Lemon verbena includes 70 varieties, used in aroma blends. The fresh leaves can be crushed and added to refresh teas. as an essential oil, lemon grass is usually added to lemon verbena. The leaves make very little essential oil. Know your source.

Roman Chamomile is most often used in aromatherapy. German Chamomile makes the best tea. Both are calming and easy to grow or find in markets.

 Blue Chamomile is the German variety, producing a blue absolute, containing azulene, rarely used alone.

Choose Roman Chamomile for aromatherapy blends.

Great question!  No, essences and essential oils have different properties when grown and produced in different climates and terrains.Essences and Essential oils may have different qualities when grown in different terrains and climates. The amount of sunshine, rain, humidity and altitude may activate different chemicals in plants. Some may be stronger than others. The soil composition and Ph also affect the chemical and subtle properties in plants. The availability of sunshine, rain and nitrogen from lightening strikes catalyzes  the potency of plants.

When and how plants are harvested and cared for also make a difference in potency and quality. The time of day for harvesting makes a difference. For example, roses are harvested before noon, most often in the spring. Neroli is harvested before the buds are open. Rosemary, sage, thyme and helichyssum are most potent harvested in the heat of summer afternoons. Most plants become more potent with heat and pruning or cutting, but too much heat and low rainfall require more compassionate care. In north Texas, I do not harvest in August because it is too hot and dry. I also don't harvest right after a rain to avoid the spread of fungal and viral disease. I also leave some blooms for bees and beneficial insects to thrive. Hand picking  blooms and plants do no damage. I distill with glass to produce the highest quality products.

We can enjoy quality essences and essential oils in tune with the environment. Many plants producing essential oils and essences are endangered from over production. Awareness of the environment is vital for the continuation and availability of healing plants. We must also benefit the plants we encounter. We all heal together, encouraging different properties and information from the plants we encounter.

California, producing 90% of the U.S. strawberry crop, established stricter rules for chloropicrin. Chloropicrin is a toxic soil fumigant injected into the groun to kill insects. This is done before the strawberries are planted.

Chloropicrin is a dangerous fumigant, irritating the eyes and respiratory tract. California restricts the area and use of the crop to protect workers and nearby residents. The restrictions are more protective than the government.

The buffer zone is now 25 to 100 ft from residents. Application is limited to 40-60 acres daily. The larger numbers reflect tarp usage to limit drift.

Healthy environment activists are petitioning that chlorpicrin be phased out by 2020. They believe rural residents and school aged children, near the strawberry farms, continue to be adversely affected by chloropicrin fumigant.

Source: Chemical and Engineering News, January 26, 2015 

Easter lily helps nervous people. The fear behind the emotion is failure, unspoken and unnamed. Failure is usually about a future event or how to succeed in events yet to come. Sometimes the personality can become controlling or obsessive about her environment. This all stems from fear of failure and the inability to process all the information coming into the cognitive brain. The person feels edgy, especially in certain situations such as crowded areas, amusement rides, and when fine and gross motor skills are needed. Grounding occurs in present time, not worrying about what is to come. Lily personalities need to practice visualization, seeing themselves work through and complete each challenge and opportunity in life.

Unique and Bold

            Black pepper, Piper nigrum, is one of the strengthening and stimulating essential oils.  It is valued for its action more than aroma.  The plant has been used medicinally for over 4,000 years in its native Asian countries.  Black pepper  is an attractive vine with heart shaped leaves.  White, tiny flowers develop into red, then black berries.  Steam distillation of the unripe fruit yields a pale essential oil.  The dry peppercorns are first crushed to expose the volatile oils to heat and steam.  Commercial production is predominantly in India and Indonesia.  Pepper is believed to be native to India, where it grows 16 feet tall, appearing as a trailing shrub.  The essential oil is so bold and strong; it is used in only 1 per cent dilutions, or less, in a blend.  One drop can transform a blend or perfume into a very unique combination.  Similarly, as a spice, black pepper transformed culinary taste into an art of seasoning.  Although, it is known for its medicinal effects, 1 drop in a perfume will sedate an overly sweet or floral blend.  An exotic blend of essential oil spices in an Oriental blend is magnified with 1 drop of black pepper.  In culinary use, black pepper immediately affects the tip of the tongue.  In aromatherapy, black pepper reaches within to stimulate the mind and possibly a cold heart.

