Category Archives: Essential Oils

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamon header

Family: Lauraceae

Synonyms: Cinnamomum verum

Aroma: Bark- warm, spicy, sweet and tenacious. The leaf oil is warm, spicy and harsh

Colour: Bark – pale to brownish yellow. Leaf – yellow to brownish yellow

Plant: Bushy evergreen tree with strongly aromatic leaves and bark reaching up to 15 metres in height. In summer small, inconspicuous yellow white clusters of flowers bloom before turning into oval purple berries

Main Growing Areas: Sri Lanka, India, South East Asia, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Indonesia

Major Constituents: Bark – cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, benzyl benzoate, a-pinene,1.8 cineole, linalool, caryophyllene
Leaf – eugenol, eugenyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, benzyl benzoate

Interesting snippets: Mentioned in the Bible and used by the ancient Egyptians as part of their mummification process.
In ancient China cinnamon was considered more precious than gold and was mentioned in a book on botanical medicine dated 2,700BC

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Dried inner bark or leaves/Steam distillation

Therapeutic actions: stomach cramps, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, antibacterial, antifungal, carminative, insecticide, loss of appetite, aches and chills in the early stages of cold and flu, fatigue, lethargy.

Emotional and Spiritual: depression, emotional coldness, tension and fear

Keim and Bull suggest cinnamon promotes self-confidence, strengthens willpower and courage.

Gabriel Mojay states cinnamon is ideally suited to those who feel they have lost their ‘passion for life’ – that is, their creative impetus, emotional warmth or spiritual purpose. Full of light and vital heat, cinnamon works to encourage, inspire and reawaken.

Philippe Mailhebiau writes that cinnamon bark restores a taste and vigour for life to the depressed and the fire of courage to the belly of those who may have lost it in the maze of melancholia.

Robbi Zeck states that when you are feeling emotionally withdrawn and living in a state of separation, Cinnamon trickles into the vast, deep, inner world, bringing warmth, energy and a sense of connection to the present moment.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes love, in all its many guises, speaks through cinnamon to touch those hidden areas of the self that we have denied love access to. Bringing into our hearts the ever-understanding love and oneness, it invites love from higher realms; even if at first, inner love is often difficult in the human state of being, the warm glow of cinnamon radiates through all space and time, transforming sorrow into happiness. It brings the realization that love is always there, if we tune into its warm vibration.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Cinnamon insight card COLDNESS AND INTROVERSION
Come out of your shell and regain that passion and enthusiasm for life. For those who have grown emotionally cold and have isolated themselves from the outside world, Cinnamon is excellent for helping you warm cold and withdrawn emotions. There are plenty of people who are introverts playing the extrovert to survive in life. Access your extrovert inside as you tap into your own inner strength and be who you really are or who you want to be.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I have the power within to change and regain my passion and creativity. Cinnamon card

Safety: When used on the skin cinnamon bark can be a severe dermal irritant and sensitiser.

Tisserand and Young recommend that cinnamon bark essential oil not be used in pregnancy and while breast feeding. They also caution cinnamon’s use orally for people who are on diabetes or anticoagulant medication, have had major surgery, have peptic ulcers or other bleeding disorders.

Note: Cinnamon bark is often adulterated with synthetic cinnamaldehyde and natural eugenol.
Most sources strongly state that cinnamon bark should not be used on the skin due to its severe dermal irritation. Cinnamon leaf may possibly be used topically but should always be patch tested first and used in an extremely low concentration. Inhalation is preferred especially for spiritual, emotional and subtle use.

Sources:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Fischer-Rizzi S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Jefferies J, Cinnamon Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.40 (2007)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim J, Bull R, Daily Aromatherapy, North Atlantic Books (2008)
Mailhebiau P, Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G, Course notes (1999)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander seed header

Family: Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)

Synonyms: Cilantro, Chinese parsley

Aroma: Warm, spicy, woody, sweet and slightly camphoraceous

Colour: Colourless to pale yellow,

Plant: An annual herb growing 30 – 90 cm (11–33 inches) in height with delicate bright green leaves and a profusion of dainty white flowers that produce small seeds.

Main Growing Areas: Mediterranean, western Asia, Russia, Poland, Hungary, France, England and the Netherlands.

Major Constituents: Linalool, limonene, camphor, alpha-pinene, 1.8 cineole

Interesting snippets: Cultivated all over the world for more than 3000 years. Mentioned in the bible, early Sanskrit texts, by the Greeks and found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs, Tutankhamun and Rameses II.

