tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76514873823485482892024-02-20T19:00:14.259-08:00National Association for Holistic AromatherapyThe National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the benefits of true aromatherapy.
Visit us at www.naha.orgKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-6940287834201397052013-01-19T04:29:00.004-08:002013-01-22T02:39:44.871-08:00In Memoriam: Trudy Welker<style>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Memoriam: Trudy Welker</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Many members may have known the Certified Aromatherapist and aromatherapy pioneer, Trudy Welker from Northbrook, Il. Trudy, 79, passed away in her sleep on November 8, 2012. Her dedication in introducing many uses of essential oils for long term care ran deep. She developed aromatherapy programs in Illinois, Washington, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Massachusetts. She also took courses on plants and herbs in England at Cambridge University.
One of her special interests was sensory stimulation for quality of life. She developed aromatherapy protocols for relaxation programs, insomnia, repetitive behaviors by the developmentally challenged and symptoms relating to “sun downing” in long term care. </span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Trudy gave a workshop on, “Sensory Stimulation for Quality of Life “ at the October, 2005 Aromatics in Action Aromatherapy Conference in Denver. “May everyone’s aromatic journey lead to inner peace and happiness!”
Trudy was a voracious reader and visited her local library weekly. </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you would like to make a donation in her name, an inscription will be installed in the library courtyard donor area with her name and the simple note, “Reading Shall Empower”. Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook, IL 60062.</span></span>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Essential Oils in Long Term Care Facilities</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">by Trudy Welker</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have fond memories of when I began my journey to
share the joys of aromatherapy with Long Term Care Sites. I truly felt honored to work with each
individual of the dedicated staff and residents. It was inspirational to see
that my in-service attendees were very enthusiastic about this aromatic care
modality; they looked forward to implementing an aromatic program as quickly as
possible.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today in the United States one can find an infinite
array of books dealing with essential oils, ranging from beginning to advanced
levels of study. Some of the books have something of value to contribute and
many do not. Institutional supply catalogues carry some essential oils and a
few books; lack of knowledgeable instruction renders these tools useless.
Specific population-sensitive information is needed. It soon became apparent
that something more than a few notes taken from my lectures was important. This
motivated me to spend the time to create a special program and a manual that
could be an on-site working reference.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although essential oils can be useful for a variety
of health conditions, I focus on Sensory Stimulation and Quality of Life
issues. Specifically, emotional discomfort is a common experience that impedes
creativity, learning and healing. It has long been and still is my personal
belief that nurturing a balanced emotional and mental state can do much to
support the immune system and create an environment for healing and comforting
the body. My philosophy is to walk gently and carefully into these sheltered
places. Residents in a Long Term Care setting have many physical compromises
that must be taken into consideration. For this reason I have selected a
limited number of essential oils and hydrosols as appropriate.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We all have the tendency to seek a quick fix for
problems; staff members at institutional sites are no different in this quest.
Before even delving into essential oil use to remedy difficult situations, I
clearly state, aromatherapy is a tool that can be used to build a bridge
between two persons. Intent of the therapist is a primary consideration when
using this tool. The most compromised client can discern whether the therapist
truly cares and wishes to help them. The unseen energy and focus of the
therapist shines through regardless of any visual, emotional or auditory
deficits of the client. When the therapist or caretaker is truly focused on the
patient and the situation, then aromatherapy can be implemented.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hydrosols, essential oils, lotions, massage oils and
foam baths may now become the valued tools of the caretaker. To minimize the
risk of adverse reactions only the most gentle and safe oils and hydrosols
should be used. Standard
safety and contra-indication issues should be confirmed. Essential oils should
be purchased from brokers who supply a GC printout certifying quality:
hydrosols should have microbiology certification for freedom from bacteria and
molds. Essential Oil Material Safety Data Sheets are required for all institutions.</span></span></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oils for Emotional Balance</span></span></h4>
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</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">STATUS</span></h1>
</td> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>DERMAL/MASSAGE OIL, LOTION – 1% or less</b></span></div>
</td> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">AERIAL DIFFUSION</span></h1>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anger</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lavender,Blends Generosity/Tranquility</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Litsea cubeba, Rose/Neroli Hydrosol, Frankincense</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anxiety</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blend, Lavender, Geranium Rose,Sandalwood</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lavender, Rose/Neroli Hydrosol</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Appetite</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mandarin, Orange, Grapefruit</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Depression</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Neroli </span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mandarin, Bergamot, Grapefruit,Tangerine</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Focus</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lemon, Citrus oils, Holy basil</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Insomnia</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lavender, Sandalwood, Vetiver</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rose/Neroli Hydrosols</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Memory Retrieval</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blend / Essence</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rosemary, and Citrus Oils, Blend Generosity</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Perseveration,</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blend/Tranquility/Mystery</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rose/Neroli Hydrosol, Blend/ Tranquility</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sundowning</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lavender, Blend Comfort/Generosity</span></div>
</td> <td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rose / Neroli Hydrosol, Comfort Blend</span></div>
</td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Terminal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blends Comfort /Tranquility, Blend/ Generosity</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rose/Neroli Hydrosols, Comfort Blend</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Synergy
Components:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Comfort</b>:
Cypress, Rose, Frankincense</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Essence</b>: Bergamot, Tangerine,
Sandalwood, Cardamon <b>- Palm of
hand or bottom of foot – No exposure to sunlight.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Generosity</b>:
Spikenard, Lavender, Rose</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Mystery</b>:
Geranium, Frankincense, Sandalwood</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Tranquility</b>:
Jasmine, Sandalwood, Neroli, Rose, Lavender</span></span></div>
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<h1 align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">SUCCESSFUL PROTOCOLS</span></span></h1>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anger issues should be dealt with calmly and one to one, unless there is a chance of physical harm. One must be in control of oneself to assess a situation and formulate the correct response: sometimes it can take the form of massage or simply using a hydrosol to clear the air.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anxiety issues can be eased using hand or foot massage with lotion or massage oil and the appropriate essential oil. Transition times are difficult especially for Alzheimer/dementia patients. For example, preparing the patient before the trip to the bathing facility can reduce bathing anxiety. These techniques are also useful before medical intervention.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Diffuse Grapefruit oil to encourage patients to become alert and participate in daily activities.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the patient that has difficulty staying on task during mealtime, diffuse citrus oils, such as sweet orange, mandarin or tangerine.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many patients look forward to a drop of Lavender on their pillow to alleviate insomnia. Some patients enjoy having the room prepared at nighttime by misting with Neroli or Rose Hydrosol.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Foot baths, with Lavender help calm and distract the person who becomes single minded (perseveration). This appliance can be found in most drug stores or chain stores.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sundowning behaviors in the Alzheimer patient are best resolved on a one to one basis, using gentle interactive touch or hydrosols. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An ideal arrangement is to have a designated relaxation room, furnished with a comfortable chair, dim lighting and an essential oil diffuser. This can be successfully used as positive behavior reinforcement.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cypress, Rose and Frankincense in the hospice setting can help soothe both patient and family. An attractive delivery system and appropriate text card convey staff concern.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oftentimes when we discuss care
of clients we tend to overlook care of the caretaker. I strongly advocate the
maxim, “ one must be good to oneself before one can be good to another”.
Therefore, I direct a portion of my programs directly to the caretaker.
Therapists are encouraged to utilize breathing techniques, meditation exercises
and of course essential oils in the same manner as those we use with the
residents. Twice a year participating sites receive a newsletter that recounts
successful strategies that each site is using and tips for self-care.
Therapists benefit by sharing information and feel less isolated. This becomes
circular, in validating the work situation for the therapist the client
experiences a more serene and enjoyable life experience. Personally, this also becomes a
circular event in my work: when I can encourage caretakers and help provide comfort
to residents I in turn feel emotionally rewarded and strive to become more
dedicated. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In conclusion, yes there definitely is a place for
the safe and proper use of the Aromatic Plant Oils not only in one’s personal
life, but also for those in residential care who are bereft of the amenities
that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. I would be remiss if I neglected
to recognize and applaud the therapists and staff in the sites with which I
have worked; they are caring, hard working, dedicated and compassionate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">MAY EVERYONE’S AROMATIC JOURNEY LEAD </span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="background-color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">TO INNER PEACE AND
HAPPINESS!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"> </span> </span></b></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10634457553116949270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-23668313845874848112012-11-14T09:40:00.000-08:002012-11-14T09:40:00.911-08:00November Article<strong>Featured Article </strong><br />
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<strong>Hospice Pediatrics</strong><br />
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<strong>By Lisa M. Browder, ICA, CR, RA</strong><br />
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I'll be honest -- pediatric care makes me a little nervous. Most of the available literature on pediatrics deals with common childhood issues. Although other hospices are using essential oils effectively for symptom management with their pediatric patients, there is no information-sharing network to allow us to work together, or even to know that others doing similar work exist. So I use the available literature on aromatherapy and childcare and then apply my own sleuthing technique: I quiz the nurses for relevant information on symptoms and their likely causes, determine whether it is an acute issue or an ongoing challenge, sort through essential oils that would be helpful, eliminate the ones I think might be too strong for the child's age and/or disease process, figure out what delivery method would be most effective and vary the dilution rate as necessary. These youngest hospice patients are rarely able to tell me how I am doing, so my assessment of success or failure has a different standard; it relies on nursing reports and visual cues such as a resolving skin issue, an unfurrowed brow, deeper sleep patterns; relief from constipation, or cessation of whimpering or crying.<br />
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Our pediatric program manager identified the top five pediatric diagnoses as holoprosencephaly, neurodegenerative disorders, severe cerebral palsy, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and chromosomal anomalies. Even pronouncing them is a challenge; they just sound scary. However, I have learned these formidable-sounding diagnoses have some common treatable symptoms, like constipation, irritability, skin issues and muscular aches.<br />
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With holoprosencephaly, the lobes of the brain have failed to develop. These little ones suffer from mobility issues, seizures, visual and hearing disturbances, irritability, agitation and contractures. Our program manager says holoproscencephaly babies appear to be born more often to diabetic mothers. These babies do extremely well with specially-blended crèmes for muscular aches and pains and agitation; each applied topically by our massage therapist. Additionally, in the acute-care units we diffuse lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) at bedside.<br />
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Neurodegenerative disorders are particularly thorny and there are enough of them that many do not even have names. These children are normal at birth but somewhere between 5 and 10 years old begin to "reverse," a condition distinguished by sudden tripping, falling and/or balance issues. They go on to develop spasticity and contractures. Many of these are older pediatric patients, so they may take a lot of pharmaceutical medications which can cause serious constipation. My formula to relieve this includes lavender, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct verbenone), ginger (Zingiber officinale), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and black pepper (Piper nigrum). <br />
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Some of these children do well with a combination of essential oils and massage. Others will not tolerate touch. Since it is unpredictable, we usually send in the massage therapist with a topical crème to see how the child responds. One of our patients, a 17-year-old, only liked his head touched, so the massage therapist did cranial work with him. Another, a 9-year-old with Batten disease (a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system), responded extremely well to both massage and reflexology and particularly loved the aromatherapy blends created for him. He was constantly restless and had frequent seizure activity. When the inhaler stick created for his breathing was held up to his nose, his movements ceased and he would inhale, deeply and audibly. The inhaler contained lavender, eucalyptus radiata, chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), myrtle (Myrtus communis) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita). <br />
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Severe cerebral palsy is frequently accompanied by other diagnoses so there may be multiple symptoms to sort out. These children show a loss of mobility and lose the ability to speak. Their muscle control is affected and they often have scoliosis and contractures. They benefit from a combination of massage and essential oils. We use a topical blend of lavender, rosemary, juniper (Juniperus communis), black pepper, fennel and peppermint. These patients may not be able to speak, but the essential oils still affect emotional centers so we frequently see a softening of facial features accompanied by soft sounds that the mothers identify as pleasure reactions.<br />
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Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is due to a lack of oxygen to the brain and most commonly occurs during the birth process. The affected part of the brain dies, dissolves and becomes fluid on the brain. Vision and hearing are affected and these babies suffer from contractures and spasticity. We worked with a 27-week-old baby that would only allow our massage therapist (not even his mother) to touch his feet. She used a lavender crème applied topically to help him relax.<br />
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Then there are the babies born with chromosomal anomalies such as Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 13. These diseases involve an extra copy of a numbered chromosome rather than the normal two sets and the extra material interferes with normal development. According to the National Institute of Health, these children may have clenched hands, crossed legs, low-set ears, mental retardation and sometimes a cleft lip or palate. They will frequently have clenched fingers and, as our nurse told me, they "usually just require a relaxing environment." They are good candidates for a bedside diffuser and/or hand massage with a lavender crème.<br />
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I was recently asked to blend something for one of our patients with an unidentified skin issue. Tiny blister-like raised areas appear, open up, scab over and eventually disappear. The child does not appear uncomfortable and no pattern has emerged to identify a possible source. Even a dermatologist has been unable to identify the issue. I made a .5 percent formulation in grape seed oil (Vitis vinifera) of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Roman chamomile and suggested massaging a small amount into the affected areas after his bath. I chose the tea tree for its antifungal/antibacterial/anti-infectious properties, chamomile for inflammation, and sweet orange primarily for aroma. There has been a marked improvement, with the spots healing rapidly. One of the nurses told me, "It looks like someone vacuumed his skin." <br />
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The majority of my blends are between .5-1 percent but I have also used a 2 percent constipation blend and a 3 percent blend for dry/patchy skin. There have been no negative results reported. To the contrary, many of the stronger blends have been the most successful and in the shortest amount of time. So although some of the diagnoses in pediatric hospice sound daunting, my experience has been nothing but positive. These smallest of our patients with their life-limiting illnesses respond exceedingly well (and quickly) to essential oils. <br />
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Lisa Browder is a certified reflexologist, Reiki practitioner and Registered Aromatherapist. She is the Complementary Therapies Manager at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas. Lisa is a Professional Member of NAHA, and is NAHA Regional Director for Nevada. She is the owner of Scentsibility. Visit her new web-site at: <a href="http://www.scentsibility.net/">www.scentsibility.net</a> <br />
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To purchase Lisa's NAHA Teleconference Presentation on Hospice and Essential Oils, visit the NAHA website: <a href="http://www.naha.org/">www.naha.org</a> and click on link to Teleconference recordings. <br />
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Note: Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles.<br />
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-17387214726121599222012-10-17T13:37:00.002-07:002012-10-17T13:38:37.217-07:00October Article<strong>Combating Flus and Blues with Aromatherapy</strong><br />
<strong>By Shanti Dechen, RA, CCAP, LMT, CYI </strong><br />
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FALL is here! Along with the change of season, for some Fall also brings colds, flus, and emotional stresses. Living a healthy, natural life today can be an overwhelming challenge. Schedules are stretched to the maximum, eating habits are poor and often eating happens on the run, environmental toxins are everywhere, and stress levels are at an all time high. All of these factors can impair our immune system. When the immune system is weak, the body becomes vulnerable, creating an opening for viruses and bacteria to invade. Maintaining a strong healthy immune system is a vital element to achieve and retain good health. <br />
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Build up the immune system naturally:<br />
Get adequate rest and sleep<br />
Exercise regularly<br />
Use essential oils daily<br />
Eat healthy foods; eliminate processed foods and increase healthy nutrients<br />
Reduce stress levels<br />
Use appropriate herbal supplements <br />
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<strong>Essential Oils</strong><br />
Essential oils are natural immune system boosters. Their concentrated chemical components include anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-septic properties and more. Essential oils can reach and absorb into the bloodstream in as little as 20 minutes. This can assist the immune system, cleansing the cells of toxins and enhancing their ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients.<br />
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A few essential oils that are terrific immune stimulants: Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum) and Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)<br />
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Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)<br />
Family: Lauraceae<br />
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Immune System Benefits: Ravensara is a strong antiviral oil and can be used for colds and flu, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, earache, lung infections, pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, throat infections and whooping cough. Ravensara is also effective to reduce joint pain, lymph congestion, fevers, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, and as a nerve tonic.<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> Non-toxic, non-irritant when used in moderation.<br />
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Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)<br />
Family: Myrtaceae<br />
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Immune System Benefits: Wide spectrum anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory. Manuka helps keep infections at bay, including colds, flu, fever, and related muscle pain. It is excellent to diffuse as inhalation therapy as an expectorant for congestion in the nasal passages and respiratory infections, and for coughs, sinusitis, and whooping cough. It has disinfectant properties useful against bacteria and infectious diseases.<br />
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The Maori people used manuka as an important part of their natural medicine. It is believed that leaves of both manuka and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) were used by Captain Cook to make a tea drink, thus given the name Tea Tree.<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> Non-toxic, non-irritant when used in moderation.<br />
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Everlasting or Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) aka (Helichrysum angustifolium)<br />
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)<br />
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Immune System Benefits: Strengthens the immune system: antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and relaxes the nerves. The expectorant properties assist to relieve congestion in asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, colds, catarrh, whooping cough, flu. It also helps with fever and antispasmodic properties help with cough, asthma, aching muscles and spasms.Everlasting is healing for physical and emotional wounds.<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> Non-toxic, non-irritant when used in moderation. The anticoagulant properties of everlasting are contraindicated if one is taking blood-thinning medication. Not recommended for children under 12 or during pregnancy.<br />
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Aromatherapy Applications to Strengthen the Immune System:<br />
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Diffuser, room spritzer, bath, compress, massage or body oil.<br />
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Bath: Mix 5-7 drops of essential oils into 1 tsp. of carrier oil (organic sweet almond, sunflower, sesame or safflower oil) or vegetable glycerin or aloe vera gel, and then add to bath. (Suggested bath blend: 2 drops manuka, 2 drops ravensara and 2 drops everlasting.) Always check essential oil precautions; see link below.<br />
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Compress: Mix 3-5 drops of essential oils and 1 tsp. of carrier oil, vegetable glycerin or aloe vera gel and add to water. Soak compress, wring out and apply.<br />
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Suggested use for respiratory issues: apply 2 drops of each manuka, ravensara, and everlasting, diluted in 1 tsp. of carrier oil, to the upper back and then apply a warm towel over the area.<br />
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Massage Oil or Body Oil (1 oz.): Mix essential oils in a simple choice of carrier oil which can include sweet almond oil, sunflower, safflower or sesame. Use a 2% dilution per 1oz, up to 12 drops total for general use. Use a 1% dilution for children, elders, pregnancy and those with sensitive skin, up to 6 drops total.<br />
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Feeling SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder, also know as winter depression, winter blues, or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder in which people that have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the fall or winter. Common symptoms include feeling blue, lethargic, fatigued, unmotivated and depressed. One may also oversleep, gain weight and crave carbohydrates more than usual.<br />
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Use natural methods to feel more like yourself again:<br />
Light therapy<br />
Aromatherapy<br />
Herbs<br />
Nutritional supplementation<br />
Acupuncture <br />
Essential Oils<br />
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Upon inhalation, essential oils can affect the limbic system in the brain in as little as 20 seconds. This can assist in becoming more alert, centered and grounded.<br />
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Let's look at a few essential oils that are mentally and emotionally uplifting: <br />
Orange (Citrus sinensis), Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens).<br />
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Orange (Citrus sinensis)<br />
Family: Rutaceae<br />
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Emotional/Mental Benefits: Can reduce anxiety, stress, nervous exhaustion; boosts self-esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength, and uplifts spirits. The happy oil!<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> May irritate sensitive skin; do not use without diluting first in carrier oil or in the bath. Orange is safe for entire pregnancy but use in moderation at a 1% dilution or less. Use mandarin (Citrus reticulata var. mandarin) instead for children under 6 years of age.<br />
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Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)<br />
Family: Geraniaceae<br />
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Emotional/Mental Benefits: Balancing effect on the nervous system; relieves anxiety and depression, lifts spirits, improves mental clarity.<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> Not for long-term use with history of estrogen dependent cancer (not more than 10 days); not ideal for children under 14; can be used in moderation during the third trimester of pregnancy;<br />
