Fragrance pyramid

http://boisdejasmin.typepad.com/_/2011/01/fragrance-pyramid-and-perfume-notes-myth-and-reality.html

Essentia

Revise - Lemon Balm

Another source of excellent scholarly notes for essay purposes is Cindy Jone's notes.  Here is her note on melissa

http://www.facebook.com/robert.seidel1/posts/124741737595126?ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment_reply#!/note.php?note_id=486534801570

here is how to subscribe to an RSS feed.
http://www.facebook.com/feeds/notes.php?id=1583658900&viewer=1522270524&key=f6c65fadb6&format=rss20

Essentia

Against animal testing

this week we are going to tackle animal testing, great progress in the EU on this but at the same time this should not be a window for the unscrupulous to launch dangerous cosmetics with nice names, that they might reasonably have known would cause allergies.

Aromatherapy has had a somewhat fraught relationship with science in this area.  Scientists naturally want to test essential oils effects on tissues so tend to test the essential oils against rats and guinea pigs tissues.

Essential oils science is not aromatherapy.  That is an empirical process resulting from case studies of the use of essential oils in practical application.  I like to think too aromatherapy goes far beyond the visible and the measurable.  Science too is increasingly agreeing.  In the vital area of maintaining congnition as populations age researchers are confirming the importance of essential oils in fighting the plaques which can build up in the brain.  These are every be to be combatted as plaque on our teeth,.

Essential n. something of importance


On muscular injections, researchers in france injected massive doses into laboratory mice to test the toxicity of essential oils in the 1920s and 1930s.  Research blossomed in this period because of the interest of R Gattefosse who made available the materials and facilities of the Gattefosse company to researchers.  Gattefosse had scientific and commercial interest in the physiological effects of essential oils (and isolated constituents and synthetic fragrance components) with a view to their medical applications.  Dozens of research papers are listed in his book Aromatherapy.

Empirical.  His book also contains a useful summary of the empirical use.  Then there was no aromatherapy profession to report back practical uses of the oils and Gattefosse lists pharmacopea summaries of indications of the plants or essential oil or isolates.  Researchers observed the effects of these massive doses and from this much of our knowledge of toxicity springs.

Terpenes.  One of Gattefosse's 's achievements was to note that if terpenes were put to one side essential oils ordered themselves quite naturally according to the chemical effects of their oxygenated components. This was an important insight and a big improvement on previous classifications. Terpenes dissolve mucous and can affect the stomach and oesophagous lining as a result. The other constituents too means there much be the greatest concern with a significent undiluted use of oils internally as 'food supplements or dietary aids' in any but trivial quantities and other than by a qualified and trained individual. Terpenes are not soluble in water so this is an unsatisfactory dilutant.


Essentia

Revise History - egypt 3500BC

History. Well heres where it all began in Egypt with Narmer, we have cosmetic palettes preserved from the time of this character and his wife who were the original pharoahs of a unified civilised egypt back in 3500 BC. Hieroglyphs appear at this time.

In Egypt perfumery was firmly linked to religion. Each deity had its own special fragrance, and statues would be covered with scented oils. Chamomile was the flower offered to Ra, the sun god.

find out more about hieroglyphs http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/hieroglyphs.html

Essentia

Getting in tune with Reiki

Reiki is an enourmously popular self help therapy using nothing more than the mind to achieve mental, physical and spiritual healing.  To 'get' reiki its sometimes helpful to reflect on some insights from science as to how the mind works in the form of emotions, images and memory.

Savants like Daniel Tammet provide scientists with remarkable insights into this. Daniel describes his experiencing numbers in emotional terms as feelings.  I was lucky enough to liase with Daniel over a show for his New York publicist.  Dont miss his upcoming New York show.

http://optimnemblog.blogspot.com/

Essentia

Below is an introduction to Reiki
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpT5MrD44wM

Now Shirley Price therapists have a new organic tool for their storage boxes.

The new look of the Shirley Price organic lipstick and organic natural perfumes range.

