Archive for October, 2009
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Five Basic ‘Must-Have’ Oils
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Everyone makes their own selection in choosing perfumed essential oils for personal enjoyment and we all have our favourites. It is also usual to have a degree of aversion to some scents. These olfactory preferences regarding natural aromatics define our particular personalities and tastes.
However in beginning to build up a range of pure natural essential oils at home there are some useful ones to purchase as a basis, as they have health value, many practical applications and all people find their scents are delightful to inhale.
So the suggestion is to first consider –
Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia There are many species of lavender and all have provided traditional and very popular cottage remedies when used as an analgesic, antidepressant or nerve tonic. Its gentle, sedative influence is well known and popularly used in modern commercial perfumery and toiletries as well as in aromatherapy.
Its soothing influence makes it invaluable for inhaling when any nervous tension needs attention. It is safe for children to inhale as it is for adults. Lavender can be blended with almond oil for massaging. It can be applied directly to burns.
Women in particular benefit from its use. Inhalations offer healing agents in cases of insomnia, migraine, premenstrual tension, headache or dizziness.
Lemon -Citrus limon
This wonderful oil from the rind of the lemon fruit has many important roles to play in the home. It is looked upon as one of nature’s most potent antiseptics. A drop of the oil can be smeared upon the back of the tongue at first sign of contracting a cold or any contagious disease. With care in placing the oil so that no contact with teeth occurs, children can be included in this simple defence against illness.
Direct inhalations help to cleanse the mind of troubled thoughts. The oil is also recommended for aiding concentration when studying.
As an air freshener, its sharp, clean scent in bathrooms, toilets and storage places is appreciated.
The pure oil is powerful and can be damaging in direct contact with materials, furniture and even plastics so care must be taken to safeguard any possible damage.
Although strong, it is not toxic but as with all substances, including essential oils, children should not have access to it.
Peppermint Oil Mentha piperita
This is a well known aromatic that is used in confectionary, pharmaceutical products, toothpastes, toiletries and in embrocations for external application.
It is related to lemon with its clean, sharp influence.But whereas lemon oil is not used directly on the skin, peppermint is a fine ingredient in massage oils for relieving spinal conditions as well as muscular strains. It is proven effective in use by naturopaths, osteopaths and chiropractors for these purposes.
In home use a few drops in almond oil, massaged gently for any muscular strains gives relief and produces a mixture of sensation of heat and cold. When administering this oil, caution is given to the masseur in a reminder to wash hands immediately afterwards as the intense fumes can irritate the eyes.
Peppermint is usually valued for its use by direct inhalation to relieve colds and ‘flu, asthma or any respiratory conditions when the eyes must be closed. Steam inhalation in a mechanical inhaler is effective also.
Pine Oil -Pinus sylvestris
This wonderfully warm and delightful aromatic oil has great value as an energizer when inhaled directly, easing muscular strains and nerve pain. Its recognized chemical attributes make it an accepted antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic.
This is an oil for general use in the family but is particularly helpful for males and frequently their choice in personal toiletry or as a deodorant.
Directly inhaled is not only pleasant but has the effect of well being and improving vitality of body and mind. It is recommended for various physical applications but the subtle benefit for those suffering stress of depression is of primary importance. It can assist in strengthening self confidence.
It is used in massaging oil, for arthritis, fatigue, cystitis, gout, muscular aches and rheumatic pain. It is safe to use direct (after skin test) or blended with almond or eucalyptus oils. It is also a fine direct inhalant for relief of respiratory difficulties and chest troubles.
Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia
This unique oil from Australia offers a remarkable one that has many useful applications and deserves a pride of place in your family health cabinet although usually not selected for its perfume.
Application of tea tree oil has a miraculous power to eradicate physical skin problems related to fungal conditions in particular. The problem symptom of ‘germ under the nail’ that has a history of stubborn resistance to any medicine is cured by direct application of this pure oil.
When first discovered it was found helpful as a mouth wash in gum and dental treatment and remains a common practice in many homes today as an alternative to the chemical products that often have side effects or cause allergic reactions. Following usual tooth brushing practice, a mouth wash with a drop or two of tea tree oil in warm water is a refreshing experience and results in fine method for maintaining oral hygiene that can be used by the whole family.
TO ENLARGE UPON THIS BASIC SELECTION WILL TAKE YOU ON A PLEASANT PATH TO INCREASED UTILIZATION AND ENJOYMENT OF THE RANGE OF AVAILABLE CONCENTRATED NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS THAT OFFER US REMEDIES FROM NATURE’S LABORATORY.
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ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Most of us can be quite definite in voicing our appreciation of a perfume we find pleasing. We are equally decided about what we find unpleasant. Our unique sense of olfaction directs our choice of personal perfume and demonstrates our own particular taste in aromatics. In regard to selecting our personal perfume, it is entirely our own choice. We are free to choose our personal scent to enhance a particular quality of our personality or to suit our passing mood.
