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Archive for the ‘Essential Oils’ Category

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum)- Beyond the Garden

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

This lovely, aromatic herb is used in all three forms beyond the garden.

This lovely, aromatic herb is used in all three forms beyond the garden.

BASIL

(Ocimum basilicum)
This lovely, aromatic herb is used in all three forms beyond the garden - as an herb, an essential oil, and a potent steam-distilled flower essence.

THE HERB
Basil is a lovely aromatic herb, native to India, and grown mostly as an annual kitchen herb. It is used fresh in salads and other dishes. It is often associated with Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Laotian cuisine. Basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C along with minerals including iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and potassium. It is associated with cardiovascular health and amelioration of arthritic symptoms. Basil is considered an antipyretic, meaning fever reducer, and a nervine, which means that it calms and nourishes neuronal functions. While the most common usage is definitely in the kitchen (raw or cooked), basil may be infused into a tea.  Basil is the primary ingredient in “Pesto”, and is a fine leaf to nip fresh. There are many varieties for the garden including Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Genovese Basil, African Blue Basil, and even a Purple
Leafed Basil.

THE ESSENTIAL OIL
The essential oil of basil is derived by steam distillation, and is classified in the chemical family called ‘ethers’. It has well-known aromatherapeutic applications. Basil essential oil is recommended for nervous disorders, headaches, migraines, and to ‘clear the mind’. This precious essential oil is useful for relief from respiratory circumstances like asthma, bronchitis, and sinus, and is considered antiseptic and anti-viral. This oil should be used sparingly, and generally in dilution. Even in ages gone by, basil was believed to benefit the head and the heart, a premise that is now established. As with most essential oils, there are other uses. Basil essential oil repels flies, and it can be stimulating to dull, lifeless hair.

THE FLOWER ESSENCE
Basil flower essence reduces inferiority complex. Sometimes the sense of inferiority may be overt, while in other people the sense of inferiority emerges despite tremendous accomplishments. The belief might be that the accomplishments are not good enough, or a sense that the person will never be able to measure up. No matter what, it is never enough. With Basil essence we are able to attain a sense of self-love, self-acceptance, and a true sense of worthiness, reducing the feeling of inferiority and being somehow ‘less-than.’ In addiction recovery treatment, the sense of inferiority is an attitude frequently addressed through treatment, therapy, and now, with the integration of the essence.

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THE ROSE - The Original Aromatherapy

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

White Rose

THE HERB

This wonderful plant has been valued for beauty, fragrance, and medicinal applications for thousands of years. No other flower is more loved. Fossil records of roses date back millions of years. Roses show up in historical documentation in arts and literature in many cultures, including the Bible. Roses are used in all three forms beyond the garden - as an herb, an essential oil, and a flower essence. The parts used herbally are the rose petals and the rose hips.

Roses are reported to have sedative, antiseptic, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, cholesterol lowering, and heart supportive properties. Culinary use of rose petals include fresh in salads, candied confections, and as a flavoring for oils or vinegars. Rose petals are a lovely addition to teas, imparting a soft yet floral taste and bouquet. Who among us has not rejoiced to see a rose bush blooming, to smell that delicious fragrance, and simply adore the beauty.

Rosehips are actually the fruit of the rose. It has a sweet tart taste, and is a rich source of vitamin C. Rosehips have a very long history of use, even in traditional medicine. Their iron makes them an excellent nourishment for menstruating women. The flavonoids have potent antioxidant actions, helping to protect the body from stress, aging, and environmental pollutants. Rosehips are often used to make flavored syrups. Precautions are nil for both rose petals and for rosehips. 

ROSE ESSENTIAL OILS

It takes thousands of roses to end up with even a dram of rose essential oil. It is no wonder that the price of pure rose oil reflects the arduous task to obtain it. Rose oil is used in aromatherapy to help us get in touch with feelings of faith and love. It is often used to ameliorate distress from female hormone imbalances, and for regulating the rhythm of the heart. The scent of rose brings comfort when we feel sorrow, with it’s cooling and soothing nature. The fragrance of the rose has power to bridge physical and spiritual love. Rose oil is especially prized in perfumery. Beware of artificial rose oils. They may smell pleasing, but the healing action and magic of the natural plant is absent. 

ROSE FLOWER ESSENCE

The flower essence of the rose can be species specific. There are essences from white, red, yellow, and pink roses that have direct energetic impact on the mind and the body. White rose essence is very protective. Red rose uplifts our emotions. Yellow rose helps us find our desire to serve. Pink rose helps with weight loss. The most powerful rose essences come from antique roses. The old garden roses have been found on estates, in cemeteries, in waste places, churchyards, and the like. Old roses (also referred to as Antique Roses) have gained attention, and are well worth the effort to continue growing. Most are very fragrant, and look rather naturalized as they grow. The ones that have been saved from extinction and identified have direct genetic links to roses that lived thousands of years ago. Dr. Judy Griffin has pioneered the field in flower essence work with the identification of over 20 species essences. Rose essences help us find direction from within to empower intimacy with ourselves and with others.

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DANDELION - An Age Old Remedy

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

DANDELION  - An Age Old Remedy

DandelionDandelion is reputed as an enemy of the well kept lawn by some. But, to others, the humble dandelion is an age old remedy and much esteemed plant. It has a very long history as both a food and a medicine, including Native American traditions. It attracts bees and butterflies when in flower, which makes it a good companion for fruit tree pollination. Children delight to blow the little puff ball heads that contain the seeds. That is how dandelion reseeds. Birds, animals, people, and the wind all help propagate this plant. 

