The Scent of Authenticity

By Tammy Davis
Of all places to find anything to do with 'Aromatherapy' but in an Ace Hardware store. Obviously, aromatherapy products were not why I went in; nonetheless, there they were.... BAM... just as I walked in the door. To make it even more intriguing was the fact that these were household cleaning products with the word, 'Aromatherapeutic' written in bold above everything else with such fragrances as: lemon verbena, lavender, basil, geranium and apple (of all things). I immediately grabbed a bottle to venture a whiff, and sure enough, not one of them contained real essential oils let alone therapeutic botanicals. Let's just say, I was mildly entertained.

It didn't take long for a sales clerk to stop and explain to me just how great this product is especially for being real (her word). I could not contain myself, and because she was as friendly as she was, it felt appropriate to gently point out that they were in fact, not authentic as far as the 'aromatherapeutic' part was concerned. I must say, she did take it in stride and with the biggest smile on her face, she says, 'You're kidding?'.

I briefly explained my background and expertise level justifying my response. She was incredibly open and wanted to know more. The discussion went on for a while before she said to me, 'Well that explains why it's such a good product! It doesn't have all that hippie stuff in it.' This was really too funny and a brilliant segue into packaging, marketing as well as quality. In that moment, she represented a collective belief system: in order for something to be of quality, it's got to be synthetic; not to mention that 'we' don't really understand where all this 'hippie stuff' comes from. By the time we were finished, she expressed appreciation for 'teaching' her something new and swore it was information she would never forget.

I also realized that today was a day I could share with so many others. Let's be honest, the general population does not get what Aromatherapy truly is. I even had a man come up and sniff me today because he knows my title; however, when it comes to discussing how I practice, there is no getting a word in edge wise. It's all about the sniffing and aromas; I mean, why else call it 'Aromatherapy', right?

However, my experience at Ace (actually both experiences) opened my eyes to what's really missing. This, of course, led to my insight on the most effective way to serve the public if I want to raise the standard practice of Aromatherapy to a higher level and that is provide educational information for people to consider.

With this said, Aromatherapy IS NOT just about using plant aromas to scent a room or product for relaxation or stimulation. It definitely has nothing to do with using fragrance oils, either. Yes, aromas have the ability to foster good memories; however, this is only a small component of what it means to be therapeutic. In calling something therapeutic, we're talking about facilitating health and wellbeing. Memory is only a fraction of this equation. For an essential oil to be beneficial, we need a complete molecule. Researchers have isolated the components of these molecules responsible for the individual aromas and are able to extract them to produce fragrance oils. These are what are known as 'perfume grade' oils.

On the other hand, when we work with a therapeutic grade essential oil, we're utilizing the entire particle and the selections as well as application are determined by the client's need. Now, each oil does have a specific purpose for which it works well; however, when we follow a holistic practice, we're treating an entire system, so the choice of oil may change depending on what is presented.

So, it stands to reason that you want to be sure of your source in order to assure the quality of essential oil you're purchasing; and, the best way to do this is with a chromatogram (a mapping that demonstrates a complete molecule). For many reasons, this is not easy to obtain, so your next option is to deal directly with an Aromatherapist and if all else is impossible, pay attention to the packaging!! This is what caught the attention of my sales clerk today.

The bottles were a translucent white plastic. This happens to be the biggest 'no-no' for bottling essential oils. Anything with pure botanical essences in it needs to be in a dark glass bottle, which has nothing to do with using expensive containers to jack the price AND everything to do with maintaining the integrity of the oils within. You see, essential oils breakdown plastic compromising it's quality, and when exposed to light as these were due to the translucency, the integrity becomes compromised even further rendering it therapeutically useless.

Bottom line, if you're truly interested in Aromatherapy then know your source. The proof is in the packaging; there is no hiding the real deal.

Tammy Davis, Holistic Practitioner in Taos, NM

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Essential Oils Diffusers - What's the Difference and What Works Best?

