Palm kernel oil is a useful and versatile oil that is pressed from the nut of the African Oil Palm, Elaeis guineensis. It is used in a variety of products, from lotions and cosmetics to delicious (and calorie-rich) desserts. While called an “oil,” unrefined virgin palm kernel oil is actually the consistency of butter at room temperature, making it an ideal base for body butters, soaps and salves. In its purest form, it is a beautiful light brown color and has a unique, rich, nutty caramel fragrance. It is a wonderful moisturizer for skin, lips, hair and nails, and provides cooling relief for itchy skin and ragged cuticles.

Recently, this oil has received much negative media attention, and for good reason. Due to high demands worldwide, some companies have started using environmentally irresponsible planting and harvesting practices, destroying thousands of acres of rainforest in Malaysia and Indonesia to make room for oil palms. Unfortunately, this practice not only devastates precious virgin forests, but also further threatens the already-endangered orangutans that live there.

Picture compliments of Tom Neuhaus, Project Hope and Fairness

These days, many are calling for a ban on palm kernel oil in response to these ecological abuses, but I suggest that being an informed consumer and carefully selecting your supplier can make a big difference. Not all palm kernel oil is produced unsustainably. There are many growers who make their living honestly and rely on discerning buyers for their livelihood in the face of unscrupulous competition.

We use an environmentally conscientious supplier for palm kernel oil in Togo, West Africa. The group we deal with follows fair trade and organic guidelines in the production of their oils. The forests are not destroyed when harvesting nuts and fruit for the oil, and no orangutans are harmed since orangutans are not endemic to the region. We are happy to have a relationship with this supplier and continue to enjoy the benefits of palm kernel oil without hurting the environment.

Body Butter Recipe

Moisturize and nourish your skin with all organic and unrefined oils and butters.

Ingredients

2 oz of Shea Butter

Directions

Melt all the ingredients in a double boiler. Once melted, add 50-75 drops of any essential oils that you love and immediately pour into glass jars. This recipe makes about 16 oz.

I often add neroli, orange, sandalwood and geranium to my body butters. Be as creative as you like! You can always add the essential oils another day by mixing them into an individual jar of body butter with a glass stir rod.

Santalum paniculatum

The plantation is a three thousand acre ranch high up in the mountains of the Big Island—so high that the clouds often cover the trees in the afternoon. When you stand amongst the Sandalwood trees on a sunny day, you can see the snow-capped peaks of old volcanoes towering to your left, and the deep blue expanse of the Pacific spreading out far below you to your right. It is a breath-taking place to visit, so quiet in the thin mountain air that you can almost hear the trees growing.

This plantation has been family-owned for four generations, originally owned by Jeff’s great-grandmother, a full-blooded Hawaiian islander. Her Hawaiian culture taught that one should live one’s life in harmony with others and with the earth, and that if people take care of their land, the land will take care of its people. Jeff and his family try to run their ranch in accordance with these values and strive to be role models to other famers in the area by promoting good land stewardship. For example, they make sure that for every tree that is harvested, at least one is planted to take its place, they do not use pesticides or herbicides, and they irrigate their land with collected rainwater.

1 yr old Sandalwood

I appreciated that the land in these volcanic mountains is perfectly suited for growing Sandalwood. Historically, land at this elevation was only used for pasture since the soil was too poor for traditional agriculture. However, Sandalwood trees and their supporting host tree, the Koa, flourish in the thin, rocky volcanic soil. (Sandalwood trees are semi-parasitic and require a host tree for structural support and nourishment). Both trees are thriving in this soil and self-propagating like weeds. Thousands of new trees are “born” this way.

Jeff’s family’s mission statement says: “We are a native Hawaiian re-forestry and education organization committed to economic prosperity and environmental responsibility, guided by cultural values, for a more sustainable Hawaii.” We are proud to offer their excellent product at Aromatics International. Click for a detailed description of Sandalwood’s therapeutic benefits.

Recipe

Sandalwood heartwood

Anxiety Blend

10 drops Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum)
1 drop Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
1 drop Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
1 drop Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Blend undiluted in a small bottle. Carry with you to inhale whenever anxiety arises.  This blend also works well in an inhaler.

Nighttime Skin Nourishment
4 drops Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)
3 drops Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
4 drops Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum)
1 drop Lemon (Citrus limon)

Melt 1 oz. of Shea butter with 1/2 oz. of Jojoba in a double boiler, pour into a 2 oz. jar and add the essential oils immediately. Close and let cool. Apply to your face at night.

