Profile of Bergamot Essential Oil

BERGAMOT (citrus bergamia) Essential Oil :

Country Of Origin: Ivory Coast/(FCF) Italy

Certification: Organic

Classification: Citrus aurantium var bergamia

Other Names: Bergamot Orange Essential Oil, Sour Orange Essential Oil, Myrtle leafed Orange Essential Oil, Bitter Orange Essential Oil, Bigarde Orange Essential Oil, Seville Orange Essential Oil

Interesting Facts: Citrus aurantium var bergamia is a spiny evergreen tree native to southern Vietnam but widely cultivated. Citrus aurantium var bergamia is used as grafting stock for citrus trees, in marmalade, and in the liqueurs triple sec and Curacao. Citrus aurantium var bergamia is also cultivated for the essential oil expressed from the fruit, and for neroli oil and orange flower water, which are distilled from the flowers.

Bergamot Essential Oil contains synephrine, which has decongestant properties.

Medicinal Use: Bergamot essential oil has been helpful for acne, boils, cold sores, weight loss, herpes infections, alleviating pain of shingles and chickenpox, oily complexion, psoriasis (may be excellent), scabies, and varicose ulcers. Bergamot essential oil is also helpful for clearing excess mucus, halitosis, mouth infections, tonsillitis, gas, loss of appetite, cystitis, leucorrhea, thrush, colds, fever, flu, antiseptic, infectious diseases, anxiety, depression, stress, refreshing and uplifting quality. Bergamot essential oil in conjunction with iron supplementation; provides the acidic environment that the iron needs to assimilate. Bergamot essential oil can be beneficial in chronic low blood pressure caused by arterial failure. Bergamot essential oil also helps maintain the electrolyte balance of the blood. Bergamot essential oil is currently being studied for it benefits for heart failure. Bergamot essential oil is beneficial for nausea and indigestion. Bergamot essential oil has been studied for its tumor shrinking effects on liver and colon cancer.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, B-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate, a-terpineol.

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its photo toxicity.

Wonderful Bergamot has so many attributes it really is an essential oil to keep close at hand. Positive, uplifting, balanced and happy, Bergamot enhances life with its boundless joy and energy.

Bergamot is a small tree about 14 feet high, with smooth oval leaves. It bears small round fruit, much like an orange in appearance, which ripen from green to yellow. Strangely enough, when the fruit has been picked it changes back to green again.

Bergamot (furo-coumarin free) essential oil is a clear-yellow liquid with a fresh sweet-fruity, slightly spicy balsamic undertone. It is considered to be a middle/top note and blends well with Lavender, Neroli, Jasmine, Cypress, Geranium, Lemon, Chamomile, Juniper, Coriander and Violet.

The chemical constituents of Bergamot are many. It is known to have about 300 compounds (most in trace elements) present in the expressed oil: mainly d-limonene 40%, linalyl acetate 27%, linalol 12%, and other alcohols, Sesquiterpenes, terpenes and alkenes.

Bergamot’s virtues are considerable, uplifting, refreshing, deodorizing, inspiring, relaxing and balancing.

Encouraging confidence and concentration, motivation, good cheer and harmony.

The herbal tradition of Bergamot is long and varied; it is named after the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy, where the oil was first sold. The oil has traditionally been used in Italy to maintain health and wellbeing over many years.

In recent times it is used extensively as a fragrance and, to a degree, in cosmetics, toiletries, suntan lotions and perfumes. It is a classic ingredient of eau-de-cologne. Widely used in most major food categories and beverages, notably Earl Grey tea.

Meadows Bergamot Essential Oil does not cause a phototoxic reaction which can cause sensitisation and skin pigmentation when exposed to direct sunlight. This is because the oil has been re-distilled and the chemical furo-coumarin (bergaptene) has been removed.

• Did you know that Reggio Calabria in Southern Italy is the world’s largest producer of Bergamot oil, and producer of the highest quality oil?

• Ivory Coast is the next largest producer and produces a slightly darker oil.

• Sicily is often stated as a source of Bergamot oil, where as in fact despite being so close to Reggio Calabria, Sicily does not in fact produce any as the climate and soil make it unsuitable.

• Bergamots are believed to be an original cross or hybrid of A Palestinian Lime and a Bitter Orange.

• Bergamot Oil is produced exclusively for the oil production. The Juice has a bitter, sweet and aromatic flavour, similar to Grapefruit Lime and Bergamot all together (Darryn, Meadows director and Judith our sales representative can personally vouch for that). It is drunk traditionally locally to optimise healthy circulation.

• Bergamot oil is extracted initially at an ambient temperature. Technically it is not cold pressed but extracted through grating the peel and water separation.

