Summer Fitness

Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi,has been added to blends for weight reduction.  Grapefruit also helps reduce inches, making it a perfect choice for summer fitness.  The grapefruit is believed to evolve from a Caribbean fruit, known as the shaddock.  Today, grapefruit is grown commercially in the United States, Israel and parts of South America.  The ruby red, or pink variety, is preferred by aromatherapists and perfumers for its excellent, uplifting aroma.  Essential oil is machine expressed from the peel of ripe fruit.  The aroma stimulates the brain, resulting in a euphoric effect.  It is a great essential oil to use when life is too much, or self- doubt overtakes good thoughts and affirmations. Just open the bottle of grapefruit and let the aroma lift you.

Good morning Fragrance

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

                        15 drops Grapefruit, Pink

                          5 drops of Sweet Orange

                        10 drops of Neroli

                          3 drops of Styrax benzoin

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight- fitting cap.

Allow to cure overnight, or up to 3 days.  Adjust the blend to “taste”.  Apply a drop to each temple and massage the oil into the hair near the temples.  Apply another 2 drops to the throat or neck, massage gently and enjoy the day.  Refrigerate blend and all the citrus essential oils.  Use the blend and essential oils within 6 months.  The blend will continue to marry over the following 3 weeks.  After completion, adjust the blend adding more of any of the desired essential oils.  Note:  Styrax benzoin has an amber aroma.  It is an excellent “fixative”, or base note for an aroma blend.  It dissolves easily in alcohol, which can be substituted for jojoba oil.  Best to use perfume alcohol, 190 proof.

Grapefruit is an excellent detoxifying essential oil.  The main effect is calming irritable moods or angry outbursts.  In the body, grapefruit enhances movement. Grapefruit blends well with other citrus oils, palmarosa, rosewood, ginger and rosemary.

 Massage Blend

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

                        30 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                          2 drops of Ginger root

                          5 drops of Rockrose

                          5 drops of Lemon or Lemongrass

Bottle in dark glass with a tight- fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage the limbs, moving towards the heart.  Then massage the back and front of the torso using brisk, circular, clockwise motions.  Apply cool packs to the back if it comforts the recipient.  Refrigerate remaining blend and use within 6 months.

Refreshing Foot Massage: If you enjoy foot massage, you will love using this blend during the hot summer months.  The addition of lime makes this blend a great deodorant.

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

                        10 drops of Grapefruit

                        20 drops of Lime

                          2 drops of Sandalwood

Bottle in dark glass with a tight- fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure for 3 hours or overnight.  Slowly massage the blend onto the bottom of the feet, ankles and top of the feet.  Watch the recipient melt into a blissful relaxed state of mind.  Refrigerate any leftover blend and use within 6 months.

Bath salts are fun to make and even more enjoyable to experience.  Here’s one children will love, big “kids” too!

Fruity Bath Salt Blend: In a 1- quart glass jar with a screw cap, blend 2 cups each of Epsom salts and Dead Sea salts.  These alts relax muscles, joints and skin.  Add the following essential oils to reduce cramps, promote relaxation and a good mood.  Stir and mix well:

                        10 drops of Pink Grapefruit

                        20 drops of Tangerine, Citrus Madurese's

                        10 drops of honey or Honey oil absolute

                          5 drops of Sandalwood

Cap tightly and allow curing for 10 days.  Add a cup of salts to a tub of warm water.  Stir the water with your hand to blend and dissolve the salts.  Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.  Avoid splashing the eyes.  Store leftover salts in a cool, dark place.  Use within 3 months for best results.

Grapefruit also removes excess fluid and prevents fluid retention.  It has a tonic effect on the skin and tissues.  Massage this blend onto the skin you’d like to tighten and tone to enhance summer fun.

 Blend: In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, or double distilled witch hazel, add the following essential oils:

                        10 drops of Grapefruit (Pink grapefruit smells the best)

                        10 drops of Mandarin, Citrus reticulata

                          1 drop of Nutmeg, Myristica fragrance

                          1 drop of Coriander

Blog 17- Petitgrain

Petitgrain, Petitgrain bigarade, is the essential oil of green bitter orange leaves and twigs. The aroma has an herbaceous woody undertone with a fresh, orange blossom scent. The essential oil has a very intense odor, best used with a light touch.

            The scent is very tart and stimulating. A drop in an aroma blend can revitalize a combination that has lost its pizzazz. It is standard and a favorite aroma in colognes. Petitgrain is not a substitute for Neroli, orange blossom absolute or sweet orange essential oils. It stands alone as a perfume, cologne, and skincare essential oil par excellence.

