Got anything to say about essential oils or aromatherapy that might interest other people ? I don't, but that's not to say you don't have an interesting anecdote, a bit of research material, a point of view, a 'something funny happened on the way to the massage parlour' or anything in fact. I'm desperate - as you can see below.
Email your contribution to andybarson@btinternet.com
Dear Andy, I am writing to you from France as regards to a special event happening in Colorado soon. Dr Penoel, a French-born medical doctor specialized in the medicinal use of essential oils, will be coming to Colorado from France. He will be giving a lecture for the AIA Conference along with a 2 day seminar based on the latest outstanding medical and holistic results obtained with the new aromatic resources from Australia :- Kunzea ambiguia essential oil, the aromatic treasure from Tasmania and Fragonia TM essential oil, the aromatic pearl form western Australia. It would be lovely if you could share this information and copy/paste the following link on your website. http://intelligentaromaticplanet.com/page4.html
Pubs are planning to pump in artificial scents to mask the smell of stale
beer, sweat and drains that used to be disguised by cigarettes before the
smoking ban. The aromas of ocean breezes and freshly cut grass are being
tested by Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), which manages 2,000 pubs in Britain. The
group is even considering a perfume that smells of tobacco smoke. Supporters of
the smoking ban insisted that pubs and bars would become sweeter smelling
without cigarettes. But the smoke had masked the locker room aroma in some
crowded venues on warm Friday and Saturday nights. Oliver Devine, senior
marketing manager at the Sizzling Pub Company, part of M&B, said: “Appetising
food smells have increased but others are less attractive, such as stale food
and beer, damp, sweat and body odour, drains and — how do you put this nicely? —
flatulence.” The chain has already tried out an “ozonic” fragrance that attempts
to emulate the scent of a sea breeze at four suburban pubs in Edinburgh and
Glasgow, where a smoking ban was introduced 12 months ago. “We are considering
trialling the smell of leather, which suggests luxury and indulgence, and cut
grass, which is clean and domestic,” said Devine. Jeff Mariola, president of
Rentokil Initial’s ambience division, which is supplying Marriott hotels with
bar perfumes, suggested that the aroma of malted hops could encourage beer
drinking and mask the smell of drinks trodden into the floor. Luminar Leisure,
which owns 122 nightclubs across Britain, has already started pumping a scent
over its dance floors.
( For all BBC news stories visit news.bbc.co.uk )
Using lavender and tea tree oil products can cause young boys to develop
breast tissue, a
study finds.
Gynaecomastia is rare, and there is often no obvious cause. But US specialists
report in the
New England Journal of Medicine that three boys developed the condition after
using the oils.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) team say doctors
who see boys
should ask about their use of such products.
Clifford Bloch, a child hormone specialist at the University of Colorado at
Denver and Health
Science Center's School of Medicine started to suspect the link after seeing the
three boys.
The first, aged four, had been experiencing symptoms for two to three weeks. His
mother said
she had recently begun applying a "healing balm" containing lavender oil to his
skin. The
second boy, who was 10, had been developing enlarged breast tissue over the
previous five
months. When questioned, it emerged that he was using a shampoo and hair gel
containing
lavender oil and tea tree oil every morning. The third boy, aged seven, had a
one-month
history of gynaecomastia. He had been using lavender-scented soaps and skin
lotions. His twin
used the soap, but not the lotions, and had not developed the condition. Each of
the boys
stopped using the relevant products, and several months later the tissue growth
was found to
have subsided. The team at the NIEHS carried out tests on human cells and found
pure lavender
and tea tree oils could mimic the actions of female hormones and inhibit the
effects of male
hormones, and therefore disrupt the endocrine system in the body.
Dr Bloch said: "Since there was no identifiable cause for prepubertal
gynaecomastia in the
three patients we reported, we speculated that environmental factors might be
contributing to
their condition. Together, the case histories and NIEHS studies provide support
for our
hypothesis that topical exposure to lavender and tea tree oils likely caused
gynaecomastia in
the three patients."
It is not known whether the oils could have similar effects on the endocrine
systems of young
girls, teenagers or adults. But Dr Derek Hanley, who led the NIEHS research said
the oils did
not appear to alter the levels of the usual forms of hormones circulating in the
boys' bodies.
And he said: "We do not anticipate any long term effects on hormonal levels." Dr
Ken Korach,
who also worked on the study, said: "We want to encourage doctors who may be
seeing patients
with gynaecomastia to ask their patients about the products they are using.
"Patients with
prepubertal gynaecomastia may want to consider reducing the use of products that
contain these
oils." Professor Ieuan Hughes, a child hormone specialist at the University of
Cambridge,
said: "The scientists have shown a convincing effect, albeit on cell lines; that
these oils
can mimic oestrogens and act as anti-androgens [male hormones]." He said: "We
don't really
understand gynaecomastia, but the consensus is that it's related to a hormone
imbalance."
Professor Hughes said hormone levels in prepubescent boys were particularly
sensitive to
changes. He added: "The next step is to see how widespread this problem is. As
the researchers
say, it is important to say people should be a little bit careful about using
these products
until we know more."
Good Afternoon Andy,
I am inquiring with business to see if there is an interest in glass amber
bottles that we received when a pharmaceutical went from glass to plastic
bottles. This is the inventory in our warehouse. I look forward to your call.