In ancient China coriander was thought to promote longevity and ease pain.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Crushed ripe seeds/steam distillation, 1 ton of crushed seeds in a 4,500 still will yield 7kg of essential oil.

Therapeutic actions: Poor appetite, indigestion, flatulence, osteoarthritis and rheumatic pain, muscular pain and stiffness, antifungal

Emotional and Spiritual: Mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion

Gabriel Mojay writes that coriander seed both calms and uplifts and is indicated for states of nervous depression that are accompanied by worry and anxious overthinking. The oil imbues a feeling of security, peace and earthy permanence, coupled with a feeling of spontaneity and passion and seeks to achieve stability without denying joy.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi states that coriander helps people relax in a pleasant way during times of stress, irritability or nervousness. It may be beneficial for shock and fear. She also states that it stimulates creativity and memory.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes for seekers who wish to experience all things, before they feel sure of themselves and of the future thoroughfare to their soul. In this fragrance lies the challenge of change, helping us to go forward, even if timidly, rather than staying behind forever wondering “what if.”

Safety: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing

Sources:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Fischer-Rizzi, S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)

5 Tips for Using Positive Aromatic Affirmations

If you use affirmations you know they can help you be more motivated and successful in meeting your goals. Combining them with essential oils and the 5 tips below can make them even more powerful and transformative.

Focusing on the positive aspects of your affirmation and what you want to achieve and anchoring them in with aroma can help keep you focused on your goals. Make sure the energy of your affirmation feels light and motivating rather than heavy and a duty.

You can use these five tips to turn your affirmations around and make them high energy and motivating.

1. Make Your Affirmations Active
Using active verbs keeps the energy upbeat and your focus in the present moment so start your affirmation with “I am or I have [positive verb] …”
Rosemary – I am a creative person who finds creative solutions to my problems.
Cedarwood – I have the strength and courage to weather any crisis.

2. Include Positive Emotions
Think of how you want to feel when you reach your goal. Are you happy? Proud of yourself? Relaxed? Grateful? Make sure your affirmation makes you feel good when you say it out loud.
Grapefruit – I appreciate all that I have and the abundance that flows to me each day.
Laurel – I celebrate all my successes, large and small.

Laurel FCHC

3. Keep it Short
Make your affirmations brief and memorable. Concise, focused statements are easier to remember.
Eucalyptus – My life is filled with unlimited possibilities.
Lime – I stay calm and relaxed under pressure.

4. Stay in the Present
Your affirmation should always be in the present tense. Make sure you use “I am” or “I have” rather than “I will” statements.
Thyme – I am strong enough to overcome any obstacle.
Ginger – I have the strength and endurance to move forward and succeed.

Sweet Thyme FCHC

5. Keep it Positive
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. Think of the positive result you want to achieve.
Juniper – I cleanse my body, mind and spirit of negativity so I can soar.
Pine – I have the self-confidence to stand tall and allow the world to see the unique person I am.

6. Switch up Your Affirmations
Have a look at your current affirmations and see if they are working as well as they could be.
Mandarin – I make time for fun and play every day, instead of I feel less stressed every day.
Vetiver – I am more grounded when I spend time in nature, instead of I will make time to walk outside each day.

Vetiver FCHC

Play around with the words until they feel right for you. Keep your affirmations in the present, focused on what you want and what feels good.

Repeat your affirmations at least three times a day and look forward to manifesting the life you want.

Using Essential Oils with Your Affirmations
You can sniff the oil from the bottle or an inhaler, dilute the oil in some carrier oil and apply to your wrist or take a leaf from the plant, in the case of rosemary, eucalyptus and laurel to sniff while saying your affirmation.

You may also choose to make a blend with 2 or 3 oils that encapsulate the words in your affirmation. You can also add a crystal to carry with you to remind you of your affirmation.

Below is a short affirmation for gratitude that uses 3 essential oils to encapsulate the feeling of gratitude.
Gratitude affirmation

Fragrant Change Healing Cards available from https://www.thefragrantbridge.com/products/fragrant-change-healing-cards/

Sweet Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Sweet thyme header

Family: Lamiaceae

Synonyms: Common thyme, garden thyme

Aroma: Sweet, warm, herbaceous

Colour: Reddish amber

Plant: A perennial herb that grows to 40cm (8 inches) in height with narrow, deep green gray elliptical leaves and white to lilac flowers.

Main Growing Areas: France, Spain and the Mediterranean.