            Petitgrain naturally stimulates the mind and supports memory. In contrast Neroli, is relaxing and calming to the nervous system. To enhance memory and concentration, Petitgrain blends well with Rosemary, lemon or lemongrass essential oils. These oils will support the tart odor of Petitgrain. The following aromas can use, especially by adults, to increase concentration time and enhance memory.

Petitgrain Blend

In one ounce of carrier oil, add:

            7 drops Petitgrain

            2 drops lemon peel or Lemongrass essential oils

            5 drops Rosemary

Bottle in a dark glass with a tightly fitted cap. Allow curing 1 hour before applying, turning the bottle over 1 to 2 times to combine the oils. Wear a few drops at the temples or on the nape of the neck.

            Petitgrain is a natural skin toner. It blends well with frankincense as a base note, and Lemongrass as a heart note to make a skin toner. Rose of any variety can be used for more sensitive or mature skin. Petitgrain is a high note, or also known as a head note. Another optional high note is Palmarosa, which hydrates dry skin and balances sebum secretions.

Balanced Skin Toner

In 2 ounces of aloe vera gel add:

            ½ ounce of witch hazel

            1 ½ ounces of distilled or spring water

            3 drops of Petitgrain

            2 drops Palmarosa, Cymbopogon martini (optional)

            2 drops frankincense

            2 drops of lemongrass

            4 drops Rose Otto or absolute of your choice (optional)

Tightly cap in a dark, glass bottle. Apply to clean skin 1 or 2 times daily.

 Petitgrain Cologne

 In four ounces of 190 proof alcohol add:

            8 drops Petitgrain.

            6 drops Bergamot, Citrus bergamia

            1 drop Benzoin, Styrax benzoin or S. Tonkinese's

            2 drops Cocoa, optional. It is very expensive.

            2 drops Tangerine

            2 drops Rose absolute or R Otto (Increase to 4 drops, as desired.)

            1 drop Geranium

            2 drops Ylang ylang extra or absolute.

Cap tightly in a dark glass bottle. Allow curing up to one month. The aromas will blend and change into one scent that will lift in multidimensional layers from your skin.

            Petitgrain has more than one source as an essential oil. Commercially, it can be produced from bitter orange, sweet orange, lemon and tangerine leaves, twigs and unripe fruit. The essential oil from bitter orange is very uplifting and is labeled Petitgrain bigarade. Petitgrain citron Mier, from the lemon tree calms nervousness. Tangerine, Petitgrain mandarinates soothes tension and rigidity. Petitgrain enhances some of the exotic spices aroma flavors. Use Petitgrain in blends that appreciate its tartness. The following ideas may spur your creative talents.

Massage Oil for the Tummy

Petitgrain marries well with coriander to reduce tummy troubles and nervous stomach. Massage the abdomen up to 3 times daily to reduce symptoms. See a health practitioner if symptoms prevail.

            In 4 ounces of warm carrier oil, add:

            12 drops of Coriander

            5 drops of Petitgrain

            3 drops of Sandalwood

Cap tightly in a dark, glass bottle. Turn the bottle from side to side a few times to mix well.

Chronic nerve pain blend

Petitgrain takes clove and clarysage to a heightened intensity in this blend. Massage areas, such as back, neck, and limbs to reduce discomfort. Use this blend three times daily. Patch test first to assure safety.

            In four ounces of Sesame oil add:

            8 drops of Clove

            4 drops of Petitgrain

            5 drops of Clary Sage

Cap tightly in a dark, glass bottle. Turn the bottle over three times to mix well. Store remaining blend in a cool, dark place. The aromas and healing qualities increase with time, even a few hours. Keep a blend ready in storage.

Medieval Aromatherapy Revisited

            As Europe blossomed from the Dark Ages, many aromatic herbs and their essential oils were rediscovered.  Much of the knowledge of distillation, extraction and medicinal properties taught by Greek and Roman physicians was lost, only to be reintroduced by Islamic physicians and alchemists linking their ancient art to the modern world of science.

            Herb gardens flourished in the later 1500’s at every commoner’s home.  Aromatic herbs were grown for strewing, cooking, home remedies and many household uses.  These herbs and their fragrant waters were often worn to cover the smell of unwashed bodies.  Bathing was considered unhealthy for the skin and general condition of the body.  Incense and strewing herbs helped during church and public gatherings, but very intimate encounters required special considerations.  Soon lovers developed a language of flowering herbs from the heavenly scents masking their personal odors.