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Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)<br />
Family: Cupressaceae<br />
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Emotional/Mental Benefits: Strengthens and restores overburdened system, calms nervous tension, alleviates stress related conditions, assists with grounding and wellbeing.<br />
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<strong>Precautions:</strong> Avoid with history of estrogen dependent cancer; avoid during pregnancy.<br />
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<strong>Essential Oil Applications for Emotional Uplifting</strong><br />
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Uses: Inhalation through nasal inhaler, diffusion, room spritzer, bath, massage or body oil.<br />
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Tissue or Cotton Ball: Add 2-3 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or cotton ball and inhale.<br />
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Nasal Inhaler: Saturate the felt wick with essential oils and load into capsule; inhale as needed.<br />
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Room Spritzer (2 oz.): In 1 TBSP of vegetable glycerin, add 10-15 drops of essential oils, shake well and then add water or geranium hydrosol. Try the essential oil formulation of 8 drops orange, 4 drops rose geranium and 6 drops cypress.<br />
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Nebulizing Diffuser: Add 15-20 drops of essential oils into glass nebulizer, run for 10-20 minutes to increase immune stimulation. Benefits the respiratory system and uplifts the emotions.<br />
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With proper use, aromatherapy can be used to boost the immune system and also uplift the mind and emotions. Aromatherapy is a fantastic therapy to include in a healthy lifestyle.<br />
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<br />
Shanti Dechen is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner and Instructor, Certified Chi Nei Tsang Practitioner and Instructor, Body Mind Clearing Practitioner, and a Certified Yoga Instructor with over 15,000 hours of training in holistic modalities. Shanti has been a holistic health practitioner since 1979. She specializes in aligning health and balance in daily life by using the modalities of Clinical Aromatherapy, Herbology, Massage, Chi Nei Tsang: Internal Organ Rejuvenation, Reflexology, Nutrition, Bodymind Clearing, Cranio-sacral therapy, Energy Medicine, Qigong and Acupressure.<br />
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Shanti's love and enthusiasm for aromatherapy, plant medicine, herbology, and holistic healing lead her to establish Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy in 2002. Shanti and her husband Jampa Stewart, an acupuncturist, tai chi and qi gong instructor, live in a beautiful small mountain community in Crestone, Colorado and teach in many areas around the world. Shanti has been a Professional Member of NAHA and an NCBTMB CE provider for ten years. She joined NAHA to be part of a growing profession in the US and is the NAHA Regional Director for Colorado. <br />
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To learn more about Shanti visit her website at <a href="http://www.learnaroma.com/">www.learnaroma.com</a> <br />
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Visit the NAHA website to purchase Shanti's NAHA Teleconference recordings on Five Element Aromatherapy and Subtle Essence Alchemy. <br />
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Note: Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles. <br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-60797752182866748822012-10-17T13:26:00.000-07:002012-10-17T13:30:05.968-07:00September Article<strong>Aromatherapy Support for ADHD/ADD and Anxiety</strong><br />
<strong>By Haly JensenHof, BS, MA, LPC, RA</strong><br />
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We know that ADHD/ADD has been diagnosed for decades; however, do we really understand these pervasive diagnoses? We know that ADHD is Attention Deficit with Hyperactive behavior, and that ADD is Attention Deficit on its own, but do we really know the root cause of these disorders? There are many theories circulating about what causes ADHD/ADD such as chemical imbalance, faulty neurological wiring, food allergies, but I propose that a lot of ADHD/ADD is due to severe anxiety. Seldom is ADD diagnosed without the addition of hyperactivity. Therefore, for the purposes of this discussion ADHD will be the diagnosis. During my twenty years as a mental health professional working with children, I observed hundreds of children diagnosed with ADHD, and an equal amount of children diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder. Many times both diagnoses were given to the same child. <br />
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To the casual observer, and to the professional mental health provider, the symptoms of both ADHD and Anxiety Disorders are one and the same. Many of the symptoms observed in ADHD are the same as those found in Anxiety Disorders. These symptoms include: inability to concentrate, being fidgety, difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, irritability and emotional outbursts, inattentiveness; restlessness, moving from one activity to another without completion of tasks, poor academic performance, and poor interpersonal relationships. Because of these similarities in symptoms many questions arise, such as: Which diagnosis fits best, or do both fit? What should the treatment protocol be? What psychotropic medications should be prescribed, and is that the preferred course of action? It can certainly be very confusing to parents, teachers, and the mental health professional. To further complicate the matter, both ADHD and Anxiety Disorders are typically diagnosed between the ages of six and seven years, both diagnoses must have duration of symptoms for approximately six months, and both have symptom severity fluctuations depending on settings.<br />
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I have always held it is easier to diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder than it is to diagnose an Anxiety disorder. It is easier to ask the parent if the child's behavior falls into the diagnostic profile of ADHD than it is to take a deeper look into the child's environment, social and domestic situations, and internal dialogue. Because ADHD is typically diagnosed at approximately the same time the child is entering school, I believe the picture is clouded even further. For example, a child is being asked to enter into a foreign environment filled with peers and adults he doesn't know and adhere to a new, strict, regimented schedule. He is asked to leave his primary caretakers, the familiarity of his home or daycare setting, his "comfort items," like a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, toys, and his more relaxed, enjoyable daily schedule. Now, if an adult is asked to leave the comfort of his or her home/work setting, diminish daily contact with family, friends, or coworkers, leave behind the cell phone or laptop and begin following an unfamiliar schedule, wouldn't a level of anxiety and distress follow? However, there is a difference between the child and adult; the adult has learned skills and methods of dealing with anxiety, the child has not yet learned these skills. The adult can verbalize her anxiety, while the child can rarely state what is upsetting him. <br />
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Other anxiety provoking factors also need to be investigated, such as: Is there a chaotic, abusive, toxic home environment? Is the primary caretaker an anxious or depressed individual? Is this the first time the child is being separated from the primary caretaker? Have there been changes in the home, e.g., addition or loss of a family member or beloved pet, or a move? What has the child's exposure to peers been in the past? All of these questions need to be asked before a definitive diagnosis can be made for ADHD or an Anxiety Disorder. All too often it is easier to diagnose ADHD based upon the surface symptoms and prescribe a psychotropic medication than it is to delve into the psychosocial factors influencing a child. <br />
What should you do once your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and/or an Anxiety Disorder? There are play therapy and talk therapy approaches, but these take months, if not years, to show marked improvement in behavior and cognition. There are conventional psychotropic medications like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, and Stratera, all of which have unpleasant side effects and take time to reach therapeutic levels. But fortunately, there is also Aromatherapy. This can show improvement immediately, has no detrimental side effects, costs much less and, in my opinion, is a much more pleasant experience for the child and the primary caregivers. <br />
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The first Aromatherapy approach I would suggest would be to address the issue as if it were an Anxiety Disorder. There are several essential oils that can be utilized. Some of the essential oils effective for anxiety include: Benzoin (Styrax benzoin), Celery Seed (Apium graveolens), Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), and Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium). <br />
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All of these essential oils help instill a sense of calm which is needed by the child feeling constant anxiety. If the child responds positively to the use of these essential oils it is then likely that the symptoms are related to an Anxiety Disorder and not necessarily ADHD. <br />
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Essential oils that are most commonly used to assist with anxiety are also listed as being useful for ADHD. In fact, during my research on ADHD and essential oils I have not found any essential oils that address ADHD symptoms without also being effective for anxiety. If the child has a dual diagnosis of ADHD and an Anxiety Disorder there are essential oils that are listed as being helpful for both conditions: Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria chamomilla), Dill Seed (Anethum graveolens), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Lemon (Citrus limon), Marjoram (Origanum marjorana), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). The essential oils can be used singly or in a blend. <br />
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If the goal is to promote restful sleep, the selected essential oils can be diffused in the child's room with an ionic diffuser. A linen spray of distilled water and essential oils can also be used on the bedding and stuffed animals. A room spray, made in the same manner as the linen spray, can also be sprayed into the child's room. After determining contraindications, calming baths before bedtime using a single oil or a blend can also be utilized to help prepare the child for sleep. Calming massage blends can also be used during times when a child needs a soothing influence.<br />
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During the daytime, perhaps on school days, the child can wear a terra cotta pendant or other aromatherapy jewelry infused with essential oils to provide continual support throughout the day. A personal inhaler, which can be carried by the child and used during times of distress, could also be provided. If the child happens to be in a more progressive school that allows the diffusion of essential oils the teacher could diffuse a single oil or blend of oils into the classroom. It would be helpful to the child with ADHD or anxiety, as well as benefitting other children in the classroom. These are but a few of the methods with essential oils that can help a child suffering from ADHD and/or anxiety experience more calm, gain clarity of thought, be more grounded and centered, and have improved emotional and behavioral health. <br />
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<strong>References:</strong><br />
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Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition; Washington, DC; (1994); American Psychiatric Association; 1994.<br />
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Battaglia, Salvatore; The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edition; Brisbane, Australia; The International Center of Holistic Aromatherapy; 2009.<br />
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Lawless, Julia; The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils; Rockport, MA; Element Books Limited; 1995.<br />
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Sellar, Wanda; The Directory of Essential Oils; London, UK, Vermillion; 2005. <br />
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Haly is a formally trained Clinical Aromatherapist who received the bulk of her training from Shanti Dechen at Aroma Apothecary Healing Art Academy. Haly specializes in individualized therapeutic blending to assist clients with physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. <br />
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In conjunction with her aromatherapy skills, Haly also uses her skills as a mental health therapist to assist each client to gain a healthy balance and regulate and maintain overall health. <br />
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Prior to becoming an aromatherapist, Haly was a psychotherapist and clinical case manager at a residential treatment facility for children. Haly has also been an adoption therapist and taught college level psychology courses. In her work at the residential treatment facility, Haly helped children and their families overcome severe emotional and behavioral disruptions. It was through the use of diffusing essential oils in her office that Haly became more and more interested in the practice of aromatherapy. This interest resulted in Haly leaving her active mental health therapy practice and pursuing her education in aromatherapy. Haly is a Professional Member of NAHA and the NAHA Regional Director for Wyoming. <br />
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Haly lives in a small town in Wyoming with her husband and three active terriers. <br />
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To learn more about Haly, please visit her website: <a href="http://www.yourhealthscents.com/">www.yourhealthscents.com</a><br />
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Visit the NAHA website to purchase Haly's NAHA Teleconference recording on: Aromatherapy Support for ADD/ADHD and Anxiety. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Note:</span> </strong>Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-25971549152534963082012-08-18T08:04:00.001-07:002012-08-18T08:04:58.291-07:00August Article<h4>
Aromatherapy Support for Bronchial Asthma</h4>
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By Dr. Vivian Lunny, MD, RA, MDMA, FIFA</h4>
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Although spring is over and summer is here, there seems to be an increasing number of people developing bronchial asthma. This could be due to all the fires, humidity and extreme temperature changes which keep occurring worldwide. That makes this article relevant for all of us, as it is very likely that we've just had to or will have to help a client or relative who suddenly develops this condition.<br />
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Even those who have never suffered with asthma will experience a reaction, when exposed to an allergen or environmental substance that triggers a reaction, within minutes of exposure. This is due to their immune mast cells producing histamine, leucotriene C4 and prostaglandin D2. Note: their reaction levels may be detected with specialized tests, beyond the scope of this article.<br />
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Although asthma is a common condition that affects all age groups, one-third of all cases occur in children under 10 years of age. This means that approximately three million children in the fifth grade and below suffer from this disorder. <br />
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A typical acute asthmatic attack is marked by wheezing, labored breathing, tightness in the chest, and a dry cough. An asthma attack may be brought on by any allergen, a chronic infection in the sinuses or bronchial tubes, stressful emotional situations, hormonal changes, irritants such as cigarette smoke, extreme environmental temperature and humidity changes, and exercise levels. It may begin suddenly with severe symptoms, or build gradually with increasing difficulty in breathing. Asthmatic attacks produce a feeling of suffocation and the inability to hold a conversation without frequently pausing to catch one's breath. <br />
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<strong>Aroma-therapeutic Management</strong><br />
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The criteria for the choice of essential oils for the treatment of bronchial asthma is based on the need to work on restoring balance to the immune response, ameliorating congestion of the respiratory tract mucosae, as well as alleviating fatigue, exhaustion and stress.<br />
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The following properties are desirable for the essential oils chosen: immunomodulant, decongestant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, adrenal stimulant. <br />
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<strong>Immunomodulant:</strong> restores balance to the immune response.<br />
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<strong>Decongestant:</strong> removes congestion and excess fluid.<br />
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<strong>Anti-inflammatory:</strong> reduces inflammation and prevents secondary infections.<br />
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<strong>Astringent:</strong> draws together or constricts tissues that are stopping the flow of blood or exocrine gland secretions.<br />
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<strong>Adrenal stimulant:</strong> stimulates the production and release of the adrenal hormones, particularly adrenalin and cortisol, activating the body's fight-or-flight response.<br />
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<strong>Methods of treatment for a client with asthma: </strong><br />
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<strong>Inhalations:</strong> To help to clear the blocked and constricted bronchi and prevent secondary infections, prepare the following blend/s for use in steam inhalation, direct inhalation via a tissue, or for use in a diffuser unit.<br />
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<strong>Steam inhalation method:</strong> make a pot of boiling water, remove water from stove and place on a heat proof surface, cover your head with a towel to form a tent over the water, add essential oils and inhale the aromas. <strong>Safety Note:</strong> Be sure to keep you eyes closed.<br />
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2 drops of essential oil of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)<br />
2 drops of essential oil of Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)<br />
2 drops of essential oil of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)<br />
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Another formulation for inhalation:<br />
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3 drops of essential oil of Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)<br />
2 drops of essential oil of Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)<br />
1 drop of essential oil of Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)<br />
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For asthma sufferers who have very light skin and a sensitive personality type, the following blend of oils is very effective: <br />
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3 drops of essential oil of Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) <br />
1 drop of essential oil of Cypress (Cupresus sempervirens)<br />
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<strong>Gargles: </strong>For an aching sore throat, gargle with one drop of essential oil of lemon (Citrus limonum) and 1 drop of essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) mixed in a glass of warm water. Repeat three times a day. Or, prepare a gargle formulation containing 30 ml of peppermint hydrosol (Mentha piperita) to which you have added 1 drop of essential oil of thyme ct linalol (Thymus vulgaris CT linalool) and one drop of essential oil of lemonbalm (Melisa officinalis). Note: Be sure to shake well before using and not swallow any of the mixture.<br />
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<strong>Massage:</strong> Prepare a massage formulation with 10 ml of Rosehip oil (Rosa rubiginosa) as a carrier and add: 3 drops of essential oil of Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), 4 drops of essential oil of Cypress (Cupresus sempervirens) and 3 drops of essential oil of Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica). Apply this to the neck and forehead (sinus area) three times a day during three consecutive days, discontinue for the following three days and repeat again. This 10 ml preparation should be sufficient for a three day application. <br />
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<strong>Spritzer Mist Spray:</strong> Prepare a 1 oz. room spritzer mist spray with equal parts of hydrosols of Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and add two drops of essential oil of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and two drops of essential oil of Cypress (Cupresus sempervirens). Spray around the bedroom at night time to help decongest the nasal passages.<br />
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<strong>Bathing or Showering:</strong> Upon waking and before retiring at night, bathing is a beneficial addition to the treatment; the choice of essential oils will depend on the main complaints of each person. Essential oils may include: Black Spruce (Picea mariana), Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Cedarwood Virginia (Juniperus virginiana). Add 6-8 drops total of the essential oils blended in a carrier such as milk, honey or Epsom salts and add this to the bath water.<br />
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<strong>General Treatment Measures:</strong> Try to stay away from the allergens as much as possible, and consume a diet which is free of dairy products and rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.<br />
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Conventional Medical Treatment: It is important that the aromatherapist is aware of the treatment that is already being given by the client's physician and works with the physician as an integrated team for the greatest benefit of the client.<br />
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The possible drugs being used are:<br />
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A) Antihistamines<br />
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B) Bronchodilators <br />
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C) Topical anti-inflammatory steroids <br />
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<strong>The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or take the place of professional health care. </strong><br />
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Dr. Vivian Nadya Lunny is a graduate Medical Doctor, Author, Teacher, Holistic Healer, Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner and Teacher, Reiki Master and Psychotronics Master Practitioner. Her intuition, empathy and thoughtfulness are the keys to her personality. <br />
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Dr. Lunny is a Professional Member of NAHA and the NAHA Regional Director for Canada. To learn more about Dr. Vivian Lunny, please visit her web-site: <a href="http://www.realessencesoflife.com/">www.realessencesoflife.com</a> <br />
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Visit the NAHA website to purchase Dr. Lunny's teleconference presentations on CD, which include the following topics: Essential Oils for Hormonal Support Part 1-3 and Aromatic Solutions for Chronic Pain Sydromes: <a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm</a><br />
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<strong>Note:</strong> Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles. <br />
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-18174204724686057622012-07-16T13:28:00.002-07:002012-07-16T13:33:09.565-07:00July Featured Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Essential Oils for Insomnia</h3>
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By Dr. Joie Power, Ph.D.</h3>
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Insomnia is a common problem among a wide range of patients, including elderly and hospitalized patients. Essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been shown in many studies to be effective in resolving insomnia. <br />
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A review of a sampling of these studies indicates that in addition to promoting improved sleep, the use of lavender essential oil has also been shown to result in greater daytime alertness, calmness and less confusion and aggressiveness as well as decreased need for nighttime sedation.<br />
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It is important to use the right kind of lavender for insomnia (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula vera, or Lavandula officinalis), as some species of lavender are stimulating and can aggravate insomnia (Lavandula latifolia and Lavandula stoechas). It is also important to limit the number of drops of lavender applied alone or as part of a blend to 4 drops per application as even the relaxing lavender oils become stimulating in higher doses. <br />
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Other essential oils that have been shown in clinical studies to effectively promote sleep include spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Melissa (Melissa officinalis), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), European basil (Ocimum basilicum), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), marjoram (Origanum majorana) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Of all the essential oils mentioned for promoting sleep, lavender has the greatest body of supportive evidence. <br />
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Essential oils can be used to promote sleep by diffusing 3 to 5 drops of a single oil or a blend of oils through a fan diffuser for one to two hours beginning 30 minutes prior to bedtime. If the patient wakes during the night, the procedure can be repeated. Alternatively, you may place 3 to 5 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball set on a dish or in a salt shaker near the bedside; or, you may use three to 5 drops essential oil diluted in 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for a hand and/or foot massage at bedtime and repeated at 4 hour intervals if needed. When assisting elderly or debilitated patients, use a lower dose of only 1-3 drops of a single oil in the blend.<br />
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<strong>A suggested formula for improving sleep and decreasing nighttime agitation:</strong><br />
Lavender essential oil - 70%<br />
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Roman chamomile essential oil - 15%<br />
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Marjoram essential oil - 5%<br />
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Bergamot essential oil - 10%<br />
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This blend is effective for many patients in acute and long-term settings and is available as Deeper Sleep from Artisan Aromatics.<br />
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Dr. Joie Power is a retired board certified neuropsychologist and former Assistant Professor of Surgery/Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia, where she performed intra-operative cortical mapping with renowned neurosurgeon Herman Flanigan, M.D. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in both in-patient and out-patient settings and during her years of practice has also been both a practitioner and student of alternative healing methods, including herbal medicine, aromatherapy, Reiki, Chinese Medicine, and other energetic healing systems. Her extensive formal training and experience in the olfactory and limbic systems of the brain give her a unique qualification for understanding the actions of essential oils in the body. <br />
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Dr. Power is the founder and former owner of Dreaming Earth Botanicals and is now a clinical consultant for Artisan Aromatics as well as an internationally known writer and teacher in the fields of aromatherapy and alternative medicine. Her approach to aromatherapy weaves together her solid scientific training and strong clinical skills with a holistic philosophy that honors body, mind and spirit. Joie is a Professional Member of NAHA and a Moderator for the NAHA Members Only Group for the topic: PSN and Aromatherapy. <br />
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To learn more about Dr. Joie Power, please visit her website: <a href="http://www.aromatherapy-school.com/">http://www.aromatherapy-school.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm" target="_blank">Click here to purchase Dr. Power's NAHA Teleconference Presentations (2010 and 2012)</a><br />