Major Constituents: Linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinene-4-ol, thymol, beta-caryophyllene

Interesting snippets: Roman soldiers bathed in a bath infused with thyme before entering battle.

Thyme was a strewing herb in Britain and was included in the posies carried by judges and kings to protect them from disease in public.

Thyme was used with clove, lemon and chamomile essential oils as a disinfectant and antiseptic in hospitals until World War 1.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Leaves and flowering tops/ steam distillation

Therapeutic actions: analgesic, antifungal, expectorant, bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, arthritic and rheumatic pain, boils and infected pimples, cold hands and feet, chronic fatigue

Emotional and Spiritual: relieves fear and apathy, clears energy blockages, promotes self-confidence and courage, nervous depression, mental fatigue, stress, emotional confusion, mood swings, feeling disconnected

Robbi Zeck writes that thyme activates a vital force for the positive use of willpower, strengthening resolve and assisting in the breaking of negative patterns or habits. Thyme brings in a dynamic quality of energy that is needed by the physical body to maintain willpower, instilling a greater sense of fulfillment, empowerment and strong belief in oneself.

Gabriel Mojay states that by restoring morale at the very deepest level, thyme seeks to imbue both spiritual fortitude and bodily vigour. Whether discouraged, demoralised, apprehensive or alienated, we should always consider reaching for the oil’s warm and virile strength.

Philippe Mailhebiau writes that sweet thyme is very helpful for children suffering psychic problems due to parental lack of understanding and conflicts and who are unbalanced by family disharmony, due to its strong antidepressive and stimulating effect on the psyche.

Valerie Ann Worwood states that thyme joins with our guardians in assisting us in having strength and love for ourselves during times of reconciliation, when we strive to acknowledge the shadows and disrobe the outer shell of protection – the disguise which we may find difficult even to acknowledge.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Thyme Insight card WILLPOWER & STRENGTH
Thyme is a fortifying essential oil that dispels despondency and negativity, giving those who withdraw, the strength to emerge with self-confidence and overcome obstacles. It removes fears and gives strength to feel fulfilled and worthy. Trust your intuition and draw on its power and influence to strengthen your will. Work with the positive aspects of willpower to draw on the dynamic energy of thyme and strengthen yourself on all levels.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I am strong enough to overcome any obstacle.

Sweet Thyme FCHC Contemplations for the Soul:Is there something you need to do but lack the strength and resolve to do it?
Are you feeling discouraged, despondent and negative with no belief in your ability to change?
Do have difficulty overcoming obstacles in your life?
Break those negative habits and strengthen your belief in yourself.
If you’re lacking in resolve look internally to understand the reason why.
Is it because you really don’t want to do it or are you afraid of the consequences if you do it?
Begin building your self-confidence by taking small action steps.
Each day do something to increase your confidence and belief in yourself.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic

Sources:
Atterby D, Thyme Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.46 (2009)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy & Subtle energy techniques, Frog Books (2000)
Mailhebiau P, Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Juniper header

Family: Cupressaceae

Synonyms: Juniper

Aroma: Fresh, warm, rich balsamic, woody sweet pine needle like

Colour: Clear to very pale yellow

Plant: Small tree that can grow to 12 metres in height with blue green needle like leaves, greenish yellow flowers and small round berries. The same tree carries green unripe one year old berries and blue ripe two to three year old berries.

Main Growing Areas: Northern Italy, Austria, Czech republic, Hungry, Croatia, Serbia and France

Major Constituents: alpha-pinene, beta-farnesene, beta-elemene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, 1,4 cineole

Interesting snippets: Juniper branches were burned in temples as purifying herbs.

In England juniper branches were often strewn on the floor to sweeten the smell of the room and to cleanse the air of infection and disease

During the 19th century, the berries were burnt in French hospitals to prevent the spread of smallpox.

To the ancient Germans, juniper was the “Tree of Life” and branches were buried with the dead to facilitate their easy passage to their heaven, Valhalla.

gin Juniper berries are used for making gin.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: crushed, dried or partly dried berries/ steam distilled

Therapeutic actions: antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, weeping eczema, acne, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis, lower back pain, tiredness, poor circulation, cold hands and feet.

Emotional and Spiritual: nervous and intellectual fatigue, lethargy, apathy, negative thoughts, confusion

Fischer-Rizzi writes that psychologically juniper strengthens and uplifts the spirit during times of low energy, anxiety and weakness.

Keim Loughran and Bull state that juniper clears the body/mind/spirit of the damaging perceptions that interfere with our confidence and self-worth. She releases old thoughts, strengthens our intuition and deepens trust in our inner voice.