• Natural Bergamot oil is green to dark green and has a much more herbal note to it. For the sake of skin safety (phototoxity) this oil is re-distilled and the chemical Furo-Coumarin (aka Bergaptene) is removed. This results in clear or pale yellow oil with a lighter aroma.

• When re-distilled to produce a Furo-Coumarin free oil, 20% is lost at the re-distillation stage.

• Bergamot oil is traditionally used to flavour earl grey tea.

• It normally takes 1 tonne of fruit to produce 5 kilos of Bergamot essential oil. This year, due to the hot summer and autumn in Italy, this level has dropped to 4.5 kilos. This means a 20% drop in yield, and unfortunately will mean a price increase.

• Meadows are one of the largest importers of Bergamot into the U.K and we sell this on to many other companies. This gives us excellent buying power which we can then pass on to our retail side. Equally important is our regular turn around of stock which means better quality for the end user and ultimately better results for your customers, in it therapeutic use.

Some useful tips for Bergamot use:

Try this for a lovely facial treatment: Blend 1 drop of Bergamot with 1 drop of Geranium essential oil in 5ml of Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil or a carrier oil of your choice. Gently massaged into the face and neck this is an ideal blend for most skin types, moisturizing, nourishing, soothing and calming to the skin with an uplifting feel good sensation.

Bergamot used in a diffuser will help to create a harmonizing and positive atmosphere.

FCF Is Not! Bergamot essential oil should not be combined with codeine, cocaine, or other opiate derivatives prescription or otherwise; as this can lead to irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure.

Please note essential oils are potent and should always be diluted before use!

Absorption & Elimination of Essential Oils Through the Skin

I thought this was such a great article I had to post it as I've been wondering how to address the absorption/elimination of essential oils through the skin topic without sounding too technical so that everyone can understand this critical issue that's been raised over and over again in the western medical world.

Essential oils really do enter our skin, so be cautious in their usage. Even with Lavender (yes, it's still safe to use undiluted on the skin, but be aware...too much of anything may be harmful!).



In this Aromatherapy topic of the absorption of essential oils through the skin is reviewed to better understand the topical application of aromatherapy.

Skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin of an average person weighs about 9 lbs. Our skin is a living, dying and rejuvenating organ, which is continuously on the move. With good skin care the skin renews itself every 28 days. Old skin cells are sloughed off and new ones take their place. Mistreatment of the skin can take up to three to four months to have an effect and visa versa. The health of your skin is a great indicator of the health of your overall body.

Skin is the packaging that keeps us warm, literally holds us together and keeps the rain out. It acts as our first defensive warning system and alerts our brain of the conditions of environment it comes in contact with. Our skin is mostly water proof, but is permeable to water, lipids, water soluble solutions, and substances with small molecular structures and low molecular weight. Substances with a molecular weight over 500 most likely will not penetrate the skin. Essential oils have a molecular weight of 225 or less.

In aromatherapy, molecules of essential oils applied to the skin pass through the skin's epidermis and are carried away by the capillary blood circulating in the dermis. The molecules of essential oil are then taken into the lymphatic and extracellular fluids. From there the therapeutic components of the essential oils are broken down and used by various regions of the body. Because of the lipid solubility of essential oil components of essential oils that are applied to the skin are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and come in contact with the fluids surrounding the brain. Other great examples of therapies applied and absorbed through the skin are; the nicotine patch, birth control patch and motion sickness patches. If the skin was as impermeable as was once thought aromatherapy and these therapies would not work.

There are several factors the effect the rate of absorption of essential oils. The area of skin which is used to apply the essential oil does effect how much of the oil is absorbed into the body. Even if it is a set amount of essential oil that is applied to the skin in a carrier oil there is less that is absorbed if it is only applied to small patch of skin. The beauty of skin is that we have a lot of it, which allows for application over a generous portion of the body. Different areas of the skin are more permeable than others. The palms of the hand, soles of the feet, forehead, scalp, behind the ears, inside the wrists and armpits are more permeable than the legs, buttocks, trunk and abdomen for the water soluble components of the essential oil (Balacs 1993). Subcutaneous fat has a poor blood supply which means that essential oils applied to these areas may take longer to be absorbed. Also, mature or dehydrated skin slows the absorption of essential oils.



Essential oils applied to the skin can stimulate circulation to the surface skin cells, encourage cell regeneration and the formation of new skin cells. Some essential oils calm inflamed or irritated skin, relieve muscle spasms and tension. Many scientist believe that essential oils stimulate the body's own natural defense systems. The positive effect of essential oils on blood circulation is well documented. Studies have found that basil, tea tree and thyme essential oils can encourage the production of white blood cells, boosting the immune system of the body.