2012: Psychoneuroimmunology: The Science of the Mind/Body Connection and what it means for the Practice of Aromatherapy<br />
2010: Aromatic Pathways in the Brain; How Smell effects the Mind and Body<br />
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Copyright © 2012 Joie Power, Ph.D. / The Aromatherapy School All Rights Reserved<br />
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<strong>Note:</strong> Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles. <br />
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Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%202012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-10215887032598806972012-07-16T13:14:00.000-07:002012-07-16T13:22:04.197-07:00June Featured Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Growing Aromatic and Medicinal Herbs </strong></h3>
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<strong>By Lesley Wooler, B.Sc., RA, CYI, Herbalist</strong></h3>
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There is a wide range of plants for your herb garden to consider for use in herbal infusions. It's important to remember that almost all herbs need a lot of sun, at least 6 hours a day, especially the ones that are high in volatile oils. They also prefer a well drained and somewhat sandy soil. Container gardening is an option if you have limited space.<br />
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<strong>Some planting tips:</strong><br />
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1) Keep larger plants in the back or center if garden is round, with sizes graduating down in height to the outside edge.<br />
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2) If the garden is large, don't forget to leave room for a path for easy access for harvesting and weeding. <br />
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3) Consider the type of mulch you would like to use to inhibit weed growth. Many gardeners use landscape fabric for weed control along with the mulch.<br />
4) Herbs do need air circulation to prevent mold so watch for overcrowding.<br />
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5) Have easy access to water to avoid the need for dragging hoses or carrying water a long distance.<br />
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6) Water the plants from the base and try to avoid misting and wetting the leaves too much as that can encourage mold and fungal problems.<br />
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Decide on your selection of plants and their future uses before going to the garden center or you may end up with an overabundance of plant material. If you are just starting out, keep your list small. Anyone who loves plants finds it difficult to resist purchasing endless varieties when walking through greenhouses of lush plants and flowers.<br />
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Basic choices would include: lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), calendula (Calendula officinalis), St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum), oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), chamomile (Roman Chamomile) (Anthemis nobilis), a perennial groundcover and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), an annual, comfrey (Symphytum officinale) (be sure to leave room for this plant as it grows tall and wide), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) (best grown in a pot if you live in the Northeast), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) (this plant does require shade but I recommend growing it as it is overharvested and on the endangered plant list), and arnica (Arnica montana) (for topical use only). <br />
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<strong>Safety note:</strong> Do not plant Arnica if you have small children as this plant is poisonous. The flowers are used to make a powerful healing oil for muscular pain. While many of the mints are nice, they can be invasive so I would recommend planting them in their pot right into the ground. This cuts down on their spreading throughout your yard.<br />
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Remember to keep a journal of what you planted, the date/season when planted, and it also helps to add photos of your plants and your garden for future reference. Take note of any insects or diseases that they incur. Fortunately, most herbs tend to be disease and insect free because of the volatile oils they contain.<br />
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After doing a little research this list can be easily extended. Many of our common medicinal weeds can be harvested from nature so they do not need to be planted and actually grow better in the wild. These would include dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chickweed (Stellaria media) and plantain (Plantago majoris) which can all be made into herbal infused oils and used in massage oils, skin care and wound healing salves. The infused flowers of dandelion make a powerful healing oil for any muscular tension in the neck and shoulder area. Chickweed makes a soothing oil for skin care and plantain is wonderful in salves for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, etc.<br />
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Once your plants are established, and to encourage more growth, pinch off the new growth on lateral branches. You can harvest these leaves for further use, either culinary or medicinally. The flavor for cooking is best before the herbs begin to flower. If harvesting herbs for making infused oils, be sure to dry wilt them in a shaded area for at least 24 hours before adding oil or mold may appear. I usually lay them on a screen but an open weave basket works well, too. For drying for later use, hang in tied bunches in a warm, dark, dry area. Many herbs can also be put in the freezer for future use. You can place them between layers of wax paper, freeze and then store. Or for culinary use put them in ice cube trays and freeze so they can be easily removed at a future time. These can be added to soups, stews and sauces.<br />
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Another thing to take into consideration when planting is what makes up the local wildlife, be it deer, bees or birds. Many herbs, because of the volatile oils they contain are deer resistant, especially mints (Menthe spp.), lavender (Lavendula spp.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia spp.), bee balm (Monarda spp.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). You might like to consider plants that would attract hummingbirds or butterflies to your garden. If so, then choose bee balm (Monarda spp.) and butterflyweed (Asclepias sp.). Annuals such as pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) and cardinal flower vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) are great hummingbird attractors.<br />
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To make an herbal infused oil, dry wilt the plant material for 24 hours to remove excess moisture and prevent mold. Place herbs in a clean, sterile jar and add enough oil to cover the plant material. Choice of oils may vary according to preference. Olive oil has its own medicinal properties and works well in salves. Almond oil or apricot kernel oil work well in skin care and are much lighter than olive oil in both texture and scent. Keep the infused herbal oil in a sunny location, whether in your garden or a bright window sill, for approximately a month. Strain the herbs off through cheesecloth and place the resulting infused oil in a glass jar. They will keep much longer if they are refrigerated. Calendula oil will turn a beautiful golden/pale orange color. Comfrey, chickweed and plantain oils will have a green hue and St. Johnswort will become a deep, rich red, formed by its hypericin content. This is the chemical constituent that gives the plant its botanical name - Hypericum perforatum. The taxonomic name perforatum comes from the tiny holes that can be seen in the leaves when held up to the sunlight, making them truly look perforated. This oil is a must for any herbal first aid kit along with calendula oil. Calendula is an amazing anti-inflammatory and works great in skin care. <br />
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St. Johnswort works well for nerve and tissue damage, wound healing and for a scar oil blend. The addition of essential oils to these infused herbal oils makes them incredible healing agents. <br />
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Once you get a little more adventurous in your garden design and plant selections, you can 'branch out' to many of the cultivars and eclectic varieties of herbs and perennials as well as the infinite selections of annuals. Try your hand at variegated sages (Salvia spp.), thymes (Thymus spp.), oreganos (Origanum spp.) or something like bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare "Purpurea"). Entice your taste buds with Thai, African, Black Opal or Lemon Basil (Ocimum spp). You could try growing a selection of all lemon scented herbs - lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodora), etc., and so on. You get the idea. Or plant a grouping of plants with silvery foliage or just white flowers for night viewing. Most of the white flowering plants are heavily scented and look beautiful in the moonlight. The list of ideas is endless as are all the possibilities. Let your imagination run wild as you make your own connection to the green world.<br />
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Lesley A. Wooler B.Sc., RA, CYT, earned her degree in Horticulture from the University of RI. She completed her first herbal apprenticeship and advanced herbal studies in the 1990's and is the owner of The Herb Wyfe Holistic Health Center in Wickford, RI. She has served for eight years on the council for NEHA (North East Herbal Association); the past 4 years as its President. Lesley is also a member of the following organizations: United Plant Savers, American Botanical Council, Herb Society of America, American Horticultural Society, Rhode Island Wild Plant Society and O-SHA (Ocean State Herbal Association) and NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy). Lesley is also the NAHA Regional Director for Rhode Island.<br />
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She received over 230 hours of aromatherapy training at The Center for Holistic Botanical Studies where she was also on staff. She studied with Valerie Ann Worwood for over 4 years and is a Level IV Aroma Genera Practitioner. She has been teaching aromatherapy classes throughout the New England area for over 15 years.<br />
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Lesley is a Flower Essence Practitioner, having completed her training with David Dalton of Delta Gardens in 2000. She is also a professional member of FES (Flower Essence Society). She loves using her knowledge of herbs, essential oils and flower essences in combination to make healing remedies for her clients.<br />
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Lesley has maintained her own landscape/gardening business, "Gardening with Finesse," for the past 12 years and is a RI/CH (Rhode Island Certified Horticulturist) through RINLA (Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association). She completed her Master Gardener program through URI in 1984. She enjoys sharing her love of the Green World with others. <br />
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To learn more about Lesley please visit her website: <a href="http://www.herbwyfe.com/">http://www.herbwyfe.com/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm" target="_blank">Click here to purchase Lesley's NAHA Teleconference Presentation: Learn How to Make Aromatic Infused Oils.</a> <br />
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<strong>Note:</strong> Articles appearing in the NAHA e-newsletters, e-journals and other published materials fall under the NAHA publishing rights and are published with the author's permission. Copying, reposting or publishing these articles without written permission from NAHA constitues an infridgment of copyright law. You are welcome to post a link to the NAHA Blog which includes past articles. <br />
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Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%202012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-55149403356503137742012-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:002012-06-16T09:17:26.312-07:00May Featured Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Reformatting your Energetic Architecture using Essential Oils </strong><br />
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<strong>By Mindy Green, MS, RA, RH (AHG)</strong><br />
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Aromatic plants have been used throughout time in medicine, cosmetic care, spiritual practices and ritual ceremonies. For nearly a century, modern science has known that the chemical constituents found in essential oils have therapeutic value, and that essential oils offer a multitude of chemical constituents that are effective against a wide variety of pathogens. <br />
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Recent photographic technology that magnifies plant secretory cells gives us an intimate look at the amazing structures that produce these remarkable essential oils.[1] The biological activities of these components have been well researched and are potential healing adjuncts in holistic and integrative medicine as well as conventional palliative care. Through their scientific analysis and obvious efficacy in treating different disorders, it is reasonable to view them as potent healing agents for the physical body. There are various applications and implications of these functional fragrances in wide ranging therapies from traditional medicine to spa application, and they are being effectively used throughout the world in medical facilities that have open-minded health policies.<br />
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This information is useful and progressive from the perspective of today's need to revamp most medical models, but healing the physical body is only one aspect of true healing. With the new millennium's foray into quantum healing and psychoneuroimmunology, science has proven what many ancient healing traditions have inherently known - that dis-ease begins with emotional/spiritual disharmony that later manifests as physical symptoms. Essential oils offer us more than the physicality of their biological activity. These same chemical constituents and their aromas offer the opportunity to create a deeper wholeness through balancing body, mind and spirit, thus allowing us the opportunity to achieve true and lasting health. Essential oils can heal at both a cellular and spiritual level, weaving the two into a wholeness that is undeniable and inseparable.<br />
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Human beings all share a biological familiarity with plants. Our physical bodies have evolved over countless generations with plant allies as food, medicine and spiritual partners. Our cells are encrypted to recognize the chemical constituents in plants and utilize them in the most efficacious ways. Though we may have strayed in the last hundred years or so through the use of newly developed chemical food substitutes and pharmaceuticals, we are still inherently programmed to distinguish these compounds, and it benefits us greatly to consume and utilize them in a variety of ways. <br />
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Dis-ease, at its most basic core (the emotional level), occurs through the perception of separation from Spirit. This is the deepest misconception that humans buy into, and it is arguably the thing that ultimately makes us ill. Many researchers in the field of quantum healing have proven that we need not be victims of our DNA and that we have the ability to heal ourselves at the deepest levels (see Bruce Lipton, The Biology of Belief). I believe that plant scents have a vital role in this arena. Every culture with a long history of traditional healing has one thing in common: that of breath practices. It is commonly acknowledged that this is the doorway to prana, chi, and life force. The word "inspire" means to breathe in, but also to possess and emanate passion. In the Greek language, spirit and wind are the same word. We all share inspiration, our breath, and it hangs in the ethers. Aroma is the link between spirit and matter, between what is physical and what is unseen. It taps our deepest emotions and carries us to our oldest memories. Through the aroma of plants we are offered something less concrete but just as real - the opportunity to connect to nature and our own Source Energy, and the reminder that we are whole at our truest level. It is here that we create our own spiritual wholeness and 'Wellth.'<br />
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When we consider that the process of olfaction occurs in the limbic brain, it makes sense; this primitive brain, which is often referred to as the reptilian brain, processes memory and emotion. We unconsciously monitor the air around us with every breath we take, sniffing out the possibilities that affect our very survival - food, danger, mating and more. Modern day physicians acknowledge that mood is most effectively and quickly changed through the sense of smell. Pleasant aromas can uplift the spirit and reduce stress which accounts for up to 90% of medical visits. Stress reduction is the first step in finding peace within, and it is waiting for us with every fragrant breath at our disposal when we are among plants.<br />
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Emotional pain, the precursor to physical imbalance, resides in the cellular memory of our bodies. Many aspects of quantum healing show us that it is possible to reformat the energetic patterns that create imbalances. Scent is a communication system that holds information; given the right aromas, this communication system has the ability to unravel false beliefs about ourselves that keep us separate from our impeccable and perfect uniqueness. These aromas have the ability to recreate the fractal blueprint that allows us to find balance and reinforce the knowledge that we are all perfect reflections of Spirit and that we are worthy of echoing that knowledge in our daily lives with every inhalation (inspiration). <br />
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The Ancients have associated certain plant fragrances with being able to link us more effectively with the body of knowledge that lies within us all - that which is our birthright as living souls in physical form. One might be so bold as to connect this portion of the mind with the link to All Knowledge, or as we were told in Star Wars, The Force. Some of these recognized sacred scents in history include rose (Rosa damascena), frankincense (Boswellia cateri), sandalwood (Santalum album), palo santo (Bursera graveolens), cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and countless others, depending upon what plants are native to specific cultural regions. Even the most common essential oils -- such as lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) or ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) -- can have spiritual connotations, especially if they are aromas that you find appealing, connecting and comforting.<br />
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Whatever scents you choose, utilizing them in a way that helps you calm, center and breathe more deeply will help you to listen to your own inner voice, the place with all the answers you will ever need. We are living in a time of transformation which will rebirth us into a more enlightened era. This new cycle of creativity is calling forth ways in which we can become fundamentally more of who we are meant to be. It requires a great deal of letting go of old routines and philosophies, ushering in new dynamics of presence and being open to new experiences. Regardless of your spiritual or relaxation practices, I encourage everyone to breathe in essential oils, still yourself, listen and be inspired.<br />
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[1] Secretory Structures of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants: A Review and Atlas of Micrographs, Katerina P. Svobada and Tomas G. Svoboda, 2000<br />
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This article was originally published in the ARC (Aromatherapy Registration Council) March 2012 Newsletter and republished in the NAHA newsletter with permission from the author. <br />
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Mindy Green is an esthetician, nationally certified Registered Aromatherapist and professional member of the American Herbalists Guild. An active educator and consultant, her vast credentials and positions in botany, aromatherapy and skin care include her current role as committee chair for botanicals in cosmetics for the American Herbal Products Association and as an advisory board member for the American Botanical Council, publishers of HerbalGram magazine. From 2003-2009 Mindy worked in the botanical research division of Aveda's Research and Development department as their clinical aromatherapist. She enjoys writing and is the author of three books and 55 published articles. To learn more about Mindy, please visit her website: <a href="http://www.greenscentsations.com/" target="_blank">http://www.greenscentsations.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_377859072">Click here to purchase Mindy's Teleconference Presentation: 'Aromatic Medicine in a Clinical Setting'. </a><br />
<a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm" target="_blank">Click here to purchase Mindy's Teleconference Presentation: 'Graceful Aging - A Holistic Approach'.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.naha.org/bookstore.htm" target="_blank">Click here to purchase Mindy's book co-authored with Kathi Keville: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Arts.</a><br />
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Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter?<a href="http://www.naha.org/advertise.htm" target="_blank"> Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-85390892190953790702012-04-30T08:53:00.000-07:002012-04-30T09:00:05.138-07:00April Featured Article<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Celebrate Earth Day with this Kid-Friendly Project!</strong><br />
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<strong>By Liz Fulcher, RA, CMT</strong><br />
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April 22, 2012 is Earth Day and the perfect time to introduce children as young as three years of age to the concept of keeping our planet healthy. Letting them make something as simple, fun and safe as an organic cleaning scrub can be a fun way to disguise a lesson in green living, aromatherapy and botany -- all in one! <br />
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If you have kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, or you're in charge of other people's kids at a daycare or school, this aromatic project will easily fill an hour of time. <br />
The ingredients are inexpensive, natural and kid-friendly. Cleanup is easy and afterward the kitchen or classroom will really smell great.<br />
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One morning last year when my grandson Bean was three, we did this project and he just loved it. His Mom was thrilled, too, when he presented her with the aromatic soft scrub he had made all by himself (well, almost)! <br />
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<strong>Here is the recipe I used with my grandson along with some suggestions to make the activity fun and educational:</strong><br />
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1 C Baking Soda (Arm & Hammer or Bob's Red Mill...both are aluminum-free)<br />
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4 Tablespoons of Organic Liquid Castile Soap (like Dr. Bronners)<br />
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2 Tablespoons White Vinegar <br />
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15 drops of organic Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)<br />
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15 drops of organic Scotch Pine essential oil (Pinus sylvestris)<br />
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15 drops of organic Spike Lavender essential oil (Lavendula latifolia)<br />
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Labels and fine point markers<br />
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If possible, an orange, a bit of a pine tree branch and some lavender flowers.<br />
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Camera<br />
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Big bowl, spatula, wide-mouth 16 ounce container <br />
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1. Measure out the baking soda and let your child pour it into the big bowl. Children tend to lean down into everything so remind them to keep their heads back to avoid the fine powder puffing up into their faces. <br />
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2. Get your camera. Now let them slowly pour the vinegar over the baking soda and catch the great faces they make as they experience the dramatic fizz that occurs when these two substances meet!<br />
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3. Add the liquid castile soap.<br />
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4. Open the bottle of orange essential oil. Invite them to sniff it from the bottle or on a tissue. Pick up your orange (fruit) and talk about how essential oil is formed inside the skin and how clever Mother Nature is to give us something that smells so good and also keeps us healthy. Let them drop the essential oil in while counting out loud...one...two...three, etc. When working with small children, please supervise closely because getting any of these essential oils in the eyes or nostrils will burn. If that happens, use olive oil to remove the essential oil, rather than water.<br />
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5. Now open the bottle of lavender essential oil for them to smell. Pick up the lavender flowers and talk about how the oil is formed inside the flowers, and tell them about how this oil can not only kill germs but it also helps us feel calm when we are scared or having a bad day. Have them add drops of this oil to the batch.<br />
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6. Do the same thing with your Scotch Pine, using words like "fresh" or "woodsy" to help give them language around aromas. You might want to say something about how great a Christmas pine tree smells or a walk in the forest and that this oil will not only kill harmful germs but helps us breath better, too. They can drop that into the batch as well.<br />
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7. Finally, let the child stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If it's too dry you can add a shot of castile soap or vinegar. The soft scrub should have the consistency of icing.<br />
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8. Spoon the soft scrub into your 16 ounce container and add a label with the child's name and date. Let them make up a clever Earth Day name!<br />
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Finally, I suggest you let the child actually use their new creation. Put a blob of the scrub on a sponge and let them rub it around the inside of the sink so they can experience the aroma and texture and see how well it cleans the sink. <br />
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Be sure to have fun with this; play some nice background music and let them know how using natural things can help every person and animal on the planet for a long, long time. <br />
Oh, and please let me know if you figure out a way to keep them having that kind of enthusiasm for cleaning well into their teenage years! <br />
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Liz Fulcher, CA, RA, is a Clinical Aromatherapist and Aromatherapy Educator who offers classes in essential oils throughout the year at her school, Aromatic Wisdom Institute which includes a NAHA-approved 235-Hour Aromatherapy Certification Program.<br />
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<a href="http://www.aromaticwisdominstitute.com/" target="_blank">To learn more about Liz, click here to visit her web-site: Aromatic Wisdom Institute</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm" target="_blank">Click here to purchase Liz's NAHA Teleconference Presentation: Learn How to Make and Use Essential Oil SoulCollage Cards.</a><br />
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Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%202012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-70252037078429534382012-03-24T12:55:00.001-07:002012-03-24T13:11:35.696-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March Featured Article</h2>
<b>Taking Care of Yourself with Aromatherapy </b><b>as an Aromatherapist </b><br />
<b>By Sharon Falsetto, CA, BA (Hons) </b><br />
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Working as an aromatherapist is, to many, a dream job - being surrounded with scents and oils all day long and making lots of aromatherapy potions and lotions to make people feel better! What could be better? However, like many jobs, we often get so involved in what we are doing for other people that we forget to take a minute and take care of ourselves, too. But if we don't take care of ourselves, who will? And what better way to do it than with aromatherapy! <br />
