Tag Archives: stress

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)

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)

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)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)

Palmarosa header

A graceful feminine grass, Palmarosa bears tiny flowers and leaves to float her fragrance like a vesper onto the warm night air.
Jane Grayson

Family: Gramineae, Poaceae

Synonyms: Andropogon martinii, East Indian geranium, rosha grass, motia

Aroma: Sweet, floral with a hint of rose

Colour: Pale yellow or pale olive

Plant: Grows up to 3 metres in the wild. It has long slender stems and terminal flowering tops that turn from bluish white to dark red as they mature. The grassy leaves are very fragrant.

Main Growing Areas: India, Comoro Islands, Madagascar

Major Constituents: Myrcene, linalool, geraniol, geranyl acetate, limonene, nerol

Interesting snippets: Used in the flavouring of tobacco and scenting soaps.
Can be used as a natural deodorant because it kills the bacteria that cause the odour.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: The leaves and upper third of the stems of plants that are just about to bloom are dried for a week prior to distilling/ Steam distilling for around 3–4 hours yields approximately 1% essential oil.

Therapeutic actions: Palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, sinusitis and bronchitis. Antiseptic, bactericide, cytophylactic, febrifuge, hydrates dry skin and stimulates appetite.

Emotional and Spiritual: Anxiety, tension, exhaustion, stress, mood swings, negative feelings, calming but uplifting

Palmarosa helps to heal your soul when you have been wounded by betrayal. She allows you to forgive yourself and others when you are ready.
On an emotional level palmarosa encourages adaptability and a feeling of security.

Gabriel Mojay writes that palmarosa is suited to the type of individual who suffers from nervousness and insecurity, but who, in addition, cannot abide change, and the frequent absence of intimate loved ones. They therefore have a tendency to be clinging, possessive or jealous, finding it hard to ‘let go’ of those they love.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes that the fragrance reminds us that strength lies in direction and purpose, but that there is only one road – that of the illuminated heart. Travelling this road, we can overcome the impediments of the physical world, learn to let go and walk with spirit.

Keim Loughran and Bull state that palmarosa assists the breaking down, breaking through and breaking forth that leads to wholeness. It also helps with the timing of the healing so the process can be deeply and completely integrated into the body, mind and spirit.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Palmarosa aromatherapy insight card ADAPTABILITY
Sometimes we hang onto things so tight that they almost break, masking insecurities that conceal past hurts. Palmarosa allows you to embrace change and let go, and then you can truly move forward and grow. We live in an ever-changing environment where we have to let go of some “old” to provide a space for some “new’.
If we are constantly growing and adapting to the changes in life, success is assured. Life will always be exciting. Shift your consciousness to a place where you are comfortable and enjoy being versatile, going with the changes that life brings.

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

Note: Frequently adulterated with gingergrass, a close cousin. Turpentine and citronella oil are often used with synthetic geraniol to adulterate palmarosa. Palmarosa is often used as a cheap substitute for rose and geranium. These are all reasons to choose your essential oil supplier carefully.

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)
Grayson J, The Fragrant Year. The Aquarian Press (1993)
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, Palmarosa Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.10 (1999)
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)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus)

Lemongrass header

Family: Gramineae or Poaceae

Synonyms: West Indian lemongrass, Guatemala lemongrass, Madagascar lemongrass (C.citratus) East Indian lemongrass, Cochin lemongrass, British India lemongrass, Vervaine Indienne lemongrass (C. flexuosus) Fevergrass.

Aroma: Fresh grassy citrus with earthy tea like undertone (C.citratus), fresh, grassy, lemony (C. flexuosus)

Colour: Yellowy amber to reddish brown (C.citratus) lighter yellowy amber (C. flexuosus).

Plant: Fast growing, tall tufted perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 metres tall

Main Growing Areas: India, Guatemala, Madagascar, Brazil, Malaysia, Vietnam, Comoros islands.

Major Constituents: Limonene, neral and geranial when present together in an oil are known as citral, farnesol – antibacterial, borneol, geraniol.

Interesting snippets: Traditionally used in Indian medicine for treating infectious illness and fever.
The majority of the essential oil is used in the flavour and perfume industries.
The fresh leaves are crushed in water and used as a hair wash and toilet water in India.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Fresh and partly dried leaves by steam distillation. 33 pounds of grass yields 1 pound of essential oil.