The organic lipsticks come in a range of 18 individual lipsticks with popular colours 4 shades of pink, 4 shades of red, black and brown.

The organic perfumes come in a base of fractionated coconut or clear or coloured jojoba.

To get the label's grey effect requires three pantone greys on the label.

Essentia

How safe are candles? - Why Sp offer electrical diffusers

Candles around children are a hazard but children should not miss out.  An aromatherapy diffuser nightlight allows children to also benefit from the use of essential oil and scent safely. We are not giving up on our soy candles for special occasions though.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/ZENBOW-bundle-Diffuser-Changing-ESSENTIAL/dp/B002KNHY0Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294275430&sr=8-1
Essentia

Dr Weil writes....Candles are a convenient, inexpensive way to add ambience, calm and serenity to a home or office throughout the year. Their warm, soothing touch creates an inviting and comforting atmosphere. For everyday indoor use, you should opt for unscented candles. Some researchers note that unscented candles create less soot than scented varieties - over time this soot can accumulate in lungs and cause respiratory problems. Scented candles may also contribute to indoor pollution. I suggest candles made of unscented beeswax, which are just as beautiful and cozy as artificially scented varieties.

More from Dr Weil
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP03662/How-Safe-Are-Your-Candles.html

Essenzia Forum

http://www.forum-essenzia.org/

The Aromatherapy Show

Listen to internet radio with IanBrealey on Blog Talk Radio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ianbrealey/2011/01/06/daily-aromatherapy-blogta

Join Ian Brealey and Jan Benham of Shirley Price Aromatherapy with their guests for weekly live chat mostly about plant oils and how they help us with health, beauty, fitness on The Aromatherapy Show

Essentia skincare essentials

1.  Honey mask

Normal to dry/mature skin. A smooth honey mask including essential oils of lavender and geranium, which gently stimulates and nourishes a dry or mature skin. Helps restore skin based vitality and elasticity. Used over time will normalise a dry skin.

Ingredients: Aqua, Mel, Propylene Glycol, Xanthum Gum, Hydroxyeythycellulose, Algin, Phenooxyehanol, Methyidbromo Glutaronitrile, lavendula angustifolia, pelargonium graveolens, santalum album

PH value: 4.5-5.5, Specific gravity 0.997-1.00

2.  Pretty serum

Pretty serum – All skin types

Contains essential oils of frankincense, Neroli and rose otto. This easily absorbed serum contains essential oils that give the skin a silky smooth feel, increasing softness and elasticity. Normalising and revitalising.

1. Skin feels smooth and silky
2. Normalises and revitalises the skin
3. Increases softness and elasticity

Method of use: Gently massage into the skin as often as required.

A serum is used to provide extra moisturising for dry and mature skin

3.  Classic Moisture Cream

Moisture cream - for normal and dry skins

A beautiful blend of natural moisturising ingredients, including carrot oil, which helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and elasticity. Contains specially selected essential oils of frankincense, lavender and rose absolute to normalise a dry skin

1.    Moisture cream helps to normalise dry skin.

            2.    Moisture cream maintains the skin’s natural moisture balance by replacing

water lost through the pores.

3.    It helps to preserve natural elasticity of skin.

4.    Moisture cream is non-comodegenic and will not block pores. It forms a barrier to prevent the pores being blocked by dirt and make-up.

Method of use: After thorough cleansing and toning apply to the face, neck and around the eyes, blending until completely absorbed.

4.  Revitalising minute gel

All skin types. All skin types can use minute gel to activate blood circulation, revitalise and promote a glowing, healthy skin. With regular use will brighten the skinand normalise a sensitive skin; includes essential oils of chamomile and cypress.


5.  Moisture creamThe organic base cream serves as a sensitive skin moisture cream. 
Organic cream base 87.75% organic ingredients: Aqua, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Butospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Glycerin, Coco-glucoside and conconut alcohol, Theobroma Cacoa (Cocoa) seed butter*, Glyceryl stearate, Cera alba*, Sucrose stearate. Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil*, Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthum Gum, Potassium sorbate, Lactic acid, Tocopherol, Benzyl alcohol *certified organic

Other cream bases also serve as a moisturising cream.