Robbie Zeck writes when you are feeling distressed and shut off from the experience of joy in your body and in your life, Juniper prepares the way for finding your centre. It brings clarification and stability during times of emotional and spiritual challenge. Juniper reduces the negativity stemming from habits, beliefs and behaviours that rob you of your joy of life.

Gabriel Mojay states that juniper is suited to the type of individual who feels burdened and aloof, deeply absorbed in their own thoughts – thoughts which revolve around worries, pressures and unpleasant memories. Feeling unsupported and misunderstood by others, they tend to withdraw and lose their social confidence. Juniper helps to purge them of the worry and self-absorption that is rooted in a fear of failure. Restoring their determination to overcome life’s obstacles, it replaces stasis and isolation with movement and openness.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:PREPARATION
Prepare for emotional, physical and spiritual challenges ahead. Set your goals and focus on preventing any of life’s little negative surprises. It is only when we are not prepared that we get those “surprises”. Failure to prepare leads to an emptiness and dissatisfied state allowing disappointment, self-doubt, guilt and low self-esteem to creep in. Be prepared and move beyond your limitations.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I cleanse my body, mind and spirit of negativity so I can soar.

Contemplations for the Soul:Are you feeling mentally exhausted due to the never ending thoughts going on in your head about how unworthy you are or the guilt and shame over something you have or haven’t done?
Are you afraid to do something because you feel you will fail or not make the grade?
Are you feeling angry, frustrated, uncertain or confused?
It’s time to cleanse the negativity from your body, mind and spirit and allow clarity and insight to shine through.
Take a shower or bath imaging you are washing away all the negativity. Watch the dirty water and negativity drain away.
Make the decision to meet whatever challenges come your way; ask for support when you need help to overcome them.
Be all you’re meant to be.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Skin sensitisation may occur if the oil has oxidised.

Note: Often adulterated with fermented berries. May also be adulterated with pinene, camphene, turpentine oil fractions, juniper wood and twig oils.

There are some trees in the Juniperus genera whose essential oils are called cedars such as Juniperus virginiana known as Virginia cedarwood or cedarwood, Juniperus ashei known as Texas cedarwood and Juniperus procera known as east African cedarwood. True cedarwood comes from the pinaceae family and the genera Cedrus.

Sources:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Fischer-Rizzi S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Frog Books (2001)
Kerr J, Juniper Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.18 (2001)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Crown Chakra

Essential oils and crystals for the crown chakra header

The crown chakra is located on the crown of the head and is associated with divine wisdom, spiritual awareness, connection to your Higher Self and enlightenment.

When in balance you have faith in a Higher Power, believe that you are divinely guided and protected and can put things into perspective. You feel happy and are comfortable expressing your own form of spirituality. You may also experience claircognizance knowing, without knowing how you know.

When out of balance you may have difficulty with finishing things, constantly seek validation from others, feel that your life is without meaning or sense of purpose, spacey, ungrounded, indecisive, alienated, confused, cut off from spirituality, fear opening up to your Higher Self or a Higher Power. You may feel disassociated from or unattached to your physical body.

On a physical level you may have chronic exhaustion, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, learning disabilities or problems with perception.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you feel disconnected from your higher Self?
Do you feel or know you have a purpose in life and are fulfilling it?
Do you live by your spiritual truths?
Are you rigid in your thoughts and beliefs?
Do you meditate? When?
Do you feel that you have to give up money to be true to your spiritual path?
Do you often neglect others in favour of connecting to a Higher Power, angels, ascended masters or guides?

15 essential oils that can help with crown chakra issues
Crown chakra issues that relate to intuition and spirituality can be addressed with the help of essential oils.

The oils can be used in various ways including inhalation, bathing, anointing, massage and as perfumes.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) helps you connect with the angelic realm and your spiritual purpose.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) raises your vibration and helps you change your reality by accepting new thoughts and concepts.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) shines the light of hope when you visit your shadow side and experience a dark night of the soul.

Black spruce (Picea mariana) clears energetic blockages and renews your sense of purpose, motivation and inspiration. She encourages forgiveness, self-acceptance and setting healthy boundaries.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) brings a sense of spiritual certainty and gives you the strength and courage to express your truth.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas and beliefs so you can be open to your intuitive guidance and inner wisdom.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) stimulates your intuition and dream world without disconnecting you from your body.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) helps to unearth the fears that block change and your spiritual growth while giving you the inner strength to continue on your chosen path.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) calms, centres and stills your mind and helps awaken your soul’s purpose.