½ ounce (15 ML) - 992,000 bottles on 45 pallets. 22,176 bottles per pallet, 154
bottles per pack. Amber Boston round 24/400 finish
1 ounce (30 ML) – 161,800 bottles on 9 pallets. 18,000 bottles per pallet, 120
bottles per pack. Amber Boston round 24/400 finish
3 ounce (90 ML) - 845,952 bottles on 164 pallets. 5184 bottles per pallet, 64
bottles per pack. Amber Boston round 24/400 finish
5 ounce (150 ML) - 27,575 bottles on 9 pallets. 3087 bottles per pallet, 49
bottles per pack. Amber Boston round 24/400 finish
We also have 7,000 – 16 ounce (480 ML) Clear Flint Bottles on 5 pallets in 25
bottle packs.
Dave Mauro
Ontario Recycling, Inc
12 Cairn Street
Rochester, New York, USA 14611
Email: dave@ontariorecycling.com
Web: www.ontariorecycling.com
Work: 585-328-4253
Fax: 585-328-4256
( For all BBC news stories visit news.bbc.co.uk )
Some of Britain's leading doctors have urged NHS trusts to stop using
complementary therapies and to pay only for medicine "based on solid evidence".
The group raised concerns that the NHS is funding "unproven or disproved
treatments", like homoeopathy. One doctor told the Times the NHS was funding
"bogus" therapies when patients struggled to get drugs like Herceptin. But
Prince Charles has said "proven" therapies should be integrated with
conventional medicine. He told the World Health Assembly in Geneva: "The proper
mix of proven complementary, traditional and modern remedies, which emphasises
the active participation of the patient, can help to create a powerful healing
force in the world." He added: "Many of today's complementary therapies are
rooted in ancient traditions that intuitively understood the need to maintain
balance and harmony with our minds, bodies and the natural world.
"Much of this knowledge, often based on oral traditions, is sadly being lost,
yet orthodox medicine has so much to learn from it." He called on countries to
look at how they could improve the health of their populations, using a more
integrated approach. In their letter, from 13 doctors and sent to 476 acute and
primary care trusts, is being seen as a direct challenge to the prince's
campaign. Organised by Michael Baum, emeritus professor of surgery at University
College London, the letter said he and fellow doctors believed alternative
medicine was being promoted despite a lack of evidence and "at a time when the
NHS is under intense pressure". It criticised two initiatives - a
government-funded guide on homeopathy for patients, and the Smallwood report,
commissioned by Prince Charles, which suggested greater access to complementary
therapies in the NHS might lead to widespread benefits. The letter described
homeopathy as an "implausible treatment for which over a dozen systematic
reviews have failed to produce convincing evidence of effectiveness". The
doctors say while "medical practice must remain open to new discoveries", it
would "be highly irresponsible to embrace any medicine as though it were a
matter of principle". The letter continues: "The public and the NHS are best
served by using the available funds for treatments that are based on solid
evidence." Signatories on the letter include Nobel Prize-winner Sir James Black
and Sir Keith Peters, president of the Academy of Medical Science. Edzard Ernst,
the UK's first professor of complementary medicine, also signed. He said: "The
wholesale integration of complementary medicine, simply because it's
alternative, and people may want it, and feel satisfied with it, is not a good
reason for integration. "I believe we need one single standard in medicine and
that is the standard of evidence based medicine." Dr Peter Fisher, of the Royal
London Homoeopathic Hospital, described the letter as an attempt to introduce a
form of "medical apartheid" into the NHS. Terry Cullen, chairman of the British
Complementary Medicine Association, said: "It's very frustrating that senior
responsible people dismiss complementary medicine for the sole reason that it
doesn't have the definitive scientific proof that other drugs have. "There is so
much anecdotal evidence that thousands of people gain benefit from using
complementary medicines. We shouldn't dismiss that." Madeleine Craggs, chief
executive of the General Osteopathic Council, said: "All recognise the value of
evidence-based practice, but given the lack of funding for controlled trials, an
interim solution may be to pilot more integrated services." One signatory to the
letter, consultant clinical scientist Leslie Rose, said its purpose was to
instil equal vigour in gathering evidence for every treatment prescribed to NHS
patients. "The NHS should not be spending money where the evidence base is much
weaker than it is for conventional treatments," he told BBC Breakfast. He said a
business plan for the refurbishment of the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital -
which cost £20m to set up - did not put any emphasis on evidence. Complementary
therapies also include reflexology, aromatherapy and a range of 'hands on
healing' techniques such as reiki and shiatsu. Prince Charles first advocated
the use of complementary medicines more than 20 years ago, and has established
the Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health. A spokeswoman for the Department
of Health said it was up to clinicians and trusts to decide on the best
treatment for a patient. She said good evidence and clear information was
required for patients to make their choice. She said the department said it did
not have figures on the amount spent by the NHS on complementary medicines
because decisions were taken locally. About half of GPs are thought to refer
patients to alternative therapists.
I am just having a quick look at your site. It is very funny ( in a good way ). Well in answering a question about using essential oils in the bath, you do not mention that you need to use full fat milk or vodka to help the oils disperse. Otherwise they just sit on the top of the bath water and are not really doing you any good. I know of a friend who put May Chang into her bath without using milk or vodka and as she sat in the water the May Chang burnt her private parts !
Yours, a FHT and IIHHT member.