Sandalwood has an affinity for the throat.  For an excellent sore throat remedy, combine 5 drops Sandalwood and 5 drops of Myrtle (Myrtus communis) into 1 ounce of Jojoba.  Apply to the throat often.

Looking for a rejuvenating vacation, Larry and I headed into the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness area on a 5-day horse pack trip.  Setting up camp in the Basin, we became immersed with wilderness life, and enjoyed being with the plants, tree’s, rivers and flowers.

While we were relishing our surroundings, I was happy to see an abundant supply of Yarrow (Anchillea millefolium) growing in the meadows of this remote backcountry.   Yarrow is an amazing plant and fabulous essential oil!  It is vibrant and resilient, thriving in both harsh and lush environments.  One morning as I was exploring a rocky creek bank,  I was pleasantly surprised to see a healthy Yarrow plant growing.  The Yarrow plant was placed where the spring run off has little mercy. It was amazing to see it thriving in such conditons!

The Yarrow plant is strong and gentle at the same time.  It has a hard, strong outer stem and a soft substance inside the stem. I often take reading material on my trips and had the book The Blossoming Heart, by Robbi Zeck,N.D. Curious what her perspective was on Yarrow I was delighted  to see that we had the same thoughts on this incredible plant. Robbi says, “Yarrow is a sacred plant of ancient China, superbly representing the qualities of Yin and Yang – the masculine and the feminine…stabilizing polar opposites within the body. (Zeck 121)”  Robbi further states that Yarrow is useful during times of major life changes, when emotional equilibrium needs greater support.

Next time you are feeling at odds with yourself and everyone around you, try a drop of Yarrow in your favorite carrier oil.  We love this oil for its’ cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is also very useful for muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and gas.

Some other remarkable therapeutic properties of Yarrow:

• Antiallergenic – helpful for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis
• Antidepressant – can help to prevent and alleviate depression
• Anti-inflammatory – alleviates inflammation, cooling
• Analgesic – numbs pain
• Antiseptic – assists in fighting germs/infections
• Antispasmodic – relieves spasms, cramps and spastic coughs
• Antiviral – assists in fighting viruses
• Cicatrisant – cell-regenerative for skin, healing for scars
• Decongestant - relieves chest congestion
• Tonic for the nervous system – for exhaustion and stress

Emotionally uplifting and healing for the nervous system, Yarrow essential oil is a beautiful blue color with a Camphoraceous and Herbaceous aroma.  Strong and gentle, yin and yang, masculine and feminine, I consider this one of the most important oils in our oil collection!

Recipe – Tonic for the Nervous System

6 drops   Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
4 drops   Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
6 drops   Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
1 drop     Patchouli

Add to 1 ounce of unscented lotion and use when feeling the need for calmness and peace with yourself and your surroundings.

Every day I am blessed by using hydrosols! While hydrosols can differ in their chemical properties from essential oils, they also have fantastic therapeutic value. With a milder aroma, hydrosols are potent, chemical combinations that are effective in assisting with various discomforts or conditions.

There are two hydrosols I am particularly excited about right now: Rose Geranuim and Lemon Thyme! I am continually using them for any major or minor skin related discomfort I encounter.

Rose Geranium is a beautiful product that is helpful in addressing a multitude of skin related distresses. Hydrosols are so often misunderstood as simply being a watered down mixture of essential oils. This suggestion completely underestimates the actuality of these wonderful distillations! The following is a typical chemical breakdown by a GC/MS test for Rose Geranium (Pelargonium capitatum) courtesy of Ann Harmon (Ann, from Morning Myst Botanics, has spent considerable funds and time researching the benefits of hydrosols):

Rose Geranium

Citronellol          66.96%
Isomenthone      8.46%
Linalool               5.28%
Geraniol              8.46%
Rose Cis-oxyde   2.39%

In searching through the Component Data Base from the Aromahead Institute (an invaluable tool), I find research that shows the components Citronellol and Geraniol found in this hydrosol are:

• Effective chemical constituents for controlling dust mites, (which can aggravate respiratory allergies)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antifungal
• Fantastic mosquito repellent (often times found more effective than DEET)

As it is anti-inflammatory, this is a good product to use in any condition where heat is involved such as sunburn, bug bites, and rashes.   Suzanne Catty in her book, Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, says that Rose Geranium is a hemostatic, it slows or stops bleeding rapidly and can be used to clean wounds and cuts.