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) helps break up blockages and strengthens your spiritual will encouraging you to speak your truth.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) helps open, align and expand the heart and crown chakras simultaneously promoting spiritual growth.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) strengthens the link between your crown and base chakras helping to keep you grounded while being inspired.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) reminds you that we are all connected and embraced by Divine love. She also strengthens your deep inner wisdom.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) renews enthusiasm and improves self-confidence helping you to remember your own true path.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) calms your mental chatter allowing you to access your Higher Self, gain clarity and a sense of inner peace.

Make your own crown chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.

Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your crown with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes. Note down anything you felt or any thoughts that came to you.

15 crystals that may be used to balance the crown chakra
Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the crown chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Alexandrite helps you learn to trust your intuition and guidance while opening your heart to Divine love.

Amegreen is a combination of purple and green amethyst and white quartz that brings all the chakras into alignment while enhancing psychic ability and keeping you heart centred.

Ametrine assists in connecting you with your Divine guidance and taking action based on that guidance.

Celestite enhances your inner vision and intuition as well as your ability to connect with the angelic realm.

Charoite stimulates your intuitive and psychic abilities and helps you recognize and overcome resistance to your sacred path.

Clear calcite helps you release energetic blockages that are impeding your connection with the Divine and releasing the past.

Elestial quartz helps you uncover the deeper aspects of yourself and strengthens your connection with Divine wisdom and knowledge.

Herkimer diamonds help you communicate with the angelic realm, are useful for dream work and can increase your psychic ability.

Moonstone increases psychic awareness and intuition helping you to become attuned to your guides and their guidance. It is also a useful stone for past life work.

Prasiolite also known as green amethyst opens the crown and third eye chakras and helps you express your spiritual ideals in your everyday life.

Purple chalcedony helps protect you from the negative psychic impressions you may pick up from people or your environment.

Selenite clears etheric blockages, opens and activates the third eye, stimulates your intuition and ability to communicate with your spirit guides and the angelic realm.

Seraphinite assists you in communicating with the angelic realm and brings healing to your body, mind and spirit.

Suglite activates your inner vision, heart and mind so you can find or remember your spiritual passion.

Tanzanite aligns your heart and mind allowing you to share spiritual information from a heart centred perspective.

Accessing Your Inner Guidance Aromatic Affirmation: I am able to access and trust my inner guidance.

Aromatic Affirmation For Accessing Your Inner Guidance

Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Laurel header

Family: Lauraceae

Synonyms: Bay laurel, laurel leaf, sweet bay, Mediterranean bay

Aroma: Fresh, strong but also sweet, camphoraceous and spicy

Colour: Colourless but can become yellow with age

Plant: An upright evergreen shrub with dark green lanceolate leaves and small clusters of yellow flowers followed by small black berries. The bark on mature shrubs is greyish and on younger stems it is smooth and shiny, often with a reddish tint. It can reach a height of 10-20 metres.

Main Growing Areas: Mediterranean, North Africa, Spain, Italy and Yugoslavia

Major Constituents: 1,8 cineole, linalool, eugenol, alpha-terpinyl acetate, sabinene

Interesting snippets: A garland of woven laurel leaves was awarded as a symbol of honour or victory in ancient Rome and Greece.

In the middle ages, distinguished men were crowned with a wreath of berried laurel, hence the term Poet Laureate.

In the past the laurel leaves were placed in bags of flour and grain to prevent insect infestation

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Leaves and branches / steam distillation

Therapeutic actions: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-viral, antispasmodic, oral infections and toothaches, abdominal bloating, flatulence, indigestion, stomach cramps, stimulates appetite, skin ulcers, boils, acne, abscesses, expectorant, decongestant, chronic bronchitis flu, sore muscles, physical exhaustion.

Emotional and Spiritual: poor concentration, chronic nervous debility, emotional exhaustion.

Mojay states laurel is particularly indicated for chilly, congested individuals who lack energy and confidence. It is useful for those individuals who lack self-esteem, doubt their abilities, intellectual and otherwise which can inhibit their capacity for intuitive thought. Laurel assists by stimulating both the rational and higher mind helping to renew one’s belief in one’s own boundless potential.

Keim Loughran and Bull write laurel strengthens our intuition, helps to release old outmoded thoughts about ourselves and energetically prepares us so that we can prepare and integrate new beliefs into our minds and hearts.