Not for nothing are the Comoros known as the Perfume Isles. They export around 80% of the world's supply of ylang ylang essence, an essential oil that is the main ingredient of most expensive perfumes. Originally from the Philippines, the ylang ylang plant was introduced to the Comoros by the French in the late nineteenth century. Like vanilla and cloves, which are also grown in the Comoros, ylang ylang is a potentially lucrative crop that is subject to volatile markets. Even while still growing on the tree, the yellow flower has a strong, sweet fragrance which will eventually be used in perfumes, soaps and other toiletries. Walking through the fields with your eyes closed is like walking past a perfume counter in a big department store. The flowers are picked three times a month, giving distilleries an income all year round. The flowers are placed in a vat and steamed. The Amada family struggles to survive with their small-scale distillery and ylang ylang fields. The steam rises into a pipe and is fed into a condensing chamber where it cools. The perfume essence is then collected at the bottom of the chamber. It takes 100kg of flowers to produce three litres of essential oil and the distillation process alone goes on for 18 hours. In the treatment room, the oil is checked for impurities before it is put into barrels to be exported to France. The distillery does not just deal with its own crop of ylang ylang flowers. It buys quantities from small, independent farmers on all the islands of the Comoros, combining their lesser yields into a larger crop. The exportation of essential oils and spices is a closed market and every exporter must be licensed for each crop, with separate permits for the export of ylang ylang, vanilla, cloves and pepper. Hassan Assoumani, manager of the Comore Vanille et Plantes distillery and export business in Mbeni on the main island of Grande Comore, says small-scale farmers do not have the money or expertise to distil the essence. "Exporting essential oils is very different from distilling them. You have to have some know-how. You need expensive equipment to distil the oils and make sure that they are all to a very high standard." Maintaining high standards is important, but this does not make life any easier for the small-scale essence producers of the Comoros. Abderramane Amada is the son of an ylang ylang farmer near the town of Iconi on Grande Comore. The family has its own traditional wood-fired distillery and makes money by selling bottles of essence to tourists. "It's not a lot of money but I will continue making it," he said. He may be struggling but at least Mr Amada is not dependent on the international popularity of expensive French perfume for a sweet-smelling future.
Your site is extremely funny, and I have spent many happy lunch breaks searching though the information. Here's to properly punctuated and idiosyncratic English websites. I particularly enjoyed the surveys and spinning your head. My favourite oil recipe is: 4 drops peppermint; 3 drops eucalyptus; 3 drops grapefruit; 3 drops rosemary. This is delicious in a bath, and clears the head whilst also being relaxing. I invented this myself when the Body Shop stopped selling my favourite bubble bath. Now I rarely buy smelly products, and even make my own face cream with beeswax, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and rosewater, with choice oils depending on how I'm feeling. Ooooh! So in a way the Body Shop did me a huge favour. Great website.
This is just the most wonderful site. I happened upon it while doing research for my Ethics Class project ( Self Determination: Prescription Drugs/Alternative Medicines ). I did not choose this topic simply because of the ethical and economic implications, but because I have experienced many, many forms of treatment in the past 10 years, both forced ( state-administered psychotropics ) and many varieties of self-administered cannabis at great risk and loss because of the prohibition against its use in this country.
Although not scientific, I have found the 2 things that ease my physical pain from Crohns, and often debilitating mind-racing symptoms from bipolar disorder, to be cannabis and aromatherapy. Although both only provide temporary relief, it is relief, and so much less hard on my body than steroids ( prednisone ), percodan, depakote, xyprexia, xanax... the list goes on. Whereas the primary side effect of cannabis ( and it's a doozy ) is the 'outlaw lifestyle' and an increase in appetite ( good for Crohns patients who malabsorb and can't keep weight on - bad for overweight or obese people ). It also causes short term memory loss and concentration problems. At any rate the only prescription drug that I will take anymore is depakote because it does seem to be a leveler of sorts, with minimal side effects. It's all about weighing the pros and cons. The best medicine being of course preventive medicine and education early on. Having options.
Obviously I am an advocate of this type of treatment as well as other alternative approaches to health issues, as well as a strong supporter for drug reform. This ethics project is turning out to be quite the learning curve for me. Thank you sincerely and all the people who worked with you for giving something of this magnitude to people like me as a resource. I just love it.
Josie.
Hello - visited your site today, on referral from a previous graduate of mine, and rather enjoyed it. I tend to come from the more serious end of the Aromatherapy Industry, having been a College Instructor on the Subject, and yet, I think it is important to diversify in approaches. Since my roots are primarily British/Norwegian, I can relate easily and appreciate your humor. I did notice you had a book section, and thought I would share that I too write on the subject of Aromatherapy. I notice you have a good amount of Equine information, assume that you as well love horses, as I do, and on occasion, I am called on to work with AT on large animals, horses and llamas. They indeed respond beautifully to the oils. (I have also fulfilled the role of therapist for 9 years - French & UK trained in Clinical end) .
The book is available from Amazon :- Aromatiques: A Sensualist's Guide to Aromatic Oils by Eva-Marie Lind, Robert Olding (Photographer)
Book Description
Essential oils can soothe, heal, and beautify. In Aromatiques: A Sensualist’s Guide to Aromatic Oils, expert aromatologist Éva-Marie Lind brings a sensualist’s sensibility to basic aromatherapy practice and illustrates the wonders and benefits of this time-honored healing art.
