Educate your Senses

Aromatherapy Tips for Everyday Life

The following are creative ways to use essential oils: to bring peace, relaxation, and simplicity into one's space. 

·         Lighten the air: Put a few drops of essential oil in the bag or filter of a vacuum cleaner. This will fill the room with aroma while cleaning. This instantly changes the energy of a room and the people in the room too. Lavender is calming; Lemon is uplifting and an incredible germ killer.

·         Aromatic House Spray to evoke memories of holidays past.

o    Recipe:

§  Pine Essential Oil 4 drops

§  Orange EO 2 drops

§  Cinnamon EO 1 drop

§  Diluted in 1 cup of distilled water in a plant spray bottle.

• Fragrant Linens: Put 3-6 drops of essential oil on a handful of cotton balls and place them throughout one's closet shelves. Next time one reaches for new sheets or towels, a waft of the heavenly scent will be present. Do the same thing to one's dresser drawers, desk drawers, etc. Use your favorite essential oil or blend, one that leaves a feeling of elation.
• Essential Clean: To clean one's fridge, put a few drops of orange, mandarin, mint, lavender, or lemon oil in a spray bottle of water. Not only will it disinfect and clean the fridge, but it will leave a wonderful scent when done. 
• Stove Top Potpourri: Simmer a few drops of Cinnamon and Nutmeg essential oils and other spice to create a warm and delicious scent in one's kitchen. OR make a pot of incredible air freshener by adding cinnamon sticks, cloves and sliced lemon to water and simmer on the stove. This eliminates any odor in the kitchen. 
• Stress Buster: Take 30 minutes to relax in a sensuous bath infused with 5 drops lavender oil, 4 drops orange oil and 4 drops ylang ylang oil. This fragrant bath with entice one's senses while leaving you calm, rejuvenated and refreshed.

·         Aromatic Logs for the fire. Whether the fireplace is inside or outside, this will surely evoke memories of yesteryear and perhaps create new ones for years to come.

o    Just one drop of EO, that's right only ONE drop of Essential oil per log per fire. Surprisingly, this one drop will be enough to provide an aromatic boost to the ambiance.

o    Simply put the "Firewood or Holiday" oil onto the log and leave it to soak in before putting on the fire. Suggested wait time before putting into the fire is 20-30 minutes. The reason is that Essential oils are inflammable so unless the oil has been given time to soak in, there could be sparks. Prepare several logs at a time and set them aside and use as needed.

§  Firewood Essential Oils: Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Cypress, Sandalwood

§  Holiday Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Clove, Bay, Pine, Cedarwood, Mandarin, Orange Tangerine, Frankincense, Myrrh

§  Use 2-4 oils and blend together to create a unique blend for special occasions.

These are a few quick and easy ways to enhance one’s mental and emotional health through aromatherapy, but one should consult a trained Aromatherapist who can read the chemical composition of an essential oil profile and make an educated decision about the safety of an essential oil before delving into this healing modality.

Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and owner/formulator of Aroma Pharmica, an organic skincare company and custom blend practice. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC. 843.330.5941 On-line at http//:www.aroma-pharmica.com

Hyssop - The Holy Herb

Hyssop - hyssopus officinalis is a bushy perennial shrub with small linear leaves and small clumping flowers. These flowers are very aromatic and attract swarms of bees and butterflies. It is from the Lamiaceae family.

Hyssop is a herb that is referenced 12 times in the bible. The chemical constituents that make up the essential oil of Hyssop are quite complex. A medicinal therapeutic grade  consists of 48% Ketones, which exert a very powerful action on body systems and are potentially toxic compounds that should be used in VERY small amounts; 30% Monoterpenes which are hostile to microbes and reprogram cells with correct information; 8% Sesquiterpenes which are oxygenating, mood elevating and can deprogram miswritten and garbled codes in the DNA; and lastly 4% Phenols which are antiseptic, cleanse receptor sites and detoxify our bodies.

Ancient uses of Hyssop include spiritual cleansing, purification from sins, help in focusing your mind in meditation, and expelling of evil spirits. During Passover, the Israelites stuck the post and lintels of their doorways with a branch of hyssop as protection.

