Rose Geranium Essential Oil: January 2012

Stress and Essential Oils - Which Essential Oils Can Alleviate Stress?

When it comes to essential oils and stress relief, all are potentially beneficial through various methods of application. It is important to consider your smell preference as when we inhale an aroma that we love it will immediately have a positive effect on us. You may experience immediate relief from stress and tension, feel relaxed or energised, emotionally uplifted and calm. They will strengthen your immune system which is often depleted when one is stressed.

Some symptoms of stress can be feeling agitated and annoyed at the simplest or smallest of things. Some may feel teary, angry or impatient. Other symptoms can be broken sleep or feeling tired all the time.

There are many causes of stress - financial or relationship problems, family, work, pressure from many different sources. Here I will offer some recommendations keeping in mind that there are some very common essential oils that are used by Aromatherapists and that each individual may respond differently.

Essential oils to reduce stress:

Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Chamomiles, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus lemon, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon myrtle, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange sweet, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tea tree lemon, Violet leaf, Ylang Ylang.

I personally recommend and find direct inhalations and/or baths the fastest and most effective way of treating stress, anxiety, tension and depression. Using an aromatherapy body spray is another very effective and pleasing application. Room sprays are another very useful way of using essentials. Essential oil burners and diffusers can be used to enhance your moods however the end result will not be as long lasting as using direct inhalations having a bath or using an aromatherapy body spray.

Here are some examples of blends to use for reducing stress and associated symptoms along with a suitable application method.

Bathing:

Frankincense, Rosewood and Lavender are calming and bring peace.Neroli, Sandalwood and Clary Sage is a wonderful relaxing blend.Bergamot, Vetiver and Sweet Orange is very calming and is uplifting to the emotions.Geranium, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang is balancing and reduces stress and anxiety.For a healthy adult use 6-10 drops in total. For pregnancy, children, the elderly or fragile people halve the amount of essential oil drops.The amount of water has no relevance to the amount of essential oil drops used. When you are bathing you are actually receiving two pathways of absorption via the olfactory (our sense of smell) and integumentary (our skin) systems.

Inhalations:

These can be done by placing a few drops of your desired essential/s oil on to a tissue or hankie inhaling as you need.

Using a disposable inhaler is a very efficient way of doing dry inhalations; otherwise steam inhalations can be used. Be careful with steam inhalations as some essential oils can irritate your mucous membranes. Some essential oils I like to use:

Cardamom, Lemon Myrtle, Sweet Orange and Peru balsam are emotionally invigorating, uplifting, happy oils promoting a sense of lightness of being.

Peppermint, Rose and Lemon, assist in calming a racing mind and assisting with clarity. Bergamot, Mandarin and Grapefruit are uplifting to the emotions.

Body and Room Sprays:

Sprays are fabulous and easy to use on a daily basis and you can carry them with you where ever you go. I recommend you use a coloured or opaque glass bottle, 50-100ml and to carry with you 25-30ml is good. Place purified water in the bottle, around half way, then you add your chosen essential oils. Some aromatherapists prefer to use a disper; however I don't like to add anything but a floral or filtered water or a true hydrosol. Give the bottle a gentle shake before each use.

Suggested blends:

Geranium, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, SandalwoodLemon, Grapefruit, Cardamom, rosewoodRose, Neroli, Champa, Cinnamon30ml bottle 5-30 drops in total50ml bottle 10-30 drops in total100ml bottle 10-50 drops in total

I have given you a guideline in the amount of drops to use above, however it will depend on your personal sense of smell as to how many drops you use.

Enjoy as you bring a smile into your day!

If you have any questions or are unsure about using essential oils, speak to a qualified Aromatherapist or you may contact Julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au or go to http://www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au/

Original article

Using Essential Aromatherapy Oils to Boost Your Health

Essential aromatherapy oils have been in use for centuries by millions to improve health conditions.

Many of them will benefit you physically, emotionally and mentally. You can use them to treat problems like headaches, stress and skin diseases and improve the functioning of vital body systems.

How do you use these aromatherapy oils for maximum benefit?

There are many methods of using the oils depending on the condition you are dealing with.

You can inhale them directly either from the bottle or pour a few drops onto a piece of cloth. This way, you will get instant relief from nasal congestion, coughs, colds and flu.

For deep inhalation, you should put a few drops of oil into a basin of hot water and cover your head over the basin to inhale the steam. You can also use the oils as vaporizers or burners to keep the air in your room smelling fresh and clean.

A hot press would work fine, while a cold press will reduce swellings and ease headaches.

Massaging your body with essential aromatherapy oils will not only revitalize your skin but will also treat acne and other skin conditions.

Another beneficial way to use the oils is to add a few drops to your bath water and apply some to your hair.

Lavender oil can be used as a deodorant and decongestant. Inhaling its aroma will lift your moods, relieve you of tension, improve your circulatory system and memory, reduce symptoms of asthma and ease feelings of nausea. Also, it is a good remedy for burns, scratches cuts, muscle pain and joint pain.

Massage lavender oil onto your scalp to address hair loss. It will stimulate your scalp to encourage growth of new hair.

To fight depression, you should use jasmine oil. It has a strong sweet smell which will instantly uplift your spirits and reduce the stress levels in your body. In addition to that, it will improve your heart rate and boost your immune and respiratory systems. Women will experience the benefits of jasmine oil when dealing with menstrual and labor pain.

During labor, inhaling jasmine oil will strengthen your contractions, reduce your pain and increase your energy levels. This will make the delivery process easier and faster. Stretch marks and scars can be an eyesore, but you can reduce their appearance by applying the oil of jasmine to the affected area of your skin. It increases your skins elasticity and encourages the growth of new skin cells.

Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil of your choice as it may irritate your skin in high concentrations.

Emu oil is another favorable aromatherapy oil.

You will find it pleasant to apply to your skin because of its non-greasy nature. It will penetrate your skin fast to deliver the benefits. Apply it onto your neck to reduce stiffness and pain and massage it onto your skin to refresh it and give it a youthful glow.

It is also effective in healing minor wounds and reducing the appearance of scars. You have many reasons to try Essential Aromatherapy Oils. They will improve the overall state of your health as you enjoy using them.

This article was brought to you by Michelle Reynolds who will provide you with a comprehensive, highly informative and useful resource for using essential aromatherapy oils to help improve health conditions. Find out more about Visit her site at http://www.essentialaromatherapyoils.net/ and see the benefits of the oils.

Original article

Essential Oils Uses - How to Mix and Match

Various uses for essential oils are available including aromatherapy and many different around the home. You can add them to your bath water, steam inhalation, hot and cold compresses, blend into face creams, body lotions, use them for hair care, as room fragrances or personal perfumes and much more.Essential oils are the main 'tools of the trade' for aromatherapists, and in their hands they become a powerful, yet subtle instrument of healing. In this context, their most valuable use lies in professional aromatherapy massage treatments. A fascinating aspect of aromatherapy is experiencing the powerful effects they have on people, both psychologically and emotionally. Given that they have a complementary affinity with certain parts of the body, mind and emotions, their benefits are enhanced by choosing appropriate blends.The way you handle and use them is important. Because these oils are powerful and highly concentrated, they can be toxic if used incorrectly, but handled carefully and fallowing a few simple safety tips, they are safe and beneficial.

Being very concentrated and powerful (rarely used undiluted, and in very specific instances) they are greatly diluted before use. Many are light, clear and non-greasy, although a few are viscous and some are coloured. They are also highly volatile and evaporate quickly when exposed to the air, so they are best kept in airtight, dark glass bottles. However, they will not dissolve in water, you can dissolve them in fatty oils, such as almond, sunflower oil or alcohol. In a massage oil, for example, the dilution of essential oil in base oil is around 2 or possibly 3%.

They evaporate as soon as they come into contact with the air so, whichever method of applying is used, a certain amount is always inhaled. Because body massage is the main method of applying them, this suggests that the lungs and the skin are both of prime importance in the way they get into the body and do their work.

There are several ways to use essential oils at home, with or without the specific advice and support of an aromatherapist. As long as you stick to the guidelines and instructions, using them at home can be both fun and rewarding. When there is a physical ailment to be treated, you focus mainly on their physical properties. For example, if you have a sore throat then you would choose one that can fight the bacterial infection, such as lavender, benzoin, thyme or rosewood. On other occasions, they are selected more for their cosmetic skin-care,sedative, stimulating or anti-depressant and uplifting properties.A brief holistic review is always given to the way the essential oils affect you as a whole person, but this is not always the prime consideration.

There are many essential oil uses, such as blending them into your bath water, using them in massage, skin and hair treatment or simply for relaxing. You can take advantage of the essential oils benefits by choosing the appropriate blends.

http://www.essentialoiluses.co.uk/
http://www.essentialoiluses.co.uk/ways-of-using-essential-oils-how-to-mix-and-match/how-to-mix-essential-oils/

Original article

Aromatherapy Recipes Using Essential Oils

In ancient Egyptian times they used oils from flowers and herbs in their baths and for skin care, not only for their aromas but for the medicinal properties too. These oils are the volatile part of any plant and are extracted in different ways, by distillation, steam or compression. Once you have their oils they can be used individually or mixed together and can be put in the bath for a hot soak, a few drops added to a diffuser so the sweet aromas fill the air or added to a carrier or base oil for a massage. You can even get candles containing these oils or could add net oil to the melted wax as it gathers on the top of a burning candle.