6.  Cypress exfoliating cream – Normal-dry skin

This creamy mask, containing bergamot, cypress and lavender, cleanses, smoothes and invigorates. Its exfoliating action eliminates impurities, refines pores and helps to maintain a clear and healthy complexion.

1. Eliminates impurities
2. Refines pores
3. Maintains a clear and healthy complexion
4. Cleanses, smoothes and invigorates the skin

Method of use: Gently massage for approximately 5 minutes, then rinse with tepid water.

7.  Moisture lotion - for normal to oily skin

This fine, light lotion blended with essential oils of geranium, juniper and lavender will help to keep the skin supple and moist and preserve its natural elasticity. Moisture lotion protects the skin from harmful environmental conditions. It will normalise an oily skin.

1.    Moisture lotion helps to normalise an oily skin.

2.         It keeps the skin's natural moisture balance correct by replacing moisture lost

 through the pores.

3.    Moisture lotion helps to preserve natural elasticity of skin.

4.    It forms a barrier to help prevent dust, dirt and make up going into the pores

Method of use: After thorough cleansing and toning apply moisture lotion with finger tips to the face, neck and around the eyes until completely absorbed.

 

more essentia skincare products are on www.ShirleyPrice.com

 

Essentia

Aromatherapi - CAM links

LINKS TO HEALING
WITH AROMATHERAPY
Iceland
Aromatherapi
The story of teaching
aromatherapy in Iceland
started in 1989. In that year
the wholesale Ambrosia
founded The Aromatherapy
School of Iceland. The
owners were Agnar
Ólafsson, Arnar Sigurðsson
and Agnar Agnarsson. The
teacher was Anna Edström.
She is a doctor in biology
and biochemistry from The
University of Uppsala in
Sweden. She also graduated
as an aroma  therapist from
the School of Shirley Price in
Hinckley, England.  For the
assistance of Anna Edström
Ambrosia had imported
Shirley Price aroma products
to Iceland for teaching and
sale. The school was run
until 1993 and graduated
aroma therapists. Since that
time Bergfell ehf has
imported products from
Shirley Price.
NSK

KAM ~ The Committee for
Alternative Medicine,
Sweden www.kam.se
NNH ~ Norwegian Natural
Medicine Association,
Norway www.nnh.no
LNS ~ Landsorganisation
Natursundhedsrådet,
Denmark www.l-n-s.dk
BIG ~ The Association of
Complementary and
Alternative Medicine in
Iceland www.big.is
LKL ~ Luonnonlääketinteen
keskusliitto ry, Finland www.lkl.fi

Aromatherapy and Sjögren's syndrome

KH writes

"I USE HELICHRYSUM IN ALOE VERA FOR DRY EYES. PUT IT ON THE UPPER AND LOVER EYE LIDS."

"I HAVE SJOGRENS SYNDROM. MY TEARS DONT RUN ANYMORE. MY EYES FEEL DRY, LIKE THERE IS A SAND THERE, STINGS ET.C. DON'T ASK ME HOW HELICHRYSUMT WORKS BUT IT DOES. I FEEL BETTER IN MY EYES THAN WHEN USING ARTIFICIAL TEARS. THE SKIN AROUND MY EYES ARE FINE, NOT DRY OR FLAKY. I AM ALMOST 60 YEARS OLD AND THERE IS NO PUFFINESS AROUND MY EYES. IT WAS BEFORE I LEARNED TO USE AROMATHERAPY. BUT AFTER I STARTED TO USE HELICHRYSUM THEY HAVE NOT COME BACK. I USE ALOE VERA GEL BECAUSE IT DOES NOT RUN. I LOVE HELICHRYSUM."

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic disorder that causes insufficient moisture production in certain glands of the body. It occurs when a person's normally protective immune system attacks and destroys moisture-producing glands, including salivary glands and tear glands. The lungs, bowel and other organs are affected occasionally.