Therapeutic actions: Analgesic, insect repellent, skin tonic, antiseptic, antifungal, diuretic, lymph drainage, oily skin, jet lag, muscular aches and pains, rheumatic pain, tendinitis.

Emotional and Spiritual: Refreshing, uplifting, stimulating, alleviates stress and anxiety that may lead to depression, aids logical thinking, lack of concentration, mental fatigue

Robbi Zeck writes that lemongrass inspires expansion on all levels and motivates you to move beyond any limitations and opens the way for you to step into your best possible future.

Deborah Eidson suggests that lemongrass is an energetic tonic to the etheric body and shields the aura from electromagnetic bombardment. Lemongrass softens rigid mental attitudes, changing a pessimistic outlook to one of optimism as well as helping depression rooted in trying to live up to social standards.

Peter Holmes writes when lemongrass is inhaled in low amounts it induces feelings of renewal and transformation and helps to resolve day to day distressing feelings and emotions.

Valerie Worwood writes that lemongrass helps clear regrets and shame and encourages us to forgive those who have dishonoured and discredited us.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi considers lemongrass a secret aid for people who have trouble getting started in the morning.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

Lemongrass Aromatherapy Insight Card

EXPANSION
Lemongrass gives you that kick-start to get you going.
Expand your mind and environment to a place where there are no restrictions, self-imposed or otherwise. Use curiosity to allow movement into other realms, experiencing new adventures that renew passion and excitement in your life.

Remove limitations and restrictions, whether self-imposed or not. Move beyond your normal boundaries and expand into the new. Lemongrass releases the feeling that you are just existing and takes you to the space where you are truly living.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: When my path is blocked, I find another way.

Lemongrass FCHC

Contemplations for the Soul Card:

Lemongrass CFTS Card

Are you feeling restricted on some level, confused, off balance and pessimistic about the present and future?
Do you feel that you are just existing rather than living and dreaming of a life that seems impossible to obtain?
Do you find it hard to be flexible in your thinking and actions?
It’s time to become more flexible when dealing with challenging experiences and life.
Shift your attitude to one of optimism about the present and future no matter how dark it appears at the moment.
If you are trying to live up to some social standard that doesn’t serve you stop now and decide on your own standards.
Live your life according to your own standards.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-toxic. Tisserand and Young recommend not using lemongrass on people with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and no topical use on children under 2 years of age. They also recommend a dermal maximum of 0.7% to avoid skin sensitisation.

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 3rd edition Volume 1.The Perfect Potion, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
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 (2016)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Holmes P, Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Volume 1. Singing Dragon, London, 2016
Jefferies J, Citral Essential Oils. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.32 (2005)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
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)

The Health Benefits of a Walk in the Bush

We ought to take outdoor walks, to refresh and raise our spirits by deep breathing in the open air.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

There has been a lot written about shinrin-yoku a Japanese term meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” In Australia we’d probably call it “bush bathing.’

The idea is to take a slow walk through the forest, bush or any natural area stopping to admire anything that takes your fancy. This could be a leaf, tree, flower or rock. It doesn’t have to be a long walk, 15 or 20 minutes is often enough to benefit from the calming and restorative effects a walk in the bush can bring.

Rock formation at Salt Pan Creek

There are many reasons why a walk in the bush or forest can be beneficial for your health but the main reason given by researchers is that many trees give off compounds that support our immune system. Although this fact wasn’t known at the time, there were doctors in the past that set up sanatoriums in European pine forests to treat tuberculosis with great success.

Another reason to try shinrin-yoku is its stress relieving benefits that include lowering blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, headache relief, improved sleep, greater creativity, improved mood and increased energy. Simply breathing in deeply during your walk can help you experience these benefits.

symptoms of stress

You don’t need to find a long bush track to experience these effects. You could get the same benefits in a small park by sitting under a tree and taking the time to admire its leaves, flowers or bark while inhaling deeply. On one of my walks to the next suburb there is a small grove of eucalypts that I could walk through in 2 minutes or less but I take the time to slow down and admire the way each is different. It only takes a few minutes but is very uplifting. I’m also very lucky to have a bush track and river minutes from where I live.

