Tag Archives: colds

May Chang (Litsea cubeba)

May Chang header

Family: Lauraceae

Synonyms: Litsea citrate, tropical verbena, exotic verbena.

Aroma: Sweet, lemony, fruity.

Colour: Light yellow to yellow brown.

Plant: Small, tropical tree with fragrant lemongrass scented leaves and flowers. The small fruits that it produces are similar to peppers.

Main Growing Areas: China, Taiwan, Japan.

Major Constituents: myrcene, limonene, neral, geranial, nerol, linalool, linalyl acetate.

Interesting snippets: Used as fragrance in air fresheners, soaps, washing up liquids and deodorants.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Fruit by steam distillation.

Therapeutic actions: Coughs, colds, acne skin, deodorant, nausea.

Emotional and Spiritual: Uplifting and stimulating.
Robbi Zeck writes that a clear awareness of your goals enables you to stay focused and motivated. Design a life you love and start living successfully now. Dedication and discipline are the common traits of all successful people. You can be living your life this way too. May Chang changes the rhythm of the emotional heart enabling you to celebrate your dreams and wins.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

May Chang Aromatherapy insight card

STIMULATING
Stop allowing yourself to be overlooked and put that spark back into your step. If you want to get somewhere or get something in life, it is up to you to jump in and be seen and noticed. Being dynamic and excited helps you go and get what you want in life and rid you of the “poor me” and “why me” mentality.

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

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Davis P, Aromatherapy, An A-Z. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1996)
Jefferies J, Osborn. K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Smith I, May Chang. In Essence Vol.2 No.4 (2004)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)

Although I have Indian and African sandalwood I prefer to use Australian sandalwood.

Family: Santalaceae.

Synonyms: West Australian sandalwood.

Aroma: Similar to Indian sandalwood but softer.

Colour: Pale yellow.

Plant: Small evergreen tree/shrub growing up to 8 metres in the wild and 4-5 metres on plantations. It is a root parasite and requires a host tree for its first years. At 3 years it requires 2 or 3 hosts as it grows. It appears the host trees are not harmed and in fact benefit from this arrangement.

Main Growing Areas: South Western Australia, southern South Australia.

Major Constituents: alpha santalol, beta santalol, farnesol, bergamatol, alpha-bisabolol.

Interesting snippets: Although the tree will produce essential oil at 5-10 years it will not be suitable for harvesting a high quality oil until it is 25 years old.

The west Australian aborigines used boiled sandalwood bark as a cough medicine. They also used the inside of the nuts as a rubbing medicine for colds and stiffness.

Before the release of penicillin in 1946 oral ingestible Australian sandalwood capsules were used to treat urinary tract infections and gonorrhoea.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Heartwood and rootball by organic solvent extraction followed by co-distillation. This process yields about 3% essential oil. There is also a CO2 extraction available.

Therapeutic actions: Dry coughs, nasal and chest congestion. Dry dehydrated skin, red inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema and MRSA.

Emotional and Spiritual: Stress, aphrodisiac. Quietens mental chatter, helping to still the mind, allowing it to move into a deep meditative state.

Audre Gutierrez writes that Australian sandalwood is for all of those who have been made to feel ‘less than’ or ‘not good enough’ because of who they are. She is about being your true, authentic, best self and letting that speak more loudly than any disparagement, any slight ever could. She is for the unseen wounds of the heart and spirit, healing them so that you can be strongly and fully in the power of who you truly are.

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

Sources: Gutierrez A, https://www.shiningsunaromatherapy.com/australian-sandalwood-santalum-spicatum-the-cinderella-or-ugly-duckling-of-aromatherapy/
Kerr J, Australian Sandalwood Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.17 (2001)
Webb M, Bush Sense – Australian Essential Oils and Aromatic Compounds. Griffin Press. (2000)

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Angelica header

Angelica – Like a tiny bell, an angelus, softly calling, it asks us “what do you really believe in?” Jane Grayson

There is an angelica essential oil made from the seeds of the angelica plant but I am discussing the oil made from the root here.

Family: Apiaceae

Synonyms: Angelica officinalis, garden angelica, wild celery, Holy Ghost.

Aroma: Earthy, peppery, herbaceous.

Colour: Pale to light yellow when freshly extracted, changing to dark orange and then brown due to age and oxidation.

