Geranium: Also Out of Africa- Blog 25

Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, P. odorantissemum, is a native of South Africa. It was exported to France in the late seventeenth century where it was hybridized and distilled. The leaves and stems are distilled to produce essential oil when the small flowers begin to bloom. There are many verities of aromatic geraniums. Rose geranium produces the fragrant essential oil used in perfumes and aromatherapy. The essential oil is a light color with a hint of yellow and green. It has a rose scent with a tart smell. To me it lacks the richness of rose essential oil. Rose geranium is often substituted for rose essential oil in commercial products and perfumes. It is added as a rose extender. The price of rose geranium is very inexpensive compared to natural rose oil. We are so fortunate to have both essential oils available.

            Initially, geranium oil was used as an insect repellent in aroma lamps. Women discovered the scent lifted their mood and enhanced their energy. Rose geranium is definitely useful in reducing depression. Colognes and products worn on the face and neck helped dispel depression. The following cologne can be used to relieve stress and lift depressed moods.

Old fashion Cologne

In 2 ounces perfume alcohol, 190 proof add:

15 drops Geranium

5 drops Bergamot

1 drop Rosewood

1 drop Patchouli

Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 days or longer before applying the cologne on the throat and front of the neck.

Geranium became very popular as a skincare aid. It helps all skin types, because it balances the sebum secretion. Geranium’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties benefits acne prone skin.

The following recipe is a great facial steam for oily or acne prone skin. Use weekly for best results.

Facial Steam to correct Troubled Skin

In four cups of steaming hot water add:

20 drops Geranium

5 drops Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens

5 drops Lemongrass

6 drops German chamomile

1 drop Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

Tent head and face with a clean towel. Allow steam to penetrate the skin, but not burning the skin. A safe distance from the steaming bowl of aroma water is 1 foot from the face. Back away if the steam becomes intense. After a few seconds, return to the facial steam. Repeat the process up to 15 minutes. Pat dry and rinse with cold water to close the pores. Pat the face dry with a clean towel.

Geranium is a great choice for menopausal women. The scent has helped women through the heat flashes, moods, and hormonal changes associated with menarche. I find it also helps to open a new channel of creativity after the child bearing years. Women become active in new careers, community efforts, charities, and hobbies. Aromatherapy helps women find their direction, voice, and newfound strength. Here is a hair conditioner to strengthen dry hair and make it manageable. It helps thinning and encourages a happy feeling.

Good Hair Day Conditioner

In 4-ounce plastic pet container add:

2 ounces aloe vera gel

2 ounces jojoba oil

10 drops Geranium

10 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute

2 drops Rosewood, Aniba rosaedora

4 drops Sandalwood

Cap and turn the bottle upside down to mix thoroughly. Allow to cure overnight or longer. Apply to hair after a thorough shampoo and rinse. Allow 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Towel dry and style. This conditioner may be applied daily to wet hair, washing only once or twice weekly, to treat dry hair. Use a shampoo without sodium laurel sulphate to prevent dryness.

            If psoriasis of the scalp is a problem, apply this blend at night.

Psoriasis Blend

In 1-ounce jojoba oil, add:

5 drops Lavender

6 drops Immortelle

2 drops Geranium

2 drops Rockrose

Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. Massage small amounts on affected areas with the fingertips nightly.

            Use only natural products on the hair and scalp. Avoid methylparaben in all hair and skincare products. Never go to bed angry or tense. Enjoy an aromatic bath before bedtime.

Bath Indulgence

Draw a warm, comfortable bath. Add the following essential oils in a cream base. Relax and let your troubles float away.

In 3 tablespoons of cream add:

10 drops Lavender

6 drops Geranium

Combine oils into the cream. Add the warm bath water, and swish your hands throughout the water. Climb in and enjoy! Relax 15 to 20 minutes and towel dry. Life will look much sweeter. Sleep will be great!

A good way to nurture mature skin is to apply a masque. An easy masque is made with egg white. Clay masque can be messy to assemble and drying to mature skin, depending on the ingredients and the essentials oils used. For those quick pick me up days, use this simple masque to tighten pores and leave a beautiful shine on the skin.

Mature and Sensitive Skin Treatment

In one tablespoon of egg white add:

2 drops Geranium

1 drop Frankincense

Clean face and neck thoroughly. Mix the egg white and essential oils. Using fingertips, apply the mixture to the face and neck. Reapply the rest of the mixture liberally. Allow to dry about 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry with a towel. Apply moisture.

