EARTH TONES

Part II

            Ginger is a powerful and ancient root, indigenous to India.  Zingiber Officinale is

A rhizome, an underground stem that grows like a root, spreading simultaneously in every direction.  The tuberous roots are perennial, harvested in the fall after several months of growth.  Rhizomes grow close to the top layer of soil and can freeze very quickly if cold weather occurs.  This is not a problem in the costal regions of India.  However, ginger can be cultivated in any warm, moist climate and harvested before winter weather blows in from the North.

            The essential oil of ginger root is produced during steam distillation to be used for culinary and medicinal purposes.  In aromatherapy, ginger is used in massages, footbaths, and as a fixative for fragrances.  Ginger is hot, spicy, pungent, and mildly sweet, warming and strengthening the recipient.  It is indicated for conditions of cold and weakness.  Psychologically, it benefits those who feel stuck in circumstances, or easily distracted.  If you change your mind often, ginger may be of great benefit. The energy is both grounding and moving, tonifying the organs and strengthening the legs and trunk of the body.  Improved circulation, digestion and elimination will result from adding a few drops of ginger to a blend.  The strong odor can overwhelm a blend, so use it sparingly.

            Ginger relieves symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism.  Use it during winter months and when symptoms worsen from coldness.

Aching Joint Blend

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                        8 drops of Eucalyptus

                        4 drops of Peppermint

                        4 drops of Juniper berries

                        2 drops of Ginger root

            Allow to cure in a dark, glass bottle with a tight fitting lid 3 hours, or overnight.

Set the bottle in a bowl of hot water 5 minutes to warm the oil.  Before opening, turn the bottle to gently mix the oils. Apply to joints, sprains or aching muscles and massage in a clockwise circular motion.  Repeat in 30 minutes, if necessary, to alleviate pain and spasms.  Store in a cool, dark place.

Ginger has a very beneficial action on the lungs, enhancing immunity. A blend can be rubbed on the chest and upper back to alleviate flu, colds and bronchial spasms.

Upper Back and Chest Rub

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        2 drops of Thyme

                        3 drops of Ginger

                        6 drops of Frankincense

                        2 drops of Pine

                        2 drops of Lemongrass

                        6 drops of Orange

            Bottle in dark glass with a tightly fitting lid.  Allow to cure 3 hours, or overnight, before massaging the chest and/or upper back.  Use circular, clockwise motions.  Start

With a small circle and then use wider circular strokes.  Store leftovers in a cool, dark place or refrigerate.  The blend can be repeated once after 2 hours to alleviate symptoms.

            For weak or chronic digestive complaints, use ginger root to improve assimilation and remove toxins.

Digestive Ease

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        2 drops of Ginger

                        8 drops of Coriander seed

                        5 drops of Fennel seed

                        6 drops of Petitgrain or Orange

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage several drops on the abdomen and low back, using a clockwise, circular motion every night or as needed to enhance assimilation, reduce gas and increase elimination.

            Ginger is used alone to reduce nausea, travel sickness and sinus pressure. Apply 2 drops to a clean handkerchief and inhale as needed to  reduce symptoms.

            A footbath with ginger essential oil will quickly remedy chills and feelings of coldness.

Ginger Footbath

            In 2 quarts of very warm water, add 2 drops of ginger.  Soak the feet until water cools.  Pat feet dry with a towel and wear socks or footies.

Palmarosa

            Palmarosa, Cymbopogan Martinii, is a grassy herb, related to lemongrass and citronella and originating from India.  The aromatic leaves produce essential oil, extracted by steam distillation, from fresh, and partially dried leaves.  A pale liquid yields a citrus scent with very earthy undertones.  It is used in the cosmetic industry to extend or substitute rose oil, due to a slightly floral aroma.  I do not recommend substituting Palmarosa for rose oil. There is no comparison.

            We have previously used Palmarosa in skin care blends for acne, dermatitis, scars and wrinkles. It can stimulate skin regeneration, as well as regulate sebum to reduce oily skin.  However, it has greater capacities to sooth and strengthen the nervous system.  The properties are similar to lavender, calming and balancing to the nerves.  Psychologically, it reduces shock and increases optimism during a crises.  For a balancing blend, combine it with geranium, sandalwood, bergamot, grapefruit and ylang ylang.

Comforting Massage

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Palmarosa

                          6 drops of Bergamot

                          4 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                          2 drops of Geranium  

                          4 drops of Sandalwood

            Allow to cure 3 hours.  Massage the face, using light strokes, from the nose to each side of the face and forehead; the neck, using upward strokes; the hands and feet, using the thumbs to work the blend deeply into the tissue.

            Bottle remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting cap.  Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.

            Palmarose has positive effect on digestion and assimilation.  It is beneficial for anorexics, combined with geranium and grapefruit.  Pink grapefruit has a superb aroma.

Anorexia Blend

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                        8 drops of Palmarosa

                      10 drops of Bergamot

                        3 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                        2 drops of Vetiver

            Allow to cure 3 hours, or overnight.  Massage several drops on the abdomen daily before meals or upon arising and at bedtime.  Bottle in dark glass with a tightly fitted cap.  Refrigerate leftover blend.

            Note:  This blend is beneficial for gastroenteritis, diarrhea and chronic condition affecting digestion.

            Palmarose is also beneficial for balancing intestinal flora.  The following blend is useful after taking antibiotics or medication disturbing intestinal flora.

Intestinal Flora Blend

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                        6 drops of Palmarosa

                      12 drops of Geranium

                        1 drop of Oregano

                        1 drop of Angelica root

            Allow to cure 3 hours.  Massage several drops on the abdomen morning and nighttime.  Use circular clockwise strokes, deeply massaging the tissues.  It may take up to 3 weeks for maximum results to occur.

            Palmarosa reduces scar tissue and stretch marks.  Use it daily for up to 90 days to regenerate healthy tissue.  The following blend utilizes rose and patchouli, also great essential oils to reduce scarring and stretch marks.

Scars and Stretch Marks

            In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        20 drops of Palmarose

                          5 drops of Rose

                          3 drops of Patchouli

            Bottle in dark glass with a tightly fitted cap.  Allow to cure overnight.  Massage several drops onto affected area very gently twice a day.  Store in a cool, dark place.

            Patchouli is the next earth tone to study.