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.
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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
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Easter lily helps anxious people . The fear behind the anxiety 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.
Over time, this constant underlying tension undermines the immune response. Poor resistance to infections, virus and certain foods can occur. Lily personalities can bruise and bleed easily also. Anxiety disorders can occur during teen and adult years.Lily essence can help the person to focus better and stay in the present moment. 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.
Petite Fleur Lily essesnce catalyzes the ability to balance and heal this processing disorder until it becomes a part of the person's response to life. Apply 2-3 drops on the throat, wrist or chest 3x daily until worry is replaced with a vision and successful feeling about the future.Self control is the key to the future. Benefits from wearing Petite Fleur Essences usually are evident within 3 weeks.
For more information on Peite Fleur Esseces read The Healing Flowers and Flowers the Heal by Judy Griffin,PhD. or email aromahealthtexas.com
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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.
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The Young at Heart
Tangerine, Citrus madurensis, originated in China and the Far East, as the mandarin orange. Citrus reticulata came to the West in the early 1800’s. When mandarin orange trees came to America, it became known as the tangerine. Today’s tangerine is larger and more aromatic. True mandarin essential oil is very sweet and floral. The essential oil of mandarin is non-toxic, and perfect for children. It calms children, treating hyperactivity, fear and insomnia. Essential oil is produced by cold pressing the outer skin. An orange colored oil is produced. Children enjoy mandarin or tangerine oil in a bath or foot rub.
Calming Foot Rub
In 1 ounce of warm sesame oil, add the following essential oils:
10 drops of Mandarin’
10 drops of Tangerine
2 drops of Sandalwood
Mix well with a non-metal instrument. Apply warm to little feet. Gently massage the oil into the bottom of the feet. Cover the feet with clean socks.
Bottle remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting cap. Refrigerate until further use. Finish the blend within 3 months. Also refrigerate mandarin and tangerine essential oils.
The elderly enjoy mandarin to enhance digestion and peristalsis. Mandarin treats indigestion, hiccoughs, constipation and colic. Combine it with stimulating fixatives, such as coriander, cinnamon, or ginger root. Apply warm to the abdomen.
Stimulating Digestant
In 1 ounce of warm carrier oil, add the following essential oils:
10 drops of Mandarin
10 drops of fennel
2 drops of cinnamon
2 drops of coriander
Mix well with a non-metal instrument. Apply warm to the abdomen and massage for several minutes in a clockwise motion.
Children may prefer tangerine substituted for mandarin essential oil. The therapeutic properties are similar, children preferring the less floral aroma of tangerine. The question may be whether sweet orange essential oil can be substituted for tangerine or mandarin. Sweet orange will be energizing, but not as specific as the other two oils. It is more specific for unblocking sluggish energy, especially of the liver and spleen. Orange is balancing; mandarin and tangerine are calming.
Bottle any remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap. Refrigerate and apply warm daily to normalize digestion.
Mandarin combines well with neroli to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Stretch Mark Prevention Blend
In 2 ounces of jojoba oil, add the following essential oils:
15 drops of Neroli
25 drops of Mandarin
2 drops of Tonka bean
Allow to cure overnight. Massage onto the tummy with clockwise, circular motions every day. Refrigerate remaining blend in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.
Mandarin is safe during pregnancy. Here is a headache blend to use for tension and seasonal headaches.
Mama’s Headache Blend
In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:
10 drops of Mandarin
12 drops of German Chamomile
2 drops of Cardamom
Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight when possible. Massage 2 drops on each temple, the forehead or back of the neck. Relax with either a warm or cold compress across the center of the forehead or back of the neck. Bottle remaining blend in dark glass with a tightly fitted screw cap. Refrigerate.
Tangerine is excellent oil for premenstrual tension. Use it throughout the month, in mid cycle, or during those crabby or weepy days to chase the blues away.
How to Treat a Lady
In 1 ounce of sesame oil, add the following essential oils:
15 drops of Tangerine
5 drops of Geranium
5 drops of Lemon Balm
1 drop of Clary Sage or Angelica root
Clary is more calming; Angelica is more centering and is a fixative to hold the aromas.
Tangerine offers a less floral or sweet blend to lift the mood form crisis to complacence. Sesame oil is also soothing to the nervous system, the best carrier oil for this blend.
Allow the blend to cure overnight, bottled in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap, in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Massage 5 drops onto the neck and throat 2 or 3 times, as needed, to maintain a happy presence.