A simple self test can check the reality of the claim by aromatherapist that essential oils are absorbed by the body or not. Lavender essential oil applied to the cheek can be tasted. Garlic essential oil can be smeared onto your ankle and will quickly be tasted. At Essential Wholesale we have tested the theory to see if inhalation would cause the same effect with garlic essential oil. We found that even a very short exposure to an open container of garlic essential oil results in a bad case of garlic breathe. Blood samples taken after an essential oil is applied to the skin have proven that components of essential oils can be found in the blood stream shorty after application.

Skin is our largest elimination organ. Most essential oils that are absorbed into the skin can be detected in exhaled air within 20-60 minutes (Katz 1947). Essential Oils are eliminated from our bodies within 20 minutes to 26 hours through our saliva, urine, feces or sweat in a healthy adult. Essential Oils work as rubbish collectors, attaching themselves to toxins, free-radicals, cell debris, heavy metals, renegade cells, fungi, bacteria, viruses or other debris and taking them to the body’s exits for disposal. Because of this, in an unhealthy adult, it can take up to 14 hours for the essential oils to pass through the body. The human body takes the most vital properties of essential oils and uses them to bring itself into balance and is left in a healthier state without side effects. After the essential oils perform healing their functions they are metabolized and eliminated with the bodies other waste.

The nerd in me finds the absorption and elimination of essential oils fascinating. What do you think about how the body absorbs essential oils? Do you have more to add?

I'd love to hear your thoughts or experiments ;)

The Aromatherapy You Thought You Knew But Never Knew

Research Reveals The "Real Aromatherapy Story"


I’ve read nearly every book out there on aromatherapy, and been in the field for far over ten years. Yet, somehow I missed the fact that the aromatherapy history books had the story of the rebirth of aromatherapy all wrong.

For a particular story I was writing on Lavender oil, I was going over all my notes, and I was fact checking every detail of aromatherapy history when I stumbled upon a reference that stated that according to Robert Tisserand, the story of Gattefosse was incorrectly told. I went to Tisserand.com and low and behold the true story was right there on his site.

The story of Gattefosse's famous burn is like the story of the “fish that got away,” in which the fish keeps growing with each retelling of the story. It seems that the story of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse has grown in such a way that history has been rewritten. In 1937 Gattefosse published the book Aromathérapie in French. In 1993, it was published in English. In his book he tells the story of the famous burn that happened in his laboratory in his own words,

"The external application of small quantities of essences rapidly stops the spread of gangrenous sores.
In my personal experience, after a laboratory explosion covered me with burning substances which I extinguished by rolling on a grassy lawn, both my hands were covered with a rapidly developing gas gangrene. Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped "the gasification of the tissue". This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day (July 1910)."

In nearly every aromatherapy book the story is told differently. According to the myth, “In 1928 a French chemist by the name of Rene-Maurice Gattefosse rediscovered the healing properties of essential oils. While working in his family's perfumery business an explosion severely burned his hand. He plunged his hand into the first liquid near him. That liquid turned out to be lavender essential oil that had been being used for its fragrance and for cosmetic purposes. He was amazed at how quickly his wound healed, without infection or scarring. As a result Gattefosse turned his scientific attention to the medicinal properties of essential oils and their benefits for skin conditions.”



In reality his treatment with lavender of his severe burn was deliberate. Gas gangrene is a serious bacterial infection which produces gases within the tissues in gangrene. It is a very deadly form of gangrene and in his time would have most likely have been fatal. The bacterium that causes gas gangrene can be found in soil. I agree with Tisserand’s belief that he probably came in contact with it when he “extinguished it by rolling on a grassy lawn.” Knowing the real story makes me even more impressed with the power of lavender. I have on many occasions poured lavender onto burns with amazing results. I have never witnessed the results of it on gas gangrene.

Gattefosse actually began to study essential oils in 1907 with a group of scientists. Although all accounts of his famous burn are in 1928, it was actually happened in 1910. He published his findings in his book Aromathérapie which was well received by others who went on to do their own research. Gattefosse first coined the term "aromatherapy". Aromatherapy began as a medical therapy based on the pharmacological effects of essential oils. They were considered equally effective as the conventional pharmaceutical drugs. According to Gattefosse, aromatherapy was to be used to treat a symptom or a disease in the same way that conventional medicine did. He did not see a distinction between the two and believed aromatherapy to be an integral part of medicine. He was also aware of the psychological and neurological effects of essential oils.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Popular, Hard to Come By and Fabulous!

We've recently received a lot of requests for and inquiries about Ylang Ylang oil, one of the most complex and exquisitely fragrance essential oils of all. This is another oil which has conspicuously shot up in price over the last year. The Comoros Islands are the most prolific producers of Ylang Ylang oil, exporting approximately 80% of the world’s Ylang Ylang oil. As with the Comoros Islands’ other two biggest export commodities, vanilla beans and cloves, production and availability of Ylang Ylang oil fluctuates dramatically in response to both demand and supply, which is often determined by natural disasters such as powerful cyclones.