Sjögren's syndrome is named after the Swedish eye doctor, Henrik Sjögren, who first described the condition.

Sjögren's syndrome may cause the following symptoms:

• extremely dry eyes causing a feeling of grit or sand in the eyes or a burning redness.
• extremely dry mouth and throat causing difficulty with chewing and swallowing, decreased sense of taste, difficulty speaking, an increase in dental cavities, and dry cough or hoarseness.
• excessive fatigue
• aches and pains in muscles and joints

What causes Sjögren's syndrome?

Normally, the immune system (the body's defence against invaders) protects the body from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.
In autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign substances to fight off. This inflammatory response causes the body's white blood cells to attack and destroy certain moisture-producing glands.
The exact cause for the abnormal immune response in Sjögren's syndrome is unknown. Some theories suggest that a virus or bacteria may alter the immune system, causing it to attack the glands. Some people may have a genetic or inherited factor that makes them more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome.

Essentia

Carriers

An aromatherapy supply company must provide first class carrier oils in 125ml to 25kg quantities.  Many are attracted into the aromatherapy business thinking they just have to buy a quantity of essential oils and then realise that the clients of massage therapists judge them equally on the quality of their carrier oils. That said some aromatherapists do an excellent job hunting out small distillers of rarer oils or distilling their own oils and hydrolats.

Not everyone likes storing and toting around 200kg carrier oil barrels either! Nor is this the sort of business that can be done from home.

Most carrier oils must be cold pressed from seed and fresh.  Many of the carriers lose their skin nourishing fat soluable vitamins with 12 months after pressing.  Even Jojoba which is noted for its keeping qualities becomes lifeless as a massage oil within 18 months. 

Most of the appreciative feedback messages from new hospice and shop customers Sp gets relate to the quality of the carrier oils which have always been a key strength of Sp.

We do supply organic carrier oils but with the exception of the jojoba and the sunflower oil we find the organic oils way too expensive for most therapists and so most of the carrier oil we sell is conventionally farmed.

Essentia

Carrier Oil List

96013311	Almond
96013328	Apricot
96013335	Argan
96013342	Avocado
96013359	Blackseed
96013366	Calendula
96013380	Camellia seed Oil Expressed
96013397	Carrier oil mix
96013403	Carrot Oil
96013410	Coconut oil
96013427	Evening primrose
96013434	Flax (Linseed)
96013441	Grapeseed
96013458	Hazlenut
96013465	Hemp seed
96013472	Jojoba golden
96013489	Jojoba clear
96013496	Lime blossom
96013502	Macadamia
96013519	Melissa
96013526	Mustard
96013533	Moringa oil
96013540	Neem
96013557	Olive Oil
96013564	Passionflower
96013571	Passionfruit
96013588	Peachnut
96013595	Pomegranate
96013601	Pumpkin seed
96013618	Rosehip
96013625	Rosehip organic
96013632	Safflower
96013649	Sesame
96013656	Soya
96013663	St Johns Wort
96013670	Starflower (Borage)
96013687	Sunflower
96013694	Wheatgerm
96013700	White lotion
96013717	White Lotion Organic

No. 55 Grapefruit Oil

Grapefruit oil has a bright, crisp, citrus aroma that has an uplifting influence.

Several studies have indicated that the aroma of grapefruit oil has a stimulating effect on the sympathetic nervous system that is uplifiting, and may help reduce appetite and cravings. 