Worwood states that laurel is the fragrance of victors and poets who have used imagination and inspiration to attain their goals. This is the fragrance to use when the way ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger, when impoverished thoughts fly silently through the night to disturb our dreams and our waking consciousness. To protect yet give inspiration, in the darkest hours when the mind interferes and tells us that all is lost in the challenge to conquer the shadows.

Mailhebiau writes that laurel is an antidepressant for people who are unable to verbalise and give concrete expression to their abilities and who are afraid of themselves as much as others. It then brings a powerful, exorcising fire affording the person the opportunity of a certain degree of self-domination.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I celebrate all my successes, large and small. Laurel FCHC

Contemplations for the Soul Card:

Do you lack confidence in your ability to create and be successful?
Are you always striving to be and do more, not taking time out to celebrate the little successes on the way to your big achievement?
Are you afraid of success and what it could bring?
Are you so focussed on the final outcome that when it sometimes ends in perceived failure you fail to acknowledge the minor successes you had during the process?
The fact that you had the courage to follow your dreams is reason enough to celebrate whatever the outcome.
It’s time to celebrate all your successes and achievements both small and large in your life.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Tisserand and Young recommend caution when using on people with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and children under 2 years of age. It is advisable to use laurel with caution on people with bleeding disorders or who are on blood thinners.

Note: Laurel may be adulterated with turpentine, pimento or clove oils. Don’t confuse bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) with bay oil (Pimenta racemosa) as they are two very different oils with different chemical compositions. Bay oil has a much higher eugenol content of 30-70 % compared to laurel’s 1.44%.

Sources:
Atterby D, Bay Laurel Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.58 (2013)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Frog Books (2001)
Mailhebiau P, Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Smith I, In Essence Vol.3 No.3 (2004)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Third Eye Chakra

Essential oils and crystals for the third eye header

The third eye is located above the eyebrows in the middle of forehead.

The 3rd eye or brow chakra is the place where you connect with and develop trust in your intuition, perceptions, psychic talents, wisdom and inner vision. It is the centre of both your conscious and unconscious beliefs, the place where you interpret your thoughts, pains and losses to reach a greater understanding of your true self.

You connect to a higher power to receive insightful visions of the past, present and future so you can separate truth from illusion. You use your imagination and power to visualize, envision and imagine a new way of being.

When out of balance you may have headaches, migraines, acute sinusitis, vision and eye problems. You may not believe in your intuition or clairvoyance and dismiss others as fakes who develop and use their intuition or psychic talents to help themselves and others. You may be unable to access or assess your intuition, be disconnected from your spiritual truths, confused about your life purpose or scared to be who you truly are.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you consider yourself an intuitive person?
Do you feel disconnected from your intuition?
Do you resist or ignore your intuition?
Do you have an active imagination?
Are you limited or expanded by your imagination?
Do you believe you are a human being having a spiritual experience or a spiritual being having a human experience?
Do you believe you are responsible for your life?
Do you believe your life has meaning?

16 essential oils that can help with third eye chakra issues
Third eye chakra issues that relate to intuition and rigid thinking can all be addressed with the help of essential oils.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) helps overcome the fear of claiming your personal power and awakens your desire to create allowing imaginative ideas and intuition to flourish. Releases outdated beliefs and thoughts that now longer serve you allowing space for new perspectives and ideas.

Black spruce (Picea mariana) clears energetic blockages and renews your sense of purpose, motivation and inspiration. She also strengthens and expands your intuition.

Carrot seed (Daucus carota) stimulates your ability to understand another person’s point of view and have compassion. She opens your 3rd eye to bring greater clarity and wisdom on the journey to your true self.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas and beliefs so you can be open to your intuitive guidance and inner wisdom.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) promotes a willingness to act on your own inner guidance.

Cistus (Cistus landiferus), strengthens and expands your intuition allowing you to connect to your inner wisdom.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) stimulates your intuition and dream world without disconnecting you from your body.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) helps you understand that you are a co-creator of your destiny and offers support and strength when you need to reconnect with yourself and others.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) calms, centres and stills your mind when there is worry and ceaseless negative mental chatter giving you the space to communicate with a Higher power.

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) heightens clairaudience by calming your mind chatter.

Marjoram (Marjorama hortensis) opens your third eye and aligns with the spiritual body heightening your intuition.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) helps you to access and trust your inner guidance.