            Geranium is an excellent choice of oils to increase circulation and lymphatic flow in the abdominal area. The intestines have a large concentration of lymphatic tissue. The lymphs can build toxicity and cause bloating, constipation, and spasticity of the bowel. The following formula can be used occasionally or daily to enhance health and longevity.

Tummy Rub for Irritable Bowel or Constipation

In 4 ounces of carrier oil add:

5 drops Peppermint

10 drops Geranium

1 drop Ginger

8 drops Fennel

2 drops Angelica root

5 drops Coriander seed

Bottle in dark glass with a screw top. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. Apply several drops to the abdomen and massage in a circular motion. Breathe rhythmically and deeply. Rub for 5 minutes. Apply a warm, damp compress as desired. Avoid during pregnancy or heavy menses. Increase water intake to 64 ounces daily.

Next we will put our knowledge into practice making lotions for skin renewal.

Garden Party

            Organically grown aromatic herbs provide a variety of beauty aids.  Summertime brings an abundance of fresh herbs for health and beauty.  Many of these plants offer protection from too much fun in the sun.

Sunburn Remedy

            To 4 ounces of apple cider vinegar, add

   20 drops of Lavendula essential oil

            Stir with a nonmetal spoon or stirring stick.  Apply to affected skin using clean cotton balls soaked and strained with the solution.  Use ever so gentle strokes, or dab each area using the cotton ball.  Repeat every 60 minutes as needed to control pain.  Drink several cups of water to assure hydration.  Apple cidar vinegar maintains the ph. of the skin.

            As the skin heals, a softening, or demulcent, herbal application of Althea officinalis, marshmallow root, will soothe and calm irritated skin.  The skin will be radiant in a few days.

Skin Softening Blend

            Simmer 3 tablespoons of Marshmallow root in a small pan containing 12 ounces of spring or distilled water.  Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring 3 times.  Remove from heat, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight.  The mixture will thicken.  Strain into a wide mouth glass jar.  Add the following essential oils, or 10 drops of oil of your choice, and blend with a nonmetal spoon.

                        2 drops of Sandalwood

                        6 drops of Ylang ylang extra

                        5 drops of Rose, Moroccan

            Allow to cure, covered, for 3 hours.  Apply to clean skin.  Refrigerate remaining blend.  Use within 5 days. 

            Lips will also require protection in the summer.  Here’s a lip balm you can wear throughout the year.

Lip Balm

            Measure 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil into a dark glass container with a tight fitting screw cap.

            Add 4 drops of Carrot seed essential oil, Daucus carota.  Squeeze the vitamin E oil from a capsule of Dalpha and mixed tocopherols into the combination.  You can puncture the capsule using a heated sewing needle.

            Cover and allow to cure.  Add 2 drops of Lavendula, if desired.

            Using a double boiler or heating element, melt 2 tablespoons of organic beeswax.  Stir 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil; then add the jojoba oil, carrot seed blend.  Remove from heat immediately.  Stir well.  Spoon into a wide mouth glass jar with a screw top.  The balm will set as it cools.  After completely cool, screw on the lid.  Store at room temperature.

            Apply to lips as needed to maintain softness and suppleness.

            Sunlight brings out the freckles in me!  Here’s a soothing blend sure to lighten your “SPOTS”.

Freckle Buster

            Boil 1 cup of water in a small pot.  Remove from heat.  Add 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley leaves and 2 tablespoons of Calendula or Marigold flowers.  Cover and steep 15 minutes.  Strain and remove all plant leaves.

            Melt 2 tablespoons of coco butter in a microwave or over a double boiler.  Add the herbal infusion.   Beat at high speed with a hand blender 1 minute.

            Add 3 drops of lemon or lemongrass essential oil;

                    5 drops of Chamomile essential oil

            Optional 2 drops of Marigold mint essential oil

            Store in a wide mouth glass jar with a screw lid.  Apply to freckles and brown spots 2 times daily onto clean skin.  Refrigerate to ensure long term usage.

If you find the hot, summer days making you tired or grouchy, allow this cooling,

spearmint masque to turn your day into a happy one.

Cooling Spearmint Masque

            Blend 1 cup of fresh spearmint leaves with 1 cup of cold water 1 minute at high speed.  Refrigerate 2 hours or longer.  Pour the cold contents onto a clean hand towel.  Relax and apply the towel to a clean face for 15 minutes, or as desired.