Tangerine also helps a sad or pouting child build positive feelings. I like to combine Tangerine with a small drop of vanilla when it’s crying time again. Diffuse the blend into a room and share to joy. Adults will benefit from the aroma lift also.
No More Pouting Blend
Combine 20 drops of Tangerine with 1 drop of Vanilla essential oil. Drop into a cup of steaming, hot water, or diffuse into the room. Relax and enjoy the benefits.
Tangerine has antiseptic, cleansing and toxic properties. The oil helps correct oily and acne prone skin. It can also be added to a shampoo or rinse to alleviate acne occurring below the hair line on the back of the neck. I choose tangerine because it does not have a floral or sweet scent like mandarin. Tangerine is a good choice for teenagers who can benefit from the uplifting effect. It also smells better than tea tree, eucalyptus and the strong aromas used in acne and oily skin treatments.
The following blend is a new and unique one. For best results, avoid fatty and fried foods. Eat six or more cups of fruit and vegetables daily, especially the ones high in vitamin A. Drink two quarts of water daily during the summer, which may include herbal teas and electrolyte beverages. Include regular exercise and relaxation. Use skin care that is paraben free, avoiding heavy makeup or products that can clog pores.
Ph Balanced Cleanser
In 3 ounces of pure aloe, add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel and 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin. Stir and add:
1 drop of Rosemary
30 drops of Tangerine
1 drop of Patchouli
Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting cap. Use this combination 3 times daily to wash the face and neck. Pat dry. Store remaining blend in the refrigerator. Note: Make sure the glycerin is made from only vegetable sources.
Mask for Oily and Acne Prone Skin
In 2 tablespoons of wet clay, add the following essential oils:
6 drops of Tangerine
2 drops of Cypress
Mix well. Apply immediately to the face and neck. Relax for 10 minutes, then rinse skin thoroughly. Pat dry. Repeat once or twice weekly. Note: You can purchase green clay powder and add approximately 10 drops of pure water to each tablespoon. Mix and add essential oils. Do not use chemically fragranced wet clay. It can cause irritation and eruptions.
Simple Tonic to Tighten Pores
Beat 1 egg white with a fork to mix well. Add 3 drops of Tangerine essential oil. Spread over a clean face and neck. Allow to dry. Rinse with cool water after several minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times weekly.
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Blog 16
The Three Oranges Part 1
The orange tree, Citrus aurantium, is the only plant that yields 3 essential oil and 1 absolute. I will discuss each in detail. First, let’s investigate the history of this unusual tree, Seville orange, or bitter orange.
Bitter orange trees were introduced to the Mediterranean in the tenth and eleventh century after Arab conquests. Europeans enjoyed the oranges for 500 years before other varieties of oranges were introduced.
By the 17th century, the Princess of Nerole, introduced the essential oil of orange blossoms to Italian society. It soon became fashionable to wear, bathe and fragrance gloves, clothes and stationary with the scent of orange blossom. The princess Anna Maria De La Tremoille was a member of the powerful Italian Orsini family who introduced the fragrance to the courts of Europe. The essential oil, Neroli, was named in her honor.
Neroli is the product of the steam distillation of the delicate orange blossoms of the Citrus aurantium tree. The blossoms are picked on a warm, sunny day as they begin to open. Steam distillation takes place immediately on the site before the fresh scent fades from the flower. One thousand pounds of blossoms will yield only 4 cups of essential oil at a very expensive price. The scent is light and fragrant with a hint of orange and a sweet, lasting undertone. It blends with most essential oils, except the heavier scents, such as vanilla. The best blends for Neroli are other citrus oils and floral scents. Neroli aroma is so delicate; it can easily be overwhelmed by a predominant scent, such as ginger and other spices or base oils.
Historically, Neroli has been popular in colognes, deodorants and body splashes. The essential oil can be diluted in 190 proof alcohol and bottled or filtered water today.
In 4 ounces of water;
add 1 teaspoon of 190 proof alcohol or witch hazel;
add 7 drops of Neroli;
Bottle in a dark glass container tightly capped for 1 hour. Turn the bottle twice to mix the contents. Open and sample the mixture. Add up to 3 more drops of Neroli to obtain the desired scent. Cap again and store away from light and heat.
Neroli can be purchased from the essential oil of the Citrus bigaradia, bitter orange, or Citrus aurantium, sweet orange. Citrus aurantium is more available at a less expensive price. Both are heavenly scents with remarkable healing qualities.