All plants contain essential oils but in different quantities, some more than others. To get just one teaspoon of jasmine oil it takes 40,000 hand- picked jasmine flowers which is why this in one of the more expensive oils to buy. Rose is another flower that does not contain many oils and are usually extracted by using a solvent. The only down side with this method is that is gathers other properties from the plant as well as their oils. These are then known as absolutes and are well known in the fragrance industry and in cosmetics.

Fine essential oils are like diamonds or a fine champagne and known as the soul of any plant. Essential oils all have their own properties and used for different reasons, from rejuvenating, balancing and deep cleansing. They easily absorb in to the skin and can help psychologically and physically. Benefits of aromatherapy oils range from relief of headaches, mood swings, muscle relaxants, blood circulation and other healings.

There are hundreds of essential oils on the market and can be a daunting experience when going out to buy for the first time. Almost anyone can use essential oils but precautions do need to be taken. Because they are very potent it is important to dilute any oil before putting it on the skin and not to put too much in the batch as they can burn. You must ask yourself why you want to use these oils whether it be for a particular ailment and then how you are going to administer, either massage or inhalation so as to get the right ones. Below are a few just to get you started.

Basil - floral sweet aroma used for uplifting, energising and refreshing.

Bergamot - fresh and fruity used for uplifting and inspiring. An excellent deodoriser.

Chamomile - fruity, apple -like used for its calming properties

Clary sage - spicy, hay-like aroma for a euphoric feeling

Eucalyptus - Best known for inhalations and liniments and is very invigourating.

Geranium - A leafy-rose aroma with fruity, minty undertones. A soothing, mood lifting oil.

Grapefruit - This has a bitter citrus aroma which is very refreshing.

Lavender - A fresh almost eucalyptus aroma used in insect repellants, deodorants and room sprays. A calming and purifying influence.

Majarom sweet - Warm and spicy with a hint of nutmeg. Warming and balancing works well on sore muscles.

Orange sweet - Used for its refreshing, uplifting properties.

Rosemary - with its strong fresh, camphor aroma invigourates and clarifies.

Sandalwood - a sweet wood warm aroma. Perfect for that sensual soothing atmosphere

Ylang ylang - an intense floral almost jasmine aroma used for euphoria and sensuality.

Once you get used to the oils and their aromas you can mix your own but be careful with quantities.

There are many sites and books on the subject including my other site Aromatherapyrecipes.org.

Tony Marks is a writer providing information articles. You can check out his latest site at Aromatherapy Recipes where he provides unbiased information and advice on a range of products including Essential Oils and much more.

Original article

Several Benefits of Using Essential Oil

It is only recently when essential oils have gain a lot of popularity. This makes many of us think that essential oil is a product of modern age. However, contrary to this belief essential oils are in use for centuries for several benefits they offer. Many manufacturing companies take advantage of the numerous benefits of these and use it as an advertising fact. There are several families of essential oils, each having their own set of benefits and features.

There are several essential oils that help in anti maturing props and are also efficient at diminishing scrapes and stretch marks. Although there are more than hundred to choose from, given below is a list of most popular oils preferred due to their effectiveness and ease of application.

Rosewood: The rosewood oil is extracted from rosewood tree well known for its beauty. The rosewood oil helps in regeneration of tissues and is thus very effective in healing. Due to this property of rosewood oil it is used in the scrap against maturing skin. To use rosewood oil, mix few drops of it with a cream or lotion and apply gently on the affected area.

Neroli: Extracted by the steam distillation method from the flower petals of the orange tree, the Neroli oil is popular for its ability to regenerate skin cells. It is used in the similar fashion as rosewood oil. Add two to three drops of Neroli oil to any cream or carrier oil and apply to the skin.

Myrrh: Myrrh oil is praised for removing fine lines and wrinkles from the skin. Regular use of Myrrh oil by mixing it with carrier oil, cream or lotion can bring glow to your face to make it all new and fresh.

In addition to the above oils, there are many anti-ageing solutions that help in keeping the skin in a good condition without having to spend much time and money. A small bottle of essential oil may appear costly at first glance, but most oils are used in dilution and one small bottle lasts for months. In addition to skin and aromatherapy benefits, there are several other benefits of oil like improved digestion, breathing problems, and nausea.These oils are also widely used for spiritual purposes as they are believed to cause calming effect and a clear mind and spirit.

It can be fun to know more about essential oils and experimenting to find what is right for you. However, proper care should be taken and you must make sure that the oil is safe to use or not before using them.

Abhinav Solanki is an accredited Master Herbalist and writes about helichrysum oil that have many aromatherapy benefits. For high-quality, pure aromatherapy oils like yellow camphor oil visit the Natures Natural India- a marketplace of suppliers, distillers, and whole seller.

Original article

Resin Incense Through the Ages

The use of incense is as much a part of human history as the dwellings in which we reside and the temples where we worship. It's commonality across the globe spans not only cultures but whole eras in time. If any one thing could be said to be universal it would surely be fire, but with fire comes the burning of substances to achieve desired aromatic effects.

The use of resin incense dates back many thousand years, but the true origins are lost forever in the mists of antiquity. It is possible that it may have first been used in ancient Sumerian or Babylonian cultures for worship, though to date; this is only a theory.

Regardless of who first began to burn this delightful, aromatic resin, it has enjoyed popularity in nearly every corner of the world throughout the ages, from; the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Hindus, as well as many others.

The Babylonians were known to burn incense when offering prayers to their oracles. The smoke was thought to act as a vehicle to carry their prayers to the gods.

From there the use spread to ancient Greece and Rome via the trade routes of the day. Ancient Chinese cultures are thought to have been using types of incense since the Neolithic period.

Balls of resin incense have been found in the tombs of ancient Pharos and high ranking officials which could possibly hint at its expense as a commodity in the ancient world.

Incense was probably brought to Japan in the sixth century by Korean Buddhist monks who would use the smoke it produced, in purification rites; and also by the warrior class or Samurai who would perfume their armor to achieve invincibility; it was also considered to be a noble gesture to whoever might kill the warrior in battle.

The earliest known use of resin incense dates to the fifth dynasty in ancient Egypt approximately forty five hundred years ago. This can be determined by dating the discovery of some of the earliest incense burners known to exist. This type of incense is usually made by combining: a fuel; such as charcoal or other combustible base, with gum or resin, and adding aromatic oils to give it a distinct, pleasant odor when burned. The number of materials were used in the manufacture of incense was numerous and vast. Most anything that would burn including wood, bark, fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, tree saps, flowers and many more. The precise method of manufacture for a particular type of incense would have been a closely guarded secret passed down to only a few select individuals.

Over the course of history; just about anything that would give off a pungent, if not pleasant, fragrance when burned has been used in the making of one of the many forms of incense. Some of the classic standards are Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Copal, Dragons Blood and many others. Experiment what you can find and enjoy. When using charcoal and a burning medium I suggest a high quality bamboo or Japanese charcoal made without chemical additives the fragrance will be much more pure and nontoxic. Make sure you burn your resins in only a heat and flame proof vessel with sand or ash in the bottom.

Burning compounds to produce aromatic smoke is a very ancient practice indeed and the use of incense to: purify, bless, and even to heal, is at least as old as civilization itself. Enjoy!

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

The Benefits of Using Incense

Burning incense and aromatic resins for their pleasant aromatic properties is very familiar to most everyone. However were you aware that there are many benefits associated with it as well? This ancient and wonderful ritual that dates back millenia and it has been practiced by most cultures around the world at one time or another. It's use and popularity has been consistent due to its many and remarkable properties, which are believed to include but by no means limited, to improving your concentration, deepening levels of spirituality and helping with meditation and relaxation. The following will help lead you to understanding what burning incense can offer you, and we'll peruse this topic in more detail.

Many people in this stressful world suffer at times from an occasional headache sometimes even chronically. Most people are unaware that burning incense may alleviate your pain and could help bring you relief. By simply relaxing while the incense involves you in its enchanting aroma, the chances are that your headache may disappear within a few minutes. Certain areas of the brain can be positively affected by certain fragrances more efficiently than some other methods. One example of this is how a familiar aroma may trigger memory from your childhood. It is able to do this because the olfactory sense is closely connected to our neural pathways! Certain aromas may stimulate a response in your limbic system to induce your brain to release certain beneficial compounds. These may include compounds such as dopamine and even serotonin, and some incense can help dilate your constricted nasal passages as well. All of this adds up to helpful relief by just lighting a stick of incense.

In many cultures the use of certain types of incense formulated with specific herbs, spices and medicinal plants to help one achieve a greater level of focus. Some have the issue of a wandering or busy mind; incense can be a healthy and natural way to help. In fact, many religions have used incense for this very purpose, to allow them to pray or meditate more effectively. The churches of the Greek Orthodox as well as the Buddhist temples and shrines of India, Tibet and Japan incorporate Incense as a vital part of their ceremonies There are many types of incense specifically formulated from ancient recipes specifically for the purpose of meditation, there are many to choose from and one will be found to be a perfect fit for you. Some fragrances may include Sandalwood, Aloeswood or spices such a cinnamon or honey.

Not only can incense brighten a room with a beautiful scent and give you a peaceful feeling, it may help to alleviate depression as well! A group of scientists from around the world, including members from John Hopkins University, have found that levels anxiety or depression can be positively affected by the aroma of frankincense. How exactly this effect is achieved is not yet fully understood but may cause certain ion channels in your brain to be affected.