Plant: Large hairy plant up to 2 metres with ferny leaves and umbels of white flowers followed by pale yellow oblong fruits. It has a strong aroma and large rhizome.

Main Growing Areas: Europe, Siberia, Belgium, Hungary, Germany.

Major Constituents: Alpha-pinene, 1,8 cineole, alpha-phellandrene, limonene, borneol, angelicine, bergaptene.

Interesting snippets: In 1665 a monk had a dream in which St Michael the archangel told him to use the herb to help victims of the bubonic plague.
The liquor Benedictine derives its distinctive flavour from angelica.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Dried root by steam distillation.154 grams of root yields about .453592 grams of essential oil.

Therapeutic actions: Painful periods, arthritic pain, sinus infections, coughs, colds, bronchitis, migraine, lack of appetite.

Emotional and Spiritual: Susanne Fischer-Rizzi writes that angelica is for those who are afraid, timid, weak or who lack perseverance and have a tough time making decisions.

Robbi Zeck writes that angelica brings a fiery action to the physical vitality and can assist in strengthening your resolve and to follow through with your convictions. Angelica encourages you to stand your ground, to assert and to express your truth and confidence.

Gabriel Mojay states that the root oil’s influence on the mind and emotions is relaxing, stabilising and yet strengthening. It is appropriate for those who are prone to fatigue or nervous exhaustion, and who at the same time complain of insomnia and mental anxiety.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: Angelica – I receive inspiration from many sources nature, human and angelic.

Contemplations for the Soul: Angelica CFTS card Are you having a hard time making a decision, asserting yourself or expressing your truth?
Do you lack perseverance or give up easily because things don’t seem to work out for you?
Is there another way to look at this situation and your part in it?
Have you tried everything you can think of to change or make the situation better and yet nothing seems to change?
You have an inner strength and now isn’t the time to give up.
The time has come to ask for angelic support.
The inspiration or answer you receive may come from nature, music, another person or a totally unexpected source.
Be open to all the possibilities.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic, photo-sensitive.

Note: Short shelf life of 18 months as she oxidises rapidly once opened.

Sources: Atterby, D, Angelica Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.53 (2012)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
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)
Grayson J, The Fragrant Year. The Aquarian Press (1993)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Mojay G, Angelica Class notes
Smith I, Angelica. In Essence Vol.6 No.1 (2007)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Essential Oils and Anxiety

Anxiety is a mild form of fear where we react to a perceived threat. Fear is a necessary aspect of our lives as it alerts us to real danger and gives us a sense of self-preservation.

On the other hand anxiety is a reaction to an emotional threat that we don’t want to face such as grief, anger, embarrassment, perceived failure or guilt. Anxiety is our reaction to these emotions we believe will cause us harm and can manifest as a lack of self-confidence, a sense of apprehension or a feeling of insecurity or emotional unease. Some short term anxiety is natural as in the case of exam nerves or going for a job interview. Anxiety is only an issue when it becomes chronic or escalates into an acute state such as panic attacks where there is no real physical danger in most cases.

For many people anxiety is a future-oriented mood state in which they imagine all the negative scenarios and how they will react to them. For many this is a coping mechanism to deal with upcoming difficult situations or events. We don’t usually feel anxious if we are envisioning a positive outcome.

Anxiety may manifest physically as an elevated heart rate, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, upset stomach, diarrhoea, muscle tension, headaches, tiredness and difficulty falling or staying asleep.

STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH ANXIETY
Meditation is a no cost or low cost strategy that allows your body to relax, release the fear and anxiety and repair and heal itself. Meditation can be as simple as going outdoors, taking off your shoes and socks allowing your feet or body to rest on the grass, sand or other natural surface and breathing slowing and deeply for 5 or 10 minutes

Tap into your wise all-knowing self. Sit quietly and ask if this is a situation you really need to worry about or can you trust that all will be fine.

Nourish yourself by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, maintaining healthy relationships, spending time in nature or the outdoors and doing the things that bring you joy.