By Keith Buttowski
Essential oils diffusers play a huge part in aromatherapy. There are many different types on the market and they all work differently. Choosing one really depends on what type of diffuser you're looking for and how much you are willing to spend. Below are the different types of essential oils diffusers available and what they have to offer.

Lamp rings are one type of essential oils diffusers that are very inexpensive. It is a ring made of terra cotta that is placed on top of a light bulb. The ring holds the essential oil and the light bulb heats it up and diffuses it into the air. It is very easy to use but a couple drawbacks are if oil gets on the light bulb, it can break it. And also heat reduces some of the therapeutic benefits of the oil.

Another type of essential oils diffusers are clay pot diffusers. These are also very inexpensive and do not need to be plugged in or batteries. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Basically, the essential oil is poured into the middle of the clay pot diffuser and capped off with a cork. The pot absorbs the oil and diffuses it into the air. You can adjust how strong the aroma is by adding more or less oil. These are very easy to use but the main drawback is it is hard to keep a consistent aroma in the area. It is usually strongest when first applied and then weakens as time goes by.

One more type of essential oils diffusers are candle diffusers. These are normally made of a ceramic material or metal. They consist of a bowl or tray that is heated by a tea light or candle to diffuse the oil aroma into the room. There are many varieties to choose from ranging from inexpensive ones to others that are very fancy and cost a bit more. These are very easy to use but the drawbacks are candles can be a fire hazard, the area that oil is diffused into is somewhat limited, and heat tends to reduce the therapeutic benefits of the oil.

Another popular type of essential oils diffusers that are also simple to use and work well are fan diffusers. These come in many varieties. These use a fan that blows air across an oil tray or absorbent pad to distribute the aroma throughout a room. It's important to choose a fan diffuser to fit the size of the room. A small diffuser is needed for a small room or a larger one for a larger area. Fan diffusers need to be plugged in and portable ones use batteries. You can even get one for your car. These don't effect the therapeutic benefits in any way and work well. The only drawbacks are some models can be noisy and some use disposable absorbent pads, so they need to be replaced.

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Tangerine Essential Oil - Aromatherapy

By Peter J. Rose
From the citrus family comes the most royal and noble of them all, the tangerine. It belongs to the diverse orange family and like any citrus, the essential oil is derived from its peelings where the mild aroma and flavour of the tangerine comes from. Originally from China, where it was called Mandarin, it was named after the high officials and dignitaries of the old imperial China. That speaks well for the value the Chinese hold for the tangerine. From China, it found its way to Europe and eventually in North America. Today the United States is the world biggest producer of this fine citrus that has given us the one of the finest essential oil ever produced. In fact it blends well with other essential oil and can be found in most cosmetics and perfumery.

Tangerine essential oil is one of the perfect oil to be used in aromatherapy. It was said to be the oil of happiness in China because it gives a soothing effect both on the physical body as well as the mental and spiritual. Its calming effects on the body are well known because its effects are not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Other organs of the body are calmed by this body relieving us of stress and other stress related body problems like diarrhea or dyspepsia. Tangerine essential oil relaxes the muscles as well as the other organs of the body thus relieving us completely any problem associated with spasm.

It is very popular as in aromatherapy for the many benefits associated with it. Tangerine essential oil is also known to be the cleaning oil. It is said to combat many bacteria that attacks the body. Its anti septic properties where used even in the old days, even for babies. In fact bacteria causing sepsis are easily eliminated with it that can cause many skin problems and diseases. It is also perfect for treating acne and pimples due to its antiseptic properties. The fresh fruity yet mild scent refreshes the whole body giving one the feeling of complete cleanliness.

Tangerine essential oil is well known to improve the mood of a person. Its scent is appreciated by both the young and the young at heart. Even popular cologne brands used it as the primary scent of their colognes as babies are said to be more happy and calm with it.