With incense providing all of these wonderful benefits and many more, it is an excellent addition to your home and life. Its aroma will create an inviting atmosphere in your home and living space. However, it may have even more profound effects, from reducing your headache pain to alleviating depression. So, give incense a try... to Life and Love Peace!

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/. Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Japanese Incense - A Short History

Incense has been used for sacred ceremonies and homes for centuries and it is still very popular. The history of Japanese incense is one of the oldest and most valued incense producing countries in the world. The art of making incense has been one of the best kept secrets in Japan for centuries.

Wood type Incense was recorded in Japan as early as (595); the current reign was that of the Empress Suiko. Just before that time Buddhism was introduced, around the mid-sixth century, as well a collection of sutras and Buddhist images, incense was also imported.

The Nara period (710-784) near its end, many courtiers were inspired by Buddhist rituals in the use of incense in temples and began burning incense at home. During a visit by the Chinese monk Ganjin (Jianzhen) to Japan he helped propagate the Buddhism precepts, as well as the formula used in Koh (Incense). The method of making "Takimono" (Kneaded Incense) was also introduced during this time. In the period of Nara, the incense ingredients were burned directly. So, it was believed strongly that incense was used in a religious context because of its use as "Ku-koh," in the purification Buddha and avoiding possible maliciousness. The incense that was used by them was kneaded and made into balls, which not only served "perfume" the air but also to perfume the clothes and hair.

During Heian-period (794-1183) a clay like kneaded Incense, was the typical type of incense of this period, and it was made by blending of select ingredients many of which were imported from overseas to Japan. This type of incense fragrance was widely embraced by the Japanese people. It became a daily custom of aristocracy to enjoy this elegant and unique fragrance.

Sets of lacquer utensils were used in preparation of the incense. The typical set for the preparation would include an outer box that contain smaller boxes for storing raw incense ingredients, such as clove, aloe, amber, deer musk, sandalwood and herbs, as well as tiny spatulas for preparing the mixture. Near the twelfth century the Establishment of Kamakura shogunate was introduced. Following this, a new approach to the appreciation of incense developed among the aristocratic warriors. Until this time period, the kneaded incense had been the accepted form of incense but then the pure fragrance of Agarwood (Aloeswood) started becoming much more popular.

The etiquette of "the way of incense" was developed in tandem with tea ceremony during the Muromachi period (1392-1573). Along with a flourishing fad of incense games, the practice of collecting very rare pieces and expensive incense wood gained popularity. The burning of rare and very expensive incense woods during special occasions increased their value, becoming a much desired experience.

At the beginning of Edo period (1615-1868), the aristocracy in Kyoto realized the need to revive the traditional "way of the arts" to preserve to preserve this part of their culture, to counterbalance various rules enforced by Tokugawa shogunate to restrict the representative power and aristocracy's influence. And later the, 'the way of incense' became a popular pastime for the Tokugawa clan in the wedding trousseau of the provincial warrior families. During the mid-Edo period, the incense games became widespread across the nation.

Incense sticks became popular along with many other new forms of incense. Various complex games that are associated with poetry were created, and the utensils used for games were perfected. Various schools relayed the knowledge on incense and its usage. Besides various game sets, there were different types of products, such as the koro, the incense burner, for perfuming hair, dwellings and cloths as well as different kinds of decorative containers for storing incense wood.

Also during the Edo period, the Chinese method of stick-shaped incense preparation incorporated. This Koh style stick shaped incense used by the middle class Japanese family. The Incense Ceremony known as Koh-do, developed earlier in the Muromachi period, was now being practiced more by the commoner.

Following the Meiji reforms (1867-68) and the "westernization-modernization" of the Japanese culture in the second half of the 19th century, the practice of burning incense decreased becoming a thing of the past. Thus, during the second half of the century, various incense utensils entered to the art market in very large numbers, and a considerable portion of them ended up in Western collections. However, after 1890s, due to partial efforts made by foreigners the Japanese culture is renewed, and the appreciation of "the way of incense "was gradually reborn.

Many of the incense companies that are currently manufacturing Japan have been crafting their incense for more than 300 years. Most of the ingredients that is used in Japanese incense comes from India and South-East Asia and are best chosen for their medicinal nature according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine. As times changes, Japanese incense manufacturers are continually striving to develop new fragrances that fits today's new lifestyle changes in Japan; in the process, they are really creating a new chapter in incense history.

Enjoy life more Burn Incense! Namaste'

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

The History and Use of Smudges

Many customs have been handed down from Native Americans to modern day people who appreciate such things, among them sweat lodges and totems, but one very well-known tradition still in wide use is the smudge stick. Interestingly, this practice is not limited to North American indigenous cultures, but appears all over the world in many widely varying cultures and times. Many religious and spiritual ceremonies and practices use the smoke from sage and other herbs as a means of purification and for other reasons. A basic approach to understanding these uses is the idea that the smoke from the burning of these natural, powerful substances has a power - the ability to root out and take away negative energies.

A smudge stick consists of dried sage and other herbs such as lavender, cedar, mugwort, and cilantro, tied together with twine or string in a bundle, usually small enough to hold in the hand. White sage has been the traditional herb used in purification rituals by Native Americans, and contemporary practices have added more aromatic herbs to the list. The main criterion for an herb to be used for this purpose is the fragrance - they give off a strong yet pleasing smell as they burn.

The word smudging is used to describe the use of a smudge stick in a ritual or ceremony, and is closely related to the use of incense in many spiritual traditions around the world. While purification is the primary power of smudging and the smoke produced by it, the symbolism of the rising smoke from incense is important even to established religions. Catholicism, for example, has a long tradition of using incense in masses and at other holy celebrations - it not only has a strong fragrance, but the visible smoke going up to heaven symbolizes the path the soul takes to heaven.

While the psychotropic properties of smudge depend on the composition, it is also clear that the use of aromatics (as evidenced by aromatherapy and the use of different fragrances to establish different moods) alters the perceptions and perhaps the functioning of the brain. No one who has experienced the power of a ceremony or ritual that includes an olfactory component - something you smell and remember - would dispute that a contact high of sorts is possible just by getting a whiff of that smell in another context. It is truly powerful in changing consciousness, moods and perceptions.

In modern times, the use of smudging has been adopted by a variety of systems of belief, mostly related broadly to what most people think of as New Age practices. It is used in ceremonies of purification, but also as an aid to meditation and such esoteric practices as astral travel and shamanic journeys. The actual process of smudging involves a participant first getting the smudge to burn, then distributing the smoke in various directions at him or herself or towards others by means of another ritual object like feathers or a plant frond.

Participants in such a ceremony are aware not only of the importance of the smudge itself and its ingredients, but other surrounding factors that may influence the potency and success of the ritual. The collection of the various herbs that will ultimately go into the smudge is not haphazard, but is conducted according to rules defining when the most advantageous time of the day or night, the month, or the year is for the harvesting. Certain rules are also followed with respect to how the plants are collected - the attitude and behaviors of the collector can have an effect on the power of the smudge that is produced from the plants. Another important factor is the timing of the ceremony itself - certain times of the year is thought to be more auspicious than others, such as solstices and equinoxes, for example.

Modern science has provided some evidence for the effectiveness of smudging at least for the more every day, practical aspects of the practice. Whether it actually cleanses a person of evil influences is a difficult claim to test, but we do know that the sense of smell is amazingly powerful in the process of memory recall. A very small amount of a substance with a scent that is related to a memory can awaken many forgotten memories in the brain and allow the reliving of those memories as well. If a small amount of an everyday smell - roses, for example - can have such power, it's easy to see how a practice like smudging could become so commonly used in so many traditions and cultures around the world.

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Jitterbug Perfume

"Subatomic particles apparently de- and rematerialize fairly routinely...some of them actually can be in two places at once. Their freedom from the normal confines of the space time continuum is thought to be the result of a weird electricity, an intelligent, creative, playful, and unpredictable interaction among oppositely charged entities in motion."

"When interrogated about how they can walk through flames without being burned, 'primitives' have conveyed to anthropologists that they raise the vibratory level of their flesh to equal that of the fire. In like manner, then, an adept might raise-or lower- his or her vibratory rate to match that of another dimension, thereby disappearing from our customary universe and popping up in the other: dematerialization."

Tom Robbins

It began for me in 1984, when the book Jitterbug Perfume was first released. I remember falling in love with Tom Robbins writing, and soon devoured most of his books. Honestly, I had forgotten the story for many years, but late last summer, a very dear friend, my twin, with whom I have practiced lucid dreaming and time travel, (which is quite another story) called me up and said, "Have you read Jitterbug Perfume lately?"

I said "No, I haven't read it for years and years."

He replied, "Get the book and read it, it is our story."

So I purchased the book, packed it in my suitcase and set off for Santa Fe to study with one of the world's leading distillers of essential oils.

The first day of the workshop, the distiller said, "If you never read another book about essential oils, the only book you have to read is Jitterbug Perfume."

You might be thinking, as I did, this is a sign, for sitting in my backpack was the book, longing for my attention.

I never did get the chance to read it on that trip, but came home and was immediately absorbed by the book. The more I read, the more I was moved, commanded, impulsed and compelled to begin a quest to make this aromatic elixir.

I marched into Farmer and the Cook, our local farm to table restaurant and organic food store, where I sought out the farmer, Steve Sprinkel, synchronistically finding him in his office.

