Tag Archives: courage

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Robbi Zeck states that when you are feeling emotionally withdrawn and living in a state of separation, Cinnamon trickles into the vast, deep, inner world, bringing warmth, energy and a sense of connection to the present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

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)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Pine header

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.
Helen Keller

Family: Pinaceae

Synonyms: Forest pine, Scotch pine, Scots pine, Norway pine, pine needle

Aroma: Strong, fresh, resinous

Colour: Clear

Plant: Tall evergreen tree with reddish brown deeply fissured bark and a flat crown. The needles are 2.5 to 5cm long and 1-2mm broad, a glaucous blue-green turning darker green to dark yellow green in winter.

Main Growing Areas: Northern Europe, North America

Major Constituents: Borneol, borynl acetate, a- and β-pinene, limonene, delta-3-carene

Interesting snippets: Hippocrates recommended pine for pulmonary problems and throat infections.

The city of Venice in Italy has been sitting on a bed of pine since 810.

Pine trees typically live for 150 years but may live as long as 300 years.

In Japanese myths, ‘The Tree of Life’ is sometimes associated with the pine.

Spirit lovers are said to inhabit pine trees and live to a very old age.

In classical Kyogen theatre the image of a large pine tree always provides the stage backdrop.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Fresh, young needles, pine cones, tips of the bough / steam distillation

Therapeutic actions: Pine eases colds, flu, coughs, laryngitis, bronchitis, catarrh and sinus congestion. Helpful for rheumatic, neuralgic and muscular aches and pains

Emotional and Spiritual: Feeling helpless and unworthy. Mental fatigue, promotes feelings of energy and well-being. Instils feelings of confidence, courage and clarity. Clear a healing or meditation space when feeling depleted on all levels, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Robbi Zeck writes that pine validates and strengthens your own unique gifts and talents encouraging a simple knowing and belief of your self-worth.

Gabriel Mojay writes that pine is indicated where there is a weakness of ‘boundary’ and of self-identity – where one cannot distinguish others’ responsibilities from one’s own. Pine works to dissipate both a negative self-image and feelings of remorse, replacing undue guilt with forgiveness and self-acceptance.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes that pine teaches that it is love and generosity of spirit that endures – in the hearts of those we have loved and known and in our children.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

Pine aromatherapy insight card SELF WORTH
It is time to stop rescuing others and rescue yourself. Be strong but flexible, managing the knocks in life, living your own life and letting others live their own journey. Protect your boundaries; be true to you, treating yourself with honour and respect. Let go of negative experiences and move forward to a place where you feel fantastic about yourself. Remember you cannot rescue others; they need to do it for themselves. Allowing them to grow their way allows you to grow.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I have the self-confidence to stand tall and allow the world to see the unique person I am.

Pine FCHC

Contemplations for the Soul Card:

Pine CFTS Card Do you feel worthless or not worthy of having all you wish for?
Do you put everyone’s wishes and wants before your own?
Why are you denying or hiding your unique gifts and talents?
Do you feel the need to take responsibility for other people’s mistakes?
Stop hiding! Stand tall and accept that your opinions matter and that you are good enough to reach your goals.
Value and have confidence in yourself and others will too.
Ignore everyone or thought that tells you you are not good enough to attain your dreams.
Don’t allow others to overstep your boundaries and stop feeling responsible for the mistakes or choices other people make.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-toxic, skin sensitising when oxidised. May be adulterated with turpentine oil or mixtures of pinene, camphene and bornyl acetate.

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)
Hodges C, Fragrant change Healing Cards (2015)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Jefferies J, Pine Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.42 (2008)
Jefferies J, Osborn. K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Frog Books (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 Pages 398 – 399
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Courage and Essential Oils

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.
Mark Twain

April 25th is ANZAC day in Australia and New Zealand. It is a time when we remember those who have died or fought in service of their country. No matter what your personal views may be about war and those who fight in them you cannot deny the courage of the soldiers and in some cases civilians who take part in these wars.