Rose Geranium is a great hydrosol to keep around!

Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus) hydrosol is also a valuable product to have in the aromatherapy cabinet. Here is the GC/MS report that Ann Harmon has shared showing its main chemical constituents:

Neral                  11.68%
ß-bisabolene      13.00%
Geranial               9.42%
Nerol                    6.67%
Geraniol             30.60%

One of the most interesting components is Citral (Geranial and Neral), an aldehyde, which is an ingredient making up over 20% of the hydrosol.  Citral possesses properties that are:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antifungal
• Antibacterial

Once again, in searching through the Component Data Base from the Aromahead Institute, I find research that shows Citral has a broad-spectrum antibacterial action, encompassing gram+ bacteria such asBacillus subtitlis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus spp, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, and gram- bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter sakazakii and Helicobacter pylori.

Lemon Thyme hydrosol is primarily used for infectious skin conditions, as it is stimulating helping to increase circulation, and is particularly great for acne and wound treatment. In a study with Lemon Thyme that Ann Harmon has been working on with a Doctor at UCLA, Ann reports: ”Initial reports in the 9 cases of chronic sinusitis (inflammation) and infections have all been positive, most are remarkable.  One case in particular had the woman patient free from infection and thus antibiotics for the first time in years, she had been through numerous surgeries and many antibiotics all to no avail” (used with permission from Ann.  She will be making her studies available shortly).

For nasal infections and inflammation, Ann Harmon suggests using either a neti pot with saline (1 TBL to 1Cup saline) or 1ml in a vaporizer. This same protocol has been used with a blend of Rosemary and Yarrow for sinusitis.

As with essential oils, hydrosols are best stored in a cool, darkened area.

]]> http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/blog/news/hydrosols/practical-hydrosol-applications-part-2/feed/ 2 http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/blog/news/hydrosols/practical-hydrosol-applications-part-2/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AromaticsInternational/~3/l0AMxhA2hZQ/ http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/blog/uncategorized/guest-blogger-special-essential-oil-hydrosol-treatments-for-adult-acne/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:50:21 +0000 Karen http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/blog/?p=789

Our guest blogger, Jessica Elkins, is a licensed Esthetician and has been practicing for 11 years.  She opened  her own practice 5 years ago (2007) and operates out of a yoga studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jessica’s interest in skin care started when she was handed  a book on essential oils while traveling in Arizona.  Ever since, she has been an enthusiastic student of botanical skin treatments and their effects for different skin types. It wasn’t long before Jessica was mixing her own masks and perfume oils.  During Esthetician training, she worked at Whole Foods in the Body Care Department and taught classes on natural skin care.  Jessica enjoys studying both natural skin care and the study of the biochemistry of skin care ingredients.  Her philosophy is: “The best of science and nature.”

Below are several ideas relating to acne treatment from Jessica’s Skin & Body Apothecary:

Essential Oils and Hydrosols for Acne

Many women who come to see me for facials are frustrated by the onset of adult acne. Acne does not only effect individuals with oily skin; it can present itself in all skin types. Regardless of the cause of acne, your skin can benefit from anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients. As a skin care expert, I have created some guidelines to easily choose the right combination of essential oils and hydrosols for your skin’s condition.

Guidelines for Essential Oils and Hydrosols

Dehydrated, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from calming Essential Oils:

• German Chamomile and Yarrow
• Calming Hydrosols  - German Chamomile,Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm.

Hint:  Stimulating plants should be avoided, with the exception of Tea Tree which can be used as a spot treatment.

Dull, dry, acne-prone skin is best served by stimulating ingredients with an overall emphasis on hydration and exfoliation in the skin care regimen:

• Rosemary and Tea Tree Essential Oils
• Lemon Thyme and Lemon Verbena Hydrosols

Oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin will benefit from the calming and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils & hydrosols such as:

• German Chamomile and Yarrow Essential Oils,
• German Chamomile, Calendula, Helichrysum & Lemon Balm Hydrosols.

You can also use stimulating ingredients in moderation, such as Rosemary Essential Oil and Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

Oily (not sensitive) acne-prone skin benefits most from:

• Tea Tree and Rosemary Essential Oils
• Lemon Verbena, Clary Sage, and Lemon Thyme Hydrosols.

For pustules or cysts, undiluted Tea Tree Essential Oil can be applied as a spot treatment.