Hyssop is used today to relieve anxiety, arthritis, asthma, respiratory infections, parasites, sore throats, cuts and wounds. It metabolizes fats, increases perspiration, detoxifying and emotionally balancing. The monoterpenes reprogram miswritten information in the DNA and thus promoting permanent healing at a cellular level.

Hyssop is a quintessential cleanser, enabling a clarity of spirit. It purifies and cleanses, awakening closed hearts and minds, all which is needed for the ultimate oneness with the Universe. As a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, I have been using this precious Essential oil in my private practice. If you would like to heal yourself naturally, please feel free to  visit  Aroma Pharmica's custom formulation page for your own healing blend.

Tis the Season - Part 3

Moving along, I would like to share with you more ways to have aromatic holidays. I know everyone is familiar with pomanders, those spicy fragrant oranges that hang from beautiful ribbon. Here are simple instructions to make your very own and create memories that last a lifetime. At least in this life and you will be a happier person in and after the process, as the sweet nectar of orange essential oils are absorbed through your fingertips.

Decorations are an integral part of holiday celebrations and essential oils can be easily incorporated. How about pine cones? Most parts of the US have pine trees which produce these cones that can be picked up fresh from the forest floor and used in decorations. If you are not graced with pine cones in your area, you can easily buy them from a craft store or such. Now put these into a sealable bag and put a few drops of Holiday Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Clove, Bay, Pine, Cedarwood, Mandarin, Orange Tangerine, Frankincense, Myrrh on a cotton ball and seal the bag. Remove the cones the next day and enjoy the aromatic power of essential oils. You can also do this with wrapping paper. Leave it in a sealed bag overnight with a cotton ball with essential oil. Use a different aroma for different family members and create a harmony of blends right under your tree.

You can also infuse ribbon that you are using for decorating and for gift wrapping with essential oils. Simply add 6-10 drops of the Holiday Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Clove, Bay, Pine, Cedarwood, Mandarin, Orange Tangerine, Frankincense, Myrrh to 1 cup of water, swish the ribbons around in the blend and let them dry. Remember you can create your own Holiday blend by adding a combination of the above oils.

(Essential oils can be found at your local natural grocer or specialty store or the WWW.)

Happy Holidays from the studio of Aroma Pharmica to your family...As always, thank you for your support throughout the year and as a way to show you our gratitude, use coupon code "thanks" for 20% savings when shopping with us at Aroma Pharmica. 

Tis the Season - Part 2

Okay I am on a roll and want to share with you some the easiest and most effective ways to change your world and the world of the people around you through essential oils.

Let's Make Holiday Logs for the fire. Whether your fireplace is inside or outside, this will surely evoke memories of yesteryear and perhaps create new ones for years to come.

All you need is one drop of EO, that's right only ONE drop of Essential oil per log per fire. Surprisingly, this one drop will be enough to provide an aromatic boost to the Holiday ambiance. If you make a holiday blend from the essential oils below, simply use ONE drop.

Simply put the "Firewood or Holiday" oil onto the log and leave it to soak in before putting on the fire. I suggest 20-30 minutes, sounds good. The reason is that Essential oils are inflammable so unless the oil has been given time to soak in, you might see more sparks than you bargained for.  I usually prepare several logs at a time and set them aside and use as needed.

Firewood Essential Oils: Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Cypress, Sandalwood

Holiday Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Clove, Bay, Pine, Cedarwood, Mandarin, Orange Tangerine, Frankincense, Myrrh

(Essential oils can be found at your local natural grocer or specialty store or the WWW.)

Happy Holidays from the studio of Aroma Pharmica to your family...As always, thank you for your support throughout the year and as a way to show you our gratitude, use coupon code "thanks" for 20% savings when shopping with us at Aroma Pharmica. 

Tis the Season - Part 1

As we are full swing in the holiday season, I have found that some just are not participating as much as year's past. This blog is meant to awaken your senses and bring back fond memories of holidays past.

The association of a particular aroma varies for many depending on where you were brought up or lived. Here in the good ole USA memories of happy childhood holidays may be evoked the the aroma of Bayberry,  because traditionally at this time of year, candles made from Bayberry wax was burned in the memory of the first settlers who made all their candles from the Bayberry.

There is another aroma that most of us know and it definitely warms the spirit and evokes fond childhood holiday memories and that is fresh cut Pine or other resinous conifer.

