Tag Archives: anger

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var genuina)

Ylang-Ylang-header

Family: Annonaceae

Synonyms: Perfume tree, flower of flowers

Aroma: Warm, sweet, floral, exotic

Colour: Pale yellow.

Plant: Fast growing tree that can reach 20 metres in height. The leaves are oval and pointy with wavy margins around 15 to 20 cms in length and evergreen with a smooth glossy appearance. The flowers are green when they first appear changing to yellow, pink and mauve but the essential oil is only extracted from the yellow flowers.

Main Growing Areas: Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comores

Major Constituents: para-cresyl methyl ether – contributes to strong euphoric odour and possibly antispasmodic effects.

Linalool – sedative, geranyl acetate and benzyl benzoate – relaxing and calming, caryophyllene – possible anti-inflammatory.

Interesting snippets: Cananga oil (Cananga odorata var macrophylla) is often used to adulterate ylang ylang oil and is also used in soaps and cheap perfumes.

In Japan Ylang Ylang was associated with the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu-o-mi-Kami, ancestor of the Imperial family.

Dr Tim Betts of Birmingham University’s Neuropsychiatry Clinic, UK , stated that Ylang Ylang oil can also be effective for controlling epilepsy, especially when smelt before the onset of a seizure.

Used to treat typhus, malaria and other fevers at the beginning of the century.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Yellow flowers soon after picking. Steam fractionation as various grades are taken off at various stages of the approx. 20 hour distillation process. Extra (up to 1 hour), first (up to 3 hours), second (up to 6 hours), third (up to 10 hours). A complete oil is continuously distilled for 15 hours without any fraction being taken out or by combining the extra, first and second grades.

Therapeutic actions: Rapid breathing, tachycardia, reduces high blood pressure, PMS

Emotional and Spiritual: Antidepressant, aphrodisiac and sedative that soothes the nerves and softens anger. Anxiety, panic, anger and fear, shock, integrates the emotions and soothes the nervous system

Gabriel Mojay writes that Ylang Ylang may be used by people in whom fear, anxiety and the urge to withdraw have subconsciously blocked their feelings of sexuality.

Suzanne Catty writes that ylang ylang is a top choice for anyone with control issues. The scent being both floral and animal at the same time reconnects the mind and body, something that control often seeks to separate. Ylang Ylang also dispels aggressiveness. She also notes that Ylang Ylang hydrosol is more truly like the crazy, messy, emotional beings that humans really are in physical form.

Robbie Zeck writes that this exotic, sweet ‘flower of flowers’ softens attitudes, breaks old patterns and evokes flexibility. Explore and transform your anger and be mindful of how you are affecting others. Consider where knots of anger may be located in your body. Mindfully apply Ylang Ylang over those parts to nourish and relax your body and mind.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi states that ylang ylang is helpful in reducing pain and is calming and antispasmodic. She helps reconcile feelings of anger, rage and frustration, replacing them with joy, sensuality, euphoria, inner trust and peacefulness.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Ylang Ylang Insight Card

PEACE
It is the oil for people of all ages who have too much angry energy. Ylang Ylang has a feminine aroma that brings a sense of peace, love and tenderness.
Ylang Ylang invokes feelings of peace and tranquility, reuniting us with our emotional, caring, nurturing, intuitive side. Balancing left and right brain, Ylang Ylang is the “warm fuzzy” nurturing essential oil that softens us and relieves life’s frustrations that often lead to anger. When locked in that logical, analytical mode, use Ylang Ylang to reveal your inner strength, more resilient and able to conquer any negative emotions you may show. “Be in touch with your feminine side.”

Contemplations for the Soul Card: Ylang Ylang CFTS card Are you feeling frustrated, angry, fearful or unhappy?
Look for the underlying cause of your fear and anger and deal with it.
Your anger doesn’t only affect you but others in your circle.
What do you need to feel a sense of peace and wellbeing?
How will you attain it?
Spend time in relaxation practices and learn to deal with your anger more constructively.
You can express your anger in a relatively calm manner without blowing your top.
Is it necessary to get angry and frustrated by the person or situation or can you let it go? If you can, let it go.
If not, express your opinion or feelings in a calm manner and move on.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic excessive use may lead to headaches and nausea. Moderate risk of skin sensitisation so use with care on people with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and children under 2 years of age.