"Steve," I said, "I need beet pollen." (Beet pollen being one of the main ingredients in Jitterbug Perfume).

Steve laughed and looked up, "Jitterbug Perfume!"

"Yes," I replied, "how did you know??"

"I remember the book..." he said "I have just planted beets and you can have a couple of rows. They must vernalize in order to set flowers, so by next year, you will have pollen."

So I went out to the farm and began to commune with my beets, anxiously awaiting the coming Winter and subsequent Spring and the coming of beet flowers. I spent many afternoons watching those beets grow, and finally in mid March, the first flowers set. I went out one day and the aroma of beet flowers was wafting through the warm Spring day.

Now for those of you who have not experienced the smell of beet flowers, it is not a particularly lovely smell, but rather a musky, goaty, smell that on occasion gave off the odor of old dirty socks. Lovely you say, no, not lovely, but very earthy, primal.

The beet flowers instructed me in how to harvest, I was never in charge, they were the teacher all along. I spent the next 5 months visiting the farm twice weekly, spending hours harvesting beet pollen and flowers to make the fabled Jitterbug Perfume.

If you have not read the book, you might consider picking up a copy, it is a marvelous read, and in it you will learn that it is a book about immortality and time travel, with Jitterbug Perfume being the main ingredient for both of those adventures.

I was driven to make this perfume and contacted Tom Robbins, after sleuthing out his address, and told him, that as eccentric as I might be, I believed with all of my heart, that Jitterbug Perfume was true, it was real, and that I was endeavoring to make the perfume, as I was, and am now even more so, convinced it was a tool for time travel, an elixir of immortality, and would love to be able to call the resultant perfume, Jitterbug.

Much to my delight and surprise he wrote me back saying that even though the events in the book didn't actually happen it was indeed a true story and that I had his full permission to use the name Jitterbug Perfume if I was successful in my endeavor. Well, successful I was and then some!!

And so, under the dark of a New Moon in August, the first bottle was done. I shipped the first bottle to Mr. Robbins, and he was delighted and thrilled with it, telling me that I have indeed made he and his book proud!!

Jitterbug has given me very specific instructions in how it is to be used, and I have obeyed its every request. The experiences people are having continue to make me shake my head in absolute wonder and amazement.

It is definitely amrita for the olfactory system and an elixir of immortality. I will be reporting more as time goes along, but one thing Jitterbug has told me that it is not to be offered commercially, and it is my duty to prepare people to experience the perfume. Jitterbug seems to have a power and presence and knows exactly what each person needs and takes them where they need to go! I have been amazed at the power of this magical elixir!

I am the humble servant of Jitterbug Perfume and feel honored to be so!

Allison Stillman is a world renowned aromatic alchemist and the author of "The Sacred Art of Anointing".
She has been traveling the world sharing her passionate love for anointing with essential oils, teaching workshops and creating alchemical blends of anointing oils.
She has been featured in the book, "Love for No Reason" by Marci Shimoff, "More Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Soul" by Arielle Ford, and "Insights from the Coffeehouse" by Jonathon Collins, and has written numerous articles for magazines and newspapers.
She is currently at work creating a frankincense farm to protect and sustain the species for future generations.
You can reach Allison Stillman on her website:
http://www.romancingthedivine.com/

Original article

Thyme Oil and Its Antiseptic Uses in Medical History

The Egyptians would never have been able to embalm their departed loved ones so successfully if it weren't for thyme oil. The early Romans identified thyme oil as medicinal as well as culinary oil. Italy is still famous for its thyme flavored recipes and the locals still use the oil to cure stomach issues, wounds, and insomnia.

The Greeks like the smell in perfume so they called it 'thymos,' which means 'to perfume.' In fact all the ancient societies that enjoyed the beauty of the Mediterranean region grew thyme to cure an assortment of skin, stomach, and circulation problems.

These ancient cultures learned early on that thyme could be blended with rosemary, oregano, cedarwood, black pepper, eucalyptus, juniper, bergamot, lemon, lavender, marjoram, grapefruit, pine, peru balsam, tea tree, and peppermint oil so most of the mental and physical issues that destroy the quality of life could be healed, cured, or relieve from a homemade concoction of oils.

During the Middle Ages thyme oil was given to jousting knights for courage, and wreaths of thyme were carried into courtrooms to fight infections and diseases. The world fell in love with thyme essential oil at an earlier age so the fact that the oil is now cultivated all over the world is no surprise. Spain is still the main supplier, but Portugal, France, Greece, Israel, and the Western part of the US harvest a large amount of thyme oil as well.

The name red thyme comes from the reddish-brown to amber color of the oil. The rich chemical components are thymol, linalool, camphene, a-thujone, a-pinene, b-pinene, p-cymene, a-terpinene, b-caryophyllene and borneol.

The therapeutic properties are antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, bactericidal, cardiac, cicatrisant, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, stimulant, emmenagogue, vermifuge, hypertensive, and tonic so the oil relieves a long list of unwanted health issues when it's is used as an aromatherapy oil.

The caryophyllene and camphene compounds in the oil bring out the antiseptic qualities of the oil. It has been used around the world for years to keep sores and wounds from getting infected.

When thyme oil is analyzed and compared to synthetically engineered antiseptics sold with and without a prescription, thyme oil still holds its place as an effective aromatherapy treatment for heart, stomach, and circulatory issues as well as for avoiding infections resulting from animal bites, and insect stings, plus it kills intestinal worms, and hook worms.

Thyme oil will continued to be one of the most potent essential oils thanks to its chief constituents: thymol, carvacrol, and citral.

Michael D. Thompson, an organic perfumer and accredited Master Herbalist, is the founder and director of Florapathics, LLC which manufactures all-natural, organically-derived personal care products that are infused with pure essential oils for aromatherapy.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of thyme oil and many other oils.

Florapathics line of over 90 essential oils is used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Florapathics gives FREE shipping in the US for all orders. Visit http://www.florapathics.com/ and view our selection over 400 products including artisan-made luxury soy candles, body care, hair care, facial care, and aromatherapy supplies.

Original article

A History and the Current Use of Sandalwood

For over 4,000 years, the sandalwood tree has had taken on a sacred identity, especially in Indian culture and heritage. It was referred to as the royal tree by Sultan of Mysore in the year 792.

Sandalwood has served in a variety of useful purposes throughout its long history. The unique and versatile nature of sandalwood allows it to be used in multiple cultural aspects ranging from religion, medicinal value and for its fragrance to name a few. In those earlier days, the wood was very important especially as part of Indian devotional rites and rituals, and was commonly used as an incense being used in Buddhist and Hindu temples. Sandalwood is also as a popular wood to fashion various types to spiritual deities and figures to be honored and displayed in temples, religious shrines, placed upon the home alters. Sandalwood is also used in the production of various religious artifacts including mala beads.

The ardent admires have affectionately been known to call the sandalwood oil 'liquid gold' due its precious nature. Once the oil is distilled, it matures in about six months in order to achieve the right perfume aroma. Sandalwood is usually combined with other oils. The mixture of sandalwood oil with other more abundant oils is most communally used, due to the high demand and value of the pure oil. Always be aware to the addition of any additives to the essential oil you may use or purchase. Check for anything artificial, oils containing animal products or worst of all the possibility of anything harmful or toxic. Sandalwood oil has been widely used in the ancient traditional medicinal system for ailments such as infections, digestive complaints, dry coughs and throat infections.

Sandalwood incense has become a major export of India and is an important part of their economy. Other than the above mentioned medicinal uses, this versatile essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and heavily in the cosmetic industry including the production of perfume and many other premium and high quality skin care products including, topical lotions and soaps.

Sandalwood remains highly valued all over the world and is still used in the same way as it has been for thousands of years, as one of the very best and most popular fragrances available for incense and incense base.

Sandalwood is by far one of the most popular and enduring incense fragrances used in Japan, China and India today. Although sandalwood is commonly being used in many parts of the world for many and diverse applications, it will continue to remain vitally important to those people and areas where it is still used as part of modern and traditional religious rituals and ceremonies.

In western culture incense is used more often for relaxation and to create a pleasant aroma in the home or personal space. The use of this ancient aroma in many cases does not carry the same religious importance of sandalwood's use in the eastern countries and society; however it may and many times does, serve in a much similar purpose. Often allowing a person to relax, unwind and get in touch with their inner selves in a very spiritual way.

Please note that there is a very real shortage of sandalwood due to over use and illegal logging in Mysore and parts of Tamil Nadu, India. Be sure your supplier of these products work with responsible vendors and manufactures that work within legal guidelines and use globally sustainable practices.

Live, Love and enjoy incense! Peace....

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil

Originally native to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, peppermint has been used since as far in time as 1.000 BC in Egypt. It's sweet and refreshing scent has made peppermint essential oil a favourite of many aromatherapy producers. If you are looking to calm, refresh and cool down, peppermint oil is one of the best essential oils for skin to use.

Extraction of Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil comes from the steam distillation of Mentha x piperita, a hybrid mint originated by crossing Mentha aquatic and Mentha spicata. This plant is now cultivated throughout the world, thought originally it was only indigenous to Mediterranean areas. The distilled oil is a clear, clear fluid with a hint of yellow.

Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil

This essential oil can be used as part of a blend of calming oils, perfect to help settle down an upset stomach or even morning sickness during the first stages of pregnancy, provided advice from a doctor is sought first to eliminate any possible underlying affliction causing it. It can also be used successfully to help provide mental stimulation and increase focus, aiding study and mental clarity.

Peppermint oil can also be used to refresh and cool skin, so it's a popular ingredient on lotions, lip balms and products for oily skin, specially when combined with tea tree oil. It can also help reduce the redness and itchiness caused by excessive exposure to the sun. It's an energizing scent that can help excessive fatigue and depression.

Another popular use of peppermint is to help alleviate headaches and even migraines, by rubbing a few diluted drops on the forefront and temples of the afflicted person. It can also help alleviate the symptoms of a cold or chest infection, by helping breathing.

Peppermint also stimulates the digestive system, so a tea made from peppermint leaves can help reduce the consequences of excessive eating such as flatulence, or help colic in children.

Contraindications

As with any other aromatherapy product, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding it's important to consult your doctor first to make sure the use of aromatherapy is not contraindicated. Other afflictions that can be worsened by peppermint essential oil are fever, epilepsy or heart problems.

Peppermint essential oil should never be used undiluted, especially on sensitive skin, and special care should be taken to keep it away from eyes.

Other essential oils for skin that are often used with Peppermint on cosmetic and personal care products are lavender and tea tree oil. Selling aromatherapy products is one of many money making ideas you can do from home to generate a regular income.

Original article

Wintergreen Oil Is a Natural Pain Relief Alternative

Native Americans knew how to take care of their bodies using the natural remedies that surrounded them. The plants and trees that grew around them offered their services and the natives instinctively used them. They learned what plants had the power to heal using the trial and error method.

That method was fine tuned through the centuries, and the learned knowledge was passed from one generation to another. Native Americans understood what the body needed to maintain the energy to hunt as well as to build and procreate. They relied on the plant kingdom to support their natural body functions.

Wintergreen was one of those natural allies that could help them increase their lung capacity as well as help respiratory conditions when they chewed the leaves. The natives learned that the oil could never be swallowed on its own; it was toxic when ingested. But that didn't stop them from chewing the leaves or mixing the oil they extracted by steaming the leaves for joint and muscle pain as well as for slowing down a mucous discharge brought on by a respiratory illness.

The wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate and a little gaultherilene, which makes it a precursor to common aspirin. The salicylates enter the cells and tissues to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, and that action reduces inflammation and pain, but the oil must be diluted to limit transdermal absorption. Most oil blends contain less than 25% wintergreen oil so the body can tolerate it.

Wintergreen essential oil has anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diuretic, antitussive, carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant and galactagogue properties. The essential oil is often included in formulas that open breathing passages. When the vapor of blended oil is inhaled in aromatherapy, the unmistakable aroma can stimulate the mind and clear the sinuses. Wintergreen blends nicely with eucalyptus and ravensara to achieve sinus relief.

The main purpose of blended wintergreen oil is to relieve conditions like gout, neuralgia, lumbago, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. Arthritis sufferers can also get relief when wintergreen oil is blended with other essential oils in dilution such as thyme, peppermint, oregano, and ylang-ylang. A warm wintergreen oil massage helps weak muscles and joints and when wintergreen oil is added to facial massage ingredients, it helps relieve headaches. Some users consider the oil a liquid bottle of aspirin, but it should be used with care. The oil should be used in modest amounts because it can thin the blood just like aspirin. When it is used appropriately it produces excellent results.

The old practice of chewing wintergreen leaves to relieve pain has disappeared, but wintergreen oil is an excellent alternative to that old way of getting the body ready for a day of life experiences.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of wintergreen oil and many other oils.

Original article

Incense Use in Aromatherapy

Many people trust in the therapeutic, healing and relaxing qualities and results from aromatherapy. This information may be helpful to those that aren't aware of the vital role that herbal and resinous incenses can play in this type of healing. So what is aromatherapy and why do so many people use, enjoy and find it so helpful? Well aromatherapy basically consists of various methods of relaxation which involves herbal and other natural fragrances which are introduced into your personal space, usually a small comfortable room. The primary intention of which is to gently coax your mind and body into a deep state of peaceful healing relaxation.

Incenses can also be used in the aromatherapy treatment. In most cases these treatments are chosen to be helpful with headaches, anxiety, stress-related issues, insomnia as well other ailments. A wide variety of many herbal and spice incense blends contains some significant amounts of these useful oils. The oil of lavender for example, is considered helpful for insomnia and stress headaches. Another great example is the peppermint oil which is good for travel sickness, nausea and it is also good as a mental stimulant. Also, eucalyptus is well known for being quite effective for those who have colds or coughs, while rose and sandalwood oils are best known for their positive emotional effects and help stimulate the imagination. There are literally hundreds of varieties to choose from be it resin, herbal, spice or a combination of these ingredients. There will surely be a type or blend of incense available to fit almost any aromatherapy need or specific treatment.

Aromatherapy is considered as being an alternative to the classic medicine practice and it focuses on using the therapeutic abilities of most essential oils, whether they come from tree leaves, flowers or plant resins. These oils which give the plants and flowers their fragrance and wonderful aroma are what many consider to be the active medicinal and healing component. These "natural oils" are included in many commercial pharmaceuticals such as bath oils, skin care products and other treatments as one of their active ingredients. Many of these same oils are also used in significant amounts in better herbal incense brands available today and can be used for the same purpose as the essential oil is used just in a different delivery method. They play an important role in aromatherapy now and can be used in most of the same type of aroma remedies. Incense is a wonderful addition to any holistic type treatment.

Many people and faiths profess the use of incense aromatherapy to be of great significance in the aspect of metaphysical healing and health due to the variety of powerful Spiritual qualities that these aromas are widely believed to possess. To Health, Love and Enjoyment Peace!

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Why Buy Fair Trade Incense

Fair Trade incense sticks are Hand Made incense sticks, which contain natural ingredients and are completely free from any sort of animal or synthetic products. These incense sticks are made traditionally at a home cottage industry, blending together all natural essential oils from scented flowers or wood resins, herbs, charcoal and wood powders.

They come in a variety of flavors, namely- Sattva, Ganesha, Shanti Nagchampa, Jasmine, Amber, Autumn leaves, Evening rose, Frankincense, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Cinnamon and Spice, Lotus, Musk, Opium, Gardenia, Orange blossom, Passion flower, Om, Spice wood, Vanilla, wild flower to name a few. The fragrance of these incense sticks is magical and will take you to a new world of peace, tranquility and serenity.

The Fair Trade incense sticks are hand-Crafted to highest quality of purity and perfection, so as to give you the best and the most exquisite aromas you have ever had experienced before. They come in exotic flavors that are soothing and pleasant enough to fascinate your imaginations, making you feel complete, calm and happy. These sticks are carefully handcrafted and hand- rolled by women working in artisan societies, to fill your room with their clean, pure fragrances, making you feel revived and fresh.

While some incense sticks made truly suited for contemplation and meditation, there are some that have aromas which are disinfecting in nature, cleansing the environment from mosquitoes and flies, suitable for outdoor holidays and travel. Starting from cleaning and mixing of ingredients to rolling them into sticks, marbling and packaging them for sale- everything is done by hand. Many of these Fair trade incense sticks are available in handmade paper envelopes containing 10 - 12 long burning sticks.

These incense sticks are made by women and artisans in small villages and remote areas of over 100 different nations including India and Nepal, where they work on daily wages for non-profit Fair trade organizations which sell their handcrafted products to international markets and develop charity for social welfare. Fair trade is a social movement that has a market- based approach and works on the principle of ensuring well- being of disadvantaged producers and their empowerment in the developing countries of the world.

They are dedicated towards preserving the age old culture and heritage of our villages and promoting them to the coming generations. They pay fair wages to these low- income artisans involved in the projects and ensure safe and hygienic working conditions for the same. Fair trade also works towards providing education and other health benefits to improve their socioeconomic living conditions.

Not only this, Fair Trade educates it costumers that by purchasing these handmade products, they can better the lives of many unprivileged people of the third world countries thus giving them a brighter future. Thus it aims to make people understand that their one purchase can make a difference in someone's lives.

So the next time you light up an incense stick, sit back and relax your body in tranquil environment,

inspiring you to raise your spirits and achieve peace of mind and feel good of helping someone by your purchase. Their mild but remarkable aroma will delightfully inspire your creativity in a wonderfully sweet mood. Peace! Namaste'

Rev. Roger Marlow Ordained New Thought Practitioner and Reiki Master. Owner proprietor http://www.incense-incense.com/ Your online source for the finest incense in the world.

Original article

Rosewood Oil Acts As a General Tonic for the Nervous System

The natives living in the Amazon jungle have been using rosewood for centuries. The French call it 'bois de rose' and found that it helps relieve stress, sexual issues, and respiratory problems. There's no written account, but the Brazilians say they combined rosewood oil with other oils and use the blend for various skin conditions, and the oil itself was used to treat impotence. The global demand for rosewood oil didn't really kick in until the 1900s, but in Brazil rosewood trees and rosewood oil have been a big part of their rich culture for decades. Abuses of rosewood forests have been brought to the forefront in the last twenty years.

This interesting essential oil has some powerful chemical components, which are found in a variety of other essential oils that treat a number of physical and mental ailments. The myrcene, limonene, linalool, and 1,8-cineole found in rosewood oil are common chemical compounds found in other evergreen species.