Today, the Comoros Islands are producing approximately half the volume of Ylang Ylang oil they produced five years ago, and with powerhouse consumers like Chanel buying up the oil to manufacture perfumes, competition between buyers is intense!

tComplicating matter is that the Comoros has been in a state of terrible political upheaval. On March 25th, African Union Forces, including troops from Sudan, Tanzania, Senegal, supported by France and Libya Launched an invasion of Anjouan, one of the three autonomous islands making up the Comoros. The primary objective was to topple Mohamed Bacar's allegedly illegal Presidency, after local elections in defiance of the federal government and the African Union. Bacar fled the Comoros and is being held in custody at the French Reunion air base. We hope that life in the Comoros will soon return to normal and that people can get back to persuing prosperous enterpises such as distilling more Ylang Ylang!

If you find a bargain on Ylang Ylang oil which seems too good to be true, it's probably untrue…Ylang Ylang oil, also known as Canaga odorata variety genuina, is frequently cut with or simply substituted with plain old Canaga oil, also know as Canaga odorata variety macrophylla. The two oils have much in common, but genuine Ylang Ylang oil has a creamy mellow floral note which you’re not likely to find even in the best Canaga oil. Nevertheless, buyer beware.

While most of the Ylang Ylang inquiries I’ve received lately are about price, it’s more common to be asked about the significance of the numerals “I”, “II” and “III” which one finds attached to the name Ylang Ylang. I think I’ve heard a hundred different explanations of what these numbers mean. I’m not going to claim to be an authority on the matter, but I’ve had the good fortune to speak to several distillers who all agree with one another on the correct interpretation of these figures.

The distillation of Ylang Ylang oil is generally done in stages, during which the producer interrupts the distillation process and separates portions of the total yield of oil. For example, The producer distills a quantity of Ylang Ylang flowers for a number of hours and then stops, removing the collected oil. This oil is described as “Ylang Ylang extra”. The producer then resumes distillation, which goes on for a slightly longer interval than the first and then stops again, removing the collected oil. This oil is described as “Ylang Ylang I”. The process continues at increasingly longer intervals, the final interval lasting 24 hours or more, and Ylang Ylang II and Ylang Ylang III are collected.

Each Fraction of Ylang Ylang oil possesses it’s own aroma, which an educated nose would have little difficulty distinguishing between. Ylang Ylang Extra is the most sought after for fine perfumery and Ylang Ylang III is most commonly used for scenting candles and cold process soaps. Ylang Ylang I and Ylang Ylang II are in between grades, and are the most popular for cosmetic and aromatheraputic applications. There is also a Ylang Ylang Complete, which is distilled with interruptions, and is made up of the full yield of a single Ylang Ylang oil distillation.

Cedar By Any Other Name.....

Just Because It's Called Cedar, Doesn't Mean It's So

One of my favorite essential oils is cedar wood. And I mean real cedar wood oil, which is the only kind Yellowstar*Essentials uses.

True cedar wood oil is distilled from Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), or Lebanon Cedar (Cedrus libani), or Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). But there are many essential oils called “cedar," which aren’t really from cedars at all. So be sure the oil you are using is the cedar you intend to use.

One so-called “cedar” is Virginian Cedar, also called Texas Cedar and Pencil Cedar. Virginian Cedar is a juniper (Juniperus virginiana), which is a member of the Cypress family. Comparing Virginian Cedar Wood oil to pencils is perfect, because the essential oil really does smell like freshly sharpened pencils! It’s a very pleasing scent, but it just won’t do as a substitute for true, sweet and resinous cedar wood oil.

Other so-called “cedars” are White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). These are arborvitae, not cedar. Arborvitae, meaning “Tree of Life," is a beautiful, stately conifer of the Cypress family. Arborvitae is used in perfumery and spoken of highly, but personally, I don’t know why. To me, Arborvitae smells like Mugwort and Wormwood, neither of which make it anywhere near my top ten list. I have a hard time seeing this used as a substitute for true, balsamic, and woody cedar wood oil.

Port Orford Cedar is (you guessed it!) not a cedar. It’s another cypress. Botanists know it as Lawson’s Cypress, or Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. Lawson’s Cypress is indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, so as a one-time Oregonian, I have a special affection for it as a native member of the beautiful temperate rainforest. However, Port Orford cedar isn’t a substitute for genuine cedar wood oil.

We could go on this way, but you get the point. Yellowstar*Essentials has the real thing -- genuine Himalayan cedarwood oil (Cedrus deodara) for its wonderful, sweet, resinous and woody aroma. Our Himalayan Cedarwood comes from India where true cedar has been used for thousands of years in Ayuvedic medicine and to make fine incense. We at Yellowstar*Essentials, know there is just no substitute for the real thing. And we make it easy for you to get the best genuine Cedar wood oil too, whether it be Himalayan, Atlas or Lebanon.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

I love sweet orange oil and use it for so many things and am always finding new uses. There are those who say it isn't safe, but it truly is one of the safest.