Sources: Atterby D, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.51 (2011)
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)
Catty S, Cananga odorata. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.51 (2011)
Eidson D, Vibrational Healing, Frog Books (2000)
Fischer-Rizzi, S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Hodges C, Contemplations for the Soul Cards (2016)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Kerr J, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.4 (1997)
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
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum)

Family: Asteraceae

Synonyms: Immortelle, helichrysum, curry plant, gold strawflower.

Aroma: Sweet, honey-like, medicinal.

Colour: Golden yellow.

Plant: Evergreen shrub with highly aromatic silver grey leaves and clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers.

Main Growing Areas: Corsica, Yugoslavia, France, Madagascar.

Major Constituents: alpha-pinene, gamma-curcumene, alpha-curcumene, neryl acetate, beta-caryophyllene.

Interesting snippets: The names everlasting and immortelle come from the flower’s ability to hold its colour and shape once dried.
In Italy the plant was once used as a broom.
The herb was used in ancient Greece for wound healing.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Fresh flowering tops by steam distillation. It takes over a ton of flowering heads to make between 900 gms and 1.5 kg of essential oil which is why the essential oil is so expensive.

Therapeutic actions: Bruising, sprains, cramps, scarring, wound healing, sensitive and inflamed skin, headache, muscular aches and pains, chronic coughs, rheumatoid arthritis.

Emotional and Spiritual: Emotional scarring, bitterness, frustration and resentment. Mental fatigue.

Gabriel Mojay writes that everlasting has the capacity to break through the deepest, most ‘stuck’ of negative emotions: enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes that everlasting is ideal for people who may have received too little warmth and affection as children.

Robbi Zeck writes that when you are knotted-up inside and unable to stop thinking, the earthy, warming aroma of everlasting unravels the tension that develops from thoughts going round and round. If you are one of the walking wounded, yet immobilised by your thinking and your feelings, then use everlasting to ground you.

Contemplations for the Soul

Are you feeling angry, bitter, negative and resentful of those who seem to have the life you want?
Are you constantly anxious and unable to make any decisions because of it?
Things happen in our lives often in childhood that can leave us feeling emotionally scarred.
This can lead to a stubborn negative attitude and rigidity in an attempt not to experience that pain again.
Time now to begin to heal those scars, accept that you and the life you are living can change.
Go on a journey of self-discovery to find the person you were before all the hurt and pain.
Accept and even welcome change.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic, do not use if taking blood thinning medication.

Sources: Atterby, D, Everlasting Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.49 (2010)
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)
Kerr, J, Everlasting Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.25 (2003)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

17 Ways to Lessen Work Stress

17 ways to lessen work stress

Stress is caused by being “here” but wanting to be “there”
Eckhart Tolle

When I worked in Japan in the late 80’s and early 90’s karoshi (death from overwork) was often talked about as many Japanese men would spend a lot of time at work, do overtime and then go out drinking with their boss and colleagues or go to language class. Most of this behaviour was due to peer pressure and cultural expectations.

nurses Recently I read in the newspaper that those working in health care, social services, shipping and construction are dying because of it. Many young Japanese women today are also victims of karoshi. When I speak of over work I’m not talking about a few hours overtime but up to 100 or 160 hours of overtime in the month before their death. Karoshi not only includes death from heart attack and stroke but also suicide from those who can no longer cope with the insane hours and stress placed upon them.

Here in Australia few people die from work stress but many are unhealthy and unhappy because of it.

It is not only stress from overwork that can kill you but studies have shown that failing to take your annual holidays puts you at a greater risk of dying of a heart attack. It’s also a good idea to take the weekend off from work. Turn off the phone, ipad, android or laptop and spend some time with your family and friends so you can go back to work feeling refreshed and better able to deal with whatever work throws your way.