Fruit of the Orient Blend

            In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:

                        15 drops of Pink Grapefruit or Sweet Orange

                          5 drops of Coriander

                          1 drop of Nutmeg

                          1 drop of Black pepper

            Allow to cure 3 days in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  For best results, allow 3 weeks for the blend to marry.  Apply as a perfume for a pick-me-up during daytime, or at night as an invitation….

            Black pepper adds a mysterious effect to vanilla.  In this perfume, bitter orange yields an interesting versatility to the sweetness of vanilla.  The blend will calm fears and open the mind to new adventures in life.  Be certain to use bergamot, bitter orange, that is free from furocumarin to avoid skin irritation.

New Mood Aroma

            In ½ ounce perfume alcohol (190 proof) or jojoba oil add the following essential oils:

                        20 drops of Bergamot

                          1 drop of Vanilla

                          1 drop of Black pepper

                          5 drops of Rose

            Cure up to 3 weeks for best effects in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Adjust the blend by adding 2 to 5 more drops of rose or bergamot.

            For spiritual guidance, black pepper can be combined with Sandalwood, jasmine and rose.

Wings of Consciousness

            In ½ ounce of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Rose (May I suggest Morrocan rose?)

                          1 drop of Black Pepper

                          3 drops of Sandalwood

                          6 drops of Sambuc Jasmine

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 to 4 weeks.  Open the blend once a week and note your sensations and response to the blend as it unites into a unique aroma flavor.

            As a beauty agent, black pepper is very useful in cellulite blends.  It stimulates detoxification and circulation.

Cellulite Rub

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

                        20 drops of Rosemary

                        10 drops of Lemongrass

                          2 drops of Black pepper

                          5 drops of Grapefruit

            Allow to cure 3 days in a dark glass bottle with a tight fitting screw cap. 

            Massage onto clean skin after a warm shower or bath.  Vigorously work the blend into areas affected by cellulite for several minutes.  Avoid broken or chapped, sensitive skin.  Each day massage a new area until all the cellulite has been touched by this blend.  Drink 48 ounces or more of pure water daily during the cleanse.  Repeat the massages every week continuously invigorating the cellulite to remove fluids holding onto too fat tissue.

            For best results, challenge the associated muscles with tonifying and strengthening exercise.  Modify the diet to include many alkalying vegetables and reduce fats to 20 per cent or less of your daily foods.  Pure fish oils, devoid of PCB’s and mercury will help build lean muscle by balancing hormones and cellular energy needs.

            To encourage healthy muscles and tendons, enjoy the following sports massage blend after exercise and workouts.

Invigorating Massage Blend

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

                          2 drops of Cedarwood

                          2 drops of Ginger

                          2 drops of Black pepper

                        10 drops of Sage (Spanish)

                          3 drops of Vetiver

                          5 drops of Peppermint

                          5 drops of Orange

            Allow to cure 3 days in a dark glass bottle with a tight fitting screw cap.  Massage onto the body after a shower for several minutes.  Massage from the feet and hands towards the heart.  Avoid broken or chapped skin.  Apply warm or cool packs after a complete massage to encourage lymphatic drainage and removal of lactic acid from the blood.

            To stimulate sluggish digestion and bowels, combine black pepper with cardamom, coriander and fennel.

Abdominal Massage

            In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                          1 drop of Black pepper

                          1 drop of Ginger root

                        15 drops of fennel

                          5 drops of Coriander

                          5 drops of Cardamom

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure overnight, or up to 3 days.  Massage onto the tummy before meals in a clockwise motion.  This blend can also be helpful to warm cold hands and feet.