A particular favorite was sweet Marjoram, Marjorana hortensis, believed to enhance marital bliss.  It was worn in nosegays, sweet powders and washing waters to perfume clothing.  Sprigs were hung outside a maiden’s window to attract a good husband….or announce availability.  Finger bowls were scented with marjoram and other sweet smelling herbs from the garden by floating them in the water bowls.  Guests would dip their fingers at the end of the meal, having used their fingers as utensils.  The following medieval recipe can be modified today for an aromatic sweet washing water for rinsing linens or fingers after a picnic.  Soapwort is used as a safe detergent.

Medieval Sweet Marjoram Water

            Simmer 2 ounces of Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis, roots, stems and fresh leaves in 2 cups of pure water for 5 minutes.  Add 4 ounces of fresh marjoram, cover, remove from heat.  Allow the herbs to steep until cool, 20 to 30 minutes.  Strain, squeezing the liquid from the plant materials.  Use to wash linens or undergarments.  This recipe can be used on a picnic to clean fingers and hands before and after eating.

            Alternate recipe:  Prepare and simmer soapwort.  Cover and allow to cool.  Strain liquid.  Add 4 drops of marjoram essential oil.  Use for clothes or a body wash.

            The aroma of marjoram essential oil is slightly spicy and warming.  The scent is relaxing and calming, useful for anxiety, insomnia and crankiness.  Medieval Europeans often ground dried marjoram with a talc powder.  The following recipe is safe on the body or dusted on clothes in Medieval manner.  Cornstarch and/or arrowroot can be substituted for orris and calamus root.  Marjoram essential oil can be substituted for ground marjoram.

Medieval Talc Powder

                        1 pound ground orris root, Florentine Iris root

                        1 pound ground calamus root

                        1 ounce ground, dried marjoram

                        ¼ pound dried lavender flowers or rose petals

                        1/8 teaspoon of ground clove buds is optional

            Combine in an airtight container.  Allow the aromas to combine for 1 week before using.  Stores up to 1 year in an airtight container.

            Substitute 10 drops of marjoram essential oil for dried marjoram; 6 drops of rose absolute or 18 drops of lavender absolute or essential oil.

            Marjoram is a native of Mediterranean cultures, used medicinally for many centuries.  The essential oil is steam distilled from soft woody branches in bloom.  In Texas, marjoram and its cousin, oregano vulgare, blooms profusely in mid- summer.  Mine is blooming now, a mid-summer treat!  The calming aroma has been used to treat grief and sorrow in Medieval times, and nervous distress.  Modern aromatherapists use sweet marjoram in a relaxing aroma blend.  

Relaxing Blend

            In 4 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                        20 drops Sweet Marjoram

                        20 drops Bergamot

                        10 drops Geranium

                        14 drops Rosewood

                        10 drops Lavandula

            Bottle in dark glass with a tight- fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure overnight.  Massage the back, chest, abdomen, and limbs with long, relaxing strokes every evening or as desired.

            Marjoram, of every variety, was enjoyed and used medicinally by the ancient Greeks.  Sweet marjoram was employed to prevent sinus headaches and migraines.  By enhancing cardiovascular flow, it is especially beneficial for stimulating the parasympathetic response and unblocking sympathetic nerve response.  Marjoram has the ability to remove energy blockages in the most non offensive ways. I like to add a drop or two of lemon, or lemongrass, to accentuate the power of this favorite Medieval herb.  Cold pressed lemon essential oil will give the blend a tarter flavor without the stimulation of the energy in lemongrass .  A few drops daily is safe.

Nasal and Bronchial Blend

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

                        20 drops Sweet Marjoram

                          5 drops Lemon

                          3 drops Rosemary

            Bottle in dark glass with a screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  Apply a few drops to affected area and massage gently.  Allow marjoram to relax and expand your vital organs and energy pathways.

One effect marjoram has which is notable.  Marjoram is so calming it reduces sexual excitement.  It is known as anaphrodisiac.  Save a blend to use after physical exertion.  Marjoram is a subtle, but powerful muscle relaxer.  Marjoram is not used for infants. Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. during pregnancy.

References:  Mother Nature’s Herbal, Judy Griffin

                     Medieval Gardens of the Cloisters, NYC

The Power of Scent

Aromatherapy is the use of organic essenential oils, derived from aromatic plants, to catalyze inherent health and well being, sexual attraction, beauty and creativity.

The power of scent begins when the chemical components of an odor created from volatile fragrant molecules, is transformed into nerve impulses.  This information is pulsed to the limbic olfactory brain via the olfactory bulb.  The limbic brain stores the scent as a memory.  This aroma memory is stored where the core of sexuality, attraction, repulsion, moods, motivation and creativity resides.  Here, the power of scent directly affects the neurotransmitters that reduce pain, increase energy and alertness, help us relax and motivate sense of well being and will to live.  Only unfamiliar or offensive odors pass through the cerebral cortex first.  The limbic olfactory brain developed first when the sense of smell was paramount to survival.  The neurotransmitters that stimulate and inspire the cortical, thought producing brain, originated the limbic brain as aromas.