Citrus essential oils, including Sweet Orange, are completely safe when applied to the skin of a baby or expectant mother as long as they are diluted into a cosmetic base (i.e. lotion, cream, shampoo, oil, etc.). Citrus oils have exceptionally low molecular weight, which means that most of the essential oil that the skin comes in contact with diffuses into the air and is not actually absorbed into the body. Aromatherapy that is used diluted into products is perfectly safe. Everything, including water, can be toxic when used in too large of a dose. Products containing essential oils generally contain very low concentrations of essential oils which makes them extremely safe.

The chemical composition of sweet orange essential oil is: α-pinene (0.54%), myrcene (2.08%), limonene (95.37%), neral (0.06%), citronellal (0.10%), decanal (0.06%), geranial (0.12%) (Weiss EA. Essential Oil Crops. CAB International, 1997). The major constituent of sweet orange essential oil is limonene.
Sweet orange is non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Sweet orange is not photo-toxic, although bitter orange is definitely photo-toxic. (Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients used in Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics.) Studies that have found citrus essential oils photo-toxic were conducted at 5% on animals and not at the typical 1% used in products used for human topical applications.

Sweet orange is rarely a problem for people with fragrance allergies. In all of my years in the industry I have only come across one person with such severe allergies that sweet orange was among their allergens. Scenting with the totally natural essential oil of sweet orange is a superior to using the lab created fragrances that are so common in baby products. The chemistry of sweet orange essential oil is nature made. There are no hidden ingredients, no undisclosed fragrance chemicals, no phthalates, and no added preservatives. When you purchase products made with fragrance oils there is a whole host of hidden ingredients.

Sweet Orange is cold pressed from orange peels. The scent is very familiar to most people. The essential oil of sweet orange is very commonly used in the food industry as flavoring. It is used for orange flavoring and spearmint flavoring. Limonene is an inexpensive starting material for the synthesis of l-carvone, which is a source for synthetic spearmint flavoring less costly than pure spearmint.

Many of the rumors about essential oils being toxic or dangerous are based on myths and/or based on animal trials. Since essential oils are not actually processed by an animal's body the same way that is processed by a human body this information is useless and confusing. Additionally, unusually high doses of essential oils are given internally to animals for these clinical trials. Essential oils should only be applied to the skin and not consumed. These methods for testing are faulty all around. To say nothing of how cruel it is to have an animal consume something that is not intended for internal use. Additionally, even the topical tests are faulty since human skin is less permeable than rabbit skin.

There are no actual toxic results or cases in which humans were involved using citrus essential oils. Aromatherapy has been used for hundreds of years by pregnant women with absolutely no cases harm when used under normal external conditions. I know people who use it personally, that have worked day in and day out as an aromatherapist and during two pregnancies had absolutely no problems using sweet orange during either pregnancy. As a matter of fact, I found aromatherapy incredibly useful throughout those pregnancies as well as during labor and delivery. I believe so completely and totally that essential oils are safe for use on children that I use it on my own family.

Find some sweet orange oil and see what uses you can find for it's sweet uplifting scent!

Acorelle is a new line of Ecocert certified-organic perfumes

Well, it looks like organic perfumes are now going mainstream......albeit at quite a hefty price. But when using essential oils (especially organic) they tend to be quite expensive so I can understand the cost. Here's a news article about a new organic perfume:

Acorelle ~ new line of organic perfumes

Posted by Robin
on
1 April 2009

Acorelle is a new line of Ecocert certified-organic perfumes from French beauty house Laurence Dumont. The line debuted in Europe last year with six fragrances for women, each of which “calls upon the mood-enhancing benefits of aromatherapy”:

Amande de Ble / Wheat Almond ~ “A revitalizing blend of bitter almond, ylang ylang, and apricot strengthens your natural defenses to ward off oncoming sickness.”

Jardin des Thés / Tea Garden ~ Bright notes of lemon, mint, violet, and patchouli work together to stimulate your nervous system for a jolt of energy.” Additional notes include bergamot, lavender and caraway.

Baies Sauvages / Wild Berries ~ “A cheery scent that lifts your spirits when troubles arise. Geranium, sandalwood, cardamom, and rose offer an instant pick-me-up.” Additional notes include violet and green notes.

Orchid Blanc / White Orchid ~ “Alleviate stress and anxiety with this calming blend of sandalwood, orange, vanilla, pear leaf, hawthorn, and patchouli.” Additional notes include elemi, cardamom, lemon, clove, elder, iris, raspberry and bush peach.