Aromatiques is a highly visual aromatherapy primer, appealing not only to the sense of smell, but also to sight, touch, and the imagination. With information on the use of essential oils, blending instructions, and recipes for fragrant baths, massages, facials, and more, Aromatiques provides the perfect introduction to the physical and psychological benefits of aromatic botanicals.
Aromatiques describes oils and their uses, provides buying tips, demystifies the language of scent by explaining aromatherapy classification and terms, and includes recipes for creating your own aromatherapeutic blends.
Aromatiques is about the power and pleasure of essential oils. It’s about experiencing the restorative, soothing nature of botanicals to enhance your quality of life. It’s about being good to yourself, both body and soul.
About the Author
Éva-Marie Lind, a practicing Aromatologist for 11 years, holds a Licentiate in Aromatic Medicine. Widely respected in her field, she has been Program Lead in Aromatic Studies and Spa Techniques at Ashmead Collee and Dean of the Aromatherapy Program at Australasian College of Herbal Studies. She serves as a research and educational consultant for several well-respected companies, travels internationally offering trainings and seminars on Aromatherapy, and is a frequent contributor to various magazines. She practices Aromatherapy and lives in Portland, Oregon.
Centuries-old theories that the herb sage can improve memory appear to be borne out by modern research. Scientists at the Universities of Newcastle and Northumbria tested 44 people, who were either given the herb or a dummy placebo pill. They found that those given the sage oil tablets performed much better in a "word recall test". Experts believe the active ingredient may boost levels of a chemical that helps transmit messages in the brain. The Medicinal Plant Research Centre (MPRC) at the universities are testing many old-fashioned claims about the healing powers of herbs and flowers. Sage is often referred to in ancient texts - in 1597 the herbalist John Gerard said that it was "singularly good for the head and quickeneth the nerves and memory." Researcher Nicola Tildsley said the results of the study proved that, in some cases at least, the herbalists should be taken seriously. She said: "This proves how valuable the work by the old herbalists was, and that they shouldn't just be ignored because they were writing centuries ago." There are still question marks over the herb's ability to boost long-term memory, she said. "Tests would need to be carried out on people over a longer period of time to prove that sage improves exam performance - but we don't have any plans to do this at present." However, it is possible that the herb could help patients affected by Alzheimer's disease, she said. Alzheimer's is accompanied in many cases by a drop in the same brain chemical boosted by sage in experiments. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may also conceivably help - although this is still far from proven. The centre has already embarked on a study to test the effect of the herb on Alzheimer's patients, and results from this are expected soon. The memory study was published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior.
One combo for diffuser that I appreciate :
( I tried your "tropical splash", I love it ! )
I am a registered aromatherapist and have been browsing your site....I would like to thouroughly compliment you on the integrity of the knowledge you have written in the site and the format that makes it easy for an amateur to learn either a little, or a lot, depending on what they want....I notice that you do not seem to like rosemary very much though, why? I actually use a line of oils from Britain, called Quinessence and find them to be far superior to any product that I can get in Canada. Once again, compliments on your site and thank you.
Many people are aware of the positive aspects of massage therapy. Stress release, total relaxation, and relief from chronic muscle complaints are some areas that this treatment targets. Now, imagine using essential oils to compliment the above effects. By combining the healing properties of Aromatherapy with the calming touch of massage, clients undergo a complete holistic experience.
Massage is derived from a primitive instinct. It is inherent in human nature to use ‘touch’ to comfort and heal. Hugging, patting, even kissing a child’s scraped knee are all instinctive responses ‘to making it better’. Not only does this help to relieve physical pain, but it also makes one feel emotionally secure. Without conscious intent, we generate a small form of holistic care. This, the act of touching, combines the physical and emotional sides of what we consider to be ‘care’.
Essential oils complete the holistic approach by affecting the mind. Due to the fact that these oils stimulate the limbic system, the brains own healing mechanism is triggered. By inhaling these fragrances during therapy, the scents own healing power enters the bloodstream. When these oils activate the olfactory bulb, it send electrical impulses to the Limbic system, which affects emotional behaviour. This is why people feel invigorated when they smell Rosemary and Basil, and calmed by Chamomile and Jasmine.
The skin absorbs the oils approximately two hours after the massage as the body’s tissue/cells receive most of the physical benefit. As the oils become absorbed into the vital organs of the body, the effect the healing process, prevent illness and disease, improve circulation and eliminate toxins. Other benefits from using these oils are that they can help to relieve stress, headaches, arthritis, muscle pains and other chronic complaints.
Therapists can administer massages in unique ways, as they may have different strokes, touches, and formal training. But the main aspect to remember is that the clients’ needs should come first. By sending positive energy and having a giving heart, all can benefit. If the masseuse is ‘in tune’ with his/her client, then he/she can pick up the patients ‘energy’. Subsequently, the body’s energy flow can help to release blockages, allowing the client to help heal him or herself. The first couple of minutes into the therapy can establish a healing bond between the parties involved; this is a very important factor that can contribute to a patients healing. Despite being unaware of the reciprocal affect, the client may also help to heal his/her therapist.