Neroli’s principle healing action affects the nervous system. It is a natural tranquilizer effecting anxiety, depression, nervous exhaustion, and tension. Neroli encourages us to experience life challenges with calmness and joy, offering hope to the hopeless. The soothing effect reduces insomnia and nervous headaches. Inhaling the essential oil or enjoying it in a message helps to regulate heart arrhythmias and relieve nervous tics.
In skincare, Neroli assists every skin type. The oil is nontoxic, nonphototoxic, and nonsensitizing on the skin. It is beneficial for inflamed and sensitive skin. I use it for small, broken vessels diluted in jojoba oil or combined in a cream. Neroli assists in new cell regeneration and is safe for aging skin.
To reduce premenstrual pain and cramping, Neroli can be taken as a bath 7 days before the onset of menses. Add 10 drops of the essential oil in 2 tablespoons of honey or cream to a warm bath. Soak 15 to 20 minutes.
Neroli and other citrus essential oils are best stored in the refrigerator. Bottle the essential oils in small, glass containers, tightly capped. Citrus oils can quickly become flat when exposed to oxidation and temperature changes.
In perfumery and aromatherapy, Neroli is a heart note. It holds a blend together, giving the aroma definition and coherence. Heart notes are middle notes, building on the foundation of base notes, such as vanilla, vetiver, frankincense, myrrhand, and sandalwood. Floral and rose oils are middle notes that carry the message of the blend. Heart notes are very passionate, even erotic aromas, hat keep your attention and connect with the complexity of your personality. The heart center will open and unfold like a thousand petal flower. The sensation is deep and lingering. While the base notes hold the perfume or blend the heart notes take you on a journey, releasing endorphins from the depths of your soul.
Aromatherapy and perfumery builds blends using base, heart and top notes. These are determined by the volatility of the essential oil or, how fast it lifts into the air. The base notes are grounding and “fix” the blend so it releases over a longer period of time. Heart notes initiate intimacy within and with others. They are warming, loving, and transforming. Top notes reach out to great us on an aromatic journey. They are the first scent we smell, establishing an initial aroma before dissipating. Top notes are uncomplicated and sociable. enticing the recipient to begin an aroma journey. As the initial scent dissipates, an unfolding movement of scent begins. True healing occurs as the psyche releases unproductive thoughts and actions to discover self-actualization. Our goal is to participate fully in life’s journey.
In Europe, Neroli is regularly recommended for headaches, confusion, insomnia, stress, shock, and hysteria. I decided to use neroli for grieving clients. Grief is a shock to the psyche that is at first numbing and works into confusion, insomnia, and acute feelings of loss. Neroli helped my clients in every situation of worry and grief. The easiest way to administer the scent is to sniff it from a perfume vile or make a simple blend. Neroli blends well with lavender rose geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, clary sage, and other citrus oils. A vial of only Neroli can be carried and sniffed throughout the day and night.
In a 1 dram, 3.7 milliliter, dark bottle combine
7 drops Neroli
3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Rose otto (steam distilled)
Fill the bottle with 190 proof alcohol or distilled water. Cap tightly and cure for one hour.
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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.
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The Other Lemon for a Hot Summer Day
Lemon verbena, Lippia citriodora, is native to Chile and Argentina. The lemon verbena family of plants includes 70 varieties and 800 species. Besides Lippia citriodora, Verbena triphylla and Aloisia triphylla provide an uplifting essential oil with the most heavenly scent. The aroma has no competition. It reminds me of the fresh scent pervading the Costa Rican rain forest as day breaks.
This delicate bush grows over six feet tall and three to four feet in width. The branches are thin and bend to give the plant roundness. Light green, lancet shaped leaves sprout from either side of the branches the leaves are rough, papery and, oh, so fragrant to the touch. In tropical and subtropical locations, tiny, white blossoms appear at the tips of the branches. Today, lemon verbena is cultivated in southern France, Morocco, Algeria, Italy and Tunisia for essential oil production. Southern France is believed to produce the best oil. Lemon verbena grows wild on the roadsides and rain forests of Costa Rica, Mexico and Central America. Their location and the countries’ lack of accessible transportation makes it difficult to produce a commercial product. The fresh leaves make a delicious tea, enjoyed by the local morenos.
Steam distillation of the leaves yields this elegant essential oil. One hundred pounds of leaves produces several ounces of essential oil. Pure oil contains up to forty percent citral, which produces the lemon scent of essential oils. However, pure lemon verbena essential oil is not available or very, very rare. Commercially available oil has lemon grass oil added, which is much less expensive and much more available.