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With this is mind, I decided to start paying better attention to my own body in 2012 by using aromatherapy. Although I do use aromatherapy in my daily skincare routine, it is not often that I think of using the aromatherapy bath scrubs, salts, candles and lotions that I make for other people, spending the time to take care of me once in a while! <br />
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If you take the time to look after yourself, you will find that your business and your clients will begin to benefit, too. Taking an aromatic bath, for example, will also give you inspiring alone time space where you can think more clearly and creatively for your business. Without the distractions of the outside world, alone with only the scents of the essential oils, ideas begin to flow more freely and clearly than when you are trying to answer e-mails, the phone, keep up with order queries and check what is going on in the social media world! <br />
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Certain essential oils can also help protect you against stress or winter colds; for example, the citrus oils such as sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon) or lime (Citrus aurantifolia) are great oils for lifting your spirits and dealing with sniffles at the same time. Use a candle fragranced by these essential oils - or add them to an aromatherapy diffuser. You can also put a few of drops, diluted in Epsom salts, in a warm bath and let the steam from the bath carry the aromas to your nose. <br />
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Aromatherapy can be used in various ways but sometimes bath scrubs and salts get put into the "luxury" box rather than the "necessary" box. But, made with right essential oils, scrubs and bath salts can be healing to your body. They take care of your skin and are soothing to the emotions, too. Choose beneficial essential oils for both the skin and the mind. Some of my favorites include rose (Rosa damascena), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata). <br />
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Here are a couple of my own recipes to help you make the most of your next soak in the tub. Just make sure you use aromatherapy candles made with essential oils for the full therapeutic experience! <br />
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<strong>Daytime Coffee Sugar Scrub </strong><br />
1 oz turbinado sugar <br />
1oz brown sugar <br />
1 tablespoon ground coffee <br />
2 teaspoons jojoba oil <br />
2 teaspoons almond oil <br />
1 teaspoon raw honey <br />
Mix all the ingredients in a jar. <br />
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I find that if you make this scrub the day before you plan to use it and leave it in the refrigerator overnight it is much better to use than making it just before you plan to use it. Apply to your body (avoiding the face) in small circular movements. Leave on for about five minutes and wash off. This scrub leaves your skin feeling silky smooth! You could mix in one of your favorite essential oils, too, but I find that the therapeutic benefits of both the jojoba oil and almond oil - plus the honey which has been used in skincare for centuries - is adequate. Just make sure you use raw honey (which maintains its therapeutic properties) and not the processed honey that is commonly found on the grocery store shelf. <br />
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<b>Nighttime Bath Soak </b><br />
2 oz sea salt <br />
1 oz baking soda <br />
15 drops lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) <br />
10 drops ylang ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata) <br />
10 drops sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis var. dulcis) <br />
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Mix all of the ingredients together in a jar and add to your bath water as desired. You can also use Dead Sea salts, Epsom salts or Himalayan pink salts in this recipe, depending upon your preference. The mix of lavender, ylang ylang and sweet orange essential oils leaves you feeling relaxed, pampered and uplifted. <br />
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<b>Bed Time Spritzer </b><br />
2 oz distilled water <br />
15 drops of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) <br />
10 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile) <br />
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Mix the essential oils with the distilled water in a spray bottle and spritz onto your pillow before going to sleep. The mix of lavender and Roman chamomile essential oils is a great choice for those who have difficulty getting to sleep or suffer from occasional bouts of insomnia. <br />
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After spending a bit of quality aromatherapy time with yourself, you will feel relaxed, rested and ready to take care of others once again. Put your own body back in balance with a little bit of your own aromatherapy advice! <br />
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All recipes are intended for topical use only. If irritation occurs discontinue use. <br />
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Sharon Falsetto is a UK certified clinical aromatherapist who trained with Penny Price Aromatherapy. After traveling widely, personal circumstances led her to move to the United States in 2006; she founded her own aromatherapy practice, Sedona Aromatherapie, in 2007. Sharon creates custom aromatherapy blends for weddings, spas and therapists and has an extensive web-store of handmade aromatherapy products and gifts. She also has a graduate honors degree in business, a diploma in reflexology and over ten years experience of UK government health related services. <br />
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Sharon writes about aromatherapy through her own blog, Aromatherapy Notes, and through guest posts on blogs, websites, e-journals and paid articles in other publications. <br />
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Sharon is the NAHA Secretary and NAHA Regional Director for Arizona. To learn more about Sharon please visit her website at <a href="http://http//www.sedonaaromatherapie.com" target="_blank">http://http//www.sedonaaromatherapie.com</a><br />
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Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%202012.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-48962174651102307492012-02-28T10:31:00.003-08:002012-02-28T10:37:59.997-08:00February Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRr-HLD73ehRSVPqsEYgSKUtlZlM-ZauzzTdzlROhejCMh70Swle-OxcNCDvD4phzazVeZ_FtafHby4Gmf4dtpYsRqtviGmxbR6Vyd5SUk57ihzgSmb_iAyt6R-oe7Lpf4gwYJmK0_l0/s1600/Kelly_purplelight07.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRr-HLD73ehRSVPqsEYgSKUtlZlM-ZauzzTdzlROhejCMh70Swle-OxcNCDvD4phzazVeZ_FtafHby4Gmf4dtpYsRqtviGmxbR6Vyd5SUk57ihzgSmb_iAyt6R-oe7Lpf4gwYJmK0_l0/s200/Kelly_purplelight07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714256814643772594" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Healing Hands-part of an aromatic tool kit<br />By Kelly Holland Azzaro, RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT</strong><br /><br />As a professional practitioner who works with her hands on a daily basis to give holistic therapies (by way of aromatherapy, reflexology, Swedish, therapeutic, clinical, hot stone, acupressure, lymphatic, cranial sacral, Reiki, facial and scalp massage) for over twenty years, I sometimes take for granted how hard my hands really work for me and my clients. These hands of mine are strong yet soft to the touch from immersion in carrier oils and natural scrubs, sculpted from years of accurate work and aged like a fine wine, or better yet, a rich rose essential oil. My work seems to develop more each year as clients share how they benefit from the healing modality that massage and aromatherapy offers on many levels. <br /><br />I could easily forget that essential oils offer amazing therapeutic properties and a variety of applications as this is second nature. Then a client will ask: 'Wow, what is that amazing scent on the tissue you put in the face cradle for me?' I place a different scent for each client. A simple recipe would be one drop of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and one drop of lemon (Citrus limonum), two of the most attainable and easy to use essential oils in aromatherapy, to help that client achieve relaxation and stress relief. The lemon also helps most clients let go of the brain fog from a day or week filled with mental tasks, cluttered thoughts and decisions. The lavender tops off the relaxation process by producing a sense of peace and the ability to breathe deeply and let go of tension. <br /><br />This gets me to wondering how it is that such easy going scents elicit such instant changes in a client, shifting their energy from tense to relaxed, stressed to calm, chatty to snoring. Is it the instant aroma to brain effect, the agreeability of the scent, the client's appreciation for the extra benefit of essential oil therapy and the touch of caring, experienced hands?. Though we know the power of the nose to brain and lungs to blood, I'm sure it is a bit of all these benefits combined. The effort of taking the time and energy to learn about true aromatherapy and how it can be added into so many holistic therapies, especially massage therapy, is surely something that is well worth the effort and investment. <br /><br />When times are stressful for clients and they come to you for the gift you give in your own healing hands, isn't is wonderful that you have an aromatic tool kit filled with aromas of therapeutic and emotional value? Clients also give you the opportunity to grow and learn. Each session brings the potential to expand your awareness of effective essential oil applications, massage techniques and to generate the abundance of health, happiness and prosperity for both of you. (I personally feel that a massage session without essential oils is like the proverbial day without sunshine.) <br /><br />Take a look at your hands and be grateful for the strength that they provide in your work, the gentleness they offer by extending a helping hand to someone in need, the wisdom seen in the faith, love and life palm lines and then the gift of passing all onto others by teaching and example. Hands are indeed healing tools on many levels. <br /><br />Give back to your wonderful hands by treating them with love and respect. Here are a few aromatic ways you can treat yourself and others to a special hand pampering:<br /><br /><strong>Aromatic Hand Exfoliant Scrub Recipe: 4 ounce size </strong><br /><br />Turbinado and white sugar: 3 ounces total (mix these sugars in a ratio based on your needs: turbinado is a natural sugar that is larger grained then simple white sugar while white sugar offers a lighter texture for more sensitive skin) <br /><br />Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) or your favorite carrier oil: <br /><br />1 ounce <br /><br />Pure Essential Oils of: <br /><br />Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 4- 6 drops <br /><br />Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) 8-10 drops <br /><br />Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 8 drops <br /><br />Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 4 drops <br /><br />After scrubbing each hand, remove the aromatic sugar granules with a moist warm towel (or rinse under sink if self applying) and follow with a hand massage using your favorite hand cream or try the recipe below:<br /><br /> <strong>Healing Hands Oil Treatment: 4 ounce size</strong><br /><br />Base: 4 ounces of: Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) and Apricot Kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca) (or make a base out of your favorite carrier, such as sweet almond oil or, for a thicker consistency and intense moisture combine olive and avocado oil) <br /><br />Essential Oils: <br /><br />Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) 4-6 drops<br /><br />Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) 4 drops <br /><br />Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 4-6 drops <br /><br />Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) 4-6 drops<br /><br /><strong>Note:</strong> Recipes are for topical use only. If irritation occurs discontinue use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. <br /><br /> <br />Kelly Holland Azzaro, RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT, is a Registered Aromatherapist, Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner, Certified Bach Flower Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner and President of NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy). <br /><br />Kelly has over 20 years professional experience and educational training in Canine and Equine Acupressure-Massage Therapies, Intuitive Animal Communication, Crystal-Gemstone Therapy, Reiki, Aromatherapy and Flower Essence Therapy for people and their animal friends. Kelly has also created 'Ashi Aromatics Blends', an all natural botanical product line for both people and pets. Kelly Holland Azzaro is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider. She offers classes in Animal Aromatherapy and Flower Essences for Pets. To learn more about Kelly visit her website <a href="http://www.ashitherapy.com">www.ashitherapy.com </a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%202012.pdf">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-37287458618303110892012-01-27T12:49:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:55:30.040-08:00January 2012 Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aTPbeGWvnLSk0lvAAj5sEHqkUvy0h_WtroAD-V3Sbnpfk7IwxhTPbwSUtMmz1CVNMB8DR3a0uNNFporPlcwWfbOuMAQdJ0hHCJD2mSB5Kn8yEWi_PNM97ECV67hMc2jozHokF6dlLd8/s1600/Shellie+Enteen+2011.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aTPbeGWvnLSk0lvAAj5sEHqkUvy0h_WtroAD-V3Sbnpfk7IwxhTPbwSUtMmz1CVNMB8DR3a0uNNFporPlcwWfbOuMAQdJ0hHCJD2mSB5Kn8yEWi_PNM97ECV67hMc2jozHokF6dlLd8/s200/Shellie+Enteen+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702418311229285474" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Warming for Winter<br /><br />By Shellie Enteen, BA, RA, LMT</strong> <br /><br />Those who live in the Northern Hemisphere are now experiencing the cooler days and cold nights of winter. Some have already seen big snows, others light dustings. But whether or not the snows and ice have arrived where you live, airborne respiratory symptoms are sure to be making the rounds. <br /><br />For those of us who have knowledge of and access to pure essential oils, there are easy ways to warm up winter and fortify the body, increasing the ability to ward off common winter woes. This is a time when we reach for some of the more stimulating essences to create air diffusions, aromatic bath salts and body oils. <br /><br />Winter is a good time to choose essential oils that have the ability to detoxify our system as this helps the liver and kidneys do their jobs and relieves overload. That relieves stress on the immune system, which has to handle what our natural elimination routes can't manage along with any invading 'bugs.' A happy immune system is ready to take on encounters with a respiratory virus or other pathogen, keeping us healthy and strong throughout the season. A detoxifying blend can also help remove unwelcome after effects of overeating during the holidays. And a detoxifying bath will greatly assist in relieving symptoms of colds and flu if we have succumbed. <br /><br />The classic detox combo is Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Other essences that boost cleansing affects are Carrot Seed (Daucus carota), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare), Lavender (Lavandula spica and Lavandula officinalis), Lemon (Citrus limonum)*, Sweet Orange (Citrus senensis var. dulcis), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata var. mandarin) and Tangerine (Citrus reticulata var. tangerine). <br /><br /><strong>A wonderful and enjoyable detox bath might be created with the following:</strong><br />2 cups of Epsom Salts<br /><br />6 drops of Lavender Spike<br /><br />6 drops of Sweet Orange<br /><br />2 drops of Rosemary<br /><br />2 drops of Juniper<br /><br />Mix the essential oils well into the salts and let that mixture rest, covered, for 20 minutes to half an hour for good absorption of the essences. In the meantime, prepare yourself and start to run a tub that will be hot, but not uncomfortably so. For a detox bath, sweating is desirable whereas with other baths you are best staying just below the perspiration level. <br /><br />Bring the mixture with you and after you are seated in the bath, swirl in the scented salts and inhale deeply to receive the aromatic airborne effects. Then soak for 10 minutes, adding more hot water if necessary. Towel dry and dress. It's best not to take a detox bath too close to bedtime as you will have effects that might disturb your sleep. <br /><br />Another way we warm ourselves for winter is by choosing to diffuse the wonderful, stimulating and protective spice oils, like Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Cinnamon (Cinnamonun zeylanicum), Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Add several of these to the evergreen oils, especially Fir (Abies siberica), Juniper or Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and add a splash of citrus, such as Sweet Orange, Tangerine or Mandarin. This will create a protective, fortifying and uplifting seasonal scent to surround you at home, work, or in the car. Make an air spray by putting about 25 drops of the blend into 1 oz of distilled water in a mister bottle, or use the blend in any other type of diffuser you prefer.<br /><br />A body oil or moisturizer can be created by using rich, moisturizing Sesame oil or an unscented, no wax formula body lotion. Choose one or more of the rubefacient essences that are not very irritating to the skin, such as Pine, Rosemary, or Cardamom, and add other skin supportive oils to suit your aromatic palate, like Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martinii), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizoanides), Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin) or the florals -- Rose (Rosa damascena), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) or Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum). Use after bathing and as a hand lotion and enjoy the warmth of extra circulation to the skin while you combat the dryness that also comes with winter.<br /><br />Shellie Enteen, BA, RA, LMT, has been an Aromatherapist, holistic health provider, astrologer, interfaith minister and educator for over 30 years. She is a Registered Aromatherapist and current VP of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and contributing editor for The Aromatherapy Journal. Shellie teaches classes on Bach Flower Remedies, Aromatherapy (Intro, Special Topic, Continuing Ed for Massage Therapists and Professional Level), EFT, Intro to Jin Shin Jyutsu energy/bodywork as well as astrology and tarot. Her articles have appeared in The Mountain Astrologer and The Aromatherapy Journal. Shellie writes a regular column, "The Aromatic Message" for Massage Today magazine and she had the cover story for Massage Magazine, October 2011 issue, on Aromatherapy and Massage. Shellie will be presenting a three day CE workshop for Massage Therapists in Charleston, SC, in March 2011 through the SC AMTA. <br /><br />A free monthly newsletter is available through her website <a href="http://www.astralessence.com">www.astralessence.com </a>and her poetry and fiction can be viewed at <a href="http://www.shelliewrites.com">www.shelliewrites.com.</a> <br /><br /> <br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writer's Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-66762705393648762672011-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:59:13.060-08:00December Article 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUDijHdrGNx63DupKy7go1GotonoHr3EhlcSdP_blrlBOfdhsDo6pfVGDWUKeVXxfRWotYpGT1n4npbIMyMGoJswh-kKVQAKbDlaDK19bYHt1NKZYoO-Pj4iIf3SvN0Ep3WkgPB6CQps/s1600/Kayla+Fioravanti+Lab+Coat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUDijHdrGNx63DupKy7go1GotonoHr3EhlcSdP_blrlBOfdhsDo6pfVGDWUKeVXxfRWotYpGT1n4npbIMyMGoJswh-kKVQAKbDlaDK19bYHt1NKZYoO-Pj4iIf3SvN0Ep3WkgPB6CQps/s200/Kayla+Fioravanti+Lab+Coat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683880217450972674" /></a><br /><strong>The Aromatherapy Basics of Lavender and Tea Tree <br />By Kayla Fioravanti, RA</strong> <br /><br />Until my son came down with a prescription resistant case of ringworm, I had no idea what aromatherapy was or the power of using essential oils. In desperation, I made a trip down the book aisle of the local health food store that would forever change our family. Every book I opened recommended tea tree essential oil for ringworm. I invested in a 10 ml bottle of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) in hopes that just maybe aromatherapy would have some merit. Three days later the ringworm was gone and I was on the road that would eventually end with our family starting an aromatherapy based business and myself, becoming a Certified and Registered Aromatherapist. Now my medicine cabinet, beauty counter and bath products are filled with essential oils. <br /><br />When my kids ask for medicine for their "owie," they are referring to lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil. They are true believers by way of experience. A few years ago my two daughters decided to play with the light bulb in their lamp late one night. My husband and I responded to shrieks of terror. We discovered that my four year old had put her wet hand onto the light bulb. Her palm had already formed a blister and she was hysterical. I applied a small amount of lavender to my hand and rubbed it into her hair to calm her. I then applied lavender directly onto her burn and wrapped her hand up tight. She promptly fell deeply asleep. In the morning she took the bandage off her hand and was surprised to find she had no pain and no blister. Her wounds had healed over-night. She displayed her hand to me with disbelief and exclaimed, "Look, Mommy! Your medicine worked!" By that point, after years of nearly miraculous experiences with essential oils, I had no doubt that my "medicine" would work. <br /><br /><br /><strong>The Science of Aromatherapy and Skin </strong><br />Skin, our largest organ, allows substances like essential oils, with small molecular structures and low molecular weight to penetrate. The essential oils are then carried away by the capillary blood circulating in the dermis. Essential oils stimulate circulation to the surface skin cells; encourage cell regeneration and the formation of new skin cells. Some essential oils calm inflamed or irritated skin. Specific essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-infectious, anti-parasitic, antitoxic, nervine, analgesic, deodorizing, circulatory stimulating and diuretic qualities. The needs of the plant from which an essential oil is extracted will often dictate its aromatherapy properties. For instance, if a plant lives in an environment in which it is threatened by fungus and bacteria it will produce an essential oil that is highly antifungal and antibacterial. <br /><br /> <br /><strong>Aromatherapy Emergency Kit </strong><br />No home is complete without having the two most popular and most commonly used essential oils in the medicine and beauty cabinet: lavender and tea tree. This is because these two essential oils will be the antidote for almost every need.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)</strong><br />This oil has been used for many conditions, including dermatitis, eczema, sunburn, insect bites, headaches, migraine, rashes, insomnia, infections, arthritis, anxiety, tension, panic, hysteria, fatigue burns, psoriasis, scars, thread veins, and all problems concerning splitting of dermis and epidermis. Lavender soothes and regenerates cells. It is effective in treating infected hair follicles, pimples, blackheads and light forms of acne. It is good for all skin types and balances sebum. Lavender is an excellent and safe children's remedy for rashes, bumps and bruises and sleeplessness. It is antiseptic, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-infectious, antitoxic, anti-parasitic, restorative, antidepressant, calmative and sedative. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)</strong><br />This oil has historic uses for rashes, insect bites, nail fungus, dermatitis, ringworm, head lice, sore throats, boils, congestion, wounds, arthritis, cold sores, and is useful for a wide spectrum of infections. Tea tree encourages regeneration of scar tissue and reduces swelling. As an oil-controlling agent with high germicidal value, it is useful for treating acne. It can penetrate pus by mixing with it, which liquefies the pus, causing it to slough off, leaving a healthy surface. It is anti-infectious, antibiotic, balsamic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, immuno-stimulant, analgesic and antiseptic. <br /><br /><br />The next time you have a migraine from your job, or your child is not in the mood to "go night-night", turn to earth's gift of lavender essential oil. If suddenly your face breaks out with one big red pimple on the tip of your nose, apply some tea tree essential oil to the affected area. If you are not getting your beauty sleep, put a small amount of lavender essential oil onto a cotton ball and put it into your pillowcase. If there is a random rash that you can't quite identify, start by using lavender essential oil and if that does not work, switch to tea tree. Normally, one of the two will do the job. You can apply them topically, add to a carrier oil or put a few drops into bathsalts for your bath and begin to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Remember, fragrance or synthetic products will not produce the effects of true essential oils.<br /><br /><br />Kayla is a Certified, ARC Registered Aromatherapist and the co-Founder and Chief Formulator for Essential Wholesale and its lab division, Essential Labs. Wife and mother of three, she runs her company along with her husband, Dennis. In 1998, Kayla started creating products in her kitchen using essential oils. They turned the profit from their first batch of products into more supplies, and they have repeated the process over and over again to remain a debt free company. In 2000, they started an all-natural aromatherapy-based Home Party Plan. In 2002, they changed their business plan and became the distribution and manufacturing company Essential Wholesale. This was followed by the addition of Essential Labs in 2005. The initial $50 investment from their home kitchen, combined with blood, sweat and prayers, has now become a multi-million dollar organically certified and FDA compliant company. <br /><br />Kayla is the go-to industry specialist for formulating and supplying information on aromatherapy, natural, organic and pure cosmetics and personal care items. Kayla can be found on YouTube in the Essential Wholesale series Kitchen Chemistry with Kayla where she teaches a variety of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) recipes. Kayla is the driving force behind the Essential U blog, an educational center for aromatherapy, cosmetics, industry standards and business ownership. Kayla is the author of a new book titled: The Art, Science and Business of Aromatherapy and she has also written the book titled: How to Make Melt & Pour Soap Base from Scratch, A Beginner's Guide to Melt & Pour Soap Base Manufacturing. She is currently writing another book entitled DIY Kitchen Chemistry, Simple Homemade Bath & Body Projects. Kayla's books can be found at <a href="http://www.KaylaFioravanti.com ">www.KaylaFioravanti.com </a>and all online booksellers. <br /><br /><br />To learn more about Kayla, please visit her blog at: <a href="http://www.essentialublog.com/kayla ">http://www.essentialublog.com/kayla </a><br /> <br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines. </a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-66988693832415591592011-11-05T12:58:00.000-07:002011-11-05T13:03:44.632-07:00November Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNVfqIdcMOtCCcjL0KNJA0CxQ_Inba_x0wvYMvAVJHat1461aY2ypNsiZXA-fbD8sojMOQdlAof2lWG3LqyXPxOSACICF-exs8vEQAW1IaVshFwR4JFrr6tQyHO1d0eYiNveiNLFkrdM/s1600/Gina+Rafkind.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNVfqIdcMOtCCcjL0KNJA0CxQ_Inba_x0wvYMvAVJHat1461aY2ypNsiZXA-fbD8sojMOQdlAof2lWG3LqyXPxOSACICF-exs8vEQAW1IaVshFwR4JFrr6tQyHO1d0eYiNveiNLFkrdM/s200/Gina+Rafkind.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671604893091031858" /></a><br /><strong>Discover the Anxiety-Busting Power of Aromatherapy<br /><br />By Gina Rafkind, CPC, Reflexologist, Aromatherapy Consultant</strong><br /><br />Change...it's everywhere! And if you are reading these words, then most likely you have experienced some sort of change during your lifetime. <br /><br />During times of change, anxiety levels rise. But you will be happy to know that you have an ally when it comes to working through anxiety and that ally is Aromatherapy!<br /><br />Aromatherapy is a wonderful healing tool to help relieve anxiety. How do I know? Because I have experienced these healing benefits first hand in my own journey with anxiety.<br /><br />According to Robert Tisserand: <br /><br /><em>"Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul." </em><br /><br />How lucky we are to have these amazing, healing and wonderful-smelling essences at our fingertips. Very, very lucky!<br /><br />Transforming anxiety through aromatherapy<br /><br />Anxiety is overcome by using your senses as a pathway to presence!<br /><br />One of the gifts of aromatherapy is that it uses the sense of smell to catapult you into the present moment.<br /><br />When you are anxious, you are not in the present moment.