The time to relax

Symptoms of work stress
Work stress may not end in death or suicide due to depression but there are many other symptoms that can indicate work stress is affecting your health. These include apathy, anxiety, loss of interest in work, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, digestive problems, dizziness, nausea, headaches, migraines, tight, stiff neck and shoulders, drug and alcohol abuse, trouble concentrating, not being able to rest even when you do take time off, withdrawing from family and friends.

17 ways to lessen work stress
It may not be possible to stop work stress but you can help negate some of its effects by improving your physical and emotional well-being before stress and overwork threatens your health. Try to do at least 5 of the following regularly. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it.

Prioritizing your work day Learn to communicate better with your boss and co-workers.

Prioritize your work day and do the most important tasks first.

Whenever possible delegate tasks.

Exercise each day for e.g. walking, swimming, playing tennis, football, dancing.

Having a good laugh Spend quality time with family and friends.

Spend time in meditation or visualising something that represents peace for you.

relaxing aroma massage Have a regular aroma massage – clients having monthly massages find they are better able to handle both work and life stresses.

Take a few deep, slow breaths when stress and anxiety threaten to overtake you.

Greeting the day Do yoga or tai chi regularly.

Vaporize relaxing or uplifting essential oils like lavender, sweet orange, Roman chamomile, grapefruit, petitgrain, spruce, frankincense.

Watch comedy shows or read funny books and have a good belly laugh.

listening to music Listen to music.

Play with your children and animals.

Get enough sleep. Essential oils that can help you relax and get to sleep include lavender, Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, neroli, valerian, sandalwood.

Healthy food Eat regular healthy meals. Don’t skip meals as this can leave you tired, anxious and irritable as well as being unable to concentrate.

Leave for work earlier in the morning to avoid traffic jams or crowded trains.

Take time away from work and use your weekends to refresh yourself.

Essential Oils and Anger

Essential oils and anger header

Anger, disappointment and blame are all natural emotions but if they are not expressed or held onto for too long they can lead to illness and disease.

anger Anger can be the result of fear, worry, anxiety or sadness we don’t want to feel. Sometimes it is easier to blame others rather than examine and express our own fears and insecurities.

Essential oils that can help you or others to process and let go of these emotions include the following oils. They can be used in a vaporiser, bath, massage or perfume. Use singly or in a blend.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is for those who do not express but instead repress their anger. This can lead to depression, mood swings and insomnia. Bergamot can help them explore their pent-up feelings and release them.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is for the perfectionists who have high standards for both themselves and others. When things don’t go as planned they blame themselves or others and may lash out. Afterwards they feel guilty and comfort themselves with too much food or alcohol. Grapefruit helps them to accept more realistic goals and clears the heavy feelings of self-blame and angry disappointment.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) helps to calm strong emotions like anger that threaten to overwhelm the person. She can help clear pent-up feelings of annoyance and calm the person down after a sudden outburst of anger.

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is ideal for those who harbour resentment because they feel neglected. They are moody and may even deny or not accept help when it is offered.

Rose (Rosa damascena) is for those whose anger stems from feeling betrayed, rejected or hurt emotionally. She’s also for those who lash out in anger and are then filled with regret and remorse. Rose brings a sense of compassion for themselves and others.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is for those who are easily offended and strike out in rage. They feel vulnerable and may have been emotionally wounded in the past. They may on the other hand repress their feelings of anger and always be on the defensive or retort with sharp or sarcastic comments.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is for those who have a lot of anger because they feel frustrated and fearful and don’t know any other way to express it. Ylang Ylang can bring a sense of peace allowing them to face their fears.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Family: Asteraceae

Synonyms: Milfoil, thousand weed, achillea, soldier’s woundwort.

Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous similar to German chamomile.

Colour: Deep blue.