            Alternate blend:

            Add 6 drops of Spearmint essential oil into 1 cup of cold water.  Pour onto a clean hand towel and apply to a clean face.  Avoid the eyes and any broken skin.  Relax and enjoy!

            Late nights and long days can affect the under-eyes.  If you wake up to puffy under-eyes, use this opportunity to preserve the skin and delay aging, as well as reducing swollen under-eyes.

Puffy Eye Remedy

            In 1 cup of boiled distill water, steep 2 bags of black tea for 5 minutes.  Strain.  Soak and strain 2 cotton balls.  Apply to closed eyelids, or underneath closed eyelids.  Remove and repeat 2 more times, totally 5 or 6 minutes.

            Follow with a  compress of cold water.  Use a clean wash cloth, straining excess water before application.  Compress up to 5 minutes.  Remove cloth and pat dry.

            In 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil, add 1 drop of Myrrh essential oil.  Pat the blend under each eye.  Myrrh is anti-aging, preserving skin quality and delaying aging, fine lines and wrinkles.  What a nice way to start the day!

            Now proceed to the other end of the body, the feet.  Summer fun can lead to dry, cracked skin on the heels and feet.  The following blend will both soften and heal this skin.

Cracked Heel and Skin formula

            Combine the following essential oils in 4 ounces of jojoba oil:

                        4 drops of Patchouli

                        8 drops of Geranium

                        4 drops of Rose

                        6 drops of Orange or 16 drops of Neroli

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw top.  Allow to cure overnight.

            Apply to clean feet in the morning and at night.  Immediately put on socks to help hold in the moisture.  Patchouli is a great essential oil to heal cracked skin and regenerate new, healthy skin.  Your feet will smell better too!

            Instead of using talc powder on your feet and skin, here’s a healthy alternative.

Natural Powder

            Combine in an airtight container:

                         ½ cup Cornstarch or Potato starch

                         ½ cup Arrowroot

                        10 drops Rose or Lavendula essential oil

                        1/3 cup crushed, ground dry rose petals or lavender flowers.    

            Mix well and seal the container. 

            Allow to cure 3 days before applying to clean skin and feet

            Both rose and, especially lavender essential oil, will soothe skin rashes from heat and sweating under the arms, behind the knees and underneath the feet.

            Enjoy a healthy summer!

                        References:  Mother Nature’s Herbal, Judy Griffin

                                             Herbs for Health and Beauty, Judy Griffin

                                                      Skin   Renewal   Part 3

Eczema and contact dermatitis affect millions of people. Both display symptoms of red, inflamed skin. Flaky skin, rashes and itching may lead to weeping blisters and local infection. Cradle cap is related to eczema, affecting mainly babies and young children. The scalp develops a thick, yellow crust with scaling behind the ears. Contact dermatitis is caused by sensitivity to an irritant, such as wool or washing detergent. Atopiceczema is related to food allergies in children. These include peanuts, corn products, milk, eggs wheat citrus, strawberries and preservatives. Both conditions require awareness of irritants and allergens. It is beneficial to increase essential fatty acids in the diet. Also, reduce caffeine, alcohol, sugary and fatty foods such as donuts and pastries.

 Essential oils can be wonderful stress reducers. Topically, they must be diluted to 1% into carrier oil. Use carrier oils specifically for troubled skin. Borage, jojoba, and primrose oils are best suited for these conditions. Fresh aloe may also be used as carrier oil. If the skin is very sensitive, I use the carrier oil alone at first and add the essential oil as the skin begins healing. Avoid all commercial products that list parabens and fragrance. Some aromatherapy products use chemical scents in combination with essential oils to extend the fragrant shelf life. Be sure to know your source of products.

 When my twins first started bleeding externally from eczema, I began using healing water on their skin. Rose water achieved the best results in the shortest amount of time. I distilled my water, but you can make a simple rose water using the following recipe.

                                              Skin Renewal Mist

In 4 ounces of distilled or filtered water, add 5 drops of Rose Otto essential oil. Pour into a 4-ounce container with a mister spray top. Spray the inflamed or affected area 2 or 3 times daily to reduce irritation, itching and scaling skin. Use more when needed. Store remaining rose water in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Note: It is important to continue hydrating the skin even after the condition improves.