Shirley Price grapefruit essential oil 


Students/Therapists login

 HOW ESSENTIAL OILS ARE USED

44 oils for 46 conditions  For students
and practicioners alike we recommend
this online training manual from ETS

Did you know you can download this Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Reference manual for just just
£8.99   Buy now

PubMedPubMed is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine that includes
over 19 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals
Contains 10,350 articles relating to essential oils
The Shirley Price online catalog is linked to individual searches for ease of
student reference, for example,  Grapefruit Essential Oil (35 articles)
WikipediaA free encyclopedia built collaboratively using wiki software
The Shirley Price online catalog is linked to individual searches for ease of
student reference, for example,  Grapefruit Essential Oil

Thank you so much for your business in 2010. We hope you enjoy using our products as much as we enjoy making them! Looking forward to the new year and changes it will bring. Thanks again!

from the staff and tutors of Shirley Price Aromatherapy

while we are away the oils are available with free next day delivery to 10 EU countries from Amazon


1010        Basil (Ocimum basilicum)1020        Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)1015        Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)1041C     Carrotseed (Daucus carota)1045        Cedarwood Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)1050C     Chamomile German (Matricaria recutica)1055C     Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) 3ml1056        Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) 10ml1070        Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)1080        Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)1085        Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)1095        Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)1100        Eucalyptus smithii (Eucalyptus smithii)1115        Fennel, sweet (Foeniculum vulgare)1140        Frankincense ( Boswellia carteri)1145        Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)1150        Ginger (Zingiber officinale)1155        Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)11170C    Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum officinalis)1175        Juniper (Juniperus communis)1180        Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)1183        Lavandin (Lavendula burnati) France
1184        Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) Tuscany1185        Lavender Organic (Lavandula angustifolia)  France
1186C      Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) UK1188        Lavender High Altitude AOC1189        Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Bulgaria1190        Lavander fine wild (Lavandula angustifolia) France1195        Lemon (Citrus limon)1200        Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)1202        Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)1205        Mandarin (Citrus retiulata)1210        Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana)1216        Melissa (Melissa officinalis)1225C     Myrhh (Commiphora myrrha)1235C     Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara)1240        Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora)1255        Orange, Sweet (Citrus aurantium var. sinensis)1260        Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)1265        Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)1270        Pepper Black (Piper nigrum)1275        Peppermint (Mentha x pipertia)1280        Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)1290        Pine (Pinus sylvestris)1315        Rosemary  Morocco (Rosmarinus officinalis)1311        Rose otto (Rosa damascena)1330        Sandalwood New caledonia (Santalum album)1340        Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)1350        Thyme, Sweet (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)1355         Vetiver (vetiveria zizanoides)1365        Ylang ylang complete (Cananga odorate)
 Complete Guide to Aromatherapy8005        Aromastream vaporisers UK wiring8005E      Aromastream vaporisers EU wiring8006        Filter replacement (for Aromastream Vaporiser)8008        Aromastone - Blue8009        Aromastone-Oatmeal/White  8011        Breathe Easy8012        Mini Vaporiser8014        Pyramid Ioniser White8014B      Pyramid Ioniser Black8015        Delta Ionizer White
8015B      Delta Ioniser Black8016        ZENBOW night light, 5 in 1 diffuser, BLUE8018-A     BLISS night light, 5 in 1 diffuser, AMBER

Essentia

Essential oils and conditions encountered during pregnancy

Essential oils have many traditional uses all over the world in pregnancy.  Inhalations of certain essential oils can provoke a limbic response and change of mood with just a few molecules so do not present a risk of hormonal imbalance and harm.  Essential oils should be used with caution at all times but particularly during pregnancy.  It is best to seek informed professional advice.  The following conditions and oils can be discussed with your nurse/midwife or a professional aromatherapist.  Always follow their advice.  If you are receiving medication of any kind or using homeopathic remedies seek your doctors advice before using essential oils.

Morning sickness/nausea: Pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell and this can contribute to the feeling of sickness, especially during cooking, or being in the company of a smoker. Petitgrain and sweet orange essential oils, when used in a vaporiser or on a tissue, can relieve nausea, or better still, prevent it.  If a handkerchief or cotton wool ball with four drops petitgrain and two of sweet orange (with one drop of sandalwood to hold the aroma), is attached to a pillow at night, the smell will linger until morning, thus lessening the possibility of morning sickness.  As an alternative, put these oils with water into a vaporiser and leave it in the bedroom overnight, or add 4 - 7 drops in total of rosewood and petitgrain to the morning bath water.  A low fat, sensible diet also helps.