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Ravensara Essential Oil - Health Benefits

By Peter J. Rose
Madagascar is not only famous for the highly successful animated movie named after it. It is the origin of a 20 feet high Ravensara aromatica that gives us the queen of essential oil in the African continent, Ravensara essential oil. Its leaves through distillation are the source of the sweet fruity scented oil with a hint of spice. For centuries the locals of Madagascar has used this essential oil, which they sometimes call the "cure all" oil, to treat many diseases.

Influenza is a common disease in the African continent. Very often Ravensara oil is use even at the onset of the disease. When one has the first sign of the said disease, like shivering for example, it is immediately applied on the body. There are even reports that say that it can cure influenza in just one day with the help of this wonderful essential oil. Needless to say it is also good to combat simple fever as well.

Ravensara oil is a very potent anti viral. It can fight many viral causing diseases like measles, pox, mumps, common cold and shingles, also known as herpes zoster. The essential oil combats these viruses by destroying their protective covering, thus stopping their growth. It is also both anti bacterial and anti microbial. It can stop also the growth of bacteria and microbes thus preventing many diseases associated with them.

An essential oil of choice as an analgesic, Ravensara oil maybe use as a remedy for almost all types of pain like headache, muscle pain and cramps, joints pain and toothaches. Being anti allergenic, it can cause to allergy to the body being non irritant and non sensitizing. It also helps build in the resistance of the body against allergies and break outs caused by them.

Ravensara essential oil helps stimulate the immune system of the body. It is very useful for people trying to lose weight as it is also a diuretic. As such it promotes urination which causes toxins, fats, and uric and kid stones be removed from the body. In doing so, it detoxifies the body making it clean and helps in the maintenance of the homeostasis of the whole body. It is also ideal for many respiratory related health problems such as whooping cough, asthma, and congestions of the respiratory tract. No wonder it is called in Madagascar the oil that heals.

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Tangerine Essential Oil - Health Benefits

By Peter J. Rose
The typically citrus smelling tangerine essential oil is said to have many health benefits. Originally from China, this essential oil found its way first to Europe then the North America where know they are the biggest producer of tangerines. Some people call it mandarin also, the name given by the Chinese. But some argued that mandarin and tangerine belong to different species albeit from the same citrus family. The Chinese were the first one to discover the many health benefits of tangerine oil. In fact they were named after the illustrious dignitaries and nobility of the then imperial China because it was a priced fruit fit for royalty.

Tangerine oil can blend perfectly and easily with other essential oils to produce more exciting scents. Typically it used in China as a tonic. As a tonic, it helps the body maintain its homeostasis and balance. It tones the skin, the muscles as well as the different internal organs of the body. It checks the imbalances of the body and corrects them.

In skin care, tangerine oil is also extensively used. As a powerful antiseptic, it can kill bacteria causing diseases of the skin. Acnes and pimples are treated with it. Oily skin is also one problem that it can help. And like most of the citrus family, it can be phototoxic. Meaning one should exercise extreme care when using it on the skin when going outside in the sun. Generally it is mild with even a milder lemony scent but pregnant women should first consult their doctors before using it, as they should when using any oil for that matter.

Tangerine oil aids in the purification of the blood. It helps the removal of the toxins in the blood. A potent depurative, it also removes unwanted substances in the body like kidney or gall bladder stones. As an anti spasmodic, tangerine essential oil relaxes not only the muscles of the body but more importantly the internal organs as well. It can help even the respiratory system and is good as a complementary alternative treatment for asthma. As it relaxes the organs responsible for the respiratory system, asthma attacks may be avoided. Even simple stomach problems like diarrhea and dyspepsia that caused us big problems may be relieve by it as it helps the organs of the digestive system be toned, relaxed and cleansed.