The practical aspect basically consists of an assessment and massage. Before the massage itself, I perform a full assessment to determine a clients needs. The checking of the lymph nodes, spinal columns, and overall circulation are just part of the consultation. These procedures all combine to determine what specific oils will be used in the session. I usually choose four essential oils that are blended into a carrier oil; one of which is always a stress relaxant. My practice is based upon the fundamentals of European Lymphatic Drainage. By concentrating my strokes towards the lymph glands, this helps to expel toxins from the body’s system. Therefore it is important to drink two glasses of water following the therapy to expel unwanted wastes.
Due to the flexibility of such therapy, additional time can be concentrated toward chronic ailments (i.e. back/neck complaints). Such attention relaxes the client to the extent of sleep-a further combatant to stress. They awake rejuvenated and refreshed as a result of the combination of these techniques.
This is the main focus of Aromatherapy-Massage: to combine several of the body’s senses in effectual healing. Other orthodox medical practices can temporarily ‘heal the client’ but usually fails to help the client ‘to heal themselves’. This is where Aromatherapy-Massage excels as a treatment. By using scent and touch together, the body’s healing is heightened not only by the therapist, but also by the client.
It would be good to mention that although you can apply oils topically to horse and other animals, it isn't always appropriate as a) it gets really mucky as soon as they roll unless you use a water based gel and b) an oil they choose at 10am they may well and often do reject by lunchtime and as essential oil therapy is about giving the animal a choice, if it no longer shows interest then it's pretty tough if it's plastered in the stuff and can't get away. That is why I always offer oils before applying a fly repellent because they rarely last for more then 2 hours anyway and the horse then has the chance to say "nope, wrong ones for today thanks!"
Just a small thing but probably worth mentioning somewhere as it can be really distressing to see an animal that can't get away from a smell it neither likes nor needs...eucalyptus has been known to drive horses up the wall when applied topically! Oh and tea tree has been documented as causing temporary paralysis in dogs!!
Worth knowing.
OK, I have read the comments offered by Martin Watts (on your site) about the 'nonsense of aromatherapy.' He's entitled to his opinion, as is everyone else. But perhaps the man walks in a state of negativity anyway and nothing would work on him. :o) I am not a laboratory scientist, only an amateur aromatherapist (I have a first level certification in aromatherapy and plan to take the practitioner level course one day). But even before that I was using essential oils for what ailed me and my family. To be so bold, let me say that I have used lavender "neat" on vaginal infections (the infection and its associated irritations disappear within 2 days), for cuts, bug bites and bruises with the results being comparible to using antibiotic creams and other medications (I say even better than over the counter stuff!). My best case for aromatherapy is argued thus: last year my 5 year old daughter badly injured her ankle. It turned dark purple, blue and swelled up considerably. She couldn't walk on it at all. I took her to the doctor, who got X-rays taken and informed me that due to the excessive swelling it was likely that it was fractured. I was to have her put in an ankle cast the next day at the hospital. That night she complained of pain, so I smoothed on lavender essential oil all over the ankle area (trying to achieve that 'placebo' effect, I guess). The next morning I was stunned to find that the swelling was completely gone and what remained of the horrific colouring was a bit of pale yellow (I can swear on anything that this is truth). I took her to the hospital anyway and the doctors and staff there couldn't believe it either. They thought it was not the same girl. They took another x-ray and even uttered comments that this must not be the same ankle. My daughter could even walk on it with no pain. They shook their heads when I mentioned the lavender and told me that that could not be what helped my daughter. The nurse felt it must have been a miracle instead. Whatever the case, all I know is that lavender has been my beginning and has led me to become a true believer in aromatherapy and the power of essential oils. Martin Watts, I say this....thank god for essential oils. That 'placebo effect' from them has been my family's best medicine!
MUST agree with Bethel...patchouli does stink !!! I have been trying for years on and off to inure myself to this fragrance and have finally given up. I can smell patchouli coming from 100 yards off and it makes my stomach heave.
My Aunt who has horrible migraines has tried this recipe and it worked for her. Do do not use this formula more than 3-4 times in one day. You use it by placing a dab of oil on the temples in the middle of your forehead.
1) You can store essential oils in a wooden box and you can actually buy boxes from department stores that are designed to store them.
2) For the people who say that they take essential oils internally and it doesn't do them any harm, well that it not true. As there is a case in a book called "The complete guide to aromatherapy" by Salvatore Battaglia, where a man took one particular essential oil for like 10 or 20 years thinking it was doing him good, then to be diagnosed with irreversable liver damage.
3) You can store carrier oils in the fridge to prolong their life.
Great site. Keep giving us NON-COMMERCIAL INFO, PLEASE. In the midst of all the chaos here in NY, the YLEO people are sending out info on using oils in case of chemical warfare - oh, and yes, telling us how to buy it from them !
The events of 11th September 2001 shocked everybody here in the UK as well as touching every country of the world. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to all those who lost loved ones in the terrorist atrocity. Many UK people working in the Twin Towers lost their lives as well and we know some died saving the lives of co-workers. Even a person from my home town of Stockport was lost. I know this site sometimes 'celebrates' the idiosyncrasies of American folk, but when it comes down to it, we are both united in our love of freedom, fairness, equality and democracy. We stand together in our fight against religious intolerance.