<br /><br />Anxiety is caused by many different issues. It manifests in many different forms, as well. But usually the catalyst for anxiety is some form of stress. Stress that is the result of a traumatic event in one's life is a huge cause of anxiety. If we do not integrate the stress in our lives, then we re-live stressful events in our heads through our thoughts. These thoughts then become stories we tell ourselves and end up believing. These stories are based either in the past or the future; hence we are not in the present moment. The present moment is the only moment where you can become totally free of anxiety.<br /><br />Now of course we can think about the past or future for certain memories or information that we may need to refer back to for some reason. But if our mind lives in the past or future on a daily basis, then we will experience anxiety.<br /><br />It is no coincidence how I bumped into the art of Aromatherapy and I can still say to this day that it has had a pivotal part in healing my anxiety. Of course there are other tools and techniques that I use, but I am very passionate about aromatherapy because this is what started my healing journey.<br /><br />Let me take this a step further and explain to you a little bit more about how using your senses can help you relieve your anxiety.<br /><br /><br />Let's use the example of warm cinnamon buns just coming out of the oven. I can smell them already! Can you? Since your brain can only think one thought at a time, you cannot think 'I'm so anxious', at the same time you are thinking, 'Mmmm, those cinnamon buns smell scrumptious'.<br /><br /><strong>Scent stops your thoughts in its tracks.</strong><br /><br />Another example is when you are in your house near an open window. The scent of a skunk comes flowing through the window and right up your nose. Need I say more?<br /> <br /><br /><strong>Your body is the bridge between your mind and your soul.</strong><br /><br />On a daily basis, the average person thinks over 60,000 thoughts. Significantly, most of these thoughts tend to be self-limiting beliefs and negative thoughts. The amazing thing is that most people are not even aware of this! Are you aware of the thoughts you think on a daily basis? If not, I invite you to pay a little more 'conscious' attention each day to the thoughts that your mind turns out. Write them down and start to look at what kind of energy your thoughts are feeding you each day. You will find that your thoughts either give you positive or negative energy. How will you know what energy you are receiving from your thoughts? Believe me, once you write them down and read them, you will feel the energy -- your body will let you know.<br /><br /><strong>Enter the body.</strong><br /><br />Once you become more aware of the type of thoughts you think every day, you can then choose to change those thoughts into more positive ones. The way to do this is to become more present. One of the ways to immediately enter the present moment is to enter your body. Bringing attention to one of your five senses helps you to do this. When you move the focus of your attention from your mind to your body, you become more present. In this way you start to build a bridge that connects to a deeper part of you -- your soul.<br /><br />Through stimulating the sense of smell, as well as through the properties in the essential oil chosen, aromatherapy becomes another tool to help you build this bridge from your mind to your soul.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Below are some of my favorite essential oils to provide general anxiety relief:</strong><br /><br />1. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) - Ylang ylang is sweet, exotic, floral and a little spicy. It is known to be an aphrodisiac. It is calming to the nervous system, brings harmony to the mind and helps relieve restlessness and agitation. Ylang ylang is a tropical evergreen tree and the essential oil comes from the flowers.<br /><br />2. Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia) - Bergamot helps to calm and relax the senses as well as aiding with emotional imbalances, which tend to be activated during times of change. Its scent is refreshing and uplifting, yet relaxing. Bergamot has a beautiful fresh, fruity-floral aroma. This essential oil comes from the rind of citrus fruit which is still unripe and green from the bitter orange tree. **Special Note: One thing to be aware of with bergamot is it is known to be phototoxic meaning it should not be used on your skin if you are going to be outdoors in the sun because it can cause extra sensitivity in your skin.<br /><br />3. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) - Geranium relaxes the nerves and calms anxiety. It helps keep you centered and at ease which is very welcoming to many during times of change. It has a sweet, floral, rose-like scent. The essential oil comes from the leaves, stems and flowers of the geranium plant.<br /><br />4. Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) - Mandarin has a calming effect on the central nervous system. You can also substitute sweet orange essential oil which is usually easier to find because it is more popular. Sweet orange is uplifting and beneficial for sadness, nervousness and anxiety. The essential oil of both mandarin and sweet orange is obtained from the outer peel of the fruit. **Note: Both Mandarin and Sweet orange are also known to be phototoxic so do not use them on your skin if you are going to be out in the sun.<br /><br />5. Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) - Sandalwood's main element is the earth element so it is very grounding, being rooted in stillness and prayer. It has a sweet, woody, musk-like scent and has a calming effect on the nervous system making it another wonderful essential oil for anxiety relief. Sandalwood is an evergreen tree and the essential oil is extracted from the tree's heartwood. **Important note: I use only the Santalum spicatum Sandalwood species due to the fact that Sandalwood has become endangered because of the over-harvesting of the trees for its aromatic oil.<br /><br />6. Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) - Roman chamomile has a very distinct scent. It is sweet and slightly fruity. When using this essential oil, it is best to add one drop at a time because of its stronger scent which can overtake a blend. Roman chamomile is known to help with relieving stress of any kind, including anxiety, which makes it one of your greatest allies in Aromatherapy. It also is known to help with chronic tension and insomnia. Roman chamomile is one of several species of herbs with daisy-like flowers which is where the essential oil is obtained.<br /><br />7. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Lavender is wonderful for reducing anxiety. Lavender is known as the Swiss army knife of essential oils because it is useful for so many ailments. It helps with almost any imbalance and is a great addition to your first aid kit. I keep a small vial of it in my purse so I can inhale it right from the vial when I am feeling anxious. It has a rich, sweet, herbaceous, floral scent. Lavender is a very fragrant shrub and its essential oil is obtained from the flowers.<br /><br />Some other essential oils that help with anxiety relief are melissa (Melissa officinalis) and rose (Rosa damascena), as well as grounding essential oils such as cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). <br /><br />Hormonal imbalance can also cause anxiety. Some essential oils that can be used to assist hormonal balance are clary sage (Salvia sclarea), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) and vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). <br /><br />As you can see, Aromatherapy is a powerful ally for achieving peace of mind, whether used by itself or in conjunction with other forms of treatment. I'll never forget the first time I smelled lavender and how it calmed me down when I was in the epicenter of my anxiety issues. It was the start of a holistic healing journey for me, and I still use Aromatherapy on a daily basis to help keep me present, balanced and anxiety free. <br /><br /><br /><strong>**Important Note: Before using any essential oils, check with your medical practitioner if you have any health concerns or conditions or if you are pregnant or nursing.</strong><br /><br />Gina Rafkind is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Reflexologist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Reiki Level 3 Practitioner, Acutonics Level 2 Practitioner and Aromatherapy Consultant. She is also founder of Vedasun.<br /><br />VedaSun helps women bust through anxiety so they can wake up to their life and achieve what they want. Gina founded VedaSun to share the divine insights she experiences throughout her evolving journey of healing anxiety. Her passion is to share these experiences and discoveries with you so you too can open the channel of awareness and by 'waking up', live a happier & healthier life.<br /><br /><br />Sign up to become part of the VedaSun anxiety-busting tribe and free receive life-enhancing tips and the Anxiety Relief Toolkit at <a href="http://www.vedasun.com">www.vedasun.com.</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">Click here to purchase a CD recording of Gina's NAHA Tele-conference presentation: The Aroma-Reflex Connection-Relief for Anixety.</a><br /> <br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines. </a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-10455748896875695752011-11-05T12:47:00.000-07:002011-11-05T12:56:46.488-07:00October Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW5ZRWCKlZtQbrTeBsyaQKAO5RmRyDTbsvT1zKtg6g-EMSvT5uwW7omTl_8bRM2EnNxRD0rn39bDIgS1D5KlHv0kp9p95qeF0Zjy78Bxm0lOcXQjuZEKDXQuLsbUvJm3E9waAWz83Z_Q/s1600/Tracey+TieF.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW5ZRWCKlZtQbrTeBsyaQKAO5RmRyDTbsvT1zKtg6g-EMSvT5uwW7omTl_8bRM2EnNxRD0rn39bDIgS1D5KlHv0kp9p95qeF0Zjy78Bxm0lOcXQjuZEKDXQuLsbUvJm3E9waAWz83Z_Q/s200/Tracey+TieF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671601895159938034" /></a><br /><strong>Repel Bugs not Humans! <br /><br />How to make safe and effective do-it-yourself insect repelling perfumes<br /><br />By Tracey TieF, Certified Natural Health Practitioner</strong> <br /><br />Many people, especially new parents, who want to work on reducing their exposure to toxins in their daily life, wonder what is worse; the toxins in conventional bug sprays or the torture of bug bites and possibility of infection?<br /><br />If it can kill a bug, what's it doing to my kid?<br /><br />In my opinion as a health practitioner and mother of two, the toxins in your average insect repellent are far worse than the bites in the long run. DEET, permethrins and other common insect repellent ingredients are neurotoxic insecticides that you are directed to apply to your skin, and worse, the skin of your vulnerable children! Added to these "chemical name" ingredients are the usual toxins found in the base lotions and creams: parabens, petroleum by-products like "mineral oil", color, fragrance and so forth. Applying the cancer and hormonal disruption risks carried by these ingredients creates the very real potential for neurological and organ damage. Pregnant and nursing women need to be especially careful to avoid these chemicals and they should never be used on babies and children. What it comes down to is this: If it can kill a bug, it can harm you.<br /><br />Don't smell human!<br /><br />As with many natural and traditional ways of managing the sometimes unwanted effects of our environment, it's safest and most effective to begin with prevention strategies. Bugs are attracted to our human smell: sweet scents, perfumes, the carbon dioxide we exhale and our own very personal scent. <br /><br />My father worked in Nistassinan (the ancestral homeland of the Innu, an Aboriginal people of Eastern Quebec and Labrador, Canada) where the black flies pick your bones. His advice on how to avoid being mauled by bugs is:<br /><br />1. Don't eat bananas or other sweet fruits and don't drink fruit juices.<br /><br />2. Don't bathe, but if you must, do not use any scented soaps or body products.<br /><br />3. Wear light color clothing and screen off areas if you can.<br /><br />4. Eat garlic, onions and avoid foods high in salt or potassium like potatoes and salty snacks.<br /><br />Natural ingredients that are proven to work<br /><br />Contrary to popular belief, some natural, traditional ingredients have been demonstrated - in both cage and field studies - to be just as effective, or even more effective, as the Vietnam War era insecticidal toxin N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide commonly known as DEET. Examples abound:<br /><br />~ A product containing 40% oil of lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), with its high concentration of citronellal, was just as effective as products containing high concentrations of DEET. See (1)<br /><br />~ Non toxic, skin healing neem oil (Azadirachta indica) is mosquito repellent for up to 12 hours even in 1-2% concentrations! See (2)<br /><br />Citronella oil's (Cymbopogon winterianus) mosquito repellence has also been verified by research, including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes when applied every half hour. See (3). <br /><br />Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus and other types) <br /><br />~ Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)essential oils, combined with soybean oil (Soja hispida), for example, were found to be effective insect repellents, according to an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine. See (4)<br /><br />I believe that all botanicals traditionally used to repel bugs do the job, but most have not been the subject of controlled studies to demonstrate their effectiveness. Nevertheless, these ingredients make great additions to a natural bug spray.<br /><br />Repel bugs, not humans<br /><br />There are many naturally occurring scents that repel bugs, but after considering skin safety, we may also consider composing the blend as we would a perfume - using variety to decrease the chances of sensitization and adding base notes to fix the blend. Below are examples of insect repelling essential oils. <br /><br /><strong>Please see the Editor's Essential Oil Safety Note at the end of the article.</strong><br /><br />Top to Middle Notes:<br /><br />Basil (Ocimum basilicum)<br /><br />Cajeput (Melaleuca quinquenervia)<br /><br />Catnip oil (Nepeta cataria with Nepatalactone)<br /><br />Citronella (Cymbopagon nardus)<br /><br />All Eucalyptus oils (repels mosquitoes), but especially Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)<br /><br />Garlic (Allium sativum)<br /><br />Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)<br /><br />Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)<br /><br />Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus and other types) <br /><br />Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)<br /><br />Peppermint (Mentha piperita)<br /><br />Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)<br /><br />Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia) <br /><br />Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)<br /><br /><br />Middle to Base Notes:<br /><br />Cedarwoods (Juniperus mexicana and others)<br /><br />Marigold (Calendula officinalis)<br /><br />Neem oil (Azadirachta indica)<br /><br />Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)<br /><br />Yarrow (Alchellia millefolium)<br /><br /><br />Also repellent are: Yarrow (Achillea alpina) (mosquitoes), Beautyberry (Callicarpa American) and Neem oil, although technically not an essential oil. This is pressed oil that is very thick and consequently good used as carrier oil.<br /><br />Beeswax can be added to any blend in order to create an ointment that keeps the essential oils on the<br /><br />skin longer. Soybean oil (Soja hispida) is known to be repellent and makes a good carrier oil. <br /><br />Surprisingly non lemon-y and varied blends can be created using the ingredients above.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Floral Insect Repellent</strong><br />Geranium(Pelargonium graveolens)<br /><br />Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)<br /><br />Marigold (Calendula officinalis)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Herbaceous Insect Repellent</strong><br />Basil (Ocimum basilicum)<br /><br />Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)<br /><br />Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)<br /><br />Cedarwoods (Juniperus mexicana and others)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Musky Insect Repellent</strong><br />Sage (Salvia lavandulifolia)<br /><br />Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)<br /><br />Neem oil (Azadirachta indica)<br /><br />Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Minty Insect Repellent</strong><br />Basil (Ocimum basilicum)<br /><br />Peppermint (Mentha piperita)<br /><br />Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)<br /><br />Cedarwoods (Juniperus mexicana and others)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Recipe for a (Don't) Bite Me Perfume Spray </strong><br />Makes one 120ml/4 ounce glass atomizer bottle<br /><br />Cut your atomizer straw to fit your bottle, measuring from the neck of the bottle to the bottom.<br /><br />Measure the following into a glass measuring cup:<br /><br />35ml vodka or witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) or apple cider vinegar (acetic acid and aqua from Pyrus Malus)<br /><br />5ml vegetable glycerine<br /><br /><strong>Essential oils:</strong><br /><br />30 drops lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)<br /><br />25 drops cajeput (Melaleuca quinquenervia)<br /><br />15 drops lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)<br /><br />10 drops patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)<br /><br />10 drops lavender (Lavandula officinalis)<br /><br />Mix well by pouring the blend back and forth between two glass measuring cups.<br /><br />Add35ml aloe vera gel juice (Aloe barbadensis) and mix again. <br /><br />Pour into your glass bottle. Fill to the bottom of the neck with Soybean oil (Soja hispida) and put on the atomizer top. Shake each time before using. Apply to exposed skin and lightly over clothing up to every 20 minutes.<br /> <br /><br />If you want to make your own, be sure that you use a combination of three to five essential oils and that you check your ingredients to make sure that your blend will be skin-safe and will repel the insects you intend to avoid. If you want to buy an off the shelf product, look it on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database to determine its safety first. <a href="http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=insect/pest%20repellant">http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=insect/pest%20repellant</a><br /><br /><strong>Editor's Essential Oil Safety Note:</strong><br />Avoid use during pregnancy: (Basil, Cajeput, Cedarwood, Citronella, Garlic, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Sage)<br /><br />Avoid use with epilepsy: (Rosemary, Sage)<br /><br />Avoid topical use, dermal irritant: (Basil, Cajeput, Citronella, and Garlic)<br /><br />Avoid using full strength blends and especially those with potentially irritating essential oils on children. It is best to create a separate, milder blend for children, using half the amount of essential oils used in a blend for adults. <br /><br />References:<br />(1) Carroll SP, Loye J, 2006, Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 22(3):507-514, 510<br /><br />(2) Mishra AK, Singh N, Sharma VP, 1995 "Use of neem oil as a mosquito repellent in tribal villages of mandla district, madhya pradesh", Indian J Malariol, Sep;32(3):99-103 Pubmed<br /><br />(3) Jeong-Kyu KIM, Chang-Soo KANG, Jong-Kwon LEE, Young-Ran KIM, Hye-Yun HAN, Hwa Kyung YUN, Evaluation of Repellency Effect of Two Natural Aroma Mosquito Repellent Compounds, Citronella and Citronellal, Entomological Research 35 (2), 117-120, 2005<br /><br />(4) http://www.homs.com/NEJM.pdf <br /><br /><br />Tracey TieF is a Certified Natural Health Practitioner who operates Anarres Natural Health in downtown Toronto, Ontario. Tracey is also a Technical Consultant for New Directions Aromatics.<br /><br />She carries on a family tradition in the healing arts and has an extensive background in physical therapies and the healing arts. Tracey qualified as a Registered Aromatherapy Health Practitioner and Certified Reflexology Health Practitioner through The School of Holistic Studies, Institute of Aromatherapy. Tracey has a passion and mission for teaching people how to take care of themselves and make their own healthy products! Tracey can be reached at anarreshealth@gmail.com or through her website at <a href="http://www.anarreshealth.ca ">www.anarreshealth.ca </a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-78163822971803537262011-09-13T11:23:00.000-07:002011-09-13T11:31:00.648-07:00September Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaeNF8tbG4MUZClbAn_77mkqM6GL0aBkr98OpW3LRFldqXyoVttERFAmJsg4XuLsB-5mQom4MhAQKp6oC9sMbXTf6cqyaFbbn1_enkCpjlrh05ltzuxq1ipJHDZ4ImoAmDGP-JWgWCeo/s1600/Shanti+Dechen.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaeNF8tbG4MUZClbAn_77mkqM6GL0aBkr98OpW3LRFldqXyoVttERFAmJsg4XuLsB-5mQom4MhAQKp6oC9sMbXTf6cqyaFbbn1_enkCpjlrh05ltzuxq1ipJHDZ4ImoAmDGP-JWgWCeo/s200/Shanti+Dechen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651912367111975346" /></a><br /><strong>Five Element Aromatherapy: <br /><br />By Shanti Dechen, CCAP, LMT </strong><br /><br />The human relationship to the cycles of the day, seasons and moon were of vital interest to traditional Chinese healers and, through this, the "five element theory" became a fundamental part of traditional healing and a way of life. These five elements were associated with the equinoxes and solstices to help farmers plan ahead and organize their agricultural cycles. The calendar was arranged by naming the elements: wood for the spring equinox, fire for the summer solstice, metal for the autumn equinox and water for the winter solstice. The fifth element, earth, was at the centre of the calendar to signify Indian Summer and the transition time between all the seasons.<br /> <br />Humans embody all of the elements, like a year has all seasons. Along with the yin/yang theory, the five element theory was the most important concept in early Chinese medicine. <br /><br />We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts. <br />William Hazlitt "On Taste" (1859)<br /><br />The principles and theory of the five elements have became widespread, and are now fundamental practices in acupuncture, feng shui, shiatsu, chi gong, astrology, healing with herbs, aromatherapy and nutrition.<br /><br />The five element theory also explains why substances of the natural world are harmonious with the human body. We utilize trees (wood), herbs (earth), minerals (metal), fire and water because these substances are the same in composition and character to our own underlying make-up. It is when the energy of an element is imbalanced that we then observe symptoms or disease related to that element.<br /><br />Each element is associated with a pair of internal organs and expresses different characteristics relating to its nature that become evident as balanced or imbalanced states. A disruption of our five element energies can increase disturbances; these eventually create a disturbed pattern of flow or chi in our life energy that can lead to a predisposition to certain mental/emotional or physical ailments.<br /><br />Let us focus on the earth element as a clinical example. As our landscape starts to change from the long hot days of summer to the golden hue of Indian Summer, the Earth element emerges; the plants go to seed, the tree leaves start to dry and yellow, the days become shorter and the air cools. <br /><br />Earth symbolizes balance. Earth represents mid-life, mature adulthood. It is center of the mandala or medicine wheel, the point where we stand looking out at the four cardinal directions. Earth phase corresponds to the point of balance between Yang and Yin, to late summertime or Fall Equinox, and late afternoon, the time of ripening of fruit and golden grain. Days and nights are nearly equal in length. The climate is perfect - neither too hot nor too cold, neither too wet nor too dry. Earth energy is stable, giving us a firm center and grounding. Like ripe grain before the harvest, its color is yellow or golden like amber. <br /> <br />If Earth element is weakened from a poor diet and over-worry, you will see that more nourishment is requested from the Fire element to nourish Earth. Additionally, if Earth is weakened, the Metal element may also be affected, as the Earth will be too depleted to provide nourishment to Metal, its child.<br /><br />From a clinical perspective you may see development of digestive issues from irregular eating, excessive worry and overwork those will lead to a proliferation of dampness (excessive Earth element), which then affects the Metal element. Within this case, you may see a combination of bloating, gas, and fatigue, poor appetite along with the development of Metal (Lung) symptoms, such as nasal congestion or excess mucus in the lungs.<br /><br />Foods that can enhance the earth element: <br />The sweet taste tonifies, balances, and moderates. It is used to tonify deficiency. Warming foods are suggested that are easy to digest.<br /><br />Grains: Millet<br />Vegetables: Sweet corn, all squash: (acorn, butternut, Hokkaido, Hubbard, spaghetti, pumpkin) shiitake mushrooms, beets, onions, parsnips, rutabaga, collards, chard, artichoke, sweet peas, and string beans<br />Fruits: sweet apples, figs, cantaloupe, sweet orange, honeydew, tangelo, raisins, sweet grapes, papaya, dates, tangerine<br />Fish: salmon, tuna, swordfish, sturgeon<br />Nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds<br />Sweeteners: agave, maple syrup, rice syrup, barley malt, molasses<br /><br />There are also specific clinical physical and emotional characteristicsof each of the five elements that can be easily observed. One of the first clues a practitioner can start with is from a hand shake of your client. Does the skin on the hand feel dry (metal element), damp (earth element), hot (fire element), or cold (water element)? Other easy accessible clues for each element can include; body structure, face (shape, color and lines), and tongue.<br /><br /><strong>Other earth element characteristics include: </strong><br />Color: Yellow <br />Direction: Center<br />Season: Late Summer/ Indian Summer<br />Related organs: Spleen/Pancreas (yin)/Stomach (yang)<br />Body tissue: Muscles<br />Taste: Sweet<br />Body odor: Fragrant<br />Sense organ: Mouth<br />Sound: Singing<br />Climatic Qi: Damp<br />Emotions: Worry, sympathy and self doubt<br />Virtues: Balance, centeredness and equanimity medicine. <br /><br /><strong>Essential Oil Example: </strong><br />Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)- Joyful stability (warm and dry, strengthens digestive system and spleen and stomach chi) <br /><br />Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)-Nurtured change(warming, increases immunity, spleen and stomach chi, clears phlegm, and calms nerves and mind)<br /><br />Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)-Peaceful abiding (warming, increases immunity and spleen and stomach chi, and uplifts mind)<br /><br />Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)- Embracing transformation (calms mind, increases immunity, and fortifies spleen and stomach) <br /><br /><br />"The first method of healing is to cure the spirit; <br />the second is to give knowledge of how to restore the body." Nei Ching<br /><br /> <br />Shanti Dechen, director and owner of Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy has been teaching the five element theory since 1984 and has found it invaluable in daily and clinical life. Along with its clinical aromatherapy program, Aroma Apothecary also offers a Five Element Healing Series that includes: Five Element Essential, Five Element Aromatherapy, Five Element Reflexes and Five Element Acupressure. Shanti blissfully resides in pristine Crestone, Colorado, where nature is more abundant than humans. <br /><br />Copyright Shanti Dechen 2011<br /><br />To learn more about Shanti please visit her website: <a href="http://www.learnaroma.com">www.learnaroma.com</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">To purchase a copy of NAHA Tele-Conference with Shanti Dechen: Five Element Aromatherapy please click here.</a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-89605024126367744322011-08-09T14:04:00.000-07:002011-08-09T14:17:27.194-07:00August Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nbdT5YnaFPC8VG8ZVdi3yuAjNCoGTQScS-UT4b2gf-PidZqA9IAO9BqNGje3Ca8iQbPEX-BC7nKb80MlhMrqdnASbBQfyYamJ2iGAmwOvQw4WwoUS0mKUAxo0uPUMrwmvs_oS0Ru92k/s1600/Valerie+Cooksley.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nbdT5YnaFPC8VG8ZVdi3yuAjNCoGTQScS-UT4b2gf-PidZqA9IAO9BqNGje3Ca8iQbPEX-BC7nKb80MlhMrqdnASbBQfyYamJ2iGAmwOvQw4WwoUS0mKUAxo0uPUMrwmvs_oS0Ru92k/s200/Valerie+Cooksley.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638967623369239826" /></a>
<br /><strong>Featured Article
<br />First Response Aromatherapy:
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<br />Aromatic First Aid
<br />By Valerie Cooksley, RN, Holistic Nurse, Aromatherapist
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<br />Summertime for many equates to enjoying the hot seasonal days gardening, hiking, camping, traveling, vacationing at the beach, and participating in extra sports activities. Still, spending more time outside in the summer heat makes one prone to dry skin, excessive sun exposure, dehydration, and more cuts, scrapes and rashes compared to any other time of year. It has been established that what is applied to the skin is as significant as what is placed in our bodies by way of food and nutrition making it all the more essential to create better choices for your first response treatment of minor skin conditions. In addition, avoiding skin sensitizing and potentially harmful chemicals, such as petroleum-based compounds and costly pharmaceuticals, makes it equally important to use natural alternatives for the health conscious.