Emotional imbalance: There are many conflicting emotions during pregnancy that can be both confusing and upsetting for the mother, such as volatility of mood and slower brain reactions.

State of mind can have an effect on the baby and by caring for the total self while pregnant we can nurture the growing child effectively in the womb, helping to produce calm and healthy children, through the mother, even from this early stage.

Geranium and mandarin are good "balancers" of mood and together make an effective aromatic treatment when inhaled, or added to the bath.  Rose otto and clary are also beneficial here.

Varicose veins and Haemorrhoids: The dedicated use of blended oil or lotion can relieve itching and reduce the possibility of varicose veins.  As a preventative, one application in the morning is sufficient.  The lotion or oil should be applied before the mother gets out of ned, from ankle to thigh, i.e. upwards.  The oils should then be left to take effect for 2 – 4 minutes before getting out of bed.  Suggested oils are cypress, lavender and lemon, all of which are also helpful for shrinking and preventing haemorrhoids. Essential oils in the bath and also applied in a lotion, can be a great help.  Sandalwood in the mixture soothes the irritation, both of haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Stretch marks: Stretch marks can be prevented with the twice-daily use of an essential oil massage mix.  Applied twice a day from the fourth month onwards, mixed oil usually proves to be most effective.  Suggested oils are lavender, chamomile roman and frankincense.

It is important that a twice-daily routine is strictly adhered to, remembering to cover breasts, thighs and bottom, as well as the stomach.  Most people find it more comfortable to use a lotion mixture in the morning and the oil mixture at night.  It is necessary to use the oil mixture at least once a day, to benefit from the extra lubrication this gives.

Backache: To ease pain and general spinal stress throughout pregnancy, an aromatic bath is soothing and relaxing.  It can also ease the pain of ligament stretching in the groin area and help to prevent constipation, an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy, which is unhealthy for both mother and baby.  The "stretch mark" mix is useful for back pain and this is convenient for the mother - she does not have to think about two treatment mixes.  However, 2 drops of black pepper in 1 teaspoonful of stretch mark mix, make the oil or lotion more effective for backache.  Putting oils in the bath (4 - 7 drops in total in a carrier lotion or honey) is also helpful.

Constipation: The client should drink sufficient water and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, brown bread and fibre rich cereals to maintain a healthy routine.  Orange, chamomile roman and black pepper in reflex cream will help to regulate the bowels if applied twice daily to the large intestine and bowel reflex areas of the feet.

Heartburn: This can be relieved by taking deep breaths from a tissue with 1 or 2 drops each of sandalwood, petitgrain and chamomile roman.  The mother can use the heel of her hand to give pressure in a circular motion on the solar plexus area, breathing deeply as she does so.

Insomnia: As the child develops, the mother may experience difficulty in dropping off to sleep.  Inhalations using two drops each of sandalwood and ylang-ylang are useful aids to relaxation.  These oils can also be put in the bedroom vaporiser or a bath an hour before going to bed.

Preparation for Labour: Towards the end of pregnancy, i.e. during the last 6 weeks, oils can be used to prepare the uterus for labour.  Rose otto is excellent for this.  Adding three drops of rose otto to 3 tablespoons of the stretch mark mix helps the uterus to gain tone and strength.  You can also suggest a lotion containing rose otto and clary for the bath.

The therapist needs to make several preparations well in advance to be packed into the hospital bag:

a)      a white lotion containing cypress and lavender for use in the post natal baths and for applying to sanitary pads to relieve discomfort;

b)      a pure essential oil mix of lavender, neroli and clary for inhalation during labour;

c)   a relaxing blend of essential oils in a carrier oil for massage during labour.

Labour: Inhalation is an effective method of using essential oils while in labour, to help contraction pains.  During contractions the mother can put a few drops each of lavender and clary onto a cotton wool ball to hold in her hand and inhale when necessary (to replace the gas and air machine!)  A qualified aromatherapist could use oils like nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) at this stage because of their uterotonic properties. 