My, my, my, my….I must say you are quite a long winded fellow aren't you ! Much info. and lots of funnies. Enjoyed and am passing on to many. As far as PEG-12 goes (Colgate), I'm thinking it is a form of coloring, however, that could be completely wrong. I'm no scientist. As for my favorite oils that I couldn't ever go with out are: my all time favorite, peppermint, I live, eat, breath, drive, work, bathe, shampoo my dog and sleep peppermint, also I love sandalwood, anything woodsy, grapefruit, orange, tea tree too and of coarse good ol' lavender. That is all I wish to comment on at this time.
Just a quick visit from Perth, Western Australia. Studying Aromatherapy and think your site is great. So nice to find someone who loves Aromatherapy just for the sake of it. Haven't had time to check out your site completely, but have you heard of May Chang. It is a really beautiful oil, similar in smell to lemon grass but much nicer. Also good recipe for smelly feet is lavender, peppermint and tea tree in witch hazel about 2.5% dilution, put in spray bottle.
I'll tell you what I know and think about Patchouli; it's repulsive. We have numerous pratrons in our restaurant in their mid-forties to early fifties that wear this hideous aromtherapy cover-up, not to mention the "want-to-be hippies" in their late 20's whose parents parents probably indulged in drugs into their late 20's. To me and my waitresses that have to indure this nearly every evening, it smells like "dirt" and I mean "dirt". It's most probably bringing back the smell to them when they induldged in their "free-love" and no hygeine days. Their mates seem to enjoy the order as well; they wear it also.Of course, that's only my opinion and 7 waitresses.
Add 3 drops of lemon essential oil to your dishwater after adding your dishwashing detergent. Anything that's greasy will come clean with little or no scrubbing. And smell good too. The oil will not irritate as it will disperse with the washing detergent.
Can use in a dishwasher too but be careful about plastic stuff.
Young Living Essential Oils (see: my page) sells Lavender Shampoo, Rinse, and Sealer. Also these oils that they sell: lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, ylang ylang, sage, and sandalwood. I was losing a little hair at the temples but now that I use the shampoo and rub those oils (rotating) into my scalp, my hair igrowing back. I know you're partial to your oils, which seem to be plentiful over there, but if you try these oils you will see the difference - that's why they are called "therapeutic grade." Furthermore, if you go to the "publications and literature" (I think that's what it's called) section of my page, you can buy, for $1, a pamphlet that talks about how the shampoos and toothpaste available in stores have poison in them (sodium laurethy sulfate, propylene glycol, etc.). Regular shampoo makes your hair fall out.Yes, it's also testosterone, but consider the fact that your skin is porous and you might want to try Young Living products. The pamphlet is called "Rub A Dub Dub, Is Cancer in Your Tub" and it is written in a somewhat hysterical tone (and not published by Young Living) but it's valuable info.
Patients are being warned that herbal medications can increase the risk of serious complications during surgery. The preparations can speed up or slow down the heart rate, inhibit blood clotting, alter the immune system and change the effects and duration of anaesthesia. And scientists have found some preparations have an impact if taken up to a week before a patient goes under the knife. Among the popular herbs studied were echinacea, gingko biloba, garlic, St John's wort and valerian - all widely-available in tablet form. The researchers, from the University of Chicago, have published guidelines on when patients should stop taking herbal medicines in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association. They hope that their work will encourage doctors to discuss the potential dangers with patients. Researcher Dr Chun-Su Yuan said: "While most of these substances appear to be safe for healthy people, for surgical patients they can affect sedation, pain control, bleeding, heart function, metabolism, immunity and recovery in ways that we are just beginning to understand."
Studies suggest that as many as one third of pre-surgical patients take herbal medications. However, many of those patients fail to disclose herbal use during pre-operative assessment, even when prompted. Further, doctors often are unsure what to do with the information. Professor Jonathan Moss, who also worked on the research, said: "Physicians need to specifically ask patients about herbal medication use.
"Many patients think of herbal medications not as supplements but as drugs. Other patients may not want to admit to their use to physicians. But in order to optimise patient safety and pain control during and after surgery, we need to know what herbal as well as over-the-counter or prescription drugs each patient takes."
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has recognised the potential for adverse reactions and suggests that patients stop taking all herbal medications two weeks before surgery. This advice may be difficult to implement, however, since most preoperative evaluations occur only a few days prior to surgery. So the Chicago researchers began to search for more targeted recommendations. They focused on the eight most common herbs - echinacea, ephedra, garlic, gingko biloba, ginseng, kava, St. John's wort, and valerian - which account for 50% of all single-herb preparations sold. They warn that the ingredients of herbal medications vary enormously from maker to maker, that potency and purity are inconsistent, and that product labels are not always accurate. But they believe the guidelines are useful as many doctors remain unaware of the potential risk. More than 5,000 suspected herb-related adverse reactions were reported to the World Health Organisation before 1996, said the researchers. Between 1993 and 1998 a total of 2,621 adverse reactions, including 101 deaths, were reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration.