The camphene, geraniol, neral, geranial, a-pinene, benzaldehyde, and a-terpineol in Brazilian rosewood trees are also found in other species. Benzaldehyde is not always found in evergreens, but it is found in almonds, apples, apricots, and cherry kernels. It's the compound that gives those essences a slight almond aroma.

The oil is extracted from the wood chips of the tree by steam distillation. The therapeutic properties of the oil are tonic, anti septic, stimulant, and anti-bacterial. That means minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites can heal faster when rosewood essential oil is applied to the area. When the oil is used in aromatherapy, depression, sadness, and disappointment seem to lift and lessen.

Rosewood oil interacts with several hormones and functions as a stimulant that gets the internal systems running properly, which means indigestion, acid and bile build-ups, and poor circulation issues vanish as the chemicals in the oil rejuvenates damaged cells and tissue. In vapor therapy, rosewood oil helps relieve coughs, headaches, nausea, and nervous tension as well as infections. When rosewood oil is added to floral oils to make skin lotions, wrinkles begin to fade, and the skin has a healthy glow after a few treatments.

One of the most important uses for rosewood oil is as a tonic to treat nervous tension. It lowers the anxiety level, clear confusion, strengthen focus, and balances PMS mood swings. Stress related allergies diminish, and in some cases disappear altogether when the oil is used in aromatherapy products.

Rosewood oil blends well with bergamot, orange, neroli, rose, grapefruit, lime, lemon, jasmine, and lavender oil, so it's found in lotions, tonics, and creams designed to treat skin cell degeneration as well as muscle and joint pain.

The rest of the world use to wonder why Brazilians had smooth skin, easy dispositions, and a carefree lifestyle. The answer is obvious now. It's not the water; it's the rosewood oil... maybe.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of rosewood oil and many other oils.

Original article

Intention Scenting - Create an Aura Mist to Set and Strengthen Your Intention

Aromatherapy is the art and science of blending pure essential oils. Essential oils are the natural essences extracted from a variety of plant materials. These pure essential oils are said to influence the body, mind and spirit. They have been used for healing a variety of ailments and enhancing well-being for thousands of years. They stimulate our olfactory system, signaling a variety of powerful responses in the brain. Essential oils, the 'Life Force' of plants and flowers, help to heal, balance and enhance your whole being.

The effect of these aromas on your mind is immediate. When you inhale a scent, the aroma goes to the limbic system (your smell brain). It is here where memory and emotional responses are triggered.

So let's use this information to trigger a response, on purpose, by using scent to set and strengthen your intention any time of the year. We are going to create an Aura Mist and use it in an intention-setting ritual to fulfill this purpose.

Here's what you will need:

1. A 4 ounce bottle with a spray top

2. Essential oils

3. Spring, filtered or distilled water

You can use whatever scents you love, but here is a list of my favorite essential oils to choose from when creating this type of mist:

Lemon (Citrus limon) ~ purifying, rejuvenating, stability

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) ~ calming, balancing

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) ~ self-confidence, acceptance, joy

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) ~ centering, grounding, inner wisdom

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) ~ self-empowerment, clarity

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) ~ vitality, direction

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) ~ inspiration, inner strength

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) ~ self-assurance, letting go

Mandarin (Citrus nobilis) ~ emotional strength, motivation

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) ~ concentration, awareness

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) ~ ability to change, balance

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) ~ positive energy, confidence, joy

Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) ~ endurance, balanced emotions

Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum) ~ caring, courage, willpower

This is a good list to get you started. You can also choose other essential oils that you feel drawn to.

How to make your Aura Mist:

1. Choose 3-4 essential oils

2. Put a total of 30-60 drops into the 4 ounce bottle (the amount you use will depend on whether you like a more subtle scent (30-45 drops) or a stronger scent (45-60 drops).

3. Fill the bottle to the top (leaving room to screw on the spray top) with either spring, filtered or distilled water. Screw the cap on and shake gently.

Your Aura Mist is created. Let's now go through the ritual of linking your sacred scent to your intention.

Intention Setting Ritual:

1. Choose an intention that you would like to set.

2. Repeat it out loud or silently to yourself a few times.

3. Now hold your Aura mist to your heart and ask that this mist receive the energy of your intention. You do not need to know how it does this, just asking is enough and perfect.

4. When you are ready, repeat your intention to yourself and spray your Aura Mist at the same time all around you (closing your eyes and avoiding your face area) and inhale the scent as you say your intention.

5. Repeat this two more times.

By saying your intention as you inhale the scent, you are linking the two into your smell brain so that when you spray your aura mist in the future, it will trigger the memory of the intention you set.

Keep your Aura Mist close by and mist it around you daily to remember the intention you made and to strengthen your determination to fulfill it.

in-ten-tion 1: a determination to act in a certain way 2: PURPOSE, AIM

Inhale~Enjoy~Exhale,

Gina

***Important Note: Consult your medical practitioner before using any essential oils if you have any medical conditions or concerns or if you are nursing or pregnant.

Gina Rafkind is the founder of VedaSun where she shares her insights and experiences throughout her evolving journey of healing her body and spirit. Gina's passion is to share these experiences and discoveries with you, so you too can open the channel of awareness and become your own Self-Healing Goddess!

If you're ready to awaken to your true inner being and know profound freedom and deep peace, visit http://www.vedasun.com/ to sign up to receive your free guidebook, Awareness = Freedom. This guidebook will reveal 4 empowering keys to illuminate your Life Awareness. Each key has an action step for you to implement each key including a link to a guided meditation I created for you. Take action, grow, and enjoy the journey.

Original article

What Are Aromatherapy Hydrolats, and Why Are They Useful to Health?

Hydrolats - also known as hydrosols - have been described as the 'next aromatherapy'. They are safer than essential oils, easier to use, and gentler. But what exactly are hydrolats?

Most essential oils are produced by a process of steam distillation. Here's how it is done:

You take a large quantity of, say lavender stalks, and you put them into a still. You then allow steam to pass through the plant material. (It is far better to do this under gentle pressure and gentle temperature. Higher temperatures give a greater yield, but a lesser quality.)

As the plant is exposed to the steam, many active chemicals in the plant are released into the steam, which is then condensed (cooled down by passing into a cool tube). The steam then turns back into water, but the water now contains many wonderful natural healing chemicals that were in the plant.

Now here's the interesting bit: some of those chemicals are so-called hydrophillic (that means they love water and dissolve in it), while others are oily and 'hydrophobic' (they are repelled by water). When you leave this water-oily mix for 15 minutes or so, the two parts quickly separate out, just as vinegar and oil will separate out when left to their own devices. The oil is the plant's 'essential oil', and the water is known as a hydrolat, or a hydrosol.

So we can understand that, generally speaking, the hydrolat contains the water soluble chemicals from the plant, while the essential oil contains the non-water soluble chemicals.

Now consider something else: the human body is composed of about 60% water. Water is the major compound in every single cell in the body, and also in the fluid that runs around the outside of the cells.

So if we want to get the balancing, therapeutic energies from the plants to our body's cells, would it not make great sense to use the ones that dissolve in water? We can begin to see the power of the hydrolat!

Hydrolats are great to use in situations that involve great gentleness and delicacy. They can be used on children (even babies), on the elderly, and many vets use them too.

One word of warning. Hydrolats can be a little unstable, and for that reason they are frequently adulterated with alcohol and or preservatives. These chemicals certainly preserve their shelf life, but they may adversely affect their therapeutic value. So it is always better to try to find hydrolats that are unadulterated and 100% pure, but also that come from a reputable supplier who tests each batch for the existence of microbes.

You will be familiar with some hydrolats already. True 'Rose Water' is in reality rose hydrolat. Witchhazel, which is a wonderful natural antioxidant, that is great for skin care is the hydrolat from the Hamamelis plant. You may be familiar with Orange Blossom water (neroli hydrolat), and of course Lavender water too.

Hydrolats are great for skin care (having a perfect pH value) and most are quite safe to digest. Try spraying Rose hydrolat on your face, on bed linen, or add it to yoghurt for a taste of luxury!

Jonathan Hinde is an aromatherapist, teacher of meditation, and Managing Director of Oshadhi Ltd, which provides over 60 different pure, unadulterated aromatherapy hydrolats.

You can also read more about Rose Hydrolat, and its use in skin care.

Original article

Cedarwood Oil and Deep Tissue Massage to Breakdown Cellulite

Cedarwood has been used for over 5,000 years and for several good reasons. The ancient Sumerians as well as the Egyptians believed cedarwood could connect the body with the mind in rituals ceremonies. The Egyptians also believed that the body should be embalmed in cedarwood so the journey to the other side was a smooth transition.

Scripture writers tell stories about Solomon and his love for cedarwood. He built his temple and palace from the Cedars of Lebanon, which made him the wisest man on the planet. Cedar was a symbol for strength, connection, and protection in those ancient days. Cedarwood oil continues to attract people who want to connect with their soul consciousness in this physical plane, but it is also used as insect repellant as well as a bacteria preventive.

Cedarwood essential oil is fantastic for breaking down cellulite and it's one of the main oils used for deep massages. But, the therapeutic qualities of cedarwood oil don't stop there. This aromatherapy oil is effective for hair loss, acne, psoriasis, urinary tract infections, and bronchitis. Attention deficient disorder and compulsive behavior can be treated with cedarwood oil, and it reduces the risk of hardening of the arteries.