Adding essential oils and hydrosols to your skin care regimen can give you a great advantage over your acne! Aromatics International suggests simply adding one drop of your preferred essential oil to a mixture of White Kaolin and French Green clay. This mixture will draw impurities from the skin, increase circulation, and decrease inflammation. Add enough hydrosol or water to make a mask or use as a poultice This is a great step in your regimen because decreasing acne inflammation is extremely important in combating scaring and lingering acne. Following the removal of your mask, spray with a mist of your favorite hydrosol. This will take the place of a “toner” in your regimen, and give your skin another layer of botanical benefits. Finally, don’t forget to protect your skin with a moisturizer.

For more information on natural skin care visit www.jessicasapothecary.com

You can also follow Jessica’s blog at: http://jessicasapothecary.wordpress.com/.

Hydrosols are the first part of the distillate waters from the steam distillation of plants as stated by Ann Harmon. Also known as hydrolates or floral waters, hydrosols have a wide variety of applications. Read on to discover some of the remarkable ways that I have used hydrosols this winter!

1.  Helichrysum hydrosol is wonderful for:

• The treatment of cuts, wounds, bruising, and pain
• Skin care applications: this hydrosol helps to heal most skin conditions
• The treatment of incisions after any kind of surgery
• Daily use as a mouthwash
• The treatment of animals with skin conditions

Helichrysum Tip: Spray Helichrysum hydrosol on sun spots or “liver spots” to greatly fade the darkened areas. When used as a toner on the face and body, it can help control skin irritations and skin infections.  Great for healing the skin!

2.  Peppermint and Spearmint are hydrosols that I can’t live without!  I like to spray them on my face and neck but my favorite use is to put 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint or spearmint hydrosol in my water bottle for sipping throughout the day.  The resulting mint-flavored water is incredibly refreshing, excellent for digestion, mentally stimulating, and a rejuvenating “wake-up” beverage!

• Peppermint is most famous for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and mind-stimulating properties
• Individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome have reported success with this hydrosol

3.  Bay Laurel hydrosol is remarkable as a cleansing and toning agent for the lymphatic system. Its taste is warm, spicy, and delicious.  When experiencing pain associated with a congested lymphatic system and lymph node swelling, I undertake this three-week Internal Protocol that has been recommended by Suzanne Catty in her book Hydrosols: The next Aromatherapy.

•   Take 2 Tablespoons of Bay Laurel hydrosol and add to a water bottle, sipping throughout the day.  Do this for 3 weeks and then stop for 7 days. If, at the end of 7 days the swelling and pain are gone, there is no need to do another 3 weeks.  However, if there is still a problem, continue for 21 more days.  Caution:  Bay Laurel should not be ingested if there is a cancer diagnosis.

When using Bay Laurel for Lymph node swelling I have noticed relief within 2 days!

4.  Rose Centifolia and Rose Damascena are hydrosols that I put on every day.  I love their sweet aromas and healing skin properties.  Rose hydrosol has been known for many generations to be a wonderful toner for the skin. It is an excellent moisturizer for dry/mature skin. Read below for more great properties of rose hydrosols:

• They promote emotional balance and a sense of well-being.
• They can be used on their own as perfumes, or in combination with essential oils.
• Moist, cool floral scent and taste.
• Hormone balancer
• Have postmenopausal applications
• They balance the endocrine system
• Support combating PMS, cramps, and moodiness
• Uplifting & relaxing
• Can be used in a sitz bath for postpartum healing.
• Mildly antiseptic
• They support clear-headed decision making

Other ways I use hydrosols:

• When making face and body creams, I substitute the water portion with hydrosols.
• Room and sheet sprays
• Cleaning countertops

More ideas in Part 2!  Be sure and share the difference ways you use hydrosols!

References:  Catty, Suzanne. Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy. Vermont: Healing Arts Press. 2001.

“Joy” in January has been a 3 day event hosted by The Natural Perfumers Guild, an association of perfumers, suppliers and associates dedicated to the use of 100% natural aromatics.

In the past 3 days we have received over 2 feet of snow!  I haven’t seen the sunshine in the past 3 days!  However,  I take a moment and see the amazing details Nature has left amidst the white show.  The intricate icicles that have formed over a rushing stream take my breath away!

I hope you have enjoyed the blog posts from the past 3 days and have found ways to help combat SAD through Nature’s aroma’s.  I know I have!