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Marjoram Essential Oil - Health Benefits

By Peter J. Rose
In almost all herbal gardens Marjoram can be found. In most kitchens of serious cooks, a pot or two of Marjoram can be sighted. This is because the sweet herbaceous with of note of spice aroma of Marjoram can make meat dishes turn into extraordinary ones. In the field of traditional and alternative medicine, the health benefits of Marjoram essential oil are numerous. Marjoram has as botanical name Origanun marjorana is typically found in Asia and in the Mediterranean regions. Nowadays, it is commercially grown in Northern Africa and Spain.

It is used primarily on respiratory problems like asthma. Marjoram essential oil has calming effects on the organs of the body. As organs of the respiratory system are relaxed and calmed down, asthma can be effectively controlled. As the body is further relaxed, mucous can be secreted from the body giving relief from coughs as well.

When use in massage, it is proven to be a good analgesic and anti spasmodic. Muscle pain and even joint pain can be treated with Marjoram essential oil. As an analgesic it can be used for those having fever and have the temperature brought down to its normal level. Being organic, it has no known undesirable side effects unlike the some analgesics bought in the market. As an anti spasmodic, it can treat all sorts of spasm problems, including respiratory, muscle and intestine spasm.

Known also to be a good antiseptic, way back during the glory days of the Greeks and the grandeur of Rome, it is used to treat many skin problems. Modern cosmetics use it to keep the body safe from any bacteria and fungi. Being anti bacterial it can be used to protect from food poisoning and other bacterial infections. Marjoram oil could be use also as a topical lotion to treat skin problems like burns and bruises.

Marjoram essential oil may be use for the treatment of high blood pressure and other cardiac problems. Its anti spasmodic properties allow the arteries to dilate and thus avoid further strain on the heart. The oil is also use as a diuretic, meaning it aids in urination. During regular urine, toxins, fats and other unwanted substances of the body are excreted. It thus makes an effective anti oxidant. Marjoram essential oil is used for digestive problems also. It can help facilitate digestion by secreting gastric juices needed for proper digestion of food.

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Marjoram Essential Oil - Aromatherapy

By Peter J. Rose
No kitchen is without it. A plain chicken or beef will instantly turn into gourmet dishes with marjoram. Its sweet woody and herbaceous aroma with a tinge of spice makes it perfect for any meat dishes. This wonderful plant is also the source of one of the best loved essential oil, Marjoram essential oil. Its botanical name is Origanun marjorana, and it common in Asia and the Mediterranean region. Now it is commercially grown in many countries like Spain, Hungary, and North Africa. For the Greeks and Romans in the ancient times, it is a symbol of unity and love for the newlyweds. According to legends, it was the goddess of love herself Aphrodite who has chosen this plant from among the hundreds sprouting on Mount Yda in order to have the wounds of Enea cured.

In aromatherapy, Marjoram essential oil is perfect when used for relaxation. Its sweet fragrance calms the whole body including the muscles and the nerves. It is an excellent analgesic that could be used even for joint paints. It is so popular as a relaxant that it is even considered as anaphrodisiac. With aphrodisiac, the sexual urges of the person is awaken, but in anaphrodisiac, the opposite happens, the sexual urges and tendencies are controlled effectively. This makes it a perfect antidote for people suffering from extreme and abnormal sexual urges and have them suppressed.

Marjoram essential oil is also said to be good for the brain making it cephalic as well. The oil can make the brain healthier and never allows it to go dull. A healthy mind makes a healthy body, as the saying goes. From the brain, it is also highly valued for respiratory problems like asthma. It is said to have a calming effects on the respiratory organs as well as to the emotions. Meaning it can also aid hyperactive people to calm down while at the same time help in the proper circulation of the blood in the body. Due to its calming effect, it is also used as an aid for sleeping by people suffering from insomnia.

For the Greeks and Romans, marjoram essential oil was used to brighten up people who are lonely and sad. They say that it has an uplifting and at the same time warming effect on the emotions of a person. Thus it is used on people who are grieving or just lonely for whatever reason.

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