When we are thinking of general use of essential oils and perfumes, however, we have to be aware of the fact that others may differ in their appreciation or distaste for certain perfumes or may even be allergic to a particular scent. So we must use perfumes with sensitivity and err on the side of subtlety for greatest appeal when we anticipate sharing a perfume with others around us.
When using essential oils as remedies for personal health reasons, we must be guided by the science of Osmics as well as being sensitive to our own responses to a perfume. In addition to some oils being sedative and others more stimulating, each has a specific chemical make-up and offers unique properties in healing.
Perfumery has become an integral aspect and an important one, in modern life as we become more aware of the power and influence that aromas have upon us, both consciously and unconsciously.
Apart from the sheer pleasure of enjoying beautiful perfumes through deliberate inhalation there are many ways we can help to increase our environment through the judicious use of natural scent.
Here are some hints as to methods of employing and enjoying aromatics.
Inhale essential oils directly or use a vaporizer which is essential in relieving respiratory problems.
Use essential oils in perfumed sprays in bathrooms, and toilet areas.
Bath oils are used to provide a delightful way of relieving stress.
Burning incense sticks provide a means of perfuming the immediate environment through their subtle and fascinating fumes.
Alternatively, we can directly apply appropriate perfumed oil to our hands or skin to aid our quality meditation.
Physiotherapists, naturopaths, and aromatherapists use perfumed massage oils on skin.
Scented pillows as favoured for sleep inducement.
Oils can be added to pot pourri in order to scent a room.
Use scented oils to keep away flies and insects and so avoid the use of harmful chemicals.
Select your favourite essential oil for use as a body perfume and deodorant.
In a variety of ways we seek to indulge our sense of olfaction as we continue to increase the use of perfumes in our lives both through essential oils and sophisticated perfumery as well as our limitless opportunity to enjoy the natural scents and delights in our walks in the wild, in our garden, or when inhaling the delicate scent of a single rose.
Look for information in our catalogue listing of oils and their special influences upon mind and body.
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Perfumes and Incense
Monday, October 26th, 2009
The use of perfumes and incense in our history is an old one perhaps dating back as the word ‘per’ = by means of, and ‘fumum’ = smoke, relates to its association with man’s first use of fire. Certainly it is known that resinous woods were burnt by early man both in homes and caves and in religious rites in temples and groves.
Of our five senses, the olfactory sense is the most subtle and difficult to define but it plays a large role in our well being, both in our physical health as well as the subtler psychological and spiritual well being.
Most people may value perfume only as an addition to their personal toiletry. We also can appreciate it on others or enjoy a pleasing scent in the garden or the general atmosphere. But perfume possesses other specific qualities not so quickly recognized. Aromas affect our quality of life both by the additional of beautiful perfumes or by the destructive nature of chemical or traffic fumes. These bad odours cause reactions on our nervous systems and respiratory systems in a negative way, intensifying nervous tension both physical and psychological.
Inhalation of pleasant perfumes and flower essences of natural origin have a positive enjoyable result, stimulating the sense of well being, so fundamental to our psyche in protecting us from disease, physical and mental. In addition, it is found that perfumes of natural essences and essential oils can counteract negative states of the body and mind and are therefore proving to be effective ‘medicine’ for many ills.
The subtle nature of perfume is beginning to be appreciated through the science of Osmics. Aromatherapy is now a common therapeutic option and is included as one of the modalities used in natural therapies and entering tentative application in orthodox medical science and psychology.
Burning incense sticks is now commonplace in western as well as customary in eastern societies. Care should be used with modern synthetics as harmful effects can sometimes occur from some chemical ingredients used in their production. We can only expect anticipated benefits if we use the natural essential oils and aromatics.
Not only personal use of perfume, but appropriate
quality fragrances released into the atmosphere
through burning as incense offer a wonderful influence in any environment.
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Our Scented Environment
Monday, October 26th, 2009
What can we do to contribute some beneficial influence to our environment?
We are very aware of the damage caused in our environment by toxic substances and the release of chemical fumes resulting from the wastes of industry. We may be able to identify certain poisonous chemicals but we will never be able to monitor the full extent of their damage when released into the air we breathe and into the water upon which all earth life depends.
Although we cannot foresee an immediate ban on the release of toxic chemicals into the air, all we can do is to try to avoid inhaling them and to find a way to counter their negative influence. Scientists predict the harmful ramifications will continue to affect our atmosphere for centuries into the future.
As it is not likely that we will witness legislation that bans the manufacture of these chemicals, we are likely to observe the problems continue.