Lotus Bambou / Bamboo Lotus ~ “A relaxing mix of bergamot, tangerine, orange blossom, and cedar that promotes a good night’s sleep.” Additional notes include mint, blackcurrant, violet and patchouli.

Verveine Agrumes / Citrus Verbena ~ “Soothing notes of petitgrain, litsea (an evergreen tree), cedar, and neroli have a calming effect on the senses.” Additional notes include mandarin, bergamot, armoise, cut grass accord, clary sage and cedar.

The Acorelle fragrances are available in 50 ml Eau de Parfum ($68). They can be found in the US at fourseasonsproducts or lushoasis. (via press release, additional information via cosmeticnews)

Stop and Smell the Roses/ Get Refreshed by Nature's Energies

“Distillation Is In Itself A Simple Natural Phenomenon. When You Look Above Your Head And See Clouds In The Sky, These Are But Evaporation's Visible Shape. And When You Walk At Dawn On Grass Dew, It Is On Night's Condensate."
GEORGES FERRANDO

I love this quote. It surely expresses a true natural phenomenon. It surprises me that more people are not aware of how beautiful our earth is; it's magical-like qualities and occurrences of life are around every corner. And we walk on our man-made sidewalks while looking at our man-made cars and concrete buildings, with hardly a glance upward, or to nature's wonder and glory. We are truly missing out on a wonderfully abundant life.

Why not take today to stop and smell the roses. Walk a different route this morning; look for new plants or animals. Try something different and make a point to spend some time in the fresh outdoors (if you are living in a big city, try taking a walk in a park and soak up as much oxygenated air and 'natural' energy from the natural world around you.)You will be so glad you did.

When I'm surrounded by nature, a part of me is rejoicing while another part of me is nervous (a fear of the unknown). I immediately dive into the rejoicing/happy part of me so I won't recognize the terror trying to rise within me. It seems to work quite well, especially if I concentrate on the birds that are close by, or a squirrel that is within sight, or something like that, it could be anything, a turtle, a bunny, a tree, a flower...whatever it takes to clear my mind and focus entirely on receiving positive energy from the world around me. After a few minutes the light from the sun mixed with the energy of the natural world seems to fill me with such a wonderful feeling that I entirely forget anything about fear. Of course, I believe this is God working a beautiful magic. But not everyone feels the same way. It's too bad, because...what a wonderful feeling it is!

I hope you find a way to spend some time in nature today to refresh your mind, body and soul with a part of the nurturing world around you. You'll find it can add a great deal of clarity, awareness, and 'being' into your life.

That's really the ticket.......
being aware, with clarity, focus, and (my least favorite) discipline.

Discipline has always been an issue with me..*smile*

So......anyway,

get up and get outside!

take a clearing breath (or two, or ten).......
and
feel great!

light & love to you.....

Making Sense of SCENT

Making sense of SCENT

IN THE UNITED STATES, where using scents to heal has moved into the mainstream, the term ­aromatherapy is broadly applied. Scented candles with names such as “Meditation” and “Sensuality” can be found at the checkout stand of the local market, along with spray bottles of scents designed to set a mood with the pump of an atomizer. The aromatherapy category has also come to include bath salts, shampoos, lotions, potpourris, and much more. The multitude of products is nothing new, though; historically, essential oils have been used in a variety of forms, depending on the culture and new discoveries about aromatherapy.

While a large selection is nice, it may be confusing when you’re just beginning to use aromatherapy. To help you be a wise consumer, we offer a little basic background.


The discovery

Aromatherapy is a relatively new term, although the practice of using scents to heal is centuries old and crosses many cultural lines. Ancient Egyptians used scents (incense burners have been found in ancient tombs), as did the early Chinese, who employed scents in civil and religious ceremonies. During times of plague, Europeans carried pomanders made of oranges and cloves to mask odors and fend off diseases.

It wasn’t until the twentieth century, however, that the term aromatherapy actually came about. It refers to a specific form of holistic healing that involves carefully ­inhaling or applying herbal essential oils, which are volatile, aromatic plant compounds. René Gatefossé, a French chemist working in the lab of his family’s perfume business during the 1930s, is credited with coining the term. Gatefossé began researching the healing properties of herbal essential oils when he saw his own hand—burned accidentally while working—heal quickly and without scarring after he plunged it into a bowl of diluted lavender oil. In 1937, he published Aromathérapie detailing his research. During World War II, another Frenchman, Jean Valnet, a medical doctor, used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers, and an Austrian biochemist, Marguerite Maury, introduced the use of essential oils with massage techniques.

Today in France, more than 1,500 doctors have been trained in aromatherapy and prescribe essential oils routinely; in England, aromatherapy is used in hospitals to help patients relax and sleep after surgery.
Aromatherapy as profession

The aim of trained aromatherapists is to work with the body to promote health, not to provide a “silver bullet” cure. Generally speaking, an aromatherapist assesses both symptoms and an individual’s lifestyle—his or her diet, stresses, personal goals, and fears. From there, the aromatherapist determines which oil or blend of oils is appropriate.