So from my studio to your family, I give to you today a simple recipe for HOLIDAY HOUSE SPRAY.

Recipe:

Pine Essential Oil 4 drops

Orange EO 2 drops

Cinnamon EO 1 drop

Diluted in 1 cup of distilled water in a plant spray bottle.

(These oils are available at your local natural grocer and other specialty stores, or the never fail WWW.)

With the help of nature's essential oils, the evocative aromas of the Holidays need not be lost. Stay tuned as Part 2 will be here soon.

Happy Holidays and Most Abundant New Year!

Orange you glad to see me...

This week play with me in the deeply and familiar fragrant grove of the Orange family. Sweet, sweet Orange is imbued with the energy of sunlight. This couldn't be a more perfect time to further explore the gifts of Orange essential oil, from the land of the sunny South, where everything is permeated with sunshine. With the holidays on our heels, I am reminded of fond memories of making beautiful hanging ornaments or pomanders with red ribbon, oranges and cloves. 

Orange contain the joy and magnificence of the light of the heavens. Bursting with vitality, it brings happiness to the heavyhearted, and light to those who seems lost. It brings newness and regeneration. Orange essential oil can rekindle a spark long forgotten and revitalize spiritual connections to a soul grown dim through living too hard, too fast, or too painfully. The fragrance uplifts those with fear of letting go so they can see the full spectrum of light that fills every cell of each and every one of our bodies. 

Healing through Nature  

Fragrant white flowers, shiny oblong leaves and nutritiously sweet fruit are bountiful on the Orange tree. The best oil comes from the rind and is expressed by hand. Orange oil restores balance to dry or oily skin. It supports healthy, youthful skin by promoting the production of collagen, which reduces puffiness and discourages dry or wrinkled skin. It also clears blemishes and improves acne-prone skin.

Remember Orange balances the emotions, either by relaxing or stimulating which ever the body needs. Orange has a warm, happy influence that prevents extreme seriousness; therefore, helping before perfection, overwork or mental overload takes its toll. Orange can awaken creativity, inspire harmony and promote self-awareness.

Embrace the gifts from the Orange family, those being warm, sweet and sensuous while having a positive effect on everything and everyone. That's the Law of Attraction in action. 

Remember that fragrances have the ability to bring memories to the forefront of our minds and with that, Oranges always make me smile as I breathe in the aromatic goodness as the skin cracks under my fingers.

What memories does Orange bring to you?

Have Oils - Travel with ease

As I fly the friendly skies, I must pack my travel companions safely in my carry-on. They are essential in combating airplane air and airport funk.

There are a few oils I never travel without. Here is my list and why:

Lavender: Anti fungal, anti bacterial, respiratory clearing, balancing, calming, good for headaches and migraines, and much more!

Tea Tree: Anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti viral. Good for cuts, bites, sore throats, throat gargles, respiratory clearing and much more!

Peppermint: Clearing and cooling. Great for headaches, fresh breath, mental fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, stomach upsets, sore and tired feet and legs.

I also have my On.The.Spot Stress Release that I can't be without, because it is like a genie in a bottle. Your wish is my command! One whiff and all your troubles and angst of hurried travel are put in check AND all those little germs that are trying to be hosted by your body are simply told to move along, there is no room in this Inn.

Easy Aromatherapy Tips using Pure Essential Oils

Not only have essential oils been shown to improve mental health and well being, but they are also a great way to invite serenity into your home and keep each room smelling blissful. The following are innovative ways to use essential oils: to bring peace, relaxation, and simplicity into your home and into your body.

• Put a few drops of essential oil in the bag of your vacuum cleaner. This will fill the room with aroma while cleaning. This instantly changes the energy of a room and yours too.
• Put 3-6 drops of essential oil on a handful of cotton balls and place them throughout your closet shelves. Next time you go to reach for new sheets or towels you'll get a waft of the heavenly scent. Do the same thing to your dresser drawers, desk drawers, etc. 
  
• Add a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle to freshen up your linen or spray on clothing before ironing. (Don’t use dark oils on white clothes, I learned the hard way, smelled great though!)
• If you need to clean your fridge, put a few drops of orange, mandarin, mint, lavender, or lemon oil in the a spray bottle of water. Not only will it disinfect and clean your fridge, but it will leave a wonderful scent when you're done. 
  