Park bench

As shinrin-yoku is at its core taking the time to admire nature and slow down you could also spend time in your garden admiring the trees, flowers, herbs or whatever else you maybe growing there. Taking this time to slow down helps to relieve your stress and the symptoms that accompany it.

But what if you don’t live near any nature and don’t have a garden you can retreat to? Essential oils can come to your aid. You can bring the scents of the bush or forest into your home and enjoy the benefits these little power houses bring.

Essential oils

Choose 2 or 3 essential oils from those below and place 6-8 drops in total in a diffuser to bring the bush or forest to you. You can also add them to a personal inhaler that you can take with you whereever you go. In addition to the benefits above these oils are very beneficial for the respiratory system.

Buddha wood – Eremophila mitchellii – uplifting, muscular aches and pains

Cajeput – Melaleuca cajeputi – lethargy, focus, respiratory issues

Cedarwood – Cedrus atlantica – grounding, courage, respiratory issues

Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens – emotional and physical transition, respiratory issues

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus radiata – hemmed in, overwhelm, respiratory issues

Eucalyptus Staigeriana – Eucalyptus staigeriana – uplifting, anxiety, respiratory issues

Fragonia – Agonis fragrans – anxiety, stress, focus, muscular aches and pains, respiratory issues

Juniper – Juniperus communis – cleansing, worry, arthritis, mental fatigue

Kunzea – Kunzea ambigua – nervous tension, emotional and physical pain, muscular aches

Lemon Myrtle – Backhousia citriodora – stress, focus, uplifting, respiratory issues

Lemon scented tea tree – Leptospermum petersonii – concentration, air purifier, respiratory issues

Niaouli – Melaleuca quinquenervia – stress, mental fatigue, respiratory issues, muscular aches and pains

Pine – Pinus sylvestris – self-worth, self-confidence, respiratory issues

Australian Sandalwood – Santalum spicatum – contemplation, stress, respiratory issues

Silver Fir – Abies alba – clarity, anxiety, stress, respiratory issues

Spruce – Picea mariana – mental fatigue, clarity, centring, burnout, respiratory issues

Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia – tolerance, positive outlook, respiratory issues

Source:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition, Vol.1The Perfect Potion, Australia (2018)

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var.amara)

Petitgrain header

The spirit of petitgrain is embodied in gentle strength encouraging positive resolutions and outcomes at difficult times.
Valerie Ann Worwood

Family: Rutaceae

Synonyms: Bigarade oil, Citrus bigaradia

Aroma: Fresh floral, woody, herbaceous aroma with a hint of orange

Colour: Pale yellow or amber

Plant: An evergreen up to10 metre tall tree with dark green, glossy, oval leaves and white flowers producing green fruit ripening to yellow.

Main Growing Areas: Italy, Morocco, Egypt, France, Haiti, Paraguay, Spain

Major Constituents: Linalyl acetate and linalool – sedative, alpha-terpineol soothing antibacterial, Methyl N-methyl anthranilate- euphoric and mood lifting

Interesting snippets: Petitgrain was originally distilled from small unripe oranges no bigger than a cherry hence the French name petitgrain meaning small grains. As the production proved uneconomic with unripe fruit the name was transferred to the oil extracted from the leaves of the bitter orange tree.

Essential oils obtained from the leaves of other species of citrus for example, lemon, bergamot and mandarin may also be labelled petitgrain.

A major ingredient of many colognes and perfumes.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Leaves by steam distillation. 500 kgs of leaves produces 1kg of essential oil. Distillation takes about 2-3 hours.

Therapeutic actions: Muscular spasms, insomnia, digestive problems – dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain.

Emotional and Spiritual: Mental clarity stimulates the mind, uplifting, refreshing, calms anger and panic. Nervous tension and frustration, irritability and excessive anger, and mental fatigue with feelings of depression

Deborah Eidson writes that petitgrain helps acknowledge and overcome obsessive and addictive behavioural patterns. Numbing self from the anguish of life, and feeling the shame of not taking responsibility for one’s power and actions often contributes to addictive behaviours. Petitgrain imparts an awareness of these patterns.