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<br />Fortunately, there are safe and effective natural healing options, such as botanical first aid from your kitchen and herb garden, that will save you this summer. Sunburn, scrapes and scratches, insect bites, rashes, bug repellants and natural pest control are a few situations that can be remedied with aromatic first-aid. Botanical medicine has much to offer in treating first-aid situations including natural wound healing, burn treatment and infection prevention, as well as disinfection. Among my personal favorite carriers for first response aromatherapy are fresh aloe gel and raw bee honey. Simple healing agents in their own right, they qualify as preeminent natural first-aid wound care and have been used this way throughout human history.
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<br /><strong>Aloe:</strong> Aloe (Aloe vera) was written about and documented as a folk healing agent for centuries. It is described in the Ebers Papyrus (16th century BC), Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and Pliny the Elder's Natural History (1st century), as well as the Juliana Anicia Codex (512 CE). While there are approximately 400 species in the genus Aloe, the primary plant species used in healthcare products are Aloe vera or True aloe, Aloe arborescens and A. barbadensis. Aloe has more than 170 research studies related to wounds and nearly 1800 studies in generalaccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. In fact, it is commonly called "Burn Aloe" or "First Aid plant" and its thick gelatinous leaves contain a range of biologically active compounds such as mannans, glycosides, anthraquinones, and lectins.
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<br />Aloe vera is very effective in the treatment of wounds, aids in promoting healing, and is an excellent choice for the healing of first to second-degree burns. Its legendary gel has been shown to have antibacterial (inhibits Streptococcus and Shigella) and antifungal activities. The succulent plant is non-toxic with no known side effects when used topically. It blends well with essential oils. Remarkably, a research study in 2009 investigated the odor-adsorbing properties of aloe vera combined with the essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) against an activated charcoal cloth (ACC) dressing. The Aloe vera composite dressing was shown to be the most adsorbent and at a 40% dilution had comparable values to those of the ACC dressings. Further research is needed, however, the study concluded that the new aloe composite dressing made with M. alternifolia essential oil may be a potential alternative to ACC dressings and that it has the added advantages of having antimicrobial properties as well as the ability to promote a moist wound environment.
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<br />Aloe can easily be grown on a sunny window sill or potted with southern exposure in your yard. I can grow my own where I live in south Texas and northwest Florida in large ceramic pots mixed with plenty of sand and other succulent flowers. The large freshly cut leaves can also be found at Asian markets for around $1.00 per leaf (approximately 2 feet in length) and the bottled gel, purchased in a health food store or pharmacy. Be certain to acquire an all-natural aloe gel without colorants and preservatives. I like Lily of the Desert's "Aloe 80 Organics" aloe gel. It's paraben-free, without artificial colors or fragrance.
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<br /><strong>Honey:</strong> In medical history, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, having been collected since ancient Egyptian times. Used as an antiseptic and antibacterial ointment for exposed wounds, healing agents for rashes and burns, as well as an aid for sore throats, the properties of honey have only recently been scientifically explained. At present, there are more than 200 studies relating to the value of honey in wound healing and more than 5000 research findings on its general attributes. The unique physical properties, as well as color, aroma and taste, vary depending on the type of flora used by bees to produce the honey.
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<br />Manuka honey is produced from the flowering foliage of Leptospermum scoparium, also known as New Zealand Tea Tree. Rich in linalool and 1,8 cineole, this sought after honey has been widely researched in New Zealand due to its antibacterial properties against the drug-resistant strain of MRSA bacteria. As a child growing up on a farm in The Berkshires, MA, we had a half dozen bee hives from which we collected honey for personal use. Ours was a multi-floral type since it was from a variety of plants on our surrounding acreage -- clover, wildflowers and herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. Consequently, our honey would significantly differ from the antibacterial manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey from New Zealand, and also from the lavender (Lavendula officinalis, L. angustifolia, or L. vera) honey from the French countryside, or the orange blossom (Citrus aurantium var. amara) honey from Florida State. Fresh honey contains electrolytes, in the form of acids and minerals, and possesses the unique ability to absorb moisture. Raw honey is the most natural form, obtained by extraction, settling or straining, without adding heat and may contain minute particles of pollen and wax.
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<br />Today, some wound gels are made with antibacterial raw honey and have regulatory approval. The antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, high acidity, the antibacterial activity of methylglyoxal and the hydrogen peroxide effect. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by dilution of the honey with body fluids resulting in the slow release of this powerful antiseptic. Honey has been effectively used in treating diabetic ulcers, reducing odors, swelling, and wound scarring. Honey also prevents the first-aid bandage or dressing from sticking to the wound. It is easy to obtain -- local, raw honey can be purchased in a specialty or grocery store, from a farmer's market or beekeeper, or the adventurous can raise their own hive.
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<br /><strong>Essential Oils and First-Aid Blending</strong>
<br />Essential oils combine well with the carriers aloe and honey for an impeccable first response treatment for a whole host of applications including skin rashes, insect bites, burns and more. The combination of essential oils, honey or aloe then becomes even more effective and potent, yet it is very gentle on the cut or wound. The medicinal properties essential oils possess - antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, cicatrisant, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory - greatly increase the effects of the carriers. You can see why they are among my favorite first aid treatments for minor-moderate skin conditions. As they relate to first aid treatment, essential oils have the specific ability to: arrest bleeding, decrease pain and the inflammatory response, promote and hasten the healing process, prevent infection, and reduce scarring. There are more than 150 research studies pertaining to essential oils and wound healing on the NIH website alone that confirm these reported effects of essential oil therapy .
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<br />I hope this educational article on the benefits of aloe and honey as carriers and their valuable use with aromatherapy will inspire people to reach for botanically-based medicine as their first response to addressing first-aid situations. I trust doing so will benefit the individual and families as it is safer and less impacted by the consequences of harsh and expensive chemicals and will be healthier, making a gentler and smarter choice when it comes to first aid treatment. So get out in nature and enjoy the summer - use these tools to prevent the bugs from biting, heal those scrapes and poison ivy rashes, and secure the beneficial vitamin D that is essential to your health by having some fun in the sun!
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<br />References:
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<br />Barcroft and Myskja, Aloe Vera: Nature's Silent Healer. BAAM, USA, 2003.
<br />Briggs, Margaret, The Book of Honey, Nature's Magical Golden Treasure, Hermes House, London, 2010.
<br />Cooksley, Valerie, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal, Prentice Hall Press, NY, 2002.
<br />Cooksley, Valerie, Healing Home Spa, Prentice Hall Press, NY, 2003.
<br />Eddy, Jennifer, "UW study tests topical honey as a treatment for diabetic ulcers", University of Wisconsin,Madison, 5/2/07.
<br />Eshun K, He Q, "Aloe vera: a valuable ingredient for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries--a review". Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 44 (2): 91-6. 2004.
<br />Faber, Lee, Aloe Vera, The Natural healing Choice, Abbeydale Press, UK, 2008.
<br />Ferro VA, et all. "In vitro susceptibilities of Shigella flexneri and Streptococcus pyogenes to inner gel of Aloe barbadensis Miller". Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 47 (3): 1137-9. doi:10.1128/AAC.47.3.1137-1139. March 2003.
<br />Fleetwood, Jenni, The Book of Honey, Metro Books, NY, 2008.
<br />Honey as an Antimicrobial Agent. Waikato Honey Research Unit. November 16, 2006.
<br />Honey Holds Some Promise for Treating Burns, Newswise, October 7, 2008.
<br />Lee G, Anand SC, Rajendran S., "Are biopolymers potential deodourising agents in wound management? ", University of Bolton, UK., J Wound Care. 2009 Jul;18(7):290, 292-5.
<br />Vogler BK, Ernst E, "Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness". The British journal of general practice: The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 49 (447): 823-8.October 1999.
<br />What's special about active manuka honey?Waikato Honey Research Unit. Bio.waikato.ac.nz. 2011-02-06.
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<br />Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM, is a Holistic Nurse Aromatherapist, Health Researcher, Educator and acclaimed Author of eight natural health books, including the bestselling Aromatherapy, and her latest, Seaweed. She is Co-founder and Director of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy/Houston, and Instructor for the Integrative Aromatherapy® Certificate Program, a comprehensive NAHA Level Two correspondence course. Valerie is a Professional Member of NAHA and NAHA Approved School/Educator. She is President of Flora Medica Natural Wellness Company, Regional Network Director for the American Holistic Nurses Association and is Founder of the Houston Holistic Network.
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<br />Ms. Cooksley has passionately researched natural medicine for more than twenty years, which included studies in Botanical Medicine at the renowned Bastyr University. She holds six aromatherapy certifications including The International Program in Essential Oils/Advanced Studies at Purdue University. In addition to Valerie's extensive holistic background, she has related knowledge in botanical medicine, raw food nutrition science, wild edible foraging and organic gardening, as well as energy medicine and bio-electron healing. Valerie's clinical experience in nursing specialized in Infectious Diseases, Oncology and Public Health. She is certified in emergency response and triage in catastrophic disasters as a FEMA Community Emergency Response team member for the greater Houston area.
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<br />To learn more about Valerie please visit her website: <a href="http://www.floramedica.com">www.floramedica.com </a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">Click here to purchase a CD recording of the NAHA Tele-conference: Aromatherapy First Response and Aromatic First Aid with Presenter: Valerie Cooksley</a>
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<br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%20and%20Submission%20Requirements%202011.pdf">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines. </a>
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-71760812228243609842011-07-25T11:45:00.000-07:002011-07-25T11:52:02.590-07:00July Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT3zqNFOk-0pFvtW_8FMTcuU3sozmv5BxQwAwgN0z3f46FSWl90U3u2lG0v9gpLUZrEAwOLOeuMZJFAUK5jbpbTH95bScRdGu-5feTYaxlWVVXEeKnOAdU0HM-oPB4eV-rp5Uy_G4ZoY/s1600/Tracey+TieF.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDT3zqNFOk-0pFvtW_8FMTcuU3sozmv5BxQwAwgN0z3f46FSWl90U3u2lG0v9gpLUZrEAwOLOeuMZJFAUK5jbpbTH95bScRdGu-5feTYaxlWVVXEeKnOAdU0HM-oPB4eV-rp5Uy_G4ZoY/s200/Tracey+TieF.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633364010085691826" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article </strong><br /><strong>Detoxifying with Essential Oils <br /><br />by Tracey TieF, Certified Natural Health Practitioner, Technical Consultant New Directions Aromatics</strong><br /><br />Open an alternative health magazine, read the signs in the windows of a spa or health food store, check out the website of your local health practice - chances are you'll see "Detoxifying" treatments offered -from foot baths, to FAR infrared saunas, to cleansing diets and aromatherapy massage. Every culture features traditional practices that help our human bodies detoxify - sweat lodges and saunas, cleansing fasts and herbal teas, hot springs and mud baths.<br /><br /><br />These traditions accelerate the ways our bodies already work to detoxify. We continuously eliminate toxins through our digestive, urinary, integumentary (skin), circulatory, respiratory, and lymphatic systems. Traditional detoxification treatments are designed to enhance these built-in mechanisms. And it seems that human beings have always sought out and devised ways to cleanse the body of unwanted by products of foods, especially cooked and smoked foods, the remnants of stress and fatigue, occasional encounters with natural toxins (forest fires? volcanic eruptions? radioactive meteorites?) and sporadic bouts of deliberate intoxication (fermented beverages, kava kava, yohimbe, peyote, marijuana, etc.).<br /><br /><br />Human bodies are designed to process toxins that are naturally occurring, but since the 20th century, we have been increasingly bombarded with new toxins from denatured foods and drinks, regular use of intoxicants such as alcohol and marijuana, pesticides, cigarettes and herbicides, petroleum by-products, air and water pollutants. Fatigue, constipation, gas, bad breath, low immunity, hormone imbalances, menstrual, menopausal and fertility problems, skin problems, poor circulation, mood swings, depression, frequent infections and mucus build-up can signal that the body needs extra help to detoxify. <br /><br /> <br />Like herbs, essential oils can be potent plant helpers in the detoxification process. Traditions correctly identify detoxifying plants and quite a few appear regularly in our diets and folk remedies such as lemon, grapefruit, apple cider vinegar, ginger, bitter greens and hot peppers. Detoxifying foods are eaten in their whole 'plant' form, but we must never ingest an essential oil unless prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. For example, you might take a tablespoon of lemon juice in warm water each morning to help the liver detoxify, but it is neither necessary nor advisable to use a few drops of the essential oil Citrus limonum instead. <br /><br /><br />The foundation of any detoxification program is drinking filtered water (never plastic bottled!) and herbal teas - 3 litres a day is what I recommend to my clients. Drink enough water so that your urine is clear or barely colored so that you know your kidneys are not being forced to recycle your urine in order to maintain your blood pressure. Be sure to eat a variety of green, raw and naturally fermented foods each day. <br /><br /><br />The body eliminates up to 1 pound of waste products every day through the skin. It makes good sense to keep the skin open and able to release waste products efficiently. Perspiring has many functions, chief among them the elimination of waste, so it also makes sense to exercise daily, use deodorants instead of antiperspirants and enjoy sauna and steam baths whenever you can. In fact, the body relies on simple exercise like walking half an hour a day in order to circulate lymph in the lower half of the body. Brushing the skin of the whole body towards the heart from bottom to top is a simple practice that removes dead skin cells and increases lymphatic circulation. I prefer using a salt or sugar scrub in the same way, then soaking in a nice bath in the dissolved scrub. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe</strong><br />2 cups Sea Salt (finely ground Dead Sea salt Maris sal is best) and/or <br /><br />Sugar (fair traded evaporated cane juice is best)<br /><br />3 teaspoons raw honey <br /><br />Oils: 3-6 tablespoons of oil such as castor oil (Ricinus communis), grapeseed (Vitis viniferis) or almond oil (Prunus dulcis)<br /><br />Vegetable Glycerine (glycerine) or more honey if you want a more fluid scrub<br /><br />Color: use 1 tsp. of clay, or alkanet root (Alkanna tinctoria) for red, carrot root infused oil (Daucus carota) for orange etc.<br /><br />Scent: add up to 10 drops of essential oil (NOT fragrance oil) per cup of dry material.<br /><br /><br />Mix the oils and honey into the sea salts or sugar. <br />Wet your body. Stand up in the bath and take a handful of the salt mixture at a time and scrub your entire body, using circles up and into your lymph nodes at the back of thighs, the groin, the armpits, the neck, with all motions towards the heart. Let the mixture fall into the tub. <br />Soak for 20 minutes to refresh and rejuvenate, longer to relax.<br />Eastern traditions hold that toxins are effectively eliminated through the feet, so try regular foot baths with favourite essential oils. Finally, a good 20 minute soak in a hot bath allows your body to sweat out waste products while you relax. Add fresh, homemade bath salts to increase detoxification and relaxation.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Basic Bath Salts Recipe</strong><br />½ or 1 cup of Epsom salts (Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) and/or<br /><br />¼, ½ or 1 cup of coarse sea salt (Maris sal) and/or <br /><br />¼, ½ or 1 cup of baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate) and/or<br /><br />Optional: ¼ - ½ cup each of (organically grown/non GMO) corn starch (Zea mays)<br /><br />and citric acid for fizzing effect<br /><br />Optional: up to ½ cup of oatmeal (Avena sativa) <br /><br />to soothe dry, irritated skin or rashes.<br /><br />Color: use 1 tsp of clay, or alkanet root (Alkanna tinctoria) for red, carrot root infused oil (Daucus carota) for orange etc.<br /><br />Flowers: add up to ½ cup of chamomile typically (Anthemis nobilis), lavender (Lavandula officinalis syn, angustifolia) rose (Rosa damascena), malva (Malva sylvestris) or calendula petals (Calendula officinalis)<br /><br />Scent: add up to 10 drops of essential oil (NOT fragrance oil) per cup of dry material.<br /><br />Choose how much of each, and which, ingredients you want to use. <br />Blend all ingredients one at a time starting with the largest quantity. <br />Bottle: ideally, bath salts should be kept in a sealed glass jar away from light. <br />Pour 1 cup of bath salts into the running water per bath and swish until dissolved. If more bath salts are desired, add up to 2 more cups of plain sea salt or Epsom salts. <br />You can even feed your Epsom salts (not sea salt!) grey-water to your plants, vegetables, and lawn for greener grass and big, healthy vegetables. <br /><br />CAUTION: Omit the Epsom salts if you have high blood pressure or a heart or kidney condition. <br /><br />Specific essential oils are used by holistic aromatherapists as powerful agents to assist the body in ridding itself of toxins. Essential oils are not simply scents. They are chemically complex with constituents that have a direct effect on the body, mind, and spirit. If you are lucky enough, you can receive regular massage through an aromatherapist, massage therapist, or exchange massage with a friend as part of a detoxification regimen. Start with weekly massages then maintain your inner and outer bliss with monthly massage. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Detoxifying Massage Oil:<br /></strong>~ 5% essential oils ~<br /><br />ADD: 30 drops of essential oil, choosing from: <br /><br />Citrus: tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco var tangerine), lemon (Citrus limonum)*, lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle)*, grapefruit (Citrus racemosa), orange (Citrus sinensis), juniper berry (Juniperus communis), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)<br /><br />TO: 2 Tbsp. (30 mL or 1 oz.) good quality vegetable oil, such as: almond (Prunus dulcis), grape seed (Vitis vinifera) sesame (Sesamum indicum), hemp (Cannabis sativa)<br /><br />Mix in a glass bottle and use ASAP.<br /><br />Select essential oils that you enjoy, and that detoxify the systems of the body that you need to work on most urgently. Since the focus on detoxification is not about creating a pleasant fragrance, feel free to combine essences without regard to conventional advice (such as, "basil Ocimum basilicum blends well with lemon Citrus limonum", etc.). Change the essences in the blend every two weeks in order to maintain effectiveness and prevent sensitization.<br /><br /><br /><strong>(a few) Detoxifying Essential Oils</strong><br />Because essential oils work on many levels, as physical toxins are removed; negative thoughts and emotions are also released.<br /><br />A note about citrus essential oils: All are detoxifying, but as a rule, none should be worn on the skin in daylight because they may be sun sensitizing. <br /><br />Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is diuretic, acting to tone the blood and lymphatic vessels, and decongest the lymph.<br /><br />Lemon (Citrus limonum)* stimulates white blood cells to defend the body against infection and is effective against viruses like the flu. Detoxifies through the blood and liver.<br /><br />Grapefruit (Citrus racemosa) is diuretic, anti-fungal and speeds up lymphatic circulation and the elimination of toxins. Detoxifies through the skin, urinary tract, liver, gall bladder and lymphatic system.<br /><br />Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) is diuretic and aids digestion and elimination. Detoxifies through the skin, kidneys and the digestive tract.<br /><br />Fir Balsam (Abies balsamia) is antiseptic, anti-cancer and detoxifies through the adrenal glands.<br /><br />Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) is anti-viral, diuretic, and can help reduce cellulite by eliminating toxins from fatty tissues and expel uric acid from the system. Detoxifies through the kidneys, skin and urinary tract.<br /><br />Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) cleanses the digestive system at a cellular level. Detoxifies through the nervous and digestive systems.