Essential oils help you to relax as they go straight to the limbic brain the centre of our basic emotions and calm it down. They ground and calm you bringing you back to your body. You can try meditating with essential oils, vaporising them, using them in the bath or as a spray mist in your aura or on your physical body.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANXIETY
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) deepens and slows the breath calming and centring the mind. She is particularly useful when the mind is overwhelmed by thoughts of what can go wrong. Frankincense will help you to access your wise all- knowing self allowing insight into your anxiety.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a balancing oil useful for anxiety and panic attacks. Overachievers and perfectionists who worry about the outcome or not being good enough can benefit from this oil.

Jasmine flowers

Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis) calms the nerves, releases tension and uplifts the mind. Jasmine can be of particular benefit when anxiety alternates with depression.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis/angustifolia/vera) is an oil that is readily available and is known as an aromatic “Rescue Remedy”. She eases nervous tension and can help ally feelings of panic as well as calm any strong emotions that threaten to overwhelm the mind.

Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) calms the mind when thoughts are going round and round in circles. She offers a sense of self nurturing especially when you are thinking that nobody cares.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) reminds us that we always have a choice. She helps us to face painful emotions such as guilt, shame, hurt and anger and to find peace of mind once we have done so.

Rose (Rosa damascena) can assist those who suffer from deep anxiety caused by insecurity and a fear of losing control. Rose helps to heal deep emotional wounding and despair.

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)

Palo santo header

Palo Santo belongs to the same family as elemi, frankincense and myrrh.

Family: Burseraceae

Synonyms: Holy wood, incense tree because of the resemblance of the twigs of the tree to incense sticks.

Aroma: Refreshing woody scent with hint of frankincense

Colour: Clear to pale yellow

Plant: Grows in dry, tropical forests reaching a height of 4 to10 metres. It is densely branched with a smooth, non-peeling bark that is purple tinged but appears to be pale or silvery gray due to a covering of lichens.

Main Growing Areas: Indigenous to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) and the Pacific coast of South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and the Galapagos islands).

Major Constituents: Limonene, terpineol, alpha-pinene, menthofuran, carvone, germacrene, carveol, juneol and pulegone.

Interesting snippets: The tree or limb must die a natural death and remain in the forest for 4 to 10 years to decay in order to produce a good quality essential oil. Cutting down the tree and leaving it to decay for the same amount of time will yield an oil of a poor quality.

The wood has been used in South America to make barrels for ageing wine.
The burning wood is used to repel various insect species and to protect cattle from vampire bats.

The Incas and shamans in Central and South America used and continue to use it, as part of their sacred healing rituals to heal, remove or cast spells, and gaze into the future.
In Peru, shamans light palo santo sticks and use the smoke to fumigate the aura of ritual participants in order to clear evil spirits, patterns of misfortune, and negative thinking.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Steam distillation of the heartwood of aged, fallen trees.

Therapeutic actions: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral, diuretic, reduces fever, sedative, headaches, wound healing, joint and muscle aches and pains, sprains and respiratory symptoms, coughing, bronchitis, asthma, colds.

Emotional and Spiritual: Grounding, calming, anxiety, depression, emotional stress or trauma, panic attacks, clears negative energy.

Safety: Possible skin sensitization if oil is old or oxidized.

Sources: Berkowsky B, Berkowsky’s Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential Oils
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursera_graveolens

Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia)

Spike lavender header

Spike lavender although not as well-known as true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the first oil I reach for in cases of respiratory and muscular issues.

Family: Lamiaceae, Labiatae.

Synonyms: Lavandula spica, Aspic lavender.

Aroma: Fresh, floral-camphoraceous, smells similar to rosemary.

Colour: Pale yellow.

Plant: Shrub grows from 30 to 80 cm tall. The flowers are pale violet on loose spikes at the top of tall, branchy stems that lean over somewhat.

Main Growing Areas: Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

Major Constituents: 1.8 cineole, camphor, linalool.

Interesting snippets: Spike lavender grows at low altitudes whereas true lavender grows at high altitudes hence its high camphor content and aroma. Spike lavender is more stimulating than true lavender.
Spike lavender was used by the ancient Romans to scent their bath water.
The word Aspic comes from the Greek meaning “Egyptian cobra”. It’s possible that this name was chosen because the ancients used Spike lavender against the venom of the asp.

Part of Plant used/Extraction: Flowering tops. Steam distillation.