Plant: Perennial with tiny clusters of white or pink flowers growing to a metre in height. The lower part of the stem is leafless and woody while the upper stem has alternate feathery lace like leaves.

Main Growing Areas: Albania, Hungary, Bulgaria, France.

Major Constituents: Camphor, 1,8 cineole, iso-artemisia, azulenes, achilline, sabinene.

Interesting snippets: Grown specifically for medicinal use as it is considered a weed in most places.
Yarrow tea has long been used for mild digestive upsets and menstrual cramps.
It is said that Achilles tended his soldier’s wounds with yarrow during the war with Troy.
The 50 wooden sticks used for the I-Ching were made from the stems of the yarrow plant.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Leaves and flowering heads by steam distillation.

Therapeutic actions: Cuts and abrasions, eczema, menstrual pain.

Emotional and Spiritual: Gabriel Mojay writes that yarrow oil is most appropriate for those in whom feelings of anger or rage are linked subconsciously with emotional wounding and vulnerability.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi considers yarrow the perfect oil for times of major life changes such as mid-life crisis and menopause because it helps reconcile opposing forces when we are feeling torn.

Robbi Zeck asks you to learn how to maintain your balance in every situation without abandoning your integrity. Ask for clarity of vision so that your inner perspectives will match your external actions. Yarrow with its balancing action refines the senses, enhancing the power of your insights as well as your outer vision.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I am nurtured and protected as I release the anger, pain and bitterness from the past.

Yarrow FCHC

Contemplations for the Soul:

Have you been deeply hurt and are still feeling angry and bitter about it?
You may find yourself lashing out at every perceived insult, hurt and offence in order not to feel any pain and protect yourself.
You may become defensive seeing insults where none are intended.
You may pretend that these insults or hurts have no effect on you while sinking deeper into anger at yourself for not addressing them, leading to a depression or sadness that seems never ending.
Take time now to nurture yourself as you release all the bitterness, pain and anger.
Feel the pain, forgive yourself and the person or people who caused it; let it all go knowing you will come through this stronger and able to love and feel joy again.

Safety: Non-irritating, possibly sensitising, non-toxic. Possibly best not to use in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Sources: Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Kerr, J, Yarrow Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.19 (2001)
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)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara)

Neroli offers the gift of strength and courage that helps us to see life’s beauty.
Susanne Fischer-Rizzi

Family: Rutaceae

Synonyms: Orange flower, neroli bigarade.

Aroma: Bitter sweet floral

Colour: Pale yellow

Plant: An evergreen tree up to 10 metres high with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Main Growing Areas: Italy, Morocco, France, Egypt.

Major Constituents: a-pinene, a-terpinene, nerol, neryl acetate, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerolidol.

Interesting snippets:
Neroli is named after Anna Maria de La Trémoille, Princess of Nerola who in the 17th century used the oil to perfume her gloves, shawls, ribbons and stationery as well as in her bath.

In Sicily sprigs of orange tree are used to decorate images of the virgin Mary while in the past prostitutes in Madrid used neroli as their standard perfume.

In the south of France using orange blossoms in bridal wreaths or bouquets was associated with purity, virginity and fertility.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Blossoms of the bitter orange tree picked by hand on spring mornings. The best oil is obtained from blossoms where the bud is just beginning to open on a warm sunny day. The blossoms are then stored overnight and turned frequently to prevent heating and fermenting. Steam distillation of 1 kg of flowers produces 1 litre of orange flower water from which 1 gram of essential oil is obtained. The extraction process takes about 3 hours. Neroli is also available as an absolute.

Therapeutic actions: Relieves muscle spasms of the smooth muscles especially the small intestines and so may be useful in cases of chronic diarrhoea due to nervous tension.

Emotional and Spiritual: Emotional depression, stress, anxiety, and shock. Instils a sense of peace and aids in spiritual work. Promotes self-confidence and assists in reconnecting with one’s higher self.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes that for people who have become thin-skinned, neroli can strengthen their inner being and build a protective shield. When we are easily angered, the oil helps us shift our mood to a relaxed state that allows us to experience life with joy and calm.