Robbi Zeck writes that your memories create the blueprint of your individual expression. Petitgrain opens the memory gaining entrance to the place within consciousness where far memories reside. Surrender to the awareness that is beyond conscious thought. Let this frontier bring new insights to illuminate your path through life.

Gabriel Mojay writes that petitgrain’s uplifting, antidepressive effect is suited in particular to individuals who are perceived by others as inherently strong and resilient, and who find it difficult to accept their vulnerable side. They tend to ‘soldier on’ in emotionally difficult circumstances, and are often loathe to share with others feelings of rage or disillusionment.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

Petitgrain Insight card CONSCIOUS MIND
Fresh and stimulating, Petitgrain helps you access stored thoughts and memories that you may not have been using. Stay fluid when moving between conscious and subconscious states. Access the information you require to achieve success in your life. You know what you need to do, it is time to trust the knowing.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I have the answers within. I only need to trust and act on my inner knowing.

Petitgrain Fragrant Change Healing Card Contemplations for the Soul Card:

Petitgrain Contemplations for the Soul Card Have you been seeking answers to a question, ignoring something or in denial over what is happening around you?
Do you appear emotionally strong to others but hide from them and yourself how vulnerable you really feel?
Sit quietly and go within allowing your inner awareness to gently guide you to the answer you are seeking.
You have all the answers within you, simply trust and act on your inner knowing.
Know that you don’t have to be emotionally strong for others all the time.
Look within to see why you find it difficult to admit your vulnerability even to yourself.
Allow others to support and be strong for you on occasion.

Note: Often adulterated with synthetic chemicals such as nerone. May also be adulterated with limonene and rectified orange terpenes. Petitgrain itself is used to adulterate neroli essential oil.

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

Sources:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition, Vol.1The Perfect Potion, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Eidson D, Vibrational Healing, Frog Books (2000)
Hodges C, Fragrant Change Healing Cards (2015)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Kerr J, The Aromatherapy Tree. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.5 (1998)
Mojay G, Petitgrain Class notes (1999)
Worwood V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Finding Inner Peace

Finding inner peace header

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
Jawaharlal Nehru

As the quote above states peace is not a relationship of nations but a state of mind. It may feel difficult if not impossible to feel inner peace especially if you are under a lot of stress. Continual stress is not good for your mental or physical body. There will always be stressful situations; a sense of inner peace will help you deal with them more easily.

Try to find little pockets of time throughout your day to cultivate a sense of inner peace. If you are unable to instil a sense of peace into yourself and your children even for short periods of time you will never truly feel at peace with yourself, the world or those around you.

Ideas for Finding Inner Peace
Below are some ideas and essential oils that can aid you in your quest for inner peace.

Meditation is one way to develop a sense of inner peace. Taking the time to slow and deepen your breath allows you to reach a deeper place of relaxation so you can feel at peace with yourself and your world. Meditation doesn’t need to be sitting cross-legged for hours or minutes at a time. Simply going for a walk or sitting in your garden and noticing the flowers, plants, stones and nature in general can bring a sense of peace.

Sitting in nature

Listening to Music that soothes and uplifts you is another way to find inner peace. Take time out to allow yourself to become immersed in the music.

listening to music

Gratitude for all that you have in your life, your family and friends, is important for a sense of inner peace. Feeling envy or wishing for what others have will always keep inner peace at bay.

grateful

Affirmations can also help. For example, I feel calm and peaceful. No matter what is going on around me I remain calm and centred.

Forgiveness is important in order to feel inner peace. You cannot feel peaceful if you are continually thinking of the wrong someone did to you.

Essential Oils to Help with Inner Peace
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) brings inner strength.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) deepens and slows your breath calming and centring the mind.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) helps to bring a sense of balance

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is an oil of forgiveness and helps instil confidence and a sense of peace

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) helps to ease stress. Please note that the cold pressed oil is photosensitive while the distilled is not.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) brings a sense of joy

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) brings a sense of peace on all levels, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) quietens mental chatter, helping to still the mind, allowing it to move into a deep meditative state. stress

You can use a combination of 2 or 3 oils in a diffuser, a personal aroma inhaler or a massage blend to help bring a sense of peace to your world.