Amongst the several most dangerous fumes that enter our atmosphere in great volume and which we cannot as individuals control are from the constant fumes of vehicles on our roads. The traffic problem is being tackled although it is proving difficult as long as we adhere to current engineering systems and present source of fuel.
When disasters occur and fires destroy buildings and commercial factories releasing enormous clouds of toxic chemicals, they wreak their havoc. Fumes from plastics and chemicals continue to create mini disasters in the industrial communities as arson is added to the social terrorist mentality of sabotage tactics and weaponry. Many human and animal casualties result from these ‘accidents’ in industry.
It is a sad testament to the powerful destruction that can be caused by indiscriminate use of chemicals without prior full investigation. This will continue to happen as long as we allow the creators of these chemicals to continue dictating to the scientists who should be impartial in their tests and should be alerting us to dangers rather than protecting the current vested interests by preserving the status quo.
Although it may seem of little significance, the aromas and fumes from burning natural essential oils does make a positive contribution by releasing perfumes that help to counter toxic fumes in some small measure. The delightful scents of lavender and eucalyptus, lemon or frankincense certainly encourage us all to breathe more deeply, instead of being inhibited by chemical smells and obnoxious with atmospheres polluted by chemical odours. The custom of burning incense in the home and during outdoor entertainment is gaining in popularity.
Perfumes are used now as they always have been, to smother the unpleasant smells and odours – of individuals, of society en masse and of poor sanitation and odours associated with decomposing material of various kinds. Whereas in the past, they were used to attempt to cover up the smells of poor sanitation, this is no longer of vital importance. The focus has shifted to the need to cover ups the chemical stenches resulting from commercial and industrial manufacture and the effluents that are involved as by-products.
But we now must recognize that any attempt to neutralise the effects of toxic chemical use in industry by sacrificing precious natural oils would fail miserably.
However, we are free to continue the use of aromatics in our own homes, and here we must enjoy them to the maximum.
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Through Inhalation we Enjoy Perfume
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
It is only by the association of breath and in the olfactory process that we are able to enjoy perfume.
It is easy to confirm that we are dependent upon the air we inhale for olfaction to function, just as our sense of taste can be experienced best when we exhale. Try to capture a perfume when you are exhaling – and to taste a pleasant food when you are inhaling!
It is to our advantage to cultivate a fine olfactory sense or sense of smell. It is a basic tool of enjoyment and also is used to discern the quality of things. On the practical level it is useful to check the quality and freshness of our food or alert us to smoke or fire.
To activate our sense of smell we must inhale air through our nose before it enters our lungs. If we are a mouth breather by habit, we are bypassing this first important stage when the air, along with any perceptible perfume or scent is immediately analysed by our brain and the messages conveyed through our nervous system . If there is need for immediate body response the muscles must be prepared for action.
But there are equally important considerations if we wish not only to enjoy the sensory pleasures that perfumes offer us but to nourish our brains by ensuring that the energy of the essential oils or natural perfume allows the brain to be first beneficiary. Perfumes are a subtle brain food and the brain relies upon adequate inhalation to provide nourishment and to stimulate its many capacities.
The negative effects of obnoxious chemical fumes and pollutants is accepted and well documented to show carcinogenic potential and to cause other illnesses.
The science that has proven the positives affect of various fragrances and essential oils upon our moods, thoughts and physiological states is known as Osmics.
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Inhale Perfume to Increase Vitality
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Everything that is alive draws in life energy and expresses it in a process corresponding to respiration. The universal energy is known in yogic terms as prana, and as chi in Asian countries. Our life begins at our birth with an inhalation and our life will end with our last exhalation. From cradle to the grave our breathing function does not let us down except in times of respiratory malfunction or disease. Throughout the whole period of our life-span the breath will continue without a pause, in its interminable rhythm keeping us supplied with oxygen, giving us life energy whether we are aware of the process.
The majority of these breaths we take unconsciously, with many being taken in the hours of sleep. But we expect that when we go to sleep, the breath will continue, and that when we awaken, the process will have been maintained through our sleep and naturally be resumed. It is a potent reminder of the absolute faith that we place in nature every time we go to sleep.
Respiration is so fundamental and dependable a physical process, that we are apt to take it for granted and overlook its importance, and the wonder of it. But specially, it is our breath that allows us to speak, to sing, to chant and to enjoy the gift of creative language allowing us to communicate our thoughts.
The yogis over many centuries of observation of human breathing have amassed valuable information about the breath in relation to all aspects of the human psyche with the aim to employ this knowledge in the art of living.
Learning breath control produces physical results and psychological benefits beyond the most obvious one of maintaining the link between body and soul. Not only does conscious breathing increase body energy but deeper breathing, in particular, stimulates all our faculties and makes sharpens our spiritual awareness.
Remember, the greater capacity we have to breathe deeply, the more energy we will have – it is that simple.
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