            The profoundly warming properties of black pepper make it very useful to prevent muscle wasting.  It is also used for those suffering with palsy, or shaking.

Muscle Wasting Blend

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

                          2 drops of Ginger root

                          2 drops of Black pepper

                          5 drops of Cypress

                        10 drops of Juniper

                          2 drops of Cedarwood

                          2 drops of Angelica root

                          5 drops of Lemon

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 days.  Massage limbs, traveling towards the heart; the back, chest and abdomen may also be massaged.  Continue daily use until symptoms stop.  Then reduce usage to once or twice weekly.  Avoid irritated, chapped or broken skin.

            Note:  Black pepper may irritate gastric reflux when applied near or on the stomach and esophageal area.  Always do a test patch before applying a blend to the skin containing black pepper.

Tangerine essential oil is derived from the mandarin orange tree. The aroma is uplifting and used in skincare and haircare.

The Queen of Hearts- Blog 20

            Roses date over 5,000 years to ancient origins in China and Persia. They are cultivated today in Turkey, Russia, and Bulgaria, India, southern France, and Italy. The rose family has opened and healed more hearts than a surgeon. The mirrors unconditional love, forgiveness, and empathy, while encouraging every admirer to aspire towards perfection. Roses fulfill an inner desire for completeness. Every part of the rose is beautiful, fragrant, graceful or strong. Thorns are listed as strong!

            What cannot be said with words, the fragrant shape and color of this flower communicates effectively. The rose washes away grief to offer hope, calms the dying to prepare for eternity, offers joy to replace depression and emotional pain, celebrates the innocence of a newborn, and opens the heart to attract love.

            Only a few rose species produce rose oil. Rosa damascene is cultivated in Bulgaria. The country is practically a rose plantation. Damask rose is the species, which initiated fragrance in other species associated with the heady rose scent.  I grow autumn damask, believed to be the variety that was used to graft and develop new species beautiful fragrant roses, such as the Bourbons. Damask roses are now cultivated in Tunisia and Morocco, yielding a more delicate scented essential oil than the popular Bulgarian rose oil. Equally beautiful damask rose is cultivated in India, Russia, and China.

            Rose centifolia, from the cabbage rose, originated in Persia. It is now primarily cultivated in Egypt. I love growing cabbage old roses. Hey adapt to southern weather patterns and light up every garden with magnificent blooms.

            Rose gallica originated in the Caucasus. Today, it is also cultivated in Turkey. Turkish rose essential oil is considered strong and sometimes undesirable for aromatherapy. I like it. Add a drop or two to blends that lack passion and richness. Obtain samples of all the different roses to choose your favorite, or enjoy all of them!

            To choose rose oil for aromatherapy, learn the different adjectives that describe them. Rose otto or rose attar describes steam distilled rose oil. Most otto has a very light aroma, sometimes lost, or overwhelmed in a blend. The very narcotic or heady scent of a rose is an absolute. Rose absolute is a solvent extracted by alcohol or hexane. It is preferred for perfumes and may be a very thick or semi liquid oil. The alcohol or the hexane is removed before the final product is offered. Rose otto is also separated from its hydro late with hexane, which is later removed. A concrete is an extraction using hexane, yielding a semi solid wax. Concretes are used in solid perfumes and to extend the rose scent more economically in aromatic blends. Concretes have a much softer scent than absolutes and yield a subtle fragrance. Absolutes of any rose are more expensive. Five thousand pounds of roses only produce one pound of oil. Any true rose oil is expensive. Rose oils can be adulterated with chemical scents, so take the time to research the source. Rose oil is the most exquisite heart note in aromatherapy and blends with every aroma. It is truly worth the investment.