Whenever possible, cultivate lemon verbena in a pot or your garden. It’s delightful to rub the leaves and experience the unique, intense odor on a summer morning. During winter months, the plant loses its leaves, only to reappear in the spring in southern gardens. Add crushed, fresh leaves to cold and hot drinks for a new taste sensation.
The aroma of essential oil dilutions on a hot summer day is refreshing and cooling, relieving the lassitude from the summer heat. Lemon verbena is an excellent aroma to increase endurance and to aid in the function, especially concentration, as it increases overall physical energy. Release a few drops into a room using an aroma lamp to enhance enthusiasm and joy.
For nausea and dizziness, lemon verbena can be sprinkled on a clean handkerchief and held near the nose. For chronic conditions, make the following simple dilution.
Nausea and Dizziness Blend
In 1 ounce of carrier oil, dilute 10 drops of lemon verbena. Allow to cure 3 hours before applying a few drops on each side of the neck. Massage a drop on each temple, if tolerated. Repeat daily until symptoms abate. Refrigerate left over blend in a dark, glass bottle with a tight fitting screw cap.
For irregular heartbeat or tachycardia, use the following blend and see a physician as soon as possible. Menopausal women often experience these symptoms due to low hormone levels. This blend will help reduce symptoms only.
Irregular Heartbeat
In 1 ounce of carrier oil, combine the following essential oils:
10 drops of Lemon verbena
5 drops of Lemon balm
3 drops of Lavendula
Allow to cure 3 hours when possible. Apply 5 drops on the chest and massage using firm, circular strokes. Repeat the application and massage on the upper back. This routine may be repeated three times in twenty four hours.
Bottle left over blend in dark glass with a tight fitting, screw cap. Refrigerate leftovers.
Historically lemon verbena has been used to help women during childbirth. The oil or a strong tea made from the leaves stimulates uterine contractions. Medical research has verified this.
Today, verbaline is extracted from the fresh plant to stimulate uterine contractions. Room diffusion or other inhalent methods are beneficial during childbirth. During pregnancy, it is best to avoid lemon verbena. The essential oil has also been used after childbirth to stimulate milk production to allow the milk to “let down”. It can be especially useful during the first weeks of nursing. The “let down” response helps the baby nurse successfully and reduces painful “back up” of milk in the breasts. A few drops of lemon verbena essential oil on a handkerchief can be used by the mother, or diffusing the oil in an aroma lamp also helps. Never use the essential oil internally.
To alleviate painful breasts, a cold compress can be used.
Compress for Nursing Mothers
Prepare a cold compress by soaking a clean cotton or flannel cloth in filtered water containing several small pieces of ice. Saturate the cloth, then remove excess water. Add 10 drops of lemon verbena essential oil onto several areas of the cloth. Roll the cloth to assure the essential oil infuses all areas of the cloth. Quickly apply the compress onto the breasts for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll the cloth and place it in the freezer for several minutes and repeat the application. Refrigerate the cloth for later use. Add 5 drops of essential oil onto the cloth right before application. Repeat the application twice daily to reduce breast pain and increase milk flow. Clean the breasts thoroughly before nursing.
Lemon verbena has a wonderful scent that increases joy and stamina. It contributes a delicious aroma to a personal perfume.
Personal Perfume
In 1 dram, 3.7 ml., of jojoba oil add the following essential oils:
10 drops of Lemon Verbena
2 drops of Jasmine
15 drops of Noroli
Allow to cure 3 days. Adjust the blend, adding 2 to 5 more drops of lemon verbena. Cure overnight or longer, up to 7 days, before application. Store away from heat and direct light. Use within 6 months.
Lemon Zest
Lemon verbena makes a refreshing, energizing face and body Spritz. Keep it in the refrigerator during the hot summer months and spray your face and body after gardening or exercising. It feels great as it gently cleans the skin.
In 4 ounces of distilled, or purified water, add 10 drops of Lemon verbena. Bottle in glass or double walled plastic with a fine, screw top mister. Allow to cure 3 hours before misting. It can be cured in the refrigerator, cold and ready to spray. Store remaining refreshing spray in the refrigerator, or a cool dark place. Add 10% if not used completely within 3 days.
Weak connective tissue is strengthened by lemon verbena. Many aromatherapists use it in a sports massage oil.
Blend to Strengthen Connective Tissue, Collagen
In 4 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:
15 drops of Sweet Orange
20 drops of Lemon Verbena
3 drops of Benzoin Styrax or Tonka bean
10 drops of Bergamot
Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw top. Cure overnight in a cool, dark place. Massage affected areas of tight muscles, loose skin, weak ligaments or connective tissue. This is excellent massage oil for those with collagen disease. Refrigerate remaining blend. Use with 6 months and enjoy!