But war is not the only place where people can display courage. Courage is standing up for your beliefs knowing that others don’t share them. It is standing up to a bully whether the victim is yourself or another. It is taking action no matter how small when fear is telling you to do nothing or stay the same.

Courage is living one day at a time when you are deep in grief and depression and feel you can’t go on. It is learning, playing or teaching music when the lawmakers of a country forbid it.

Courage is knowing that you must change whether on an emotional or spiritual level and taking the steps to become the person you really are.

Essential Oils
The following essential oils can help if you feel in need of some extra courage. They can be used in the bath, a massage blend, an anointing oil or in a vaporiser. You can use the oils singly or blend 2 or 3 oils together. See guidelines on using essential oils.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) is very grounding and gives the strength and courage to hold firm in the face of threatening situations, confusion and stress.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is ideal when going through emotional and physical change. She can help unearth the fears that maybe blocking your ability to change.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) helps restore initiative and determination.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) offers support in challenging situations, strengthens will-power and eases fear of failure.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) nurtures and nourishes you emotionally, helps instil confidence when you are feeling stuck emotionally or physically.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) can be used to restore self-confidence, increase low self-esteem.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) helps you to remember the courageous person you are.

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

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoide) is very grounding and offers support and strength when you are going through or feel threatened by change.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Family: Pinaceae

Synonyms: Cedarwood atlas, atlas cedarwood. Atlantic cedar. Don’t confuse with cedarwood/ Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

Aroma: woody, balsamic, sweet

Colour: Deep gold to yellow brown.

Plant: A tall pyramid shaped evergreen conifer growing up to 40 metres

Main Growing Areas: Atlas mountains of Morocco and Algeria, north America and Canada

Major Constituents: antlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene, gamma, alpha and beta-himachalene,

Interesting snippets:
Cedarwood has been found in Egyptian tombs and was used by Cleopatra to look after her hair.
Cedarwood, cistus and galbanum were used in fumigation rites in ancient Egypt.
Cedarwood was used to make storage chests as it repelled termites, moths and ants.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Waste wood and sawdust by steam distillation. Trees around 20 -30 years old with wood chips from the heartwood are preferred. This yields around 3-5% essential oil. Cedarwood Atlas makes up less than 1% of the cedarwood oils whereas Virginian and Texas (Juniperus mexicana) make up 75%.

Therapeutic actions: respiratory conditions such as a dry, persistent cough, congestion, dry skin bronchitis

Emotional and Spiritual: Spiritual strength and endurance.
Anxiety, nervousness, nervous tension and stress.

Robbi Zeck suggests that it often requires considerable courage to rework the patterns of our lives and Cedarwood brings strength and commitment to that desire. Deeply consider and contemplate your soul’s journey where healing and higher learning has occurred.

Gabriel Mojay writes that cedarwood gives us the will to hold firm, even against persistent external forces. Steadying the conscious mind, it helps us to resist the sudden events and powerful emotions that threaten to undermine our confidence and morale. Cedarwood helps us to take a negative or threatening situation, and transform it into an experience from which we can derive strength and wisdom.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

(This reading is for Virginian cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) but also applies to Cedrus atlantica)
COURAGE
Cedarwood is invaluable in helping you through the toughest situations in life by giving you the willpower, focus and persistence to keep going. Access your courage and get what you want in life and business. You will stay grounded while taking charge without being irrational and over sensitive. Recognize negative situations and change them into learning experiences. You are the one in control. Tap into your courage and regain control over, and responsibility for, your life.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I have the strength and courage to weather any crisis.

Contemplations for the Soul:

Are there areas of your life you need to change or situations you need to face?
Have you changed your circumstances and are finding it hard to fit in or adjust to the change?
Are fear and a lack of confidence holding you back from making the necessary changes?
The cedarwood tree stands tall for centuries with an inner strength and harmony spreading her branches while being buffeted by the winds and storms of change around her.
Just as cedarwood spreads her branches taking the room she needs to expand and grow tall so too can you face all the challenges that life throws at you with courage, determination, dignity and grace; learning, growing and gaining strength from each challenge and experience.

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

Sources:
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)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Kerr J, Cedarwood Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.27 (2003)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

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