Therapeutic actions: This is an excellent respiratory oil. Use it for bronchitis, laryngitis, headaches associated with catarrh and the onset of colds and flu with fatigue, chilliness, aches and pains. It is useful for muscular spasms and cramps and sore overworked muscles as well as rheumatic pains and menstrual cramps. Relieves insect bites and stings. Helpful for shingles, chicken pox, wound healing and burns.

Emotional and Spiritual: Useful for nervous tension, anxiety and depression. It helps to ease frustration, irritability and moodiness in people who find it difficult to express themselves. Instils feelings of vitality and confidence while easing tension and anxiety in those with chronic fatigue.

Safety: Because of its camphor content it is perhaps wise not to use with epileptics whose seizures are not controlled by medication.

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Guba R, The Really True, True Lavender Story. JAM Winter (2002)
Kerr J, Lavender Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.8 (1998)
Mailhebiau P, Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G, Spike Lavender Class notes

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus/Eucalyptus radiata)

Eucalyptus header

“When I used to walk through the big Eucalyptus forests,
I had trouble preventing myself from leaving my body.”
Bashistya Shivananta

Eucalyptus is one of the oils I grew up with. In times past whenever we had a cold or blocked nose we were given eucalyptus to smell usually on a tissue to help ease the symptoms. It is used in balms and cough lozenges and the trees are what give the Blue Mountains near Sydney their name.

Family: Myrtaceae

Synonyms: Tasmanian blue gum (E. globus), Eucalyptus australiana, Narrowed leaved peppermint gum (E. radiata).

Aroma: Fresh, peppery-camphoraceous, medicinal. (E. radiata), camphoraceous with a woody sweet undertone (E. globus).

Colour: Colourless to pale yellow.

Plant: E. radiata is a small green evergreen tree growing to 15 metres. Trees growing to 30 metres have been found in old growth forests. E.globus can grow to 40 metres and has leathery pale blue green lanceolate leaves. The oldest bark peels off in long reddish patches, leaving a smooth, pale grey bark.

Main Growing Areas: China, North and South America, Europe, India, Africa (E. globus), Australia (E. radiata).

Major Constituents: 1.8 cineole, alpha-terpineol, limonene (E. radiata), 1.8 cineole, a-pinene, globulol.

Interesting snippets: Although E. globus is produced in large quantities around the world it is not distilled in Australia.

The eucalyptus is indigenous to Australia but has been planted in many other parts of the world from Australian seed.

Indigenous Australians used eucalyptus leaves in decoctions and poultices for fever, respiratory problems and wound healing.

The name comes from the Greek word eucalyptos meaning well covered, because the flower buds are covered with a cup like membrane, which is thrown off as the flower expands.

Eucalyptus essential oil was first distilled in Australia in 1788 and today produces 5 –10% of the 2000 – 3000 tons produced annually worldwide.

Eucalyptus trees were planted in the most marshy and malarial areas of Algiers and due to the powerful drying action of the roots on the soil they turned those areas into some of the driest.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Leaves and twigs by steam distillation. Yields 3% from fresh material and 1.5% from dry.

Therapeutic actions: Opens blocked nasal and respiratory passages so useful for colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis. Muscle pain and arthritis. Increases concentration and logical thought.

Emotional and Spiritual: Fresh and uplifting. Helps to dispel feelings of pessimism and listlessness. Helps to provide a positive outlook. Dispels stagnant feelings and negative energy allowing us to be open to other possibilities.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes that Eucalyptus radiata is a fragrance of newness, renewal and the seeking of new horizons while being fully aware of the past. Eucalyptus awakens the power of our own healer within and is a precursor to the fragrances that exist on an angelic frequency. Its role is to encapsulate the spirit within the physical form.

Gabriel Mojay writes that eucalyptus is suited to people who feel hemmed in by their surroundings. They sense the possibility of achieving greater freedom but dare not seek to create it due to excessive caution, fear or responsibility. Eucalyptus helps dispel the negative feelings and gives them inwardly room to breathe, leading to either change or greater acceptance thus transforming a sense of suffocation into one of expansive renewal.

Robbi Zeck advises the use of Eucalyptus when you are overwhelmed with the many components in your life that require attention. She writes to get organised, create systems and plan ahead. Breathe in the stimulating aroma of Eucalyptus and imagine oxygen being received by every cell in your body expanding and integrating your thinking processes.

Patricia Davis writes to use Eucalyptus to cleanse any rooms or areas where there has been conflict both physical and verbal or where any negative energies are felt.