Weeping eczema and sores are best treated with a dilution of myrrh essential oil. I dilute it in jojoba oil to keep the skin safe and protected from infection The following blend is a recommended dilution, safe for children and adults.

                                             Weeping Eczema Application

 In a 1-ounce jar filled with jojoba oil, add 2 drops of myrrh essential oil. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight in a tightly sealed jar. Stir the liquid with a non-metal stir before application. Using a glass dropper put several drops on a clean cloth or sterile gauze.

Gently apply to affected area. Repeat 2 r 3 times daily until the condition improves. Store remaining blend in a cool place away from direct sunlight. It will keep for 6 months.

 Dermatitis and eczema appear very often on elbows and behind knees, under the chin, underarms and groin area. The following blend may be applied as needed to troubled areas. This blend may also be worn to prevent problem skin.

                                       Protective Skin Therapy              

In a 2-ounce jar with a wide mouth, add 2 ounces of jojoba oil. Add 5 drops of German chamomile. Cover with a tight fitting screw lid. Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight. To apply, put several drops on a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Gently apply the blend to affected skin. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily, or as needed to facilitate healing.

 The following blend is great to alleviate dry, itchy skin. Adults and children can use it.

                                      Itchy Skin Compress

In 1 cup of distilled or purified water, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Aluminum free baking soda is referred and may be purchased at a health store in the baking section. Stir the water. Add 3 drops lavender essential oil. Stir again using a non-metal stir after adding the essential oil. Soak sterile gauze in the water and apply to an itchy area of skin. Leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Use clean sterile gauze and apply to another area, after soaking it in the lavender water. Repeat until the water is used. Discard any leftover water.

 If a large area of skin is itching, draw a cool or lukewarm bath. Add ¾ cup of baking soda. Swirl the water with a clean hand to dissolve the baking soda. Add 8 drops of lavender and swirl the water again to distribute the lavender. Immerse the body into the bath and soak15 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel when finished.

                                   Rosacea

 Rosacea   is an unusual disorder of the sebaceous glands. The red pustules and hyperplasia of the oil glands occur on the nose, cheeks face and/or chin. It occurs 3 times more often in women than men. The exact cause is unknown. Sunlight usually makes symptoms worse, as does red wine, caffeine and fatty foods. Acne may also occur, as well as patches of dry, cracked skin. I have helped women with dry, cracked, crusty skin covering their entire face to the earlobes. Other people may only experience reddening of the cheeks. Doctors for symptoms prescribe tetracycline antibiotics.

 In severe cases, I use rose hydro late only, sprayed on the skin several times daily. The rose oil blend in pure water may also be used. Make sure the rose oil is pure and unadulterated, which would worsen the symptoms.

 For milder cases, treat with rose or lavender essential oils diluted in jojoba oil. Blue or German chamomile can also be used. Be sure to do a skin test on a small area of facial skin to determine safety. Remember, jojoba oil is not a true oil and will not adversely affect the skin.

                        Rosacea Skin Treatment and Facial Massage

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

  6 drops Rose

  3 drops Lavender

  1 drop German chamomile.

Allow the blend to cure 3 hours in a dark, glass bottle with a glass dropper. To apply, drop 4 or 5 drops of the blend on the fingertips. Using firm strokes, move the fingers from the nose to the edge of the face. Continue to repeat this motion over the entire face up to 10 minutes. Reapply drops of the blend as needed. This is a daily routine, best performed at night after cleaning the face. This is a specific massage to reduce rosacea symptoms.

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.

Creating a Natural Perfume

The challenge in creating a perfume is to understand how aromas come together to release continuous layers of harmonious odor.  Perfumers build a scent around 2 predominant scents in each chord of base, middle and top notes.  Choose a family of preferred scent:  citrus, 4 oranges, floral, mint, lemons, spicy, woody, earthy, balsam, resins, herbal, anise, pines and spruce, edibles. Several scents are so strong I usually use them alone.  These include eucalyptus, peppermint, oregano, tea tree, pine and artemesias. They are more beneficial in medicinal blends.  I will profile them in the future.

The following are examples of individual scents in families of odor.  Perfumers use absolutes and concretes to extend the aromas.

Citrus:  pink grapefruit, lime, bergamot (a hybrid of orange and lemon)

4 Oranges:  blood orange, bitter orange, petitgrain, sweet orange

        Note:   tangerine and mandarin are included in citrus or orange.  Neroli is

                    derived from the flower of bitter orange.