            If you cannot afford rose oil, consider growing old roses with the most perfume. Cabbage roses, Rosa centifolia, and moss roses have the finest perfume scent, and the most dramatic flowers. Moss roses, Rosa centifolia mucosa, have whiskers covering the stems and calyx. The flowers of both sub species are full, double cupped roses with various shades of pink or white petals. There is a striped moss with many shades of pink and red markings that remind me of candy cane. The striped moss makes an ideal potted plant. Alfred de Dalmas is another small moss rose with creamy pink petals and whiskers. Both have unknown parentage, except they are related to gallica roses. Madame Louis Levique is known for perfect: large silky soft, deep pink flowers, which exude a fragrance to challenge the most talented perfumer. These are a few examples of old roses to be grown for pleasure and fragrance. They make a fine rose water to rinse your hair and apply to your skin.

            Before studying the many medicinal effects of roses, let’s focus on pleasure. Rose combines with many oils, including jasmine, neroli, orange, geranium, lavender, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, chamomile, clary sage, rosewood, tonka bean, Peru balsam, and Ylang ylang extra. Tonka bean has an almost caramel scent. Peru balsam has a very light vanilla odor. Neither of these lesser-known scents will overpower a blend. If you do not enjoy the scent of rose oil, a few drops may be added to a blend to add warmth and richness. In the following blends, use a rose oil of your choice.

The Lady loves Roses perfume

In 3.7 ml. (1 dram) brown bottle,

Combine:          10 drops Rose

                        5 drops Ylang ylang extra

                        5 drops Neroli

            *          3 drops Peru balsam or 2 drops Sandalwood

Fill the bottle with either jojoba oil or 190 proof alcohol. Cap tightly and store 1 to 2 weeks in a cool, dark place. Apply to the neck or base of the throat.

*Note: Peru balsam is a resinous material. It dissolves easily in 190 proof alcohol. The consistency and color is like molasses. Each “drop” can be extracted from the bottle with a crochet hook. One drop will dissolve in ½ teaspoon of alcohol. Added to jojoba oil, it will fizz momentarily. The scent will not over power a blend like vanilla essential oil, which has a liquor aroma. Peru balsam is a base note in aromatherapy, acting as a fixative in a blend.

Man’s Best Friend perfume

In 3.7 ml. brown bottle,

Combine:          5 drops Rose

                        5 drops Jasmine (Sambuca or Grandiflorum)

                        3 drops Petitgrain

                        1 drop Patchouli

Fill the bottle with either jojoba oil or 190 proof alcohol. Store in a cool, dark place. Cap tightly and allow the blend to cure 1 to 2 weeks before using.

Not so Sweet perfume

In 3.7 ml. (1 dram) brown bottle,

Combine:          3 drops Coriander

                        5 drops Rose

                        1 drop Lemongrass, Lemon or Litsea cubeba

                        1 drop Nutmeg

Fill the bottle with either jojoba oil or 190 proof alcohol. Cap tightly and store 1 to 2 weeks in a cool, dark place 1 to 2 weeks before applying.

The Language of Love- Blog 22

Lovers have used the aroma of lavender for centuries to express the innocence and pure intentions of love. Women are especially drawn to the clean scent of lavender. They enjoy it in cologne, cosmetics, household cleaners and laundry. Lavender is a to scent linen and spray, or diffuse in a room. Lavender is the most used essential oil, most beneficial and least toxic.

            Lavandula officinalis is native to Iraq and southern France, growing in mountainous terrain. This is the wild species, growing on steep slopes in rocky soil. The wild mountain variety has many hybrid species. The most popular is Lavandula angustifolia, a lager plant producing more blooms and essential oil. The original, wild lavender is not commercially grown because each plant must be cut individually by hand and carried to the valley to be distilled. Horticulturist crossed L. officinalis and L. angustifolia with a native Spanish L. latifolia to produce lavendin, the variety that is grown commercially today.

            Lavendin can be grown in lower altitudes in large fields. Harvesting can be done by machine. The long spikes of blue flowers produce an abundant supply of essential oil that keeps the price reasonable. Lavendin is sterile, producing no seed for reproduction. A clone, Lavendin grosso, is the preferred lavender for commercial growing. Grosso grows as tall as a 6-foot man or women, with floral, blue spikes reaching for the sky. These varieties do not produce the most healing essential oil. Most is diluted and sold as inexpensive bath oil, and cleaning products.