Cedarwood stimulates the pineal gland so melatonin is released to promote deep sleep. The pineal gland not only releases melatonin it also open channels to innate senses that are buried under beliefs about separation. The Sumerians were the first to discover this awakening, but it has been an interesting as well as beneficial side effect experienced by ancient cultures around the world. The real benefit of using this essential oil on a regular basis is the emotional and spiritual transformation that develops when the oil is used in an aromatherapy session.

The therapeutic properties of this amazing oil are astringent, antiseborrhoeic, diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, emmenagogue, and expectorant. The oil has the ability to sedate the skin, which relieves itching, and it acts as a general tonic, which helps control acne, dandruff, and oily skin.

In vapor therapy this essential oil can be used to relieve arthritis, rheumatism, and respiratory issues. The oil can be massaged into the skin or diluted in a bath to relieve painful joints, cystitis, and catarrh.

When cedarwood is blended with other essential oils such as cinnamon, bergamot, frankincense, juniper, benzoin, cypress, rosemary, jasmine, lavender, neroli, rose and lemon the results are better than expected, especially when cellulite and muscle pain cause unnecessary stress on the body.

Ancient civilizations knew the importance of using cedarwood especially when the body was in a state of distress. The physical and mental connection that humans have with cedarwood oil is so special that it can't be taken for granted. The old remedies are new again and cedarwood oil tops the list when it comes to bringing the body and mind together in an innate as well as objective way.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of cedarwood oil and many other oils.

Original article

Clove Bud Oil and Its Anti-Tumor Potential

Anyone who has tried Mexican, Indian, or Vietnamese cuisine has tasted dried cloves mixed with cinnamon and cumin but may not have recognized the flavor unless it's mentioned on the menu. Cloves have been used for centuries to accentuate the taste of ethnic foods. The locals in Indonesia use cloves to make cigarettes called kreteks, which are smoked throughout Europe, Asia, and the US, and cloves are an important incense ingredient in China and Japan as well as in Jewish ceremonies.

Clove bud oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in Chinese medicine. The oil helps relieve stomach, kidney, and spleen issues. The Western world adopted the use of clove bud oil in dentistry as well as in aromatherapy due to its natural anthelmintic ability, and its ability to warm the digestive tract. The oil is also used as a topical remedy for hypotonic muscles and it helps with symptoms of multiple sclerosis. West Africans and Tibetans use clove bud oil to calm upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea.

When all the uses for clove bud oil are listed, there are not too many physical disturbances that have not been treated at one time or another with cloves and the essential oil extracted from cloves. Clove bud oil blends well with other essential oils like cinnamon bark, peppermint, rosemary, citronella, grapefruit, lemon, orange, and nutmeg.

Eugenol is the main constituent in clove oil. Over seventy percent of the essential oil extracted from cloves contains eugenol, which is well known for its anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. The clove oil actually has an impact on contaminants like tetrachloromethane, and cancer related to the digestive tract. Joint inflammation is another aliment that's relieved when clove bud oil is used in massage therapy.

New studies show that clove bud oil has the potential to prevent cancerous growth since it contains an abundance of flavonoids as well as calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids as well as other phytonutrients.

Other studies show that when clove bud oil is combined with cod liver oil it makes a huge difference in inflammatory disease treatments. Clove oil is already a proven pain reliever and germicidal, and an excellent topical agent, especially when it is combined with coconut and almond oil. The antispasmodic properties of the oil also alleviate muscle aches and pains when it is combined with other ingredients.

The positive aromatherapy results from using clove bud oil continue to register high on the wellness chart because of its ability to remove harmful toxins from the body, and to stimulate the excretory system.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of clove bud oil and many other oils.

Original article

Pure Rose Oil and Benefits in Spa Facial Treatments

The rich perfumed fragrance of a rose is unmistakable. The aroma of the rose has enamored cultures around the world for centuries. The first rose came from a Persian garden, and the bush quickly spread around the ancient world. The Romans used rose petals when they had extravagant banquets, and they extracted the oil for medicine and perfumes. The rose symbolized love, passion, innocence, and desire as well as beauty, elegance, and grace.

In Greece, India, and Egypt roses were macerated in hot fat. Fragrant pomades were the end products and they were shaped into a cone, which was placed on top of the head. When the sun melted the fat, fragrant rose scented oil would trickle down the face and the scent would linger all day.

The healing qualities of rose oil are as remarkable as its beauty and fragrance. The English physician Culpepper wrote that red roses strengthen the heart, back in the 17th century. He could have meant the physical action of giving a rose, but anyone who has be exposed to the aroma of a rose or rose oil and inhaled it as an aromatherapy oil knows that the heart is strengthened emotionally as well as spiritually by rose oil.

Culpepper wrote about the astringent properties of rose oil and recommended it for tired eyes and headaches. He suggested a rose ointment to relieve red pimples that embarrassed and annoyed folks back then. Today rose oil is used in lotions, creams, and oils for its bactericidal and anti-viral properties, along with other essential oils. Rose oil and rose water are used to cleanse and refresh dry sensitive skin.

The difficulty of extracting the oil from the plant has always been an issue. One rose blossom only contains 0.02% oil and that makes the essential oil expensive. It takes about 40,000 pounds of rose blossoms to produce one pound of rose oil. Even though the oil is expensive it's a great investment, especially in aromatherapy sessions.

Some rose oil aficionados claim that the best rose otto oil comes from Bulgaria. The oil is distilled from newly opened flowers that are picked in the cool mornings. Distillation is done in two phases. The first phase produces a little concentrated green oil and a lot of rose water. The second phase distills the rose water, and the result is yellow oil that's combined with the green oil to produce the final essential oil. Most of the rose absolute, which is used in perfumes, is harvested and extracted in Morocco using a hydrocarbon solvent. Most aromatherapists prefer rose otto oil because the rose absolute extraction process has an impact on the therapeutic properties in the oil.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of rose oil and many other oils.

Original article

Aromatherapy for Coughs and Colds

Winter is a prime season for colds and flu. But aromatherapy and essential oils can help.

Prevention is always better than cure. Help stop the spread of germs by using the antiseptic powers of essential oils around the home.

Tea tree essential oil in particular is fabulous used as a disinfectant. Add a few drops to the water when washing floors.

Sprinkle a few drops of tea tree on a damp cloth and use to wipe down light switches door handles, taps and other areas that are touched regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

Other surfaces can be washed down with tea tree in warm water. If you aren't keen on the aroma of tea tree, just add a little lemon essential oil along with the tea tree.

Vaporise essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, pine, lemon, cypress or thyme to cleanse the air.

Make a room spray by putting 3 drops each of eucalyptus, tea tree and lemon or eucalyptus, pine and rosemary essential oils in a spray bottle and topping up with water. Don't forget to shake well before each time you use it.

If you do catch a cold a cold, essential oils can also help to soothe the symptoms and help you to feel better.

At the first symptoms, run a warm bath and sprinkle in 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops tea tree. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes, then pat yourself dry, wrap up warm and put yourself to bed. The essential oils will soothe symptoms and relax you to help you to get a good night's sleep and get the rest that is so important when you are ill.

Vaporise essential oils in the bedroom with a waterless electric vaporiser - use 5-6 drops of eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, pine, rosemary, or basil. Use one oil or a combination.

Put a few drops on a tissue and breathe in the vapors throughout the day to help to relieve congestion - oils that can help here include, basil, eucalyptus, pine, peppermint or rosemary. Add a drop of lavender if your symptoms include a headache.

These same oils can be used for steam inhalation to help relieve congestion - use 1-2 drops only in a bowl of hot, but not boiling, water. Close eyes and cover your head with a towel to make a tent. Breathe in deeply. (Note - steam inhalations are not recommended for anyone suffering from asthma).

Make a soothing chest rub by adding 6 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary to 50ml grapeseed oil. Apply to chest, throat and upper back.

(Please note - all recipes given are for adult doses. For children under 12 years, use no more than half the amounts stated. For babies under 2 years, use no more than a quarter of the dose. Contact a professional aromatherapist

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria Australia.

Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au/

Original article

Rose Hydrolat, and How to Use It

Rose hydrolat (rose hydrosol) is one of the most versatile of all the pure flower waters. The aroma is quite delightful, exactly like the divine fragrance of the plant: rich, floral, sweet, uplifting, heavenly - simply beautiful. And it has almost universal appeal.

So how should rose hydrolat be used?

In aromatherapy circles, rose is associated with the heart, with the emotions (especially love and forgiveness), and with skin care; particularly skin that is showing signs of aging.

So perhaps it is not surprising that rose hydrolat is a wonderful natural skin toner, especially useful for mature skin. But it can also be used for skin that is suffering from heat. In both cases simply spritz it onto the face a couple of times a day.

But because rose also has a cooling effect, it should be the hydrolat of choice for anyone experiencing hot flashes, or who is naturally inclined to sweating, or a red face.

This 'cooling' influence also transfers itself to the emotions. Try using it for adolescent boys, whose moods are a little out of control...

Hydrolats are the 'waters' that result from steam distillation of plant material (in the case of rose it is the petals that are used). So hydrolats contain the water soluble essences of the plant. It is significant that they generally have a pH value of between 4 and 6.

This means that they are very slightly acidic in nature, and are therefore perfect for skin care, because the skin in naturally slightly acidic. This so-called 'acid mantle' protects the skin from bacteria and fungus, and when the balance is upset, the skin's natural functions are compromised. So ideally we want to maintain this balance, and many skin care products which are not pH balanced, actually have the opposite effect.