Gabriel Mojay states that neroli may always be considered for deep emotional pain that robs us of hope and joy.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

(Courtesy of J.Jefferies & K. Osborn)

CHOICES
Neroli helps you to make choices in life, calming and soothing the mind giving reassurance and harmony to the soul.
Life is one grand bundle of choices that we make every second of the day. It is time for you to make some choices in life. Stop waiting for the right time to come, as it never does. Hindsight is wonderful but useless, you can only make a choice with the information that you have at any given time and we all have different information after the event. Grab onto life and take charge, make choices and move forward now. Trust your intuition, listen to your gut instincts. Honour your choices and take action. If you wait for the right time to do something perfect, you may miss out on what you are after.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I consider all my options and make a choice knowing I can always choose differently next time.

Contemplations for the Soul:

Is there some decision you are putting off because you can’t decide what to do?
Are you getting stressed, exhausted and depressed by some difficult choice you must make?
Are you feeling resentful and angry at having to be the one to make the decision?
Every moment in life you are making decisions and choices so make a decision now.
Not sure which decision is the right one? Sit quietly and listen to your inner voice or go with your gut instinct.
You maybe stressing over what the consequences of your decision will be but remember there will be consequences whether you act or do nothing.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising

Sources: Kerr J, Neroli, Petitgrain, Bitter Orange Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.5 (1998)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
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)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)

Fear and Essential Oils

Fear and essential oils header

Fear is faith that it won’t work out.
Sister Mary Tricky

Someone once said that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real but I think the quote above is also true. How many times do you not even attempt do something because you’re convinced it won’t work out and you don’t want to face your fear of failure?

Essential oils are very useful to help you deal with your fears and you will find a list of oils to help you below.

Fear is a form of self-preservation that can present as simple consternation, apprehension, dread, panic or terror. When you are feeling panicked your heart races and you breathe more quickly and shallowly. You may feel like running away or conversely be unable to move.

If it is a more chronic form of fear you may feel the above in a milder form or just have a general sense of unease. You may also feel anxious, frustrated and angry.

Fear can show up as perfectionism, procrastination, lack of self-confidence, feeling insecure and fear of failure, losing control, change or being hurt in love. You may forget the words to a speech or turn down invitations to social events due to your fear.

Fear can alert you to real danger but often it is based on emotion rather than fact. For example you may procrastinate because you fear that you will not do something correctly or others may judge you on the results. Perfectionism is also a form of fear based on feeling vulnerable.

Fear can also paralyse your personal growth when it is a reaction to change and transformation. You cannot know how each change will affect you. The mind sees the death of old patterns and beliefs as a mini death and wants to protect you.

Oils that can help with the issues associated with fear include:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Needing to be in control regardless of the consequences, low self-esteem and self-worth.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) – Courage to move forward and stand firm in the face of crisis.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) – Helps to let go of fixed expectations, old ideas and beliefs.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – Cope with and accept difficult change.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) – Perfectionists and those who deny their feelings, panic attacks.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Procrastination, self-doubt, restores initiative and determination.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) – Fear of failure, support in challenging situations, strengthens will-power.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) – Feels oppressed and suffocated by situations or other people.

Rose (Rosa damascena) – Can’t bear to be left alone due to fears of being abandoned, fear of losing control, insecurity.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Instils courage and self-confidence, strengthens your resolve to overcome obstacles.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) – Face challenges, feels threatened by need to change, calm strength, panic attacks.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) – Fear of intimacy, helps you to recognise whether or not the fear is appropriate and deal with it, anger, sense of peace.

The oils can be used singly or in a blend in the bath, vaporiser, in massage or as an anointing oil. Use on the solar plexus and/or wherever else feels appropriate. For details on diluting the oils click here.

You may need to seek professional help for your fear if it is strongly affecting the way you live your life. The oils will help you to change on a soul level if you so desire.

Not Just A Pretty Smell - Explore new Ways of Using Essential Oils