<br /><br />Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is known by tradition to act on the glands todetoxify skin and strengthen the immune system through its profound stress relieving properties.<br /><br />Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is powerful against infections and their toxic residues, but never use it in a bath or directly on mucous membranes. Detoxifies through the respiratory and digestive systems.<br /><br />Rose (Rosa damascena) is gentle and so relaxing that it is said to balance hormones and stimulate the immune system solely through its action against stress and its by-products.<br /><br />Rose Geranium (Pelargonium odorantissium or graveolens) enhances circulation, balances hormones especially in menopause, and fights yeast while protecting helpful bacteria. Detoxifies by toning the liver, pancreas and spleen.<br /><br />Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) increases circulation. Detoxifies the respiratory system and clears mucous. <br /><br />Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is powerfully relaxing, and detoxifies through the nervous and digestive systems. <br /><br />Most importantly, take the opportunity of a self-directed detoxification program in order to thoroughly enjoy yourself - the taste of clean water, the textures and colours of fresh foods, the satisfaction of moving the body and the sensory delights of homemade essential oil treatments. When it comes to eliminating toxins, the rule is: Reduce, Relax, Refresh and Relish! <br /><br /> <br />Recommended Reading and Sources:<br /><br />Aroma Web online www.aromaweb.com<br /><br />Gray, Bev, Aromatherapy Detox with Essential Oils by Bev Gray Source: alive #269, March 2005 www.alive.com<br /><br />Price, Shirley, Practical Aromatherapy: how to use essential oils to restore health and vitality. Thorsons, 1983. <br /><br />Benham, Jan, The Creamy Craft of Cosmetic Making with essential oils and their friends, The Aroma Shoppe, 1996. <br /><br />Benham, Jan,The Baby Boomers Beauty Bible, <br /><br />The Aroma Shoppe, 2004. <br /><br />Tracey TieF is a Certified Natural Health Practitioner who operates Anarres Natural Health in downtown Toronto, Ontario. She carries on a family tradition in the healing arts and has an extensive background in physical therapies and the healing arts. Tracey qualified as a Registered Aromatherapy Health Practitioner and Certified Reflexology Health Practitioner through The School of Holistic Studies, Institute of Aromatherapy. Tracey has a passion and mission for teaching people how to take care of themselves and make their own healthy products! Tracey can be reached at anarreshealth@gmail.com or through her website at <a href="http://www.anarreshealth.ca ">www.anarreshealth.ca </a> <br /><br />*Editor's Safety Note: These essential oils cause a photosensitive reaction when used, diluted or neat, on the skin. Distilled lemon and lime, and bergaptene free bergamot, can be used without contraindication.<br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%20and%20Submission%20Requirements.pdf">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-6500778681581486642011-06-10T10:50:00.000-07:002011-06-10T10:56:19.252-07:00June Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjlNUEWEP0-KIbHwWdVROiKmO2qT9j_ar79QcLf94nFHEwTXe5UoDlvl_zATYlnojIBUUoy9KhXiOQPYRceIQ5s5DkxEnkrkEH22xvGLAM1WmkvYTuOi_W5jH7Qz-Fk9CvLB7rucuynQ/s1600/david-crow-garden.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjlNUEWEP0-KIbHwWdVROiKmO2qT9j_ar79QcLf94nFHEwTXe5UoDlvl_zATYlnojIBUUoy9KhXiOQPYRceIQ5s5DkxEnkrkEH22xvGLAM1WmkvYTuOi_W5jH7Qz-Fk9CvLB7rucuynQ/s200/david-crow-garden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616651449813330418" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article <br />Neroli: Sweet Sunlight<br />By David Crow, L.Ac.</strong><br /><br />Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is the fragrance of orange trees blossoming under the Moroccan and Tunisian sun. It is the fragrance that greets farmers as they begin another spring day of harvesting, gently plucking the tiny golden gems that shine from inside green citrus foliage. Many factors will influence the quality of the neroli oil: each blossom must be plucked when it is just starting to open; the buds must be gathered only on warm sunny days; the flowers cannot be bruised; leaflets and petioles must not be included. By the end of the day, the clothing and weather-aged hands of the dark-skinned harvesters will be saturated with an intoxicating aroma desired by queens and empresses, sheiks and maharajas.<br /><br />Neroli is a fragrance that has been known and loved for centuries throughout the Mediterranean region. Generation after generation of skilled distillers have slowly extracted the neroli oil from the tender flowers, creating one of the world's finest and most sought after perfumes. Every spring, the delectable fragrance of Citrus aurantium blossoms rises inside wood-fired stills in North Africa's temperate mountains; an aroma that will bring joy to all, especially those who have the pleasure of savoring the first few drops that appear in the collecting beaker. <br /><br />Hundreds of pounds of the precious floral treasure create a small mountain of botanical gold that will yield only a tiny vial of exquisite oil. Those engaged in this unique alchemical art know that a special satisfaction is found in producing high quality natural products with healing powers: the happiness of making others happy.<br /><br />Bees find the fragrance of neroli irresistible. Busily climbing into each sunburst world, they delight in the labor of gathering its essence and transforming it into ambrosial orange blossom honey. Lovers are also rapturously attracted to the sensuous nectar secreted by the yoni-like mandalas of silken petals and the aphrodisiacal euphoria it produces when worn by one's beloved. Neroli was the cheerful fragrance sprinkled in the bedchambers of Arabian princesses of old and the scent that wafted from scarves of European noble ladies. To this day, it excites and inspires the master perfumers of the great fragrance houses, who use its delicious sweetness in their expensive aromatic creations.<br /><br />Neroli is a medicine that the soul craves when besieged by stress, anxiety, worry, and depression. Like scented liquid sunlight, the yellow drops of citrus joy uplift the mind from gloomy moods, rescue the heart from realms of sadness and grief, and strengthen the spirit of those enduring unending hardships. Inhaling a few drops of neroli essential oil from the palms has a fortifying effect on the brain and nervous system, while simultaneously pacifying the irritation of sensory over-stimulation. The effects of neroli on emotional well-being can be compared to the nourishing, soothing, and revitalizing effects of Mediterranean sunshine. For those who cannot escape their troubles and flee to a Greek isle or an Italian villa, enveloping oneself in neroli's blessed aura is the next best thing. Widespread use of neroli could end the daily aggravations caused by the rat race of modern society, especially if used for aromatherapy in cars: scientific research has confirmed that inhaling the oil has an immediate sedative effect on over-caffeinated hyperactive mice.<br /><br />For some fortunate elders, neroli was the fragrance of childhood in southern California. Only a few short years ago citrus orchards stretched from Santa Barbara to San Diego and from the coast eastward to the edge of the high desert. Every spring the land was awash with neroli's intoxicating aroma. What were our city planners thinking when they cut down the beautiful cooling trees that give such refreshing fruit and replaced their exotic enchanting perfume with the hot hydrocarbon exhaust of freeways?<br /><br />Neroli is both the fragrance of paradise lost and the fragrance of hope for the future. Just as we pulled out the green orchards to make room for cars, someday soon we will need to invite the trees back into our communities. When that time comes, as a result of intelligence, wisdom, and foresight, cities will become gardens and urban forests filled with an abundance of nutritious foods and healing herbs. Families will once again wake to the sweet scent of orange blossoms carried on the morning breeze, and the aroma of neroli's exotic perfume will be freely available to all. <br /><br />To learn more about David Crow please visit his websites: <a href="http://www.medicinecrow.com">www.medicinecrow.com </a><a href="http://www.floracopeia.com">www.floracopeia.com </a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-Newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-83583416839322153502011-05-18T18:57:00.000-07:002011-05-20T14:39:15.932-07:00May Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewBbFGewqwBQYw75nicYjm1GxlF9GXQzcMk8VLIx-jRwZE_vZKltMr1sHimQrZBMoke58k1O55ru8klvW2aOb8ZXezIjBXKtq61IDVzAd2wHHrmGMbB00kEGimg0o2e23dLYrbzNwlHQ/s1600/Shellie+Enteen+web.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewBbFGewqwBQYw75nicYjm1GxlF9GXQzcMk8VLIx-jRwZE_vZKltMr1sHimQrZBMoke58k1O55ru8klvW2aOb8ZXezIjBXKtq61IDVzAd2wHHrmGMbB00kEGimg0o2e23dLYrbzNwlHQ/s200/Shellie+Enteen+web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608912474041733314" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Celestial Aromatherapy<br />By Shellie Enteen, BA, RA, LMT</strong> <br /><br />One of the first things I encountered on my personal journey into the field of holistic health was astrology. That may seem like a strange statement but actually, it is not a big leap from astrology to health matters and, in fact, there is a whole branch of this art called Medical Astrology. When astrology crossed my path in NYC in the late 1970's I quickly realized that because the birth chart could indicate health and the root of medical conditions, my clients would want to have some idea of what to do with the information I conveyed. Certain clients would have Aquarius on the 6th house cusp or some other indication indicating the need for more unusual forms of healthcare to solve their problems. I decided to become familiar with alternatives (Aquarius is on my own 6th house of health) and this lead me from nutrition to massage and that was how aromatherapy came into my life.<br /><br />Back in those days, I was still a bit concerned about the acceptability of both studying and practicing something considered 'occult'. But all that concern left for me when I attended a workshop at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY on Tibetan medicine. The monk answered my question about astrology with the idea that every astrologer was a physician, and every physician had to be an astrologer. But why?<br /><br />The short answer to this is that, in a manner similar to Oriental Medicine, astrology follows element theory. We have twelve astrological signs, separated into 4 groups: earth, air, fire and water signs. And those are further subdivided into 3 qualities, fixed, mutable and cardinal. If you are an Aries, you are a cardinal fire sign. If you are a Taurus, you are a fixed earth sign...and so on. The planets are said to 'rule' signs and so they partake of these elements as well. Mars, ruler of Aries, is a cardinal fire planet. Venus, when ruling Taurus, is a fixed earth planet. So it is a short jump from looking at the planets and signs in a chart and what a person's elemental makeup is, along with any stresses indicated by other chart placements or those planets, to discover what 'ails' a client or one's self. <br /><br />Astrology was widely practiced in China, India, the Middle East and Europe in the day of the famous herbalist William Culpepper. Culpepper's writings give us both planet and sign indications for different plants. And from this and our own observations of how these plants work, and what systems and issues they affect, we can draw some conclusions as to which planets and signs are indicated by certain essential oils. Just as with 'note' designations, there is some difference of opinion in this realm and certain essential oils will be given to more than one planet or sign. But astrological indication is as valid as any other subtle aromatherapy 'signature' method for selection...and often as valid as any pharmacokinetic selection as well....perhaps, as it encompasses both, it is even the most effective but that idea is certainly going to cause a lot of debate! The work of Aromatherapists like David Crow and Farida Irani expands understanding on the use of essential oils through element correspondences in Aryuvedic medicine. Dr. Bruce Berkowsky also uses astrological information in his Kabalistic approach to the application essential oils.<br /><br />In our current world and personal atmosphere, knowing which essential oils augment or balance a particular energy at work can be a very helpful tool. I hope you'll join us for the tele-conference in May, "Celestial Aromatherapy", to learn how you can apply essential oils to planetary trends and your own or others' birth chart to create a blend that will promote harmony and wellness on the physical and the mental, emotional and spiritual levels. <br /><br /> <br />To learn more about Shellie visit her website at <a href="http://www.astralessence.com">www.astralessence.com </a> <br />Sign up for her free e-newsletter at website. Email Shellie at shellie@astralessence.com if you are interested in future classes on this topic. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">Click here to purchase Shellie's NAHA tele-conference presentation recording: 'Celestial Aromatherapy'.</a> <br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines. </a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-31969922691960308382011-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:002011-05-18T18:53:20.890-07:00April Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-6nBV7oSvb_dbG3u8o1POyU7n4y2-bZJ_kcnuXzBZfbcfseYqadzeXxiMa87de-HG5JTNlwCbib1QgoMGsJq9wXA1X_eovWTYmZlqmQXR-_JyoZl2UwegjSxTFHqZdS5dKB66qga9uE/s1600/Susan+Stype+2010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 116px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-6nBV7oSvb_dbG3u8o1POyU7n4y2-bZJ_kcnuXzBZfbcfseYqadzeXxiMa87de-HG5JTNlwCbib1QgoMGsJq9wXA1X_eovWTYmZlqmQXR-_JyoZl2UwegjSxTFHqZdS5dKB66qga9uE/s200/Susan+Stype+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608237916545024018" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Spring Renewal<br />By Susan Stype</strong> <br /><br />Just like spring cleaning our homes, our skin can benefit from exfoliation as we transition from the cold drying winter months to springtime. Pollution, smoke, dryness, UV rays, stress and more are the factors that accelerate the aging process for both men and women. The benefits of exfoliation will be noticeable right away and should be part of your daily or weekly facial/body cleansing routine.<br /><br /><strong>What Is Exfoliation?</strong><br />This is simply the process of removing dead skin cells to make way for younger cells while unclogging pores. The term comes from the Latin word "exfoliare", which means "to remove leaves." Our skin is constantly generating new skin cells and, as cells start to pile up, they give the skin a rough, dry and dull appearance. Used weekly, exfoliation helps keep the skin renewed by smoothing the epidermis and helping to minimize fine lines. It also boosts circulation to the face and gives the complexion a healthy glow. After exfoliation skin will look softer and healthier.<br /><br /><strong>What Should I Use To Exfoliate?</strong><br />There are a myriad of products on the market and choose one best suited for your skin type. For the face always use a gentle exfoliation product. Never use body scrubs on the face as they are too harsh. Like most good things, the key is moderation. You can over-exfoliate and increase dryness, especially for sensitive skin types. Natural exfoliation products would be finely ground oats, blue cornmeal, mild clays, colloidal oatmeal, flours, powders such as baking soda, herbs, etc. Only ½ to 1 teaspoon of scrub is all you need. Place in your palm and add a bit of water to make a paste and add 1-2 drops of essential oils for your skin type below. Gently massage paste into skin and leave on 1-2 minutes. Rinse well. For dry skin, you can add several drops of a carrier oil, like olive oil, into the scrub blend. Weekly exfoliation and daily moisturizing are two important treatments that, if carried out regularly, maintain the epidermis for a supple and youthful appearance. Always moisturize after exfoliation. Water is also vital for your skin's overall appearance, so drink plenty of water daily.<br /><br /><br />Essential oils help regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new cells. Whether you have normal, dry, oily, mature or combination skin, you will benefit from their use. You will notice that many essential oils have crossover benefits for each skin type.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Normal Skin Types:</strong><br />Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Geranium (Pelargonium roseum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Rose(Rosa damascena),Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum), and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides).<br /> <br /><br /><strong>Combination Skin Types:</strong><br />Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum), <br />Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Oily Skin Types:</strong><br />Bergamot BF (Citrus bergamia)*, Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Geranium (Pelargonium roseum), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)*,Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Juniperberry (Juniperus communis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Lemon (Citrus limonum)*, Lime-Distilled(Citrus aurantifolia)*, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Peppermint (Mentha x. piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Thyme-Linalol (Thymus vulgaris), Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides), and Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Dry, Mature Skin Types:</strong><br />Bergamot BF (Citrus bergamia)*, Carrot Seed (Daucus carota), Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium), Rose (Rosa damascena), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis),Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum) and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides).<br /><br /><strong>Sensitve Skin Types:</strong><br />Carrot Seed (Daucus carota), Chamomile-German (Matricaria chamomilla), Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara).<br /><br /> <br /><strong>Aria</strong><br />(Sensitive Skin Soother- for all skin types)<br /> <br /><br />4 drops Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum)<br /><br />8 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)<br /><br />1 oz. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)<br /><br />Mix essential oils together and add to carrier oil. Massage into skin after treatment.<br /> <br /><strong>Haven</strong><br />(Skin Toner helpful for oily skin or combination skin)<br /> <br /><br />4 oz. Rose Geranium Hydrosol (Pelargonum graveolens)<br /><br />2 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)<br /><br />2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)<br /><br />2 drops Lemon (Citrus limonum)*<br /><br />Add hydrosol to clean 4 oz. bottle. Add essential oils together and then add to hydrosol. Shake well before each use. Apply the toner with cotton ball after cleansing face.<br /><br /><strong>Ritual</strong><br />(Luxurious Face Elixir, delightful and restorative for mature skin)<br /><br /><br />10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)<br /><br />5 drops Geranium-Rose (Pelargonium roseum)<br /><br />5 drops Sandalwood-Australian (Santalum spicatum)<br /><br />3 drops Lavender-French (Lavandula angustifolia)<br /><br />1/2 oz. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)<br /><br />1/2 oz. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa Rubiginosa a/k/a Rosa Mosqueta)<br /><br />Mix essential oils and add to carrier oils. Soothe over cleansed face day and night.<br /><br /><strong>Renaissance</strong><br />(Body Oil for Dry Skin - good for both men and women)<br /> <br /><br />10 drops Cedarwood-Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)<br /><br />9 drops Chamomile-Roman (Anthemis nobilis)<br /><br />6 drops Lavender-Bulgarian (Lavandula angustifolia)<br /><br />4 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)<br /><br />2 drops Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)<br /><br />½ oz. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)<br /><br />½ oz. Grapeseed Oil (Vitus vinifera)<br /><br />Mix essential oils and add to Carrier Oils and mix well. Apply oil to body after bath for optimum absorption.<br /><br />Susan Stype is an Aromatherapist and owner of ArlysNaturals.com - a trusted online source for essential oils, including many exotic and rare essential oils, professional natural skin care products and much more. Her research has shown a connection between healthy skin, well-being and essential oils. To learn more about Susan visit her website at: <a href="http://www.arlysnaturals.com">www.arlysnaturals.com </a>and sign up today for her free online newsletter.<br /> <br />*Editor's Safety Note: These essential oils cause a photosensitive reaction when used, diluted or neat, on the skin. Distilled lemon and lime, and bergaptene free bergamot, can be used without contraindication.<br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-34905732208689302682011-03-13T14:36:00.000-07:002011-05-20T14:39:51.823-07:00March Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfY3Lgp2MkY5yCe63UKOvbFiP3bdGXpqqog3XITDgdv7nPc9-ojJHyw1EhjUjBY10ocszG3Q1RbERAVADcURWuXLpIDYL7s7s65Yc_v6OvN7l6rgQ2iiOYYsNL3vknO1xAEK5Un8f6Mw/s1600/Sandy_Taz_Kelly.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfY3Lgp2MkY5yCe63UKOvbFiP3bdGXpqqog3XITDgdv7nPc9-ojJHyw1EhjUjBY10ocszG3Q1RbERAVADcURWuXLpIDYL7s7s65Yc_v6OvN7l6rgQ2iiOYYsNL3vknO1xAEK5Un8f6Mw/s200/Sandy_Taz_Kelly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583683307467113890" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Using Flower Essences with Essential Oils: Double the Flower Power!<br /><br />By Kelly Holland Azzaro, RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT</strong><br /><br />I am often asked by clients and students what the difference is between flower essences and essential oils (which some also call 'essences'). The difference between the two 'essences' is also what makes them a perfect match, especially when creating a blend for emotional balance and support. <br /><br />The basic difference is that essential oils are derived from the actual plant material, i.e., flowers, leaves, seeds, roots and bark by distillation or with citrus oils by cold expression method. These methods are used to create the essential oil found in colored bottles used in different aromatherapy applications. Flower Essences, on the other hand, are prepared by infusing the energy of the actual plant material into pure spring water preserved with brandy or an organic vegetable glycerin via the action of sun or moon light. The flower essences can be taken internally, either under the tongue or in water. They can also be applied topically or mixed with a lotion, as in the Bach 'Rescue' cream. Another difference between flower essences and essential oils is that flower essences do not posses the actual scent of the plant.