Floral:  jasmine, linden (lime) blossom, ylang ylang, neroli, rose geranium,

             French tuberose, lavender, helichrysum absolute

 Roses include Bulgarian, Turkish, Egyptian, Indian, Moroccan, and

distilled and has a much lower intensity of odor that does not last as

 long as the absolutes of roses.

            Mints:  Spearmint, wintergreen and several herbals

                        Peppermint and pennyroyal are used in medicinal blends

            Herbal:  Rosemary, sage, thymes of various flavors, clary sage, lavender

absolute and concrete, marjoram, anise, basil of various flavors, fennel,           

  marigold mint, tarragon.

Lemons:  Lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon balm, lemon and litsea cubeba, (May chang is from a flower grown in China)

Earthy:  Angelica root, labdanum absolute, vetiver, patchouli, ginger root,  

                          oakmoss, carrot seed, valerian root.

Spicy:  Coriander seed, cinnamon leaf, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, ginger

,             absolute, clove and clove absolute, black pepper (also green pepper from green seed pods), juniper berries.

Woody:  Cypress, cedar, sandalwood, palmarosa, rosewood.

Spruce:  (Pine, all varieties) Fir absolute, black and white fir absolute.  Spruce is only used for perfume; pine is medicinal.

Balsams:  Benzoin, styrax, Peru balsam, Tolu balsam, tonka bean.

Resins:  Myrrh, francinsense, opopanax.

Edible:   Roman chamomile, green and black tea, cocoa, coffee flowers, cognac, vanilla bean, all varieties.

I have a miscellaneous section:  hay, tobacco flower absolute, ambrette seed flower, costus, blue chamomile absolute, beeswax and tagetes.

            To build a perfume, make a chord of 3 to 5 compatible scents each of base, heart and top notes.  Here is a list of essential oils, absolutes and concretes categorized into the 3 major notes.  Base notes are chosen first.

Base Notes

Ambrette seed                          Helichrysum absolute                Tarragon absolute

Angelica root                            Labdanum absolute                   Tea, black or green

Benzoin                                    Lavender concrete                    Tolu balsam

Blue chamomile                        Myrrh                                       Tonka bean

Clary sage absolute                   Nutmeg absolute                       Vanilla

Cocoa                                      Oakmoss                                  Vetiver

Cognac                                    Opopanax

Costus                                      Patchouli

Fir absolute                              Peru balsam

Frankinsense                            Sandalwood

Hay                                          (Black and White) fir absolutes

            Choose harmonious aromas, that do not overpower one another.  For a vanilla base, choose Peru balsam, benzoin and vanilla. For an Oriental or Spicy base, choose patchouli, sandalwood, frankinsense and possibly a drop of nutmeg.

            For an edible base, with an alluring touch, choose cognac, green tea and cocoa.

            For a phermone base, choose ambrette seed, helichrysum absolute and labdanum absolute.

            Heart notes will extend the aroma of the blend as the predominant scent.  There is a wide variety of scents and combinations.  Blend the aromas as a separate chord.  Cure for at least 3 days before combining the base note chord.  It takes up to 30 days to totally marry a blend for perfume.

Heart Notes

Allspice                                    Lavender absolute                    Tagetes

Basil                                         Lemon verbena             Tuberose, French

Beeswax                                  Lemongrass                              Violet leaf

Chamomile, Roman                  Linden blossom                        Ylang ylang and

Champa                                   Litsea cubeba                           concrete and absolute

Cinnamon                                 Melissa

Clary sage                                Neroli

Clove and clove absolute          Orange flower absolute

Coffee                                      Osmanthus

Geranium and geranium             Black pepper absolute

     absolute and concrete          Rose concrete and all

Ginger absolute                         rose absolutes

Jasmine absolute and                Styrax

    Concrete

Kewda

Choose a combination you really enjoy and will blend with your base notes.  Rose, jasmine absolute and bergamot are the most versatile.

For a sultry blend, choose jasmine absolute, ylang ylang absolute, and orange flower absolute

For an expensive, love blend, choose rose absolute, neroli and champa (also called champaca)

For a citrus blend, choose melissa, lemon verbena, litsea cubeba and linden blossom

For a delicious scent, choose cinnamon, coffee and beeswax

For an inexpensive rose scent, choose geranium, rose concrete and lemon verbena

For a spicy blend, choose allspice, clove absolute and ginger absolute.