Have you noticed that if you bathe your face in water, afterwards it can feel a little tight? That is because water is pH7, which means it is neutral. However a quick mist of rose hydrolat will restore the skin to the correct pH, and it will feel natural again.

A true hydrolat does not contain any preservatives or alcohol, although you may find additives in many store bought products. It is worth being aware of this, because man-made additives will obviously affect the therapeutic properties of the hydrolat.

As well as its direct application on the face, rose hydrolat can add a touch of luxury to water, especially on a hot day. You can add it according to taste, but just a little will be enough to create an effect.

Rose hydrolat is immensely romantic. Cleopatra loved rose and her palace was strewn with rose petals. You can emulate this by spraying your linen with rose hydrolat.

Jonathan Hinde is an aromatherapist, teacher of meditation, and Managing Director of Oshadhi Ltd, which provides over 60 different pure, unadulterated aromatherapy Hydrolats - Hydrosols.

You can find out more about Rose Hydrolat, and its use in skin care.

Original article

Lavender Essential Oil to the Rescue

Whenever I travel I always take an "emergency kit" of essential oils with me. One of the essential oils I find most useful to have on hand is lavender. Thinking back to the times away from home when I've had to use it, many incidents come to mind. The most dramatic was the time in Florida when my husband was checking under the hood of the car and the radiator cap exploded into his face, hitting him on the forehead. The water bubbled up and his entire upper body was scorched.

I immediately doused him with undiluted lavender oil, then applied aloe vera gel, which I also had with me. I kept reapplying the lavender until the soreness subsided and also gave him a couple of Aspirins for the shock. Luckily, we had access to a swimming pool close by, and got there as soon as we could.

My husband stayed neck deep in the pool for about twenty minutes. When he came out, there wasn't a mark on his body except for where the radiator cap had struck his forehead. Our friends who witnessed this said it was a miracle - they had never seen burns heal like this.

One time when I was telling this story, a lady told me that this same type of accident had happened to her husband and he had to spend time in the hospital with third degree burns. Thank goodness for lavender!

Another time lavender came to my rescue was when my son picked me up at the Vancouver airport, saying we'd have to hurry to get to an emergency clinic, as he had just been stung by a bee. He has a history of violent allergic reactions to bee stings; each one getting a little worse. His hand was already swollen to twice its normal size and the swelling was rapidly moving up his arm. Fortunately I was wearing a pendant that contained lavender and I immediately applied it to his bite, stopping the swelling and eliminating the rush. We didn't go to the clinic.

Over the years I have used lavender on numerous people who have had bad reactions to insect bites. It nearly always helps. It is also great for taking the itch out of mosquito bites.

Lavender is also one of my standbys for treating headaches. Just a drop rubbed into the temples and another under the hairline at the back of the neck will usually do the trick.

These are just a few of the many uses I've found for lavender in my travels. Now you know why I wouldn't leave home without it!

Joy Watson - Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc.

Joy Watson is a CFA Certified Aromatherapist/Instructor, Massage Therapist and Reflexologist with over 25 years experience in practicing and teaching holistic healing. She is a member and Past President of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists and has been actively involved with their Education Committee since its inception. She is also a member of The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc.
http://www.joyessence.on.ca/

Original article

Why Should We Use Natural Insect Repellant?

For many people summertime is beaches, cookouts, and vacations. To others, it is bugs: mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, fleas, and so many more. We are often torn between the agony of being harassed and bitten by these tiny pests and the use of chemical-laden sprays which repel them. There are alternatives, however. Herbs and essential oils have been used for centuries to keep insects and vermin away from us. Ancient Romans and Greeks would strew scented herbs on their floors for this purpose. In India, Patchouli leaves were often used to deter moths and other insects when transporting textiles, imparting their distinct fragrance.

Plants have been producing essential oils for millions of years. These oils have evolved in the natural environments and become extremely useful in many ways. Essential oils protect plants from harmful bacteria, fungus, and harsh environmental conditions. They are sometimes used to attract beneficial birds and insects for pollination, and most often, they are used to repel harmful insects.

Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by skin odor and the carbon dioxide in breath. Whether repellents contain synthetic chemicals or all natural ingredients, they work on the same principle. Generally, insect repellents work by making the human host unappealing to insects.

The majority of modern effective insect repellent products contain synthetic chemicals such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Many studies have been done testing the toxicity of DEET and the effects on human health. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that there have been 14-46 cases of seizures connected with the use of DEET and 4 deaths. Although the expected seizure rate is only 1 in 100 million users, many people are choosing not to take the chance.

Nowadays, it is fairly easy to find insect sprays made with natural and often organic essential oils. Many studies have been done, showing the efficacy of essential oils in repelling insects. A review on PubMed.org states that a combination of citronella and vanillin provided repellancy equivalent in duration to products containing DEET. In another study, citronella, patchouli, and clove oils all provided protection against three different species of mosquitoes. It is often best to use a blend of essential oils that work synergistically: providing more protection than when used alone.

Be sure to test the product on a small area on the skin (often the inside of the arm is best), for any sensitivity before spraying all over. Often, just misting the clothes is just as effective. Never use essential oils directly on the skin without using a carrier oil or other dilutant. By using these essential oil products, we can enjoy our summer with fewer insects and harmful chemicals.

Many essential oils have been shown to be effective in deterring insects, including: Citronella, Peppermint, cedarwood, thyme, clove, and patchouli. It may be necessary to apply natural insect repellent more frequently, but when they smell so nice, it isn't necessarily a bad thing! Great smelling and effective insect repellents can be found at http://www.bella-oils.com/.

Original article

Rosemary Oil and Its Ability to Enhance Memory

Rosemary or Rosmarinus, which means "sea dew" in Latin, developed a reputation for being a sacred plant that wards off evil spirits. The oil was also used as protection from the plague. The Romans and the Greeks used it for all sorts of things. Rosemary was always around during wedding ceremonies, religious rituals, and family gatherings. The Egyptians liked it and burned it as incense, and the French burnt it in hospitals during the Middle Ages.

Paracelsus said that rosemary oil strengthened the entire body back in the 16th century. He believes the oil had the ability to heal the liver, heart, and brain, and modern medicine agrees with him. Rosemary is used for flatulence, stomach cramps, and other digestive issues, plus it stimulates hair follicles, and prevents premature hair loss.

Rosemary oil is great for boosting mental awareness and brain activity. Students use it to concentrate during exams, and when used as an aromatherapy oil it helps with depression, mental fatigue, and short term memory loss. When rosemary oil is inhaled it lifts the spirits, and removes that feeling of boredom. A surge of energy quietly infiltrates the innate senses as the vapor is inhaled.

A diluted rosemary oil bath or massage can alleviate headaches as well as the agony and pain of arthritis and rheumatism. A regular rosemary massage will remove dryness and tone the skin. The oil is also a great disinfectant and can be used as a mouthwash.

The chemical constituents of rosemary oil give it the ability to boost mental alertness as well as act as a hormone stabilizer. Those constituents are limonene, 1,8-cineole, borneol, a-pinene, b-pinene, bornyl acetate, camphene, and camphor.

The therapeutic properties are: nervine, digestive, analgesic, astringent, carminative, cephalic, diuretic, cholagogue, antidepressant, cordial, tonic, emmenagogue, and hepatic, as well as hypertensive, rubefacient, sudorific, and stimulant. The diuretic properties of the oil also help reduce water retention and cellulite, plus it's used to treat certain obesity cases.

The oil also helps ease congestion, swelling and puffiness, and it is effective on bronchitis, sinus, and sagging skin. One of the main things that rosemary does is increase circulation throughout the body. More oxygen gets to the organs, especially the brain, and that helps increase mental functions.

Paracelsus believed that rosemary oil could help heal the gall bladder and liver as well as the heart, and modern medicine has confirmed his beliefs. Rosemary oil is one of the most important essential oils in aromatherapy because it continues to produce results in terms of physical and mental well being.

Visit our aromatherapy blog to read about the benefits and uses of rosemary oil and many other oils.

Original article

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Using Essential Aromatherapy Oils to Boost Your Health

Essential Oils Uses - How to Mix and Match

Aromatherapy Recipes Using Essential Oils

Several Benefits of Using Essential Oil

Resin Incense Through the Ages

The Benefits of Using Incense

Japanese Incense - A Short History

The History and Use of Smudges

Jitterbug Perfume

Thyme Oil and Its Antiseptic Uses in Medical History

A History and the Current Use of Sandalwood

Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil

Wintergreen Oil Is a Natural Pain Relief Alternative

Incense Use in Aromatherapy

Why Buy Fair Trade Incense

Rosewood Oil Acts As a General Tonic for the Nervous System

Intention Scenting - Create an Aura Mist to Set and Strengthen Your Intention

What Are Aromatherapy Hydrolats, and Why Are They Useful to Health?

Cedarwood Oil and Deep Tissue Massage to Breakdown Cellulite

Clove Bud Oil and Its Anti-Tumor Potential

Pure Rose Oil and Benefits in Spa Facial Treatments

Aromatherapy for Coughs and Colds

Rose Hydrolat, and How to Use It

Lavender Essential Oil to the Rescue

Why Should We Use Natural Insect Repellant?

Rosemary Oil and Its Ability to Enhance Memory

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