 

THE VIRTUE OF ITS POWERS

As a nutritive food, dandelion has the most balanced mineral pattern of any vegetable. The tender spring leaves taste best, and can be used in salads or cooked alone or with other greens, like spinach, mustard, collards, beet, etc. It is a bitter herb, but the taste is mild. Dandelion root can be dried, and ground into an herbal “coffee.” It is easy to identify, and a handy herb to learn and use. 

The dried leaves of dandelion are a mild diuretic, especially used in teas. Neither the taste nor the smell are offensive. Diuretics affect elimination through the kidneys, increasing urine output. Drink extra water if you use diuretic herbs. Unlike some diuretics, dandelion doesn’t leach potassium. It is potassium rich, so any loss is replaced by the herb. It can be used in weight loss, and for edema.

The root of the dandelion has a different effect. It is a mild laxative, promotes peristalsis, and is considered cleansing to the liver.  An infusion of the root has been used for gallstones, jaundice, and liver problems. In combination - leaves and root - dandelion can be used as a minor detoxifier. Use fresh leaves and root when they are available in spring. Dried leaves and root will work, too.  Minor detox is favorable, since it can be gently employed in moderation now and again. Dandelion root can be tinctured, too, then taken by adding a few drops to tea. The fresh milky sap of dandelion is said to remove warts. 

BAD DREAMS

The flower essence derived from dandelion, a potent steam distillation extraction, is used to help those of us who suffer with bad dreams. It helps make dreams less disturbing, and more helpful. This essence is applied transdermally to pulse points, or to the inner right ear. We are empowered with answers received in dreamtime, rather than troubled by a fretful sleep experience.

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Peppermint- The essence, the oil, the herb.

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

 The World’s Oldest Medicine

basil flower

Peppermint is sometimes called the world’s oldest medicine, with evidence of its use dating back around ten thousand years. We are all familiar with the scent, since this herb is widely used in confection as well as fragrance. Peppermint is typically used in everything from ice cream, candy, gum and breath mints to toothpaste, soaps, and shampoos. It has a pleasant, stimulating smell.

I love to pick a leaf, nip it, and let it fill my mouth. Peppermint is now available in many varieties including chocolate, apple, and orange.  

Peppermint is the herb for digestion and ails of the stomach. Peppermint is used in all three forms - as an herb, an essential oil, and as an essence. It is a very important herb.

 

Helps Release the Fear of Loss

As an herb, peppermint has a wonderful taste and aroma. Artificial peppermints do not duplicate it’s aromatic distinction nor it’s medicinal value. The part used is the leaf.It is used as an antipyretic (fever reducer), in treatment of colds, in energizing tonics, and even as a refreshing facial or footbath. Precautions are nil for the herb, and use as a tea or in tea blends is common.

As an essential oil, peppermint is an uplifting scent. Essential oils are to be used externally, although on occasion a dilution may be prescribed with an internal application. The oil is analgesic, anesthetic, antibiotic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-pruritic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, carminative, digestive, expectorant, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic (nerve), vasoconstrictor, and vermifuge. It is no wonder it has been called a cure all. People have even used peppermint oil to deter mice from entering their homes. I met a New Englander who plans to plant it all the way around his house.

The flower essence of peppermint helps us release the fear of loss….of loved one, possessions, health, security. This insecurity is often related to an inner conflict related to connection with the mother. The feelings are dependent on external events, and the person does not feel in control. This can contribute to incomplete digestion of proteins. Energy in the intestines can become blocked, and even painful. Even as an essence, peppermint can aid in ameliortion of digestive or stomach ails. By using peppermint flower essence, the personality will be able to visualize a future with fulfilled desires, feeling safe, and without lack and limitation.

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Lavender -Much Loved Herb

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

LavenderLavender (Lavendula officinalis, augustifolia)

Lavender is one of the best loved herbs. The scent is calm and clean. The whole herb has been used for centuries in teas, confections, and compresses.

Lavender is sedative, aiding recovery from headache and congestion. The sweet smell can deter moths, and is used in herbal skin care. Lavender is used to scent culinary oils, vinegars, and honeys. In Germany, Lavender is prescribed for insomnia, nervous stomach, and anxiety. The British recommend Lavender for flatulence, colic and depressive headaches. In Spain Lavender is used in teas to treat diabetes and insulin resistance. The taste is floral, yet charmingly delicious. I have enjoyed a bit of lavender in tea cakes, and even in a custard. It can become bitter when boiled. Lavender is used beyond the garden in all three forms - as an herb, an essential oil, and as an essence.

Sedating and Calm Oil

Lavender is a magnificent essential oil, used extensively in medicinal applications, and as a fragrance. Essential oils are to be used externally, although on occasion a prescriptive dilution may apply. The oil of Lavender, like the herb, is sedating and calm. Extracted from the flowers by steam distillation, the scent of Lavender is herbaceous and floral. Lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety, insomnia, and tension. It is often added to perfumes or in aroma therapy as a harmonizer, blending very well with many other fragrances. Since Lavender has such a calming force, it is useful for asthmatic and bronchial conditions. It can reduce the spasms of wheezing, coughing, and difficult breathing, so that deep smooth breaths may return. Lavender is a favorite for massage, bath salts, and foot rubs.

Lavender’s properties are analgesic, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-tussive, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, insecticidal, nervine, parasiticide, sedative, tonic, vermifuge, and vulnerary. It is no wonder that Lavender is listed as one of the seven poly-valents (meaning useful for many things).

Essential Harmony and Blessings

As a flower essence, Lavender helps us notice and appreciate our blessings. When we can focus to appreciate our blessings, the insatiable desire for bigger, better, and more can be released, and we can feel at peace in the present moment of grace. Flower essences are completely safe, and can be used with other therapies, medications, and treatments.

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