London Tube travellers are to be spared the smell of sweaty commuters and railway grime with the help of perfumed platforms. On Monday London Underground pioneered the use of air sweeteners to mask unwanted odours at St James' Park, Euston and Piccadilly stations. If the Madeleine fragrance proves popular after its one-month trial, it could become a permanent feature of the busy transport system. The atmosphere down in our stations can become an interesting collection of odours. The idea has been copied from the Paris Metro where travellers described the perfume as a cross between air freshener and under-arm deodorant. Platforms are coated with a substance, made by ICI subsidiary Quest International, which then releases rose, jasmine and fruit aromas as commuters walk around. London Underground hopes the perfume will mask the musty smell of the Tube system, which is caused by dust and hot passengers crammed in together. Independent experts say the Tubes have twice as many polluting air particles as the capital's fume-filled streets. London Underground's stations' customer services director, Mike Brown, said he was looking forward to feedback from users. He said: "We carry more than three million passengers a day and the atmosphere down in our stations can become an interesting collection of odours reflecting all aspects of London life - some nice, some not so nice. That's why we are trialling Madeleine to see if a refresher will make a positive difference. If it's a hit, it could become a permanent item."
I saw the picture. I'm from the Philippines. We call that as "calachuchi". I'm not aware of what its correct botanic and taxanomic name is, but that's what we call it. It's very fragrant, specially during the summer (march-august).
My experience is in the BDSM Scene as opposed to the sex industry. Essential oils are becomming incredibly popular due to their various analgesic effects and calming properties. As with all massage, it is considered a luxury by many and as the BDSM scene is based upon the Master / Mistress Slave relationship it is appropriate and fitting for many of the slaves to learn massage in order to pamper their owners. Essential Oils only add to this giving intention within a complex relationship.
You wanted to know what my 20 favorite oils are. Here they are in no particular order. It just depends on what I am in the mood for and what the day has been like.
I know some of these scents are considered to "masculine" by some people for a woman to like, but they forget that it can also depend on who you are sharing the bath with !
I use essential oils in all of my cleaning products. The oils I use for this are, of course, the cheaper oils. I don't use my medicinal grade blends to watch them go down the drain ! My dishwashing liquid is a lemon scented one I buy in the store to which I add alot of eucalyptus radiata. It smells just delightful while doing dishes ! I also throw my graperfuit peels in the garbage disposal, and this makes the kitchen smell very clean and fresh! And keeps the disposal from smelling yucky! For cleaning the bathroom, I blend pink grapefruit and eucalyptus globulus into my regular cleaner. I guess I use them in just about anything I can think of. I enjoy them very much !
I am an Auxiliary nurse working in a terminal home & I am presently taking my diploma in Holistic Therapies with a view to employment in this area. I am a recent member of the FHT. I felt it would be prudent of me to bring attention to an area where our talents as "Holistic Therapists" are greatly needed but sadly in short supply. I am speaking specifically, of drug rehabilitation programs. I'm helping people get through the discomfort of drug withdrawal at the Bristol Drugs Project, a local centre for the assistance of people affected by drugs. They offer counselling, advice and relief for many people in the Bristol area. After being very close to someone who was taking drugs and witnessing the "discomfort" they suffered both physically and mentally I decided that if "Holistic Therapies" can relieve some of the pain and symptoms of people trying to pull themselves back up then I wanted to be a part of that.You would not believe the positive effects our therapies have on these people, all of us have witnessed seemingly incredible calming effects as a result of our arts, but somehow the act of giving to someone with (pardon the expression) real problems and making a difference seems to justify our dedication and faith in our field. Naturally a consultation with a GP is advisable before undertaking such volunteer work. Aromatherapy (which I offer, as well as Indian Head Massage & Reflexology) is the perfect example, any of the oils could react badly with any of the substances people are on (cocaine, psilocybin, poppers, cannabis, heroin, steroids, lsd, ecstasy, speed) of which there are more than I ever realised. Although, as usual, lavender and Vetivert come through smelling of roses again. For the experience alone, volunteering for a few hours a week in any drugs awareness program is invaluable, not only from the application point of view, but in dealing with people and generally practicing your arts in a really challenging environment. There are only a handful of volunteers where I provide my services and the organization, and doubtless, many such like organizations around the UK are in need of other volunteers. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer they should speak to their local council about locations of established organizations. As you can doubtless imagine, it does put life in perspective working with these people, knowing that you can contribute to their recovery is one of the greatest feelings possible, and actually doing that……..well, the rewards speak for themselves.
Am doing a little research into Arthritis, for an ailing acquaintance but had to stop to look around your web pages. Enjoyed the anecdotes and as a recent convert to Aromatherapy found the info interesting. Am a second year Sports Therapy student, and am already qualified in Massage Therapy, Health and Fitness and Aromatherapy, the latter being optional on my course but being a 'mature' student (not that mature, only reached the grand 30's a few months ago!) thought any extra quals would be advantageous.
Anyways - my interest was piqued when good God my daughter became infested with head lice - surely this could not be so, not MY daughter, I know this was a particularly virulent time at school but still, didn't the things know not to enter my house! After recovering from my initial shock I whizzed to the chemist and bought completely ineffectual, particularly repugnant smelling chemical stuff, which washed the little B's beautifully but did not kill them. Then as things would have it I referred to a book bought on the cheap for one Aromatherapy Assignment, and there within was a recipe for Head Lice. It did the trick, my pride in my daughters locks was restored and I've been completely won over ever since. My husband fondly (?) refers to me as his little witch as I brew up yet another concoction. But has not complained that I have almost eradicated his Athlete's foot which has plagued him for years! I have even delved into creams, searching out beeswax (took me weeks but I eventually tracked some down) and it smells so delicious that you FEEL it is beneficial and as we all know, psychologically believing is incredibly important.