The comments and participation of bloggers and readers has been awesome.  Winners were chosen by an old-fashioned hat drawing!  The winners are:

Day 1: Warum
Prize:  5 ml of SAD uplifting diffuser blend

Day 2: Happy Girl
Prize: 1 ounce Energize Blend for SAD in Jojoba Oil.

Day 3: Cheesegan
Prize:  Evening Bath blend in 4 ounces Himalayan Pink Salt.

To claim your gift, email me with your shipping information at: karen@aromaticsinternational.com

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects 6-14% of our population.  While light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD, a holistic approach incorporating essential oils is recommended for best results.  Having lived in a northern climate for several years, I have experienced SAD indirectly on several occasions through the experience of friends.  Along with increased exposure to light, regular exercise, and good nutrition, an aromatic bath before bedtime can greatly enhance sleep and provide a psychologically rejuvenating experience. As light is very important in combating SAD, you may wish to use candles for atmosphere while leaving the lights on. Finish the preparation of your bath with essential oils and Himalayan salts.

Combine the Evening Bath Blend below with 1/2 cup of small-grain Himalayan Pink Salts and add the mixture to your bath.  Swish the salts around until dissolved and step into a bath blissfully reminiscent of a tub full of rose petals and jasmine flowers.

• 2 drops Rose Absolute (Rose damascena) Emotionally uplifting and an effective tonic for the nervous system, rose absolute has a beautiful floral aroma.  Rose is known to be a sedative, easing shock, grief, and depression.  As the fragrant healing aroma of rose surrounds us, our emotions are soothed and anger melts away: a beautiful oil to ease grief and depression.

• 1 drop Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) Jasmine is prized for its exotic floral fragrance! An antidepressant that stimulates and strengthens the spirit, jasmine helps to relieve depression and diminish fears. This remarkable oil also increases self-confidence resulting in feelings of optimism.

• 2 drops Mandarin – Green (Citrus reticulata) Mandarin has a rich orange aroma that is very energizing and helps to relieve anxiety and depression.  Mandarin, also a sedative, helps to release and circulate stagnant energy.  This oil has additional positive effects for sore muscles, colds, and sinus congestion.

• 1 drop Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) Vetiver has a smoky, earthy aroma that boosts your immune system as you wear it!  Vetiver oil is cooling and calming. It helps to reduce insomnia while supporting and strengthening the nervous system. As a tonic, Vetiver strengthens and restores vitality and is very grounding.

Thank you for following the “Joy in January” bloggers for this 3-day event.  Hopefully you have gleaned many strategies for dispelling the winter blues!

We are giving away a 4 ounce jar of Himalayan Pink Salts with our Evening Bath Blend. To enter this drawing, post a comment!

Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information. The winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other “Joy in January” blogs :

We have learned that essential oils can make a transformative difference in improving quality of life during the cold winter months. The appropriate use of essential oils can relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that often causes varying degrees of depression, a general loss of energy, and insomnia or restlessness at night.

When we feel lethargic, it’s difficult to motivate ourselves to exercise. This is a significant issue as exercise is a very important strategy in combating SAD. Since SAD is caused by decreased exposure to sunlight which affects our serotonin levels, I recommend walking outside every day, even if merely for 15 minutes at a time. When walking among the conifers and other forest plants and trees, we benefit from the amazing energetic properties of the trees. This meditative experience can help restore balance in our emotional system. According to Mojay, pine is psychologically fortifying. He further states that pine oil opens the chest, instills positivity and helps to restore self-confidence…disperses melancholy and counteracts pessimism, working to reawaken our instinctive connection to life.

The wood or trunk of a tree conducts water and nutrients from the roots to its leaves, stems, and flowers. Oils that are extracted from wood can help conduct energy, provide balance, and give us a better sense of core support. These oils can help us connect to our center in a deeper way. The aroma of most conifers is invigorating and uplifting.  These refreshing properties help to build stamina and encourage motivation.

Pine needles allow the tree to breathe. They also protect the tree from water loss and support photosynthesis. Interestingly enough, pine oils can help us breathe easier just as needles help the trees! We can use pine oils to support respiration, deeper breathing, and the breath of life. These oils can also protect us, both emotionally and physically, from infection and disturbing energy. Leaf and needle oils support mental expansion and creativity.  We gather valuable energy from these amazing oils.

Energize Blend for SAD

Here is a lovely and effective blend in Jojoba oil that smells amazing and gives us that extra energy boost, combating fatigue.