Head notes or top notes, grab your attention and leave quickly. They are the first aroma the brain perceives.  Citrus scents are very versatile and friendly top notes.  The following are all essential oils.  Their odor intensity is high, but not long lasting.  Black pepper is often used to reduce the over sweetness in a blend.

Head Notes

Anise                                        Mandarin                                  Wintergreen

Bergamot                                 Marjoram

Carrot seed                              Nutmeg

Cabreuva                                 Bitter orange

Cedarwood                              Orange blood

Coriander                                 Sweet Orange

Cypress                                    Palmarosa

Fennel                                      Black pepper, green pepper

Fir                                            Petitgrain

Ginger                                      Rosemary

Pink grapefruit              Rosewood

Juniper berry                            Spearmint

Lavender                                  Tangerine

Lemon                                      Tarragon

Lime

            For an uplifting, friendly blend, choose Orange blood, pink grapefruit, bitter orange and lemon.

            For an all orange blend, choose bergamot, tangerine, and sweet orange and mandarin.

            For a festive blend, choose fir, rosemary, spearmint and lemon

            For a rose-like blend, choose rosewood, palmarosa and lavender

            For a down to earth blend, choose coriander, cedarwood, ginger and petitgrain

            For a spicy blend, choose nutmeg, black pepper, bitter orange and pink grapefruit.

            A basic formula for creating a perfume is 3 drops of the top note or blend, 2 drops of heart notes, and 1 drop of base note.  Begin with this formula and allow the perfume to cure 3 days, if possible, before adding more of any note.  To complete a blend, you may need twice the amount of top notes compared to middle notes, and only a few drops of base notes.  Build the blend carefully, adding a small portion of blends every 3 days until the perfume is complete.  Make careful notes before and after each addition.  Use perfume blotters to smell the result of each addition before you cure the blend for 3 days.  Each perfume you create may require 1 to 6 weeks of preparation before you are satisfied.  Then allow the entire blend to marry up to 30 days.

Therapeutic Rose Oil Mud Masque

Would you like to know one of Cleopatra’s beauty secrets?  Healing clay has been used therapeutically (on the skin) by indigenous and the most ancient cultures for thousands of years.  Medicinal clay removes impurities through the skin and eliminates toxins, healing boils, ulcers, acne, seborrhea and even Candida fungal infections.  Recently, healing clay is used topically for multi-strain-resistant staph and superbugs due to its great antibacterial properties.

AromaHealthTexas has added organically grown, handpicked, steam distilled and hand separated inglass rose oil.  Rose oil soothes and balances every tupe of skin, from dry to oily, adding deodorant and more antibacterial properties to healing clay.

The aromatic properties of rose oil soothes the nerves, reducing anxiety and depression, increases endorphins, enhancing happy moods and has been used to mend broken hearts.  Rose oil also stimulates dopamine, known to be deficient in Parkinson’s disease.  It stimulates energy and helps reduce the severity of menopausal, PMS and female complaints.

Look good and feel good with Rose Oil Mud Masque

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For more information and to purchase, please contact Dr. Judy Griffin at 1-800-496-2125 or visit our website at www.aromahealthtexas.com

HEALTHY FINGERNAILS, HEALTHY TOENAILS AND FUNGAL CONDITIONS

Changes in nail color and discoloration is often a sign of fungal overgrowth. Nails may turn green to a dark color. Fungal is a blend of aromatic essential oils and Petite Fleur Flower Essences, designed to penetrate local areas in and around the nails to enhance healing of fungal and other nail conditions. Fungal is a blend of aromatic essential oils and Petite Fleur Flower Essences, designed to penetrate local areas in and around the nails to enhance healing of fungal and other nail conditions.

Fungal is a topical product used successfully for toe and fingernail health.   Fungal was formulated by Judy Griffin PhD. For hospital, clinical and private use and has been used for over 20 years as a safe, effective blend that can be used separately or in complementary medicine.   Fungal is organic and has been used safely by adults and children topically, applied directly on the nails 2 to 3 times daily. Fungal can also be applied at bedtime and worn overnight. Healthy nails and cuticles are evident within weeks of application. However, it is recommended to continue application for several weeks. Very stubborn fungus acquired in jungles or under unusual circumstances may require several months of daily application. Healthy nails generally grow 1 millimeter per week. Was formulated by Judy Griffin, PhD., for hospital, clinical and private use for over 20 years.  is a safe, effective blend that can be used separately or in complementary medicine.  Is organic and has been used safely by adults and children topically, applied directly on the nails 2 to 3 times daily.  Can also be applied at bedtime and worn overnight. Healthy nails and cuticles are evident within weeks of application. However, it is recommended to continue application for several weeks. Very stubborn fungus acquired in jungles or under unusual circumstances may require several months of daily application.  Generally grow 1 millimeter per week.

