oil can often be taken into consideration by the processor – is the material destined for the perfume or flavours industry, if so then consistency which would then require careful chemical manipulation is the objective of the exercise. The end product, be it a sweet or a burger, should smell or taste like it did on the previous occasion. The perfume on the counter must be entirely replicable.

Nature is, of course, bio-diverse and is not too happy in replicating things season by season, so one can see the need for the process industry to "interfere" or rectify that natural material. On the other hand the holistic aromatherapist may not be interested in the replicability or reproducibility, being satisfied with a material as near to nature as is possible but in the first instance having clearly established that it came from a plant. This latter oil is likely to be more expensive than the refined or rectified material.

However, the therapist should keep in mind the purpose of the material. If for example, the object is just to create a pretty smell of Lavender using a burner then it is not the most sensible thing to use a clinical or connoisseur material which would be reserved for more important applications.

A good example of the manipulation of essential oils can be seen with Ylang Ylang oil. Ylang Ylang is generally sold in a number of grades – extra, first, second and third. Extra is the most expensive and chemically can be judged by its ester content. This, however, can be easily manipulated.

Basically the grades are arrived at by fractionating the distillation process. The "extra" is derived from the oil being taken at a given time, say two hours after the start; Nos 1, 2 and 3 following suit.

The aroma of Ylang Ylang "extra" is very powerful and is difficult to reproduce artificially. It is frequently adulterated not only with Nos. 1, 2 and 3 but with other chemical components such as Vanillin and Methyl Benzoate. There is no apparent definition for Ylang 1 and 2 and they are generally used in cutting other grades. Ylang 3 is interesting because it is cheap and has a good tenacity and is usually used in soap perfumery but is also frequently adulterated not only with chemicals but also other materials such as Amyris, Cedarwood and so on.

There is another type of Ylang called "complete" which should be the result of an uninterrupted water and steam distillation of Ylang Ylang flowers. In reality complete may simply mean a mixture of the other varieties of Ylang Ylang.

From an aromatherapy point of view one can perhaps see the benefit of the extra and complete oils but would one really find the other grades acceptable? This would be an individual judgement based upon the purpose and even perhaps the definition of aromatherapy. Is one treating a person or making soap? The one thing which should not be the determining factor between the use of the grades in aromatherapy is price alone.

Other considerations with Ylang behind the scene would have been the type of flowers used, only the true yellow flowers give the desired result. Indiscriminate picking of immature blooms is not uncommon. Distillation should have been immediate to avoid fermentation and off notes. There is a difference between material distilled into hot water rather than heating from cold. The length of distillation is important, perhaps 20 hours or more. All this again will vary upon the type of still and process.

Essential oil production can still be very individual and as one sees from the example above open to the same interpretations and parameters as the wine referred to earlier.

From the therapist's point of view one thing should be quite clear; that there are substantial differences between essential oils, one supplier and another. There are many essential oils for sale and clearly not all of them are offered with aromatherapy in mind. It often takes experience and a long search to settle upon a regular supplier who is seeking to market products for holistic aromatherapy. There are penalties to be paid when one finds one, it could be price or variation in chemical analysis but as I have said above that depends upon the stance and position of the therapist as to whether they wish to be near to nature or whether to be standard or biochemic in their approach. Equally the end use would need to be considered for bodywork or perfuming.

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Add Incense to Your Fireplace

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Aromatherapy - Plant to the Bottle