Post natal: After birth, baths of cypress and lavender in white lotion are effective in reducing bruising and excess bleeding.  The same mixture can be applied to the sanitary pads as a compress to relieve postnatal bruising and discomfort, or added to bath water.

Breast-feeding: To help establish breast-feeding ensure that the new mother knows to ask the nurses around her to "fix" the baby to the breast for her as this will prevent the majority of sore nipples.  After two days, the milk should be more plentiful, but to encourage the process, fennel in a lotion can be massaged around the breast area immediately following each feed.  Applying cool compresses of geranium and cypress in a carrier can alleviate mastitis.

Keeping babies calm and relaxed: To keep babies calm, put one drop of a familiar (to the mother) oil  
on a tissue near the baby whilst feeding or in babies bath.  The baby will then associate the smell with love, warmth and comfort.  This makes it easier to leave the baby with a sitter - simply give them a tissue too.  This also works if babies and children are fretful in the night.  Use the same aroma on a tissue beside the cot/bed, or put two drops on their night clothes and it will calm and help them to go back to sleep.

Essentia

making natural perfume - Mindy Green writes

Mindy Green

I agree with this.  Sp Jojoba as a base and top grade essential oils of frankincense from Somalia, neroli from Morocco, vetiver from France, rose from Bulgaria can all be acquired at less than the cost of a single designer perfume allowing you to blend your own perfumes to suit every occasion.

Essentia

No. 90 Thoughts on Sweet marjoram (origanum majorana)

PROFILE

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) is well known as a culinary herb cultivated in gardens all over the world. Steam distillation of the herb Origanum Majorana, gives this strongly aromatic oil vaguely reminiscent of Nutmeg and Cardamom. Egypt is the prime source for this oil.

 Here is Liz Fulcher's profile of Sweet marjoram 

USES

Try blending 1 drop of Sweet Majoram, 2 drops of Mandarin and 3 drops of Lavender in a teaspoon of Peach Kernel oil, and add to a warm bath before bedtime to help you sleep.

Blend 1 drop each of Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary and Cypress in 10ml of Sweet Almond oil and use as an after-sport massage oil.
DID YOU KNOW?

In latin sweet marjoram is called "amaracus" and marjoram oinment is known as "amaracinum".  The ointment or culinery herb has monastic use for suppressing sexual desire.  With so much aromatherapy talk about inflaming sexual desire it is nice to have the opposite in the storage box and a remedy for the oversexed!

Sometimes the clue to ancient uses lies in the roots of the word.  The closest I can see is "amarus" meaning sad or ill natured.  Maybe for someone who has lost in love or suffered bereavement and can benefit from the sedative effects of sweet majoram.

It is important to differentiate between the various types of Marjoram, Thyme and Oregano as their names tend to get very confusing, even to experts. Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil makes up only a small proportion of the Marjoram oils produced, most of which tend to be Spanish Marjoram. Spanish Marjoram (Oregano) is a completely different species, Thymus Masticina, and the so-called Wild Marjoram is the common garden herb, Origanum Vulgare, cultivated all over the world.



SAFETY ADVICE

Do not use during pregnancy.


Price p111 writes "true majoram has a significent content of therapeutic and hazard free alcohols and esters (around 40%) of each.  This with its low or non existent phenol content (0-0.5%) makes it a safe oil for general use." 

ASIDE:

Continuing the 'ancients' theme.....did America's legal system and freedoms spring from Atlantis?  Now before you turn hastily away consider this. Though the greeks had their Courts our legal systems are based on the Roman model.  Where did this come from?  A Spaniard called Hercules perhaps.  Hercules was the first great admiral recorded by history.  Keeping trade routes clear of pirates (something for all our sophistication we are struggling to do off Somalia) Hercules brought war followed by civilisation and the rule of law to the peoples of the western mediterranean.  From under the ashes of Vesuvius emerged a port city called in Ancient times 'Herculaneum'.  This is where it is thought Hercules established his port when his fleet arrived to subdue the natives of the area.  This was long before Aeneas and the Trojans arrived to found Rome with the local Latins.