<br /><br />I believe that in capturing the essential oil from a plant's material, you are also capturing its 'life essence'. To me this is why the word 'essence' is often used when explaining essential oils -- the connection to their vital essence in addition to their lovely aroma. <br /><br />Understanding homeopathy and how homeopathic remedies are prepared creates the ability to see how the flower essences can be very effective when balancing and shifting negative emotional blockages to the positive. Flower essences can be combined with essential oils in an actual aromatherapy blend for topical application, mist sprays and with compresses. <br /><br />In my work, both people and their animal friends often times have an issue we are creating an aromatherapy blend for that is also shouting out-loud for flower essences. A powerful example of when the two kinds of 'essences' can be combined is when helping to support the body/mind/spirit when going through fear issues such as anxiety. <br /><br />If the client is receptive to trying the flower essences we move forward with doing a flower essence consultation. This helps to narrow down the choices in essences and allows the client to be a part of the flower essence selection which empowers them to be active in the healing process.<br /><br />A flower essence consultation is very similar to an aromatherapy consultation, yet also uniquely different. Honing in on the underlying cause of the anxiety reveals the appropriate flower essence(s) and oil(s). For example, if the anxiety is caused by a known fear, the key flower essence is 'Mimulus', but if caused by an unknown fear, 'Aspen' is the flower essence to use. <br /><br />Next choose the essential oils that are useful for stress-based anxiety and work with the client in narrowing down the choices. Fill a bottle with the appropriate amount of essential oil drops followed by drops of the flower essences and topped off with a base carrier oil or water/hydrosol for a mist spray. <br /><br />Here is a blend* that I have found useful for mild anxiety. Combine the following in a 2 ounce aroma-bottle with jojoba, or mix with 4 ounces of hydrosol/water mixture: <br /><br /><br /><strong>Essential Oils:</strong><br />Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) 10 drops <br /><br />Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) 10 drops<br /><br />Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 6 drops<br /><br />Melissa (Melissa officinalis) 8-10 drops <br /><br />Flower Essence:<br /><br />4-7 drops of Mimulus or the Bach Flower Remedy called Rescue Remedyâ.<br /><br />Shake well before each use. This blend is for topical use only and if irritation occurs discontinue use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. <br /><br />(*Note: even one drop of Melissa on a tissue for inhalation is effective for anxiety relief.)<br /><br />Note that when working with issues such as anxiety you will want to take into account if hormones are playing a part in the anxious sensations and overwhelming feelings. If so, considering using essential oils that support hormonal balance along with other flower essences that balance a feeling of being overwhelmed. When working with flower essences and essential oils for use with animals, especially dogs and horses, you will want to know if the anxiety is manifesting during a particular activity or due to a past trauma or if it is caused by an imbalance in their diet. This will help guide you and the client in making 'effective essence' choices. Also note that essential oils should not be used with birds, cats, fish or reptiles.<br /><br /><br />Kelly Holland Azzaro RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT is a Registered Aromatherapist, Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner, Certified Bach Flower Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner. Kelly is also President of NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy). She has over 20 years training and professional experience in Canine/Equine Acupressure-Massage, Intuitive Animal Communication, Crystal-Gemstone Therapy, Reiki, Aromatherapy and Flower Essence Therapy for people and their animal friends. Kelly and her husband Marco a Licensed Acupuncturist and Qigong Practitioner- Instructor have a Holistic Healing Center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Kelly offers online courses in Animal Aromatherapy and Bach Flowers for Pets. Kelly is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Provider Number 451233-10 <br /><br />To learn more about Kelly please visit these websites:<br /><a href="http://www.ashitherapy.com">www.ashitherapy.com </a><br /><a href="http://www.ashiaromatics.com">www.ashiaromatics.com </a>. <br />To register for online classes visit <a href="http://www.horsecourses.net">www.horsecourses.net.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://flowerpowerinfo.blogspot.com/ ">Click here to join Kelly on her Flower Power Blog.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashi-Therapy-Ashi-Aromatics-Inc/96075292227?ref=ts">Click here to follow class schedule updates and product specials via our Facebook Fan Page.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">Click here to purchase Kelly's NAHA tele-conference presentation recordings: Animal Aromatherapy;Safe use of essential oils and Blending Essential Oils and Flower Essences for Animals.</a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-48797057335025666272011-02-20T11:50:00.000-08:002011-02-20T12:01:34.829-08:00February Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSk5cQntt-i6KlsKo0XzTXuDLjscshy8xs99VLxFNKX8_GUZxA8i3OXVPygSPQDXc8NeVmxvmSpaksZyYYzYikH6zuO3EMLmXpOOEkiS5eyyVdMxMG8132ud0bl8UcJ_c7rHDNKVRQaA/s1600/Ann+Harman+Headshot+blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSk5cQntt-i6KlsKo0XzTXuDLjscshy8xs99VLxFNKX8_GUZxA8i3OXVPygSPQDXc8NeVmxvmSpaksZyYYzYikH6zuO3EMLmXpOOEkiS5eyyVdMxMG8132ud0bl8UcJ_c7rHDNKVRQaA/s200/Ann+Harman+Headshot+blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575863806191235730" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Featured Article<br />Brief History of Hydrosols<br />By Ann Harman</span><br /><br />When discussing hydrosols, many of my students don't realize that the distillate waters (hydrosols) predate essential oils by hundreds if not thousands of years. There is evidence of distillation as long as 5000 years ago. It is not clear whether they were distilling alcohol that early, though there is some evidence that the Chinese had spirits many, many hundreds of years ago. It is more likely these ancients were distilling for the herbal waters. One very old description is of a crude distillation that involved a pot of water filled with cedar and water with lamb's wool stretched over the top to catch the rising vapors. The wool was periodically wrung out and collected resulting in an early distillate water.<br /><br />As stills were developed and perfected over the following centuries more and more plants were distilled. The resulting distillate waters were often compounds, where more than one botanical was distilled at a time. A very famous compound or co-distillate is Eau de Me`lisse de Carmes or Carmelite water. This recipe dates to sometime between the 14th and 17th centuries. <br /><br /> Though sources disagree on the origin of this distillate, many agree on its medicinal value and ingredients. It includes lemon balm, angelica root, nutmeg, lemon peel, cloves, and coriander seed, distilled in orange water and (grape) spirits. It was sold for centuries, which seems to indicate its value as medicinal water. There are literally hundreds of recipes for waters and their uses up to the late 1800's. Many were included in the official pharmacopoeias of the time. <br /><br />It was not until the invention of the condensing coil and water baths that distillation became efficient enough to begin collecting the essential oils that separated from the distillates. This began in the 16th century and has continued to the present. <br /><br />When you use a hydrosol (or 'hydrolat', as they are called in other parts of the world), know that you are participating in an ancient healing ritual. Here are a few ideas for using these beautiful hydrosols:<br /><br />Atomizer: Spritz directly on body and face. Use after shower/bath to rehydrate dry skin. Spritz in air and inhale. Freshen a room.<br /> <br />Compress: Dampen clean cloth with hydrosol (hot or cold) and apply to affected area. Great for sore muscles, rashes, bites.<br /><br />Bath: Add 1-2 cups of hydrosol to bath and enjoy. <br /><br />Footbaths: Use hydrosols in footbaths and hydrotherapy.<br /><br />Massage: Spritz on skin and massage gently.<br /><br />Neti Pot: Add 1 tsp to the water portion of your neti pot.<br /><br />Facial Toners: Spritz on face to rehydrate after shower or anytime during the day.<br /><br />Laundry: Add Lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) hydrosol to a wash cloth and toss in the dryer. Great for freshening clothes and making doing the laundry a joy!<br /><br />Kitchen: Experiment with Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Sage (Salvia sclarea) and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) hydrosols. Spritz on a roasting chicken or add to pasta water.<br /><br /><br />Ann Harman is a Botanist, Herbalist and Artisan Distiller. She studied Botany at Colorado State University in Ft Collins, CO. She has been making herbal products for decades and distilling hydrosols for over 15 years. She enjoys teaching the Art of Distillation and offers workshops at her farm and other venues. When not distilling she is a guest lecturer at Bastyr University in Seattle, and contributes articles to several Aromatherapy publications. When funding permits, she continues to research the many aspects of the world of hydrosols. Ann is the owner of Morning Myst Botanics, a certified organic business located in Washington State. Ann is also a NAHA Regional Director (WA) and Moderator of the Hydrosols Aromatherapy group topic on the NAHA Members group site.<br /><br />To learn more about Ann visit her website at <a href="http://www.morningmystbotanics.com">www.morningmystbotanics.com</a><br /><br />Would you like to contribute an article for a future NAHA E-newsletter? <a href="http://www.naha.org/writers.htm">Click here to download the Writers Guidelines.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-24461662896869224042011-01-06T07:13:00.000-08:002011-01-06T07:18:20.436-08:00January Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UjANkbj0odDO0dE2O4JdXLbgryIAfSHbrR-BmDtbYnKkm-gnHemL41d_UdbScf2sUISwKPxCaXLTQhYvPU0AWkUGIYQdjuVcWLecLGZyzzDRQMg4IQZoBCFNjJ07jBqWGIoG11PLmWA/s1600/Liz+Fulcher+2010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UjANkbj0odDO0dE2O4JdXLbgryIAfSHbrR-BmDtbYnKkm-gnHemL41d_UdbScf2sUISwKPxCaXLTQhYvPU0AWkUGIYQdjuVcWLecLGZyzzDRQMg4IQZoBCFNjJ07jBqWGIoG11PLmWA/s200/Liz+Fulcher+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559091794383300866" /></a><br /><strong>Featured Article<br />Essential Oils for Acute Bronchitis<br />By Liz Fulcher, RA</strong><br /><br />I pride myself on having consistent robust health since I haven't had anything more serious than a pesky cold or tummy ache in over 10 years. I'm just never sick. I attribute this to working with essential oils every day, washing my hands frequently and generally being a pretty happy soul.<br /><br />Well, in mid-October, I fell hard. Out of the blue I began to ache in my joints and mostly everywhere, making me wonder if I'd been hit by a truck in my sleep. This fun was followed by three days with a fever of 102 which morphed into a cough the likes of which I've never known. My husband, James, insisted I see our family doc or he would bind my hands and feet and take me himself. I broke down and saw Dr. Sally, who took one listen to my lungs and said, "Woah, girl, you've got acute bronchitis." Argh. <br />My Meds<br /><br />Dr. Sally prescribed 40mg of Prednisone for five days (never again never again never again), Tylenol with Codeine at night and Albuterol to be used with an "AeroChamber" to assist the Albuterol into my lungs. James called this my "bronchitis bong". Very funny.<br /><br />I began to come around, thanks to the meds, 10 hours of sleep every night, daytime naps and lots of essential oils. I am too busy to stay sick and ready to have my old energizer bunny self back. I also realize that illness and pain are important messages that we need to heed and I'm treating my body with much love and care.<br /><br />As much as I embrace the power of natural therapies, I felt that seeing my doctor and taking those meds were necessary for me to reduce the inflammation in my lungs quickly. I'll never say "we don't need doctors" because we do. However, receiving and taking prescribed meds is where many people stop in treating their own illness. I consider my use of the meds only one spoke in the wheel of healing my bronchitis and am positive that my diligent use of essential oils has been an important part of my continued recovery, especially since illnesses of the lung can linger on forever without them.<br /><br />How I Chose the Essential Oils for My Bronchitis<br />First of all, let's look at what action I wanted from the oils. In a few words, bronchitis is congestion and inflammation of the bronchial passages in the lungs. The body creates a ton of thick mucous which can be sticky and difficult to expel, thereby creating a hard cough - your body's way of getting it out.<br /><br />Therefore, I chose oils that contain a significant percentage of ketones which are highly effective mucolytics (help dissolve mucous) and act as expectorants (help expel mucous.) I also used oils that are high in oxides which help decongest, decrease coughing and aid mucous expectoration. Other actions I sought from my oils were anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, warming and relaxing. <br /><br />Methods of Application of the Essential Oils for My Bronchitis<br />Steam Inhalations: 1 drop of essential oil in a bowl of steamy hot water, 2-3 times/day for 5 minutes.<br />(I tend to vary the oils I use with each inhalation)<br /><br />Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) <br />Eucalyptus Dives (Eucalyptus dives) (mucolytic, expectorant) <br />Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) (decongestant, anti-infectious, expectorant) <br /> <br />Nightly Chest Rub with Jojoba Oil at a 3% dilution (15 drops to 1 ounce of Jojoba) (varying the oils I use) <br /><br />Spike Lavender (mucolytic, expectorant and I love the smell) <br />Balsam Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) (anti-inflammatory, calming and I find the aroma comforting) <br />Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) (warming) <br />Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) (strong antimicrobial, dries mucous, calming for a spastic cough) <br />Thyme ct. linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool) (immune system support. Note: Thyme ct. thymol is another option for immune support but I find the thymol too stimulating for nighttime rest.) <br />Basil ct linalool (Ocimum basilicum ct. linalool) (Note: this is a good anti-spasmodic oil for cough but after one evening application found it too stimulating to use at night. It kept me awake. Better for morning.) <br /><br />Pre-Bedtime Bath (I use about 10-20 drops in the tub right before I step in, then soak for 30 minutes breathing in the steam) <br /><br />2 Cups Epsom Salts (I used these to detox from the prescription meds) <br />Any of the oils above that I felt drawn to use, although I really felt pulled toward the Spike Lavender (maybe because of the high Camphor content) and I've used that with Tea Tree quite frequently. <br />There are many more oils that are good for bronchitis such as Black Spruce (Picea mariana), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Marjoram (Origanum majorana), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Thyme ct thymol (Thymus vulgaris ct thymol), but I tried to listen to my body and use those I felt drawn to.<br /><br />In addition, I drank gallons of water, ate well, avoided all dairy products, took vitamins and supplements and said no to nearly all social engagements. I also diffused oils in the house to keep airborne germs at bay. <br /><br />Frankly, I don't know how people who don't use essential oils get along. A condition like bronchitis can drag on for months and even become chronic, but I've been diligent with using my oils and can feel in my body that I have overcome this condition. <br /><br />I am immensely grateful to have this amazing plant medicine in my life.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Liz Fulcher is a Registered Aromatherapist and Certified Massage Therapist. She brings over twenty years of experience, research, training and love of essential oils into her aromatherapy teaching and massage practice. Her fascination with essential oils began in 1991 while she was working with the United Nations in Rome, Italy. When her second child was born in a Roman clinic, they massaged him with essential oils immediately after his birth and from the moment on she was hooked! This led her to the formal study of aromatherapy with many talented teachers and excellent schools: The American Institute of Aromatherapy, Essential Oil Programs at Purdue University and Rutgers University, The Australasian College of Herbal Studies, RJ Buckle Clinical Aromatherapy Program and more. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Liz is on the faculty of The Mt. Nittany Institute of Natural Health at the State College, PA as the Director of Aromatherapy Studies and serves as a Pennsylvania Regional Director for NAHA. In 2010 under the tutelage of Andrea Butje of Aromahead Institute, Liz became a Certified Aromatherapy Instructor and will offer a 235-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program starting in 2011. She also offers training classes in aromatherapy throughout the year and is a frequent speaker at community events, medical and holistic health conferences. <br /><br /> <br />Liz also has her own line of essential oils under the label of 'Liz's Garden Aromatherapy' which is owned and operated by her husband, James Fulcher. Liz owns and operates The Body Wisdom Center for Massage and Well-being and her aromatherapy school: Aromatic Wisdom Institute of Creative Aromatherapy. She shares her lifer with her husband, sons and one spoiled pug.<br /><br /> <br />To learn more about Liz please visit her website at <a href="http://www.lizsgarden.com">www.lizsgarden.com </a>or email her at liz@lizsgarden.com<br /><br />Would you like to be a contributing author for a future NAHA E-news article? If so, click here for <a href="http://www.naha.org/pdf/NAHA%20Writers%20Guidelines%20and%20Submission%20Requirements%202011.pdf">Writer's Guidelines </a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651487382348548289.post-26650925723525091412010-12-05T13:11:00.000-08:002011-05-20T14:41:30.971-07:00NAHA December Article<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuFsMPCOWzsHspumIs0Kts7hH26QFmONT8JLOH7DGwPnFzMY-uUZg2vhnV8oLBnl12dmAntUK8csytPnqovcilcE-CtWEPZ0HihPx-XOJzavTeMHcjsKkIzbArAomjRVVaP_RK5PwUO8/s1600/Allison+Stillman+2010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuFsMPCOWzsHspumIs0Kts7hH26QFmONT8JLOH7DGwPnFzMY-uUZg2vhnV8oLBnl12dmAntUK8csytPnqovcilcE-CtWEPZ0HihPx-XOJzavTeMHcjsKkIzbArAomjRVVaP_RK5PwUO8/s200/Allison+Stillman+2010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547313068622565474" /></a><br /><strong>Anointing and Love <br />By Allison Stillman</strong><br /><br />Anointing with essential oils has been used in ritual and ceremony for thousands of years, with one of the most widely known rites being the art of perfuming as an attractant for love. While most everyone today is familiar with the use of perfume and cologne as a tool for attracting a mate, most people don't know that essential oils were the original form of perfume. <br /><br />The word perfume comes from the Latin phrase "per" meaning through, and "fumus" meaning smoke. The original form of perfume was actually incense and has been traced back over 4,000 years to the use by Mesopotamians, who used resins and woods to burn in their religious ceremonies. Often, they would soak the resins and woods in water and then anoint themselves by rubbing the fragrant water over their bodies.<br /><br />The Egyptians were quite fastidious in caring for the body and used oils extensively to anoint their bodies and surrounded themselves with aromatic oils in elaborate containers. Their use of fragrant oils dates back more than 3,000 years and it was during this lavish period that essential oils made their greatest surge into everyday use for the wealthy, royal and priest class. <br /><br />Perhaps most famous of all Egyptian rulers was Cleopatra, who was well versed in the power of scent and equally lavish in her use of perfume. It was said that she perfumed the sails of her barge and burned incense so that clouds of perfume would announce her arrival, long before her barge came into view. Cleopatra was also reputed to have used oils to perfume herself whenever she would meet a potential lover.<br /><br />The oils that have been used for thousands of years in the art of perfuming were chosen for their powerful abilities to attract love, with the predominant oil being rose essential oil (Rosa centifolia or Rosa damascena). For centuries, rose has been the traditional flower and symbol of love and is known for its ability to increase love in one's life. Although rose is one of the more expensive essential oils on the market today, its price is reasonable. It takes 60,000 hand picked rose blossoms to make one ounce of essential oil. Thank heavens rose is such an evocative oil as it only takes a few drops to anoint the heart and perfume the soul.<br /><br />Anointing the heart with essential oils is an incredible ritual to open our hearts and minds to more love in our lives, and if we begin each day centered in the heart of love, life is bound to respond by bringing more and more love to us in each and every moment.<br /><br />Excerpt: Anointing the heart with rose essential oil is a time tested ritual to invoke more love into our lives.<br /><br />Allison Stillman is a renowned aromatic alchemist, author and an expert on the historical use of essential oils in religious and spiritual ceremonies. Her book, The Sacred Art of Anointing is a result of her 30 years of research and practical experience with essential oils and anointing. She travels the world anointing and sharing her love and knowledge through workshops and private sessions, and has been featured in the books, More Hot Chocolate for the Mystical Soul by Arielle Ford, and Insights from the Coffeehouse by Jonathon Collins. To find out more: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RomancingDivine?ref=ts">www.romancingthedivine.com </a>or visit her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RomancingDivine?ref=ts">Facebook </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.naha.org/teleconference_presentation_recordings.htm">Click here to purchase Allison's NAHA tele-conference presentation recording: Alchemy of Anointing.</a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337037237168367381noreply@blogger.com0