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The Medicinal Rose - Blog 21
Roses have been successfully used in healing for many centuries. Rose oil has a harmonizing effect on the psyche and immune system. It balances the emotions and regulates immune response. If the emotional nature is oversensitive or non responsive, rose oil brings into balance. The immune response can also be overactive, or autoimmune, and /or under reactive, leading to poor resistance and viral or bacterial invasion. Rose oil acts as a relaxing tonic, reducing infection and viral complaints.
Rose is known to reduce or heal an outbreak of shingles in days. A pure rose oil or absolute is applied topically to shingles twice daily undiluted. The aroma will also reduce tension caused by pain.
I use rose oil in over 22 blends in private practice and as complimentary therapy in hospitals. The blends reduce nausea, anxiety, depression, and pain, as well as keeping maternity patients balanced and happy as they await a joyous arrival. Rose oil blends well with any essential oils without overpowering a blend. I used rose oil to anoint my mother as she passed to the other side. As a room spray, rose oil kept all of us calm and patient Rose oil blends helped alleviate grief and depression as I continued without her.
Women appreciate rose oil as a hormone regulator. It alleviates occasional depression, mood swings, angry outburst, and the bloated feeling associated with the menstrual cycle. Rose naturally strengthens the uterus to prepare women for pregnancy.
To Alleviate Cramping
In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add:
10 drops Rose Oil
1 drop Clary Sage
4 drops Roman Chamomile
1 drop Angelica root
Bottle in dark glass and a screw cap for several days before messaging the pelvic and abdominal area to alleviate cramping. Repeat every 30 minutes until symptoms abate.
To Alleviate Heavy Menses
In 2 ounces of carrier oil add:
5 drops Rose, increase up to 10 drops for a dominant rose scent.
5 drops Cypress
3 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Yarrow oil
Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Allow curing at least 3 hours before messaging the abdomen and pelvis. Repeat every 15 to 30 minutes until flow decreases. Do not drink chamomile or ginger teas.
For Delayed or Missed Menses
In 2 ounces of carrier oil add:
6 drops of Rose
1 drop of Basil
1 drop of Fennel seed
3 drops Coriander seed
Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Allow curing at least 24 hours before messaging the pelvis and abdominal area 2 times daily. Do not use if pregnancy is a possibility.
For Irregular Menses
In 2 ounces of carrier oil add:
10 drops Rose
3 drops Geranium
1 drop Fennel
1 drop Rosewood
Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Allow curing at least 3 days before messaging the pelvis everyday. It can take 3 months to achieve balance.
Mood Swings and PMS depression
In 1 ounce of carrier oil add:
5 drops Rose
3 drops Bergamot
5 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute (the absolute aroma is stronger)
1 drop Pink Grapefruit (Citrus deucumana)
2 drops Peru Balsamar or Tonka bean
Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Allow curing at least 1 hour, up to 3 days. Massage on neck, throat, and sternum (upper chest). It is best to have this blend ready and available when needed. It can be worn everyday or as needed. This blend also helps post partum depression. Always get the physician’s approval as applicable.
Occasional Depression in Men
In 1 ounce of carrier oil add:
6 drops Rose
1 drop Patchouli
1 drop Pink Grapefruit or Bergamot (both appear to stimulate serotonin) Bottle in dark glass and cap. Cure 3 hours or more and massage on face, neck, and chest.
Mood Swings for Men
Oh, yes, men have mood swings. It’s alright to offer this simple solution. The following aromas are very balancing.
In 1 ounce of carrier oil add:
5 drops Rose
3 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute
3 drops Tonka bean(Dipterix odorata)
Note: 1 drop of Angelica root may be added to increase stamina, grounding “earth” energy; reducing weakness and indecision. The aroma is very strong. Only use 1 drop to prevent overwhelming the other lighter aromas in this blend. Readjust the blend by adding more rose if necessary. Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Cure 3 hours or longer before messaging neck, face, and chest.
Tension Headaches
Use this blend to reduce tension in the face, neck, and shoulders, or when a tension related headache occurs.
In 1 ounce of carrier oil add:
6 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute0extra is very sweet and lighter than the absolute).
4 drops Rose
1 drop Lemon grass, or Litsea culeba for a hint of lemon aroma.
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Candalwood(to harmonize the blend, and as a fixative).
Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap. Allow cure 3 hours to 3 days. Message onto neck, shoulders, temples, and forehead.
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