            Aromatherapists and natural perfumers use Lavandula officinalis and angustifolia only. These are less likely to be diluted and have an exquisite aroma. These varieties have over 160 healing properties that successfully treat a long list of complaints. The cost is affordable, especially considering the list of benefits L. officinalis has an aroma that restores the nerves and stimulates the body’s defenses. In medieval times, L. officinalis was believed to produce and maintain purity and character. To offer someone lavender was to offer love in its purest form.

            The word Lavandula is derived from the Latin root, “lavare”, which means to wash. Lavender is both deodorizing and detoxifying. I use the hydrolate as a natural deodorant. The natural cleansing properties treat external ulcers, boils, abscesses, and wounds. Lavender is one of the few essential oils, which can be worn undiluted. It has antiseptic qualities to disinfect the wound, and pain relieving properties as a nervine. Lavender stimulates white blood cell production that rush to the site, remove toxins, and bacteria.

            Lavender is also the best treatment for burns and subsequent scarring. Saturating a burn in lavender oil will relieve pain and greatly increase healing. It can also be diluted in aloe gel as a carrier.

Burn Formula

In 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel add:

6 drops L. officinalis

Stir several times before applying directly to a burn. Repeat several times daily until the wound heals. Store any leftover in a dark glass bottle and screw cap. Refrigerate.

            It is a well-known story that I restored 50% of my youngest son’s hearing in 3 weeks using lavender oil. He has since heard everything he wants! Use the following formula for earaches. Do not allow the dilution to get inside the ear canal. The application relaxes people.

Ear Oil

In 1-teaspoon olive oil or St. John’s Wort oil add:

2 drops L. officinalis

Apply to the front of the outside ear and down to the side of the neck. One drop of the dilution may also be put on a cotton ball and loosely applied to the inside of the ear.

            The most important therapeutic effect of lavender is on the heart. Lavender strengthens the heart by lowering blood pressure when necessary and calming arrhythmias, racing heartbeats, and nervous lovers. Let’s start and end this session with the language lovers comprehend: calming and uplifting blends for massage and stress reduction. As the heart is supported and strengthened, love will rush in.

Heart and Soul

In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add:

30 drops of L. officinalis

10 drops of Bergamot

5 drops Lemon Balm

4 drops Peru Balsam

5 drops Sandalwood

Bottle in a dark glass with a screw cap. Allow to cure at least 3 hours before messaging the upper back, arms and chest. Refrigerate leftover blend to keep the citrus oils from loosing potency. The following spicy scents are warming and stimulating, releasing psychological tension.

Getting in the Mood

In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add:

10 drops of L. officinalis

6 drops Jasmine (sambuc is very sensual)

5 drops Mandarin Citrus reticulate

2 drops Immortelle, Helichrysum angustifolium

1 drop Juniper, Juniperus communis

2 drops Coriander

1 drop Clary Sage

Bottle in a dark glass with a screw cap. Allow to cure overnight for best effects, or at least 3 hours. Massage chest, upper arms and shoulders, thighs, and lower back, carefully avoiding broken skin. This blend keeps a women’s heart open and interested.

All Heart

In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add:

15 drops of L. officinalis

10 drops Neroli

5 drops Rose

10 drops Ylang ylang absolute

5 drops Benzoin, styrax

Bottle in a dark glass with a screw top for 3 days before applying drops on the base of the throat and chest. Men will attract the women of their dreams with this scent. This blend uses lavender absolute to reduce the very floral scents, though still heavenly.

Man’s Best Scent

In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add:

10 drops Lavender absolute

6 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Jasmine

1 drop Patchouli

3 drops Orange

Bottle in a dark glass with a screw cap. Allow to cure for 3 hours, or up to 3 days. Apply to the neck before leaving for the night or going on a date.

Tips on making blends and perfumes with Lavender officinalis.