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)

Davina (Artemisia pallens)

Davana header

Davana (Artemisia pallens) is an oil that is used extensively in Panch Karma clinics in India but is not well known in the West. In addition to its therapeutic uses davana is used in perfumery and as a flavouring in cakes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae).
Other oils in this family include the chamomiles, everlasting (Helichrysum italicum), inula (Inula graveolens) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

Aroma profile: rich, fruity, sweet and balsamic. The aroma is due to the presence of davanafurans.

Essential Oil: dark yellow to golden orange becoming viscous as it ages

Plant description: The plant which is indigenous to Mysore, India grows in the red soil that is characteristic of that part of India. It reaches a height of 2 feet (60 meters) has bluish green aromatic leaves with numerous small, yellow flowers along its stems.

Distillation: The plant is harvested in bright sunlight and air dried before steam distilling the flowers and leaves.

The oil yield on average after 6-8 hours of distillation is 0.2%

Chemical Constituents: According to Tisserand and Young (quoting Lawrence, 1995) the key constituents are (Z)-Davanone at 38%, Nerol at 10%, unidentified furans at 6%, (E)-Davanone at 5%, geraniol at 5%.

Farida Irani has davanone at 50% along with nordavanone, artemone and davana ether whose percentages she doesn’t state, while Tisserand and Young write that the davanone content can be as high as 55%.

The above differences show that it would be wise to check with your supplier to see how much davanone your oil actually contains.

Therapeutic properties and uses:
Antifungal
Antiparasitic – has been found effective against tapeworm and roundworm in vitro
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac – has been used in the Middle East for millennia

Colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infections because of its antiviral, expectorant and mucolytic properties – use as an inhalation or chest rub.

Regulates and balances menstruation, helpful for dysmenorrhea because of its antispasmodic properties and for menopausal women.

Used in Indian clinics as a compress and douche for ovarian and uterine cysts.

Headache
Insect repellent
Nerve tonic
Helps soothe skin irritation and rashes.

Emotional:
Davana is a good anti-stress oil that can help with anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia.

The oil has antidepressant properties and is uplifting so could be useful in cases of depression.

Davana can help one deal with anger, disappointment and failure by working with the emotions and encouraging a sense of peace and a positive outlook.

Davana is useful for people dealing with shock and trauma.

Energetic:
Chakras: Davana works with the following chakras offering support, grounding and with its connection to the 6th chakra trust in your intuition.

1st – survival, safety and feeling supported
2nd – sexuality, passion and creativity
6th – connect with and develop trust in your intuition

Spiritual:
The flowers are dedicated to the Lord Shiva a Hindu God and are placed on his altar daily as a sign of love and devotion.

Davana can be used in your spiritual and devotional practices along with other oils like frankincense (Boswellia carterii) and palo santo (Bursera graveolens). One drop is usually sufficient as this oil has a strong aroma.

Suggested oil combinations:
Dysmenorrhea – davana, black pepper (Piper nigrum) and/or clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

Shock & trauma – davana and cistus (Cistus ladaniferus)

Colds and flu – davana, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) and/or tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and/or ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)

Depression – davana, palo santo (Bursera graveolens) and/or lime (Citrus aurantifolia) or other citrus

Safety Issues:
Tisserand and Young write that the oil was tested at 4% on 25 volunteers and was neither irritating nor sensitising. They also write that no hazards or contraindications are known. Irani on the other hand suggests that one use caution in the first trimester but the oil is ideal for the last trimester of pregnancy and labour.

References:
Berkowsky B, Davana Synthesis Materia Medica/Spiritualis of Essential oils 1998 -2008
Irani F, Davana in Aromatherapy Today, Vol 51, August 2011
Irani F, The magic of Ayurveda Aromatherapy. Subtle Energies, Don Bosco Press, Mazagaon 2001 Page 105 & 106
Nakhare, S. Garg, S.C., Ancient Science of Life, Anthelmintic activity of the essential oil of Artemisia pallens Wall, Quintessential web base, 1991
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014 Pages 267 – 268

This article was originally published in the April 2017 issue of AromaCulture Magazine (www.aromaculture.com) and has been adapted for use here with permission from the publisher.

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