8 drops Norway Pine (Pinus resinosa)
4 drops Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
4 drops Silver Fir (Abies alba)
2 drops Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
6 drops Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

Place the drops in 1 ounce of Jojoba Oil (or another carrier of choice) and apply throughout the day for a rejuvenating energy boost.  Apply to the back of your neck, the insides of your wrists, and on your temples.  Keep beside your bed and take deep breaths in the morning when you don’t feel like getting out of bed.

• Norway Pine is an immune tonic that has proven to be an excellent support to the body’s health. This oil has also been used as an adrenal gland tonic, and helps us stay healthy during times of stress, excessive work and transition. It is a great benefit in enhancing circulation in the legs and helping to alleviate leg fatigue.

• Cedarwoodhas deep woody notes that boost emotional strength and stability. Cedarwood increases strength and endurance during difficult times and is very grounding.

• Silver Fir has a beautifully vibrant aroma that conjures the memory of walking in a pine forest. While its soothing benefits for the respiratory system are well known, Silver Fir is fantastic for overall immune support. This wonderful oil is emotionally restorative, and its aroma helps to inspire positive energy and promote a strong self-image.

• Peppermint has lovely cooling properties and awakens the mind. It supports creativity and combats fatigue by uplifting and stimulating the mind.

• Lime is a delightfully refreshing oil. It brings relief from fatigue, anxiety, and the general sense of discomfort related to illness. Lime brings sunshine and light to fight feelings of depression: a wonderfully uplifting boost for our emotions!

We are giving away a 1 ounce bottle of the above blend in Jojoba oil.  To enter this drawing, post a comment! Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information.

Winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other “Joy in January“ blogs :

References:

1) Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2) Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) seems to appear with the coming of Fall and eases off as Spring appears, especially in the Northern climates affecting more women than men.   Studies show SAD can be caused by a decrease in sunlight affecting levels of the hormone, Seratonin, responsible in helping us maintain a feeling of well being.  While there are other possible causes, we feel less energetic, depressed and catching more colds and flu as our immune system is depressed.  In turn, weight creeps up and we long for a good nights sleep.  In essence, SAD can affect every area of our life.

During this period of time, we naturally gravitate to uplifting aromas.  Fragrance deeply affects our brains ability to think and feel, to energize us or take us into a more quiet, restful place. Much has been written on this topic and it seems that light, exercise, eating well and surrounding ourselves with uplifting aromas such as essential oils can dramatically help ease the symptoms of SAD.

Elizabeth Jones in her book, Awaken to Healing Fragrance, quotes  a study by T. Komori et al, “Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states”. The study shows the antidepressant benefits of the citrus oils plus their boost to the emotional immune system. Elizabeth further states the results support the concept that human depression is based on homeostatic dysregulation and citrus oils improve the homeostatic balance more than antidepressant drugs.  It was concluded that citrus oils were of psychoneuroimmunological benefit for the treatment of emotions and the immune system.

I like to utilize a diffuser as the oils uplift our emotional spirit and clean the air.  If a diffuser isn’t available, put a pan of water on a woodstove or stovetop on low heat and add 10-15 drops of essential oils.

SAD uplifting diffuser blend:

35 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
30 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara)
15 drops Cardamom CO2 (Elettaria cardamomum)
10 drops Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin)

Blend together in a 5 ml bottle and use as your stock blend.  Add 10-15 drops to a diffuser. Use in your home or office during the day.

• Bergamot is a valuable oil when dealing with emotional issues and has been used successfully to address depression, anxiety, and tension.  Possessing a bright aroma, Bergamot is a beautiful addition to blends.  Bergamot also helps with insomnia and is restorative and calming.
• Orange is a bright uplifting oil and is useful to add to any blend when you want a fresh, happy note! Excellent in a diffuser to brighten the room and to disinfect.  Noted as an antidepressant.
• Neroli is used in blends for people who need strong emotional support. The gentle floral, citrus aroma can be very soothing and calming to the nervous system, especially when used in really small amounts and blended with other calming oils.  Neroli relaxes the nerves and calms and soothes the heart.
• Cardamom is a wonderful oil for aiding mental concentration (cephalic). Cardamom has a warm, sweet, spicy aroma and is refreshing and invigorating
• Patchouli helps reduce stress and anxiety and can help to prevent and alleviate depression.

We are offering a free 5 ml bottle of the above blend.  To enter this drawing, post a comment!  Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information.

Winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other notable blogs on “Joy In January”:

References:

Jones, Elizabeth Anne. Awaken to Healing Fragrance, North Atlantic Books, USA, 2010
Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996