Modern Gibraltar was known in ancient times as the 'Pillars of Hercules' and the legend was of an Island in the Atlantic beyond the 'Pillars of Hercules' of great legal sophistication and prosperity lost to natural catastrophe.  There is no reason to doubt that whatever the hazards of Atlantic storms mediterranean peoples traded with the atlantic seaboard and peoples. Greek fleets travelled as far as the Indian Ocean in Alexander's time.  Modern archeologists point though to eastern mediterranean islands lost to volcanic eruption as the true source of the Atlantis story.  Theres an essay in there somewhere!

Ok I wandered off the point.  Ancient Language and Aromatherapy.  Consider then one of the fathers of Aromatherapy 'Paracelsus'.  Translated Paracelsus means equal to or greater than Celsus.  Celsus was a Roman and we have some fragments of his writings on maintaining health.  He records how the greeks swore by regular massage which they called 'rubbing'.  In ancient times male musculature was important whether to wield a spear or oar.  The ability to take to the sea was also important to evade pestilence or attack from an overwhelming neighbouring tribe.  The phrase was 'in mare in peliculum' or 'to the sea in times of danger'.  Clarity of thought was also important in keeping accounts and conducting business.  Massage would have been just as good and welcome stress relief then as now.

Maybe you'll look on remembering those Botanic latin names as a bit less daunting.  The latins werent a remote people they were us...then and they knew a thing or two.  Now a question.  How does origanum translate? Battaglia p229

Essentia

the 5 'essential' essential oils from aromatherapy times

Lavender for everyday use is simply the most widely recommended oil for therapeutic benefits and for personal enjoyment. After a demanding day reach for the floral sweet smell that calms the nerves and relaxes the mind. This wonderful balancing oil will treat skin burns, soothe menstrual cramps and add to your overall sense of facing new challenges with anticipation and sensitivity. Can be used throughout the day to relieve stress and headaches.

Eucalyptus is commonly used in remedies to treat coughs and the common cold. Because it helps loosen phlegm many herbal practitioners recommend inhaling eucalyptus vapors to help treat bronchitis. Eucalyptus oil is rich in cineole (a potent antiseptic that kills bacteria responsible for bad breath). Also, its camphoraceous smell in combination with lemon is often used as an insect repellent.

Tea Tree essential oil more than any other antiseptic oil is expected to do the therapeutic heavy lifting in aromatherapy. It is the most used first-aid oil in the practice of alternative medicine. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and used in the treatment of poor oral hygiene. Every home medicine cabinet should have a bottle. Tea tree tends to be extroverted and concentrated so be a little shy and careful with its application.

The scent of orange reduces anxiety and lightly lowers high blood pressure. Diffuse orange to help ease symptoms of bronchitis, colds, the flu, and to soothe stress and depression. A clockwise abdominal massage of orange may ease constipation and water retention. Orange makes an excellent body moisturizer, and when added to the bath has a calming effect. Orange has excellent de-greasing and cleaning properties.

Peppermint essential oil, as a massage oil over the abdomen relaxes the muscles to help in the digestion of heavy meals and relieves flatulence, cramping, nausea and specific disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint oil relieves the itching of ringworm, blisters, poison oak and ivy and stimulates oil production in dry skin and hair. Many bacterial and viral infections are destroyed by it.



Essential oils should be diluted to only 1-5% in a carrier oil. (Carrier Oils - Jojoba oil, Almond, Coconut) only a couple of oils are ok to apply 'neat' or undiluted, such as Lavender Oil, Tea Tree.



Listed below are essential oils that are most problematic for certain conditions.

Pregnancy cedarwood, chamomile, lavender,

peppermint, rose and rosemary

Photosensitizing (reacts with sunlight)

angelica, bergamot, lemon, orange, grapefruit and mandarin

Epilepsy fennel (sweet), hyssop, rosemary and sage (all types)

Note: The information provided on this site is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals.

Source:
www.aromatherapythymes.com