Philippe Mailhebiau thinks Eucalyptus is one of the best essential oils that we can discover and one, which helps us to reveal the best of ourselves.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

Courtesy of J.Jefferies & K. Osborn

Integration: Removes self-imposed restrictions, releases regrets and fears. Remove confusion and link all parts of the equation to make the whole you were seeking in the first place. Be spontaneous, give up negative habits and achieve the freedom you seek. Experience the lightness of Eucalyptus as you stop being predictable and integrate everything outside your box.

Fragrant Change Healing Cards: My life is filled with unlimited possibilities.

Contemplations For the Soul Card:

Eucalyptus Contemplations for the Soul card

Are you feeling angry and frustrated because your needs are not being met?
Are you feeling hemmed in by people, circumstances or your own inability to change?
When things don’t work out the way you want, do you blame and try to manipulate others rather than accept you may be fully or partly to blame and look at ways you can change the situation?
Release all your regrets about not having the life you wanted, face your fears and move towards the freedom you want.
If you cannot change than either accept the way things are or compromise.
Take responsibility for your decision and stop blaming others for the life you are living.

Safety: Safe when used externally. Inhalation is not recommended for babies under 12 months old or for people who are prone to asthma. There have been serious side effects noted when the pure oil was taken internally.

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Davis, P, Subtle Aromatherapy. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1992)
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)
Kerr, J, Eucalyptus Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.30 (2004)
Mailhebiau P, Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinesis)

If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange,
a circle of sections, held together but separable – each segment distinct.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin

Family: Rutaceae

Synonyms: C.aurantium var.dulcis, Portugal orange

Aroma: Sweet, citrus orange peel aroma

Colour: Deep golden to dark orange

Plant: Small pyramidal tree. Leaves are oblong, evergreen, smooth and shiny. During spring and summer white fragrant flowers appear followed by orange aromatic fruits.

Main Growing Areas: Brazil, United States, Israel and the Mediterranean and Australia to a much lesser degree.

Major Constituents: d-Limonene (up to 96% has an orange like odour), linalool, a-pinene, myrcene.

Interesting snippets: The name orange is derived either from the Sanskrit for the fruit, naranji or the arabic narandj.

The orange is native to China and it was brought to Europe by the Arabs or Portuguese explorers (depending on which source you read) and later introduced to the Americas by Columbus. I tend to think it was the Arabs as they were distilling products from the Seville Orange in Spain from the 11th century.
The orange is a traditional Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity.

In Australia nothing is wasted. After the juice and essential oil is extracted the left over remnants are used as a stock feed supplement, which is said to improve the milk yield of dairy cows.

When grown in the best conditions, some orange trees can live up to 50 years, continually flowering and fruiting every season.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Outer peel. Extracted by cold pressing of ripe or very ripe fruit. The essential oil is extracted from the flavedo (outer part of the orange peel). The thin part of the peel is removed from the rest of the orange. It is mixed and crushed with water in a cold press and processed through a hydrocyclone and centrifuge to separate the essential oil from the water molecules, and finally out through a polisher refined centrifuge to ensure absolute purity of the oil. 500kg of oranges yields approx.1kg of essential oil.

Therapeutic actions: Good digestive oil, poor appetite, indigestion, constipation. Calms a nervous stomach, good for bronchitis and colds. Useful to help get children to sleep.

Emotional and Spiritual: Helps in depression, sadness, hopelessness. She energises when apathetic, resigned and unable to make necessary changes. Helps reduce the fear of the unknown. Conveys joy and positivity.

Robbi Zeck writes to use orange when you are feeling gloomy and unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you may not even have an explanation for why you feel that way. I particularly like this sentence she ends with as I feel it sums up Sweet Orange perfectly. “Like a perfumed cascade of flowers in spring, Orange brings moments of laughter and touchstones of happiness to a beaming heart.”

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

SERIOUSNESS
Remove the seriousness that is bogging you down in life. Sweet orange is for the hard working, efficient perfectionist. Acting like you know everything, and have little tolerance for other people’s mishaps and learning experiences. Stop being so boring and feeling YOU are the only one who can do anything. Lighten up and enjoy life. You can be responsible and efficient and have a light spirit at the same time. Smile and find your sense of humour.