Everything organic and alive has a unique odor.  Every illness has a unique odor.  As individuals, each of us acquires a unique scent in the womb we carry throughout life.  This can be catalyzed and modified by essential oils, affecting our moods, immunity, stress management, circulation and lymphatic drainage. 

Essential oils have been successfully used in healing for over 5,000 years.  Until recently, no one understood why.  In the 1920’s and 30’s, two Italian scientists, Dr. Cayola and Dr. Garri, conducted the first scientific experiments on the effect of essential oils on the nervous system.  Calming or stimulating effects were measured in the breathing frequency, blood pressure and circulation.  Their testing also confirmed the ability of essential oils to destroy bacteria.  During this time, a professor at the University of Milan treated anxiety and depressive disorders using essential oil combinations.  In 1937, the French chemist, Gattefosse’ published the first book on aromatherapy, describing medicinal and cosmetic applications.  Since then, many methods and applications have been used to directly affect brain chemistry in less than 1/100^th of a second, changing psychological, hormonal, pain, stress, memory, and sleep disorders.

Applied to the skin, essential oils pass through connective and lymphatic tissues into the circulatory system, affecting detoxification and immunity.  The skin is the largest immune organ, detoxifying more environmental toxins and chemicals than the liver, while protecting against bacterial and viral invasion.  Essential oils help balance helper and suppressor immune responses in the skin, reduce or retard bacteria and viral growth, and protect the skin through hydration, softening and preserving the epithelial tissues.  Essential oils are more active and potent than any preservative used commercially.  Their anti-aging properties are most effectively used in cosmetic and skincare.

Essential oils can enhance healing on multiple levels in the body and psyche without interfering with medications.  Within 2 to 3 hours after smelling or applying essential oil dilutions on the body, the volatile oil compounds are excreted through the breath and urine.  At least 80% of illness and disease can be positively corrected by proper essential oil usage, including obesity, a well known but little understood illness.  Aromatherapy is unique in that it catalyzes the body to heal itself resulting in little or no side effects.  Aromas coerce and train the body to respond positively to every challenge, utilizing all potentials to enhance healing.  As in other “natural” modalities, aromatherapy is safe when used correctly.  Therapeutic aromatic plants produce essential oils, usually through steam distillation and subsequent separation.  The concentration of volatile and other properties in essential oils is 100 times greater than the original plants.  Essential oils contain 50 to 500 other natural chemicals than the predominant scent.  One drop of an essential oil contains millions of microscopic molecules.  It requires several pounds of plant leaves and/ or flowers, such as in Province Lavender, to produce a teaspoon of pure essential oil.  Synthetic essential oils, or nature synthetic oils, are not therapeutic.  They are produced chemically in a lab and do not contain volatile oils which natural healing abilities.  In fact, the word essential oil is misleading.  These volatile oils, so sensitive to light heat, and air, only have an oily texture.  They are mostly hydrocarbons, made from hydrogen and oxygen, known as terpines.  Other properties may include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, oxides, peroxides, lactones, acids and sometimes sulphur.  These are naturally occurring substances available in foods.  Essential oils are safe used topically in dilution.  They are not safe internally, even in dilution, and should never be ingested.  Essential oils are best stored in dark glass bottles, tightly sealed, away from heat and light.  Store them in a refrigerator or dark, cool closet.  Do not leave droppers with rubber bulb tops sealing essential oil containers.  The volatile oils lift, degrade and destroy the rubber.  Plastic insert caps are acceptable.  Opened bottles are best used within a year.  I will discuss safety issues with discussion of each essential oil.  Knowledge is power.

In my professional experience, using essential oils in hospitals and clinics, essential oil therapy is quick, effective and safe.  I have designed blends for bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients, used in totally sterile conditions longevity increased, medication usage decreased, as well as nausea, anxiety and pain levels.

Since then, I have designed blends for chemically dependents, chronic pain and sickle cell anemia, pulmonary, cardiac, immune deficiencies, most cancers, sleep disorders, ADD and ADHD, maternal and palliative care, inflammatory bowel disease, autism and the list continues as needs arise.

The applications of essential oils are topical and aromatic.  Next week, I will begin to discuss dilution and carrier oils.  Suggested recipes will included each week.

Until then, dilute 3 drops of your favorite essential oil in a cup of hot water as it diffuses in the room, notice how your body responds to the aroma.  Enjoy!