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) helps you gain clarity around your life’s purpose.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) expands your third eye and heightens intuition helping to calm the mind and clear confusion

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) helps you open up to your intuition.

sandalwood chips Sandalwood (Santalum album) calms your mental chatter allowing you to access your Higher Self, gain clarity and a sense of inner peace.

Make your own solar plexus chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.

Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your third eye with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Be careful not to let any oil drip into your eyes. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes.

16 crystals that may be used to balance the third eye chakra
Indigo, blue and purple crystals are used to balance the third eye chakra. Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the third eye chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Amethyst opens and clears the third eye accelerating the development of your intuitive and psychic abilities.

Angelite helps you connect in a clear, concise and compassionate manner leading to deeper understanding. Helps connect you to the angels.

Apophyllite helps you connect to and communicate with your Higher Self and soul.

Blue calcite helps clear blockages in the third eye helping you to access your inner vision and clairvoyance.

Celestite enhances your inner vision and intuition as well as your ability to connect with the angelic realm.

Charoite stimulates the third eye and helps you recognize and overcome resistance to your sacred path.

Iolite awakens your psychic gifts, helps you to take action based on your higher wisdom and to express that wisdom creatively.

Kyanite initiates psychic ability and promotes communication with higher beings. It clears your energetic field and creates a protective shield in which to do psychic work.

Lapis lazuli enhances clairvoyance, facilitates past life work and gives you a clearer perspective on your life and opportunities for growth.

Moonstone increases psychic awareness and intuition helping you to become attuned to your guides and their guidance. It is also a useful stone for past life work.

Pietersite stimulates your psychic vision helping you find a new direction and move forward when you are unable to see your path.

Satyaloka quartz enhances spiritual vision assisting clear communication with your spirit guides.

Selenite clears etheric blockages, opens and activates the third eye, stimulates your intuition and ability to communicate with your spirit guides and the angelic realm.

Shattuckite is a stone of truth helping you to express the wisdom and information you have received from higher realms.

Smokey quartz is a very powerful clearing and grounding stone and can provide protection from the negative energies in your environment.

Suglite activates your inner vision, heart and mind so you can find or remember your spiritual passion.

Insight Aromatic Affirmation: I have the wisdom, spiritual understanding, compassion and insight to deal with this situation.

Insight aromatic affirmation

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwood header

Family: Santalaceae

Synonyms: East Indian sandalwood, Mysore sandalwood, white sandalwood

Aroma: Warm, sweet, woody, and lingering.

Colour: Yellowish

Plant: A small, evergreen, parasitic tree with small purple flowers that grows up to 15 metres high. To survive the roots of the sandalwood tree must attach themselves to the roots of another tree but they don’t kill the host tree supplying them with nutrients. The tree must be over 30 years of age before it is cut down for oil.

Main Growing Areas: Southern India, Western Australia

Major Constituents: cis-alpha- santalol, cis-beta-santalol, epi-beta-santalol, alpha- santalal

Interesting snippets: It was used in ancient India for religious ceremonies.
The wood was used by the ancient Egyptians in medicine, for embalming the dead and ritual burnings to worship the gods.

sandalwood handicrafts The wood is used for carved objects of high quality and has been referred to as botanical ivory.

Powdered sandalwood is burned as incense in Buddhist and Hindu temples.

In 1998 Indian sandalwood was listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species in India.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Steam distilled from the inner heartwood of the tree. 11.25 kgs of wood produces approximately 0.45 to 0.7 kgs of oil.

Therapeutic actions: Chronic infections of the pulmonary and genito-urinary tracts. Dry and inflamed skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, varicose veins, swollen lymph nodes, cold sores and sore, dry throat.

Emotional and Spiritual: Calming helping to reduce tension and confusion, nervous depression, insomnia and fear.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes that sandalwood aids people who want to make human contact and overcome isolation. It helps them accept others with an open heart and diminish their egocentricity. Sandalwood fosters openness warmth and understanding.

Robbie Zeck writes that when seeking an overview, guidance or wise council concerning a particular aspect of your life, take time out for quiet reflection. Imagine standing on the highest mountain where the view is clear and expansive. Sandalwood will support you in shifting you from your present point of view, to a different kind of viewing point.

Gabriel Mojay states that sandalwood is indicated for states of obsessive worry and worldly ‘over-attachment’. Whenever we over-invest in seeing specific outcomes to our efforts – especially out of a neurotic need for security – sandalwood helps to re-establish an acceptance of reality as it is.

Loughran and Bull write that sandalwood quiets the mind, promotes a meditative state to better receive and integrate healing energy. She also encourages states of higher consciousness and a sense of unity.