Nail discoloration may indicate systemic Candida, diabetes and other conditions requiring medical help. Slate colored nails indicate a condition that requires silver treatments to be stopped immediately. Nail discoloration may indicate environmental toxicity from arsenic (brown) and chronic mercurial poisoning (brownish-black.) Black discoloration may indicate diabetes or gangrene. Seek medical advice.  Nail trauma, from an injury is normally blue-black. Certain chemotherapy agents, liver and kidney disease can also cause nail discoloration.

To have healthy nails, a sign of a healthy body, requires proper nutrition, balanced hormones-especially thyroid, and proper digestion. Improperly fitted shoes may cause ingrown toenails due to pressure on the toenail edges. Fungal can reduce inflammation and abscesses caused by ingrown toenails.

For more information, please visit our website at www.aromahealthtexas.com, , or call Dr. Judy Griffin for questions and nutritional consultation at 1-800-496-2125.

Dry winter wind and low humidity cause skin to be dry, flaky and lusterless. Cold weather also causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict causing skin to shrink and dry out.

AromaHealthTexas offers several skin care remedies from head to toe.

Rose Gardenia < > day moisturizer keeps the face radiant and soft. True organic rose oil heals and compliments every skin type.

Nighttime protection includes Sweet Annie Wrinkle and Skin Softening Cream and Sweet Annie Under Eye Cream. Moisture loss increases at night. However the Sweet Annie creams contain allantoin which rejuvenates new skin as it protects and moisturizes.

Body skin can be healed and moisturized with soothing aloe-based Lavender Body Lotion

 Lime-Aid Lotion  contains antiseptic properties to protect against viruses and harmful germs. It is an excellent treatment for stretch marks and scars. Very Vanilla Lotion moistens, protects and soothes dry skin conditions.

All AromaHealthTexas products are paraben free, designed to regenerate healthy, youthful skin and love of life.

For consultation with Dr. Judy Griffin, please call 1-800-496-2125

Halitosis is a secondary symptom of lack of oral hygiene, infected teeth and gums and poor digestion. Seek dental or medical help to treat the cause, and use AromaHealthTexas’ Gum Blend essential oil twice daily to improve symptoms,

Here’s a quick mouthwash before applying Gum Blend to freshen the breath:

In 8 oz of room temperature water, add

 1 drop Lemon Peel Essential Oil, an effective antiseptic and disinfectant

 1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil

Optional

 1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil

Swish in the mouth without swallowing throughout the day and evening.

Use small amounts and swish, again without swallowing.

Use with children 10 and older

Petite Fleur Essences that enhance digestive power are:

Peppermint, Magnolia and Inner Strength therapeutic blend.

Consider nutritional and dietary consultation with Dr. Judy Griffin at 1-800-496-2125 or to find these products visit her website at www.aromahealthtexas.com

Aromatherapy for Falling and Thinning Hair

Fifty percent of adults over 40 experience hair loss, often ongoing. AromaHealthTexas hair growth strengthens hair follicles, preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. It very effectively repairs thinning hair and promotes regeneration of healthy hair,

For best results, massage several drops of Hair Growth onto the scalp vigorously using your fingertips. Repeat daily oar at least 3x weekly. Allow Hair Growth to absorb into the scalp for at least 30 minutes or overnight before rinsing.

For best results, shampoo twice weekly with AromaHealthTexas Rosemary Shampoo and follow with More Hair Complete Conditioner. Condition dry, sun damaged or swimming pool damaged hair daily after rinsing in the shower. AromaHealthTexas products are paraben free. The Hair Growth Blend, Rosemary Shampoo and More Hair Complete Conditioner strengthens hair, stimulates follicle growth and reduces falling, damaged hair. Results are apparent within weeks and continue to improve for months.

For extra strength and protection, mist hair with Rosemary Healing Water before styling.

These products were developed by Dr. Griffin while working with cancer and other patients while undergoing treatments.

For more information please visit our website at www.aromahealthtexas.com or call Dr. Judy Griffin at 1-800-496-2125