• Rub a dab of your favorite aromatherapy essential oils to the back of your neck to relieve anxiety, stress, or headaches. 
• Simmer a few drops of Cinnamon and Nutmeg essential oils and other spice to create a warm and delicious scent in your kitchen. OR make a pot of incredible air freshner by adding cinnamon sticks, cloves and sliced lemon to water and simmer on the stove. This eliminates any odor in the kitchen. 
  
• Take 30 minutes to relax in a sensuous bath enfused with 5 drops rosemary oil, 4 drops lemon oil and 4 drops clary sage oil. It is believed that *Rosemary will stimulate your thinking process, lemon will refresh, and clary sage promotes an all-over feeling of well-being.*

These are a few quick and easy ways to enhance your mental and emotional health through aromatherapy. Send me a comment of how any of these helped you or if you have other uses or suggestions for applied healing, please feel free to comment.

Sandalwood for the soul

Today is a monumental day in my life as it is my Birth Day! That's right, 39 years old at 10:03 AM I came into this world.

With that, I decided to treat myself to some healing potions from my most favorite aromatic tree a parasitic evergreen called Sandalwood. Indian sandalwood has long been used as an ingredient in the perfume industry; however the plant is now under threat and appears on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) threatened species list. The essential oil is extracted from the tree's heartwood therefore has become a highly priced oil on the verge of extinction due to over harvesting. 

Now a sustainability program is in place by Australia's Forest Product Commission (FPC). The Australian program utilizes years of sandalwood management research to successfully establish sandalwood tree farms that will replace harvesting from the wild. The FPC has set quotas on the amount that can be harvested, with about half of the quota coming from dead wood. Also, people who uproot a tree are required to plant twelve seeds in its place. 

So, today I give my soul the gifts of Sandalwood which are stillness, unity and being as I march forth into a new year of great accomplishments and abundance.

Madame Bergamot - experience her gifts

Let us explore Madame Bergamot. She is a hybrid of sorts, a cross between a lemon and a bitter orange, so imagine a fruit that is smaller than an orange, round like one yet yellow like a lemon, you’ve just envisioned a Bergamot.

Tiny white star-shaped flowers cover the branches along with lush green leaves and it bears a pear-shaped yellow fruit. The best quality oil is hand pressed from the rind of the fruit which has a lemony orange smell with a slightly sweet, balsamic undertone. Bergamot oil possesses strong antiseptic properties which makes it useful for the treatment of acne and skin infections. Its astringent quality helps regulate excessive oiliness of the skin or scalp.

Madame Bergamot’s personality is young, fresh, caring and considerate although she is not necessarily young in years, she will always be young at heart and have a joyful approach to life. Vivienne Lunny MD, Aromatherapist and Tutor says, “Bergamot comes into the room smiling, bright, happy and in balance, at ease with the world and is discriminating, loves nature, is tactful, practical, highly imaginative, caring, and productive.

Bergamot can see both sides of any issue, which enables him/her to re-balance feelings and emotions.”

It is an amplifier of light energy, energizing and magnifying, opening the heart of cosmic joy. Bergamot teaches that the help of the angelic realms is ever there; all we have to do is reach for it. To any soul, bergamot brings freshness and illumination, lifting us from stagnation, bringing an awareness that the light will rescue us and take us ever forward to the realms of peace and joy.

Remember Bergamot is refreshing and uplifting which helps balance the emotions and nerves. Research that was conducted in Italy indicates that Bergamot oil relieves feelings of fear, anxiety and panic. Its soothing nature encourages release of resentment and forgiveness that tend to be repressed emotions. Studies show that it equalizes emotions and moods by balancing the activity of the hypothalamus. It is said to regulate trapped or misdirected energy and redirects it toward healthy pursuits. Just simply smelling Bergamot oil can stabilize a person in a shaky emotional state.

References:
Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy An A-Z. Great Britain: C.W. Daniel Company, 1988.
Wilson, Roberta. Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty. New York: Avery, 2002.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. Aromatherapy for the Soul. California: New World Library, 1999.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Mind. California: New World Library, 1996.