Contemplations For The Soul Card:

Feeling stressed, worried, frustrated, let down or generally blah?
Do you feel you have to do everything because no one else will or can do it properly?
Have you forgotten how to laugh and have fun and wonder what joy is because you’re not feeling it?
Spend time in the early morning or late afternoon sun allowing the rays to warm your skin.
Do something that brings joy to others.
Teach others how to do things and allow them to do them in their own way so you can get on with life.
Look for joy in your life and you will find it. It may take some work on your part to feel joy again but it will be worth it.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic, non-phototoxic. Should be used fresh within 6-12 months as it tends to oxidise relatively quickly. Best to store in a cool dark place like the refrigerator.

If it stops smelling like the fresh fruit then best not to use on the skin as it can than cause skin reactions. You can still use it in cleaning products.

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Fischer-Rizzi S. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Guba R. Sweet Orange. Essential News. Vol 8 (2002)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Jefferies J. Osborn. K. Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Kusmirek J. Aromatherapy. An Introduction & Guide to Aromatherapy. Wigmore Publications Ltd (1999)
Mailhebiau P. Portraits in Oils. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1995)
Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Sydney Essential Oil Company, Harvest: Australian Sweet Orange essential Oil. Oily Spring Edition (2010)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Children and Essential Oils

Essential oils are a gentle way to help children through some minor illness and first aid issues but if they don’t respond within a short time seek medical help.

First some ground rules
Do not apply neat to the skin as children have more sensitive skins and are more prone to sensitization.

If a skin reaction does occur discontinue using the oil and apply some vegetable oil, wipe off and apply again. Should you or they get oil in the eye wash the eye out with vegetable oil a couple of times.

If by some chance your child should swallow a large amount of essential oils and this could be as little as 5 or 10mls in the case of a very young child don’t delay. Treat it as a medical emergency and take the child to the nearest emergency room. Don’t try and make them vomit it back up as you may damage their lungs.

Dosage is important with young children, under 2 years keep to 0.5%, for those 2 – 7 years 1% is fine. 7-12 years 1.5%. This translates to 2 drops in 20mls of cold pressed vegetable oil for under 2’s, 4-5 drops for 2-7’s and 8 drops for 7-12’s. Once they reach 12 years you can use the adult dosage of 2.5 or 5 % 10 – 20 drops per 20mls depending on use.

The Essential Oils
When buying essential oils it is important to buy oils with the same botanical name as there are many different lavenders, chamomiles and eucalyptus. These are just some of the oils considered safe for children.

Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)
Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita/chamomilla)
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus smithii) – considered more gentle for children
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii/sacra)
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Lavender (Lavender officinalis/true/angustifolia)
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

Illnesses
You may choose to use one oil or a combination of 2 or 3. If blending remember that the number of drops above is for the total amount of essential oils in the blend.

Chicken pox – Australian sandalwood, German chamomile, geranium, lavender – as a spray, in the bath, compress or gentle massage
Cold – Eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender in a vaporiser or chest rub
Colic – Roman chamomile, mandarin, spearmint – gentle clockwise stomach massage
Constipation – German chamomile, mandarin, spearmint – gentle clockwise stomach massage
Eczema – German chamomile, geranium, lavender – gentle massage or spray or compress
Measles – German chamomile, geranium, lavender – spray, bath, compress or gentle massage
Nappy rash – Roman chamomile, frankincense, geranium, lavender – spray or add 2-4 drops to a 500ml bowl of warm or cool water and clean area.
Teething – Lavender, Roman chamomile – gentle massage into cheeks and jawline

Usage Guidelines
For massage – use number of drops above in cold pressed vegetable oil. Do not use baby oil, mineral oil or sorbolene cream as the oils will not be absorbed.

For spray – Add up to 15 drops in total to 50mls of spring or distilled water or hydrosol in a mist bottle and shake before each use. If you have a solubiliser or oil to water dispersant, follow the instructions and mix the oil and dispersant together before adding to the water.

Compress – Add 2-4 drops to a 500ml bowl of warm or cool water.

Bath – Add 2-4 drops of essential oils to a dispersant or some full fat milk before adding to the bath water. Do not put oils straight into the bath water as there is a chance of the child getting them in their eyes while splashing.

Vaporiser – Up to 4 -6 drops is usually sufficient in a vaporiser.

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