So all besides, thanks for a co-hesive non - 'new age' approach to alternative therapies (I've never liked myself in cheesecloth and do not have long straight hair). In the 21st Century as anti-biotics prove not to be the be all and end all, it's time to look back to move forward and combine and utilise all the wonderful knowledge we have.
I love your cute site. It really made me smile, especially the part about favourite smells. Since you're so interested, here are my 10-stranded-on-a-desert-island-oils: rosemary, sandalwood, bergamot, lemongrass, lemon, lavender, frankincense, peppermint, fennel and neroli.
A new product on the market and a must to produce therapeutic foot baths, baths, spritzers and other water based application methods ie; compresses, is the essential oil dispersant available from good essential oil suppliers. As we all know oil and water do not mix so buy simply adding a few drops of essential to our bath we end up with a layer of oil on top of our bath water which will then come in contact with our skin which may cause a dermal reaction. To disperse the oils evenly throughout the water add equal amounts of essential oil dispersant . That is 6 drops of dispersant with six drops of of essential oils. These should be mixed together in a container and then added to the bath. Milk and other fatty based products should be avoided as they form a barrier between the oil and the skin.The same can be said for oil based and silicone based creams.
Women using the contraceptive pill and patients on HIV, depression and migraine treatments have been advised to stop using St John's Wort. The herbal remedy has been found to interfere with some prescription medicines, triggering the new guidance from the government. Other patients should see their doctor for advice about stopping. These include people using Warfarin and Digoxin for blood clots, cylcosporin after heart transplants, and theophylline for severe asthma and chronic bronchitis. The advice, from the Medicines Control Agency (MCA), follows reports by the independent Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). Studies published in the Lancet and the British Medical Journal have shown that St John's Wort affects the way drugs are broken down in the body, and can interfere with brain chemicals. Doctors in the UK have reported 14 cases of interactions.St John's Wort has also been shown to cause break-through bleeding in some women using the pill. Professor Alasdair Breckenridge, chairman of the CSM, said: "We have some new evidence of the potential safety hazards of St John's Wort, but only when it is used with other medications. "The consequences may be severe in some patients." Michael McIntyre, chairman of the European Herbal Practitioners Association, said: "The idea that natural always means 100% safe is wrong. "People should be careful about combining medicines." The MCA is holding discussions with herbal practitioner organisations and trade associations on the information which should be made available with unlicensed herbal remedies containing St John's Wort, including labelling changes. The MCA will also be updating the patient information of all the licensed medicines most likely to interact with St John's Wort. Margaret Peet, managing director of GNC, a major health food retailer, said: "Many prescription drugs interact with one another, and the fact that St John's Wort does so with particular drugs does not mean it loses its benefit to other users."
Nurses have warned that essential oils used in aromatherapy can cause skin burning, rashes, sickness and sometimes miscarriages in pregnant women. They said the potential health hazards of complementary therapy could be avoided if the industry were better regulated. Nurses trained in aromatherapy addressed the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Harrogate. Delegates voted for the college to raise awareness of such risks.
Aromatherapy has proven a success in recent years, with sales increasing by 70%. But there is no regulation of the industry and the public is largely unaware of potential side effects. Under current legislation, anyone can call himself or herself an aromatherapist and establish a practice. There are, however, training courses and associations to which qualified aromatherapists belong. Kath Ryan is a nurse who also practices aromatherapy. She said: "People really should go to a qualified aromatherapist before they use any essential oils. They can be enormously beneficial but there are potential hazards as well. Different oils can have different effects on people, and can interfere with other medication."
Miss Ryan is performing a three-year trial at Birmingham Women's Hospital to establish the effect of using essential oils on patients to reduce high blood pressure before operations. She said: "So far we have had a 100% success rate. If patients are particularly anxious before an operation the consultant can call me and I will give them an aromatherapy massage that reduces their blood pressure. It stops operations having to be cancelled because a patient's blood pressure is too high, and means a patient does not have to be administered with drugs like Temazepam which they may not want."
She added: "It also appears that the patients who have had the massage feel much less pain after the operation and are more relaxed."
Carole Cunningham, also a nurse, said: "There are so many different makes on the market, and often there is very little information. We would like to see companies who sell these oils put directions on the bottles with clear labelling about how much to use, storage instructions and shelf life. We would also like to see the companies who sell these oils having specific knowledge about what they are selling, and there needs to be better regulation of the training and education of aromatherapists."
She added: "Often the problem is that people use too much of the oils. They are very concentrated, powerful, potent substances and you only need a few drops, but people pour half a bottle into their bath or on to their skin and then come out in a rash. There has been great popularity for the use of massage on babies, often very young newly-born babies but people have to remember that a drop of oil is like a gallon to a young baby. People do need to be careful. We don't want to put people off but we do want to say be sensible."
Perhaps a good idea would be to list melissa as its other name as well - lemon balm! Many recipes in books call for both so it may be helpful to your viewers to list it as such !
I cleared up the fcc. It was "'food chemicals codex,' the industry-standard listing of food-grade ingredients; indicates materials safe for use in food and cosmetics," found in the Liberty Natural Products catalog.
Hi! Listen, Pennyroyal is useful when mixed with eucalyptus and burned or used in a bath for allergies and relaxation. I have hardly ever found any sites about pennyroyal but it's helped me a lot with my suffering from allergies, hayfever, etc.