Massage forms the major part of the treatment, and some aromatherapists consider the use of essential oils in therapeutic massage as the oils’ most effective purpose. Aromatherapists choose from among more than 400 essential oils as they work and, when preparing a massage oil, blend essential oils with a carrier oil (see the glossary,). As they massage, the oil penetrates the body.

In the United States, no licensing agency for aromatherapists exists, nor does a national standard for certification. If you are seeking an aromatherapist, remember that many holistic health-care practitioners, including herbalists and naturopaths, use essential oils as part of their practice, so they may be able to direct you to an aromatherapist in your area. . Some aromatherapy schools have created their own certification standards, including required coursework and certified hours of practice.


Other applications

“Clinical aromatherapy” refers to the use of essential oils to heal specific conditions. The technique is used by many health-care practitioners, including herbalists and naturopaths. Although not yet wholeheartedly embraced by Western medicine, clinical aromatherapy is based on scientific evidence that, in turn, is grounded in basic anatomy.

When we breathe, odors—volatile molecules that float through the air—fill the nostrils and travel up two narrow chambers to the olfactory epithelium, a receiver that extends from the outside directly into the brain. Odor molecules bind to receptors there, and neurons send messages to the brain’s olfactory bulbs, where other neurons reduce the complexities of odors. Mitral neurons send messages to the limbic system, the source of emotion and memory. Scientists say that some smells cause the limbic system to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to stimulate hormone production; these glands control sex, appetite, and other body functions. Although much research remains to be done to determine the effects of specific essential oils on both mind and body, strong evidence exists to show that they do


Another way of using scent is what some call “environmental aromatherapy.” It refers to diffusing essential oils into the air to enhance living space. The aim of this practice isn’t to mask foul smells but to cleanse the air. Diffusers are usually made of ceramic or glass, with a small container for water that is heated by a candle or electricity. Drops of essential oil are added to the water (the number of drops of essential oil is determined by the size of the room and the intensity of fragrance desired); heat releases volatile essential oil molecules into the atmosphere. Burning incense is a centuries-old method of diffusing essential oils into the air, as is the burning of scented candles.
The pros and cons of doing it yourself

Aromatherapy can be practiced alone if you’re seeking relaxation or gentle invigoration. Diffusing scent into the air, adding herbal oils to your bath, or rubbing a few drops of diluted essential oil into your feet or hands are simple ways to do it yourself. And if you want to learn more, many books and other resources can provide you with good information on how to begin Because essential oils can be toxic if not used properly, consult the “Usage Warnings and Cautions" from my website.

However, for more serious health conditions, consult a trained professional. Asthma, for example, should never be self-treated, and people undergoing chemo­therapy or treatment for serious illnesses such as AIDS shouldn’t try to heal symptoms associated with these conditions without a health-care provider’s guidance. Pregnant women should be especially cautious when trying to decide which essential oils they can use safely, and parents should always consult a health-care provider when considering using essential oils on children.


Scent sense

The best chance for a happy experience with aromatherapy is to choose good-quality products. With the increasing number of products out there, this may sound easier said than done. But a few simple rules of thumb should help.

Keep in mind that not all scents are natural essential oils. Some are synthesized in the laboratory. If an oil is labeled “fragrance,” it’s probably synthetic. A good essential oil will come from a named botanical species and, when appropriate, a named carrier oil. Its aroma will be vigorous and lively, rather than simply strong. Occasionally, essential oils are “extended” by adding alcohol or cheaper vegetable oils, rather than a preferred carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil or similar. Look for both the botanical name and the carrier oil on the ingredients list of the essential oil bottle or accompanying information. Some essential oils, pure or already blended in carrier oil, come in tiny vials; these products should have ingredient information readily available in the packaging, with a clear description of how the product has been prepared and/or instructions on how to use it and whether you need to dilute the oil with a carrier oil.

Many commercial brands will also include instructions for use. One sampler of six essential oils in small vials, for example, includes specific instructions for using each, such as adding a couple of drops to bathwater or mixing them with an ounce of carrier oil.

Remember that essential oils come from plants, so the aroma of the best oils will vary from year to year because of changes in climate, rainfall, and soil conditions—all of which affect the herb from which the essential oil comes.

Store your oils in their bottles, preferably dark ones, in a cool, dry place. Be sure to keep your essential oils separate from medicines and from solutions that might be affected by the oils’ aromas. Keep caps tightly sealed to avoid evaporation.

It’s important that serious conditions be treated by a qualified health-care practitioner. Essential oils are most commonly used in preparations to relieve aches and pains, encourage relaxation, ease stress, and care for hair and skin. Some, such as the antifungal tea tree oil, can be used to fight minor injuries or irritations; others, such as essential oil of eucalyptus, can be added to a steam to help clear a stuffy head.