Sal Battaglia believes that sandalwood has a strong affinity with the water element’s Zhi (Will). Zhi represents willpower, ambition, self-actualization and the will to live. It is the will we draw on to survive ordeals, overcome obstacles and preserve against hardships. It also represents collectivity – our sense of being part of a whole.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes that sandalwood is a fragrance that stretches out to the universe into the hallowed space between heaven and earth, to contact the divine presence. Sandalwood brings our wisdom into a meditative state, quieting us so we can hear and rejoice in the choral singing of the universal soul.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Sandalwood Aroma Insight card CONTEMPLATION
Contemplate life: go inside to realize the answers you seek. When working from inside, we have a peace and strength to see exactly how life’s events really are. Allow yourself to be still, away from the busyness of the external world. Sandalwood helps keep your space as your own: strong and free of other people’s negative energies, so that you can operate efficiently and enjoy life.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I allow my inner awareness to guide me to the answer.

Contemplations for the Soul Card:Are you looking for answers?
Are you forever busy giving yourself no time to think?
Are you feeling emotionally drained wondering what the future will bring?
Do you feel frustrated, anxious and worried about your future security?
Take time out for contemplation today.
If you are seeking the answer to a problem you can simply go for a walk or sit in nature and allow your mind to wander.
Use your imagination to explore possible solutions to your problem. Worry and anxiety will only cloud your mind.
Take some slow deep breaths and allow your intuition to give you the answer.
Anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

Safety: In general, non-irritating, non-sensitising and non-toxic. Because 0.34% of dermatitis patients reacted to patch testing with 2% sandalwood oil and the fact that there is a risk of photoallergic reactions especially in Japanese people Tisserand and Young recommend a maximum use level of 2%

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Fischer-Rizzi S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy & Subtle energy techniques, Frog Books (2000)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Base Chakra

Essential oils and crystals for the base chakra

The base chakra also known as the root chakra is located at the base of the spine at the coccyx.

It is concerned with survival, safety, security, tribe, shelter, feeling supported, financial stability, food, protection, physical health, abundance on all levels and the ability to stand up for yourself.

When out of balance you may have fears around not being able to support yourself or your family, not having enough love, money or food, change, being rejected, failing or succeeding. There can be feelings of anxiety, frustration, anger, insecurity, grief, depression and the inability to let go of people or possessions.

On a physical level you may have chronic lower back, knee or leg pain, arthritis, sciatica, varicose veins, constipation, obesity, haemorrhoids, lethargy. There may be bladder, prostrate, ovarian, uterine, bone or immune problems.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you feel safe at home and in the world?
Do you feel you have to always watch your back? Why?
Do you feel a sense of belonging to your family, work and culture?
Are you able to stand up for yourself?
Do you suffer from a lack of energy and constant fatigue?
Are you able to support your family and yourself or are you always worried where the money is coming from?
What are your greatest fears?

10 essential oils that can help with base chakra issues
Many authors suggest using grounding oils such as the woods, cedarwood, cypress etc. which all help but it is wise to look at the underlying issues and choose oils that also help to ease and heal those issues surrounding confidence, security and emotional stability.

The oils can be used in various ways including inhalation, bathing, anointing, massage and as perfumes.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) helps release pent up anger and frustration that can lead to depression when you feel unsupported or insecure.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) helps unblock stagnant energy and restore a sense of direction and determination.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) grounds and centres you giving you immovable strength and courage in times of crisis.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is useful if you have isolated yourself emotionally from others.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is useful when you want to change your circumstances but doubt your ability to do so.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) is very calming, centring and grounding, offering support and strength when you need to reconnect with yourself and others.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is useful if you procrastinate or lack the strength, determination or endurance to succeed.

Marjoram (Marjorama hortensis) is helpful for obsessive worry and thinking and real or imagined emotional deprivation.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is grounding and calming instilling a deep sense of peace.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) brings calm, reassuring strength and a sense of belonging.

Make your own base chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.
Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your lower back (and soles of your feet if you wish) with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes.

10 crystals that may be used to balance the base chakra
Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the base chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray. Red and black crystals are often used to balance the base chakra.

Black obsidian helps you to recognize where you are holding negativity and cleanse it from your aura.

Bloodstone grounds you fully in your body offering support and courage in difficult times.

Clear quartz can be used to clear and balance all the chakras.

Fire agate is calming and gives a sense of safety and security giving you the ability to take risks and decisive action even when you are unsure of the outcome.