Finally, take the sniff test. If you’re a healthy individual who doesn’t have a history of sensitivity but wonder whether a particular essential oil is right for you, put a small drop of the oil onto a cotton ball and sniff to make sure that you find the scent appealing. Don’t inhale right from the bottle—essential oils possess strong aromas and can cause a reaction when sniffed in this way.



GLOSSARY

Carrier oils: As a general rule, herbal essential oils shouldn’t be applied to the skin directly because they are highly concentrated and can sting or otherwise irritate. Instead, essential oils are blended with “carrier oils” to dilute them. The best carrier oils are virgin cold-pressed oils such as almond, walnut, wheatgerm, apricot kernel, and hazelnut. Castor and jojoba oils are also acceptable carrier oils. Essential oils are volatile, so they evaporate quickly when exposed to air but are soluble in carrier oils.

Diffusers:Often made of ceramic or glass, diffusers are used to disperse essential oils into the air. They hold a small container for water, which is heated by a candle or electricity. Drops of essential oil are added to the water; the number of drops of essential oil is determined by the size of the room and the intensity of fragrance desired. Heat releases the volatile essential oil molecules into the atmosphere.

Essential oils: Highly fragrant, concentrated, and potent substances that come from plants and can be irritating to the skin if undiluted. The term can be traced to sixteenth-century alchemists searching for “quintessence,” or the secret of life. Until the early part of the twentieth century, many medicines and personal products such as soaps were made with essential oils.

Perfume: From the Latin per fumare, meaning “through smoke.” Oriental cultures found religious and spiritual connotations in the aromatic smoke of burning herbs; Native Americans burn aromatic herbs to create smoke for their healing ceremonies. Today’s perfumes are largely syntheti

To learn more

BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND OTHER RESOURCES

Gibbons, Boyd. “The Intimate Sense of Smell.” National Geographic 1986, 170(3):324–361.

Green, Mindy. Natural Perfumes: Simple, Sensual, Personal Aromatherapy Recipes. Loveland, Colorado: Interweave Press: In press; due in June 1999.

Kusmerik, Jan, ed. Aromatherapy for the Family: An Introductory Guide to the Use of Holistic Aromatherapy for Harmony and Well-being. London: ­Wigmore, 1997.

Obuchowski, Christa. “Aromatherapy.” In The Whole Mind: The Definitive Guide to Complementary Treatments for Mind, Mood, and Emotion, edited by Lynette Bassman. Novato, California: New World Library, 1998.

Rose, Jeanne, and Susan Earle, eds. The World of Aromatherapy. Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1996.

The Aromatic Thymes, a quarterly publication. Subscription information: (847) 304-0975.

Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1995.


If you're interested in real essential oils and products made with them, try
Yellowstar*Essentials

Tests on Essential Oils and their efficiency....

I'm not suprised I found this article floating around the internet.........
most people that don't know anything about essential oils just assume everything they read is true.

Labs have done testing on essential oils......but what KIND of essential oils and were they therapeutic grade? or Medicinal Grade???..........no, I think not.........

read on for more interesting info:


I just read an article at MSNBC about aromatherapy on lemon, and lavender essential oils. The article reads… “Here’s some unsettling news for anyone who ever sniffed a scented candle, essential oil or pricey pillow spray, hoping for healing or another kind of physical boost… It doesn’t work.”

I’m not at all surprised!

The study used “perfume grade” essential oils - which could be anything from chemical made scents to essential oils whose molecules are fractured - rendering them completely useless from a wellness stand point.


They also reported that the “smelling” of lavender didn’t help with pain - hmmm, I’ve never known any grade of lavender to work on any type of pain (other than some types of itchiness), nor have I known smelling lavender to relieve pain.

Here’s what they said:
“One of the most comprehensive investigations done to date on aromatherapy failed to show any improvement in either immune status, wound healing or pain control among people exposed to two often-touted scents.” [they're referring to lavender and lemon essential oils being inhaled.] Read more if you like…

This report confirms three things:

1.) the quality of the essential oil DOES make a huge difference (they simply proved the novelty aromatherapy products do NOT work)

2.) they were testing for affects that neither lavender or lemon essential oils are known to have

3.) “smelling” an essential oil won’t boost your immune system or ease pain



Other things I’ve come across…

A couple years ago a friend was doing some research looking for studies on essential oils. He came across one scientific study that was trying to prove if essential oils did in fact work at all. Interestingly, the study also included their distillation method - they took “dried herbs” (God only knows how old they were) and distilled them with solvents for their scientific study on essential oil efficacy (I have to give them credit for adding that tid-bit of very important information!)

Low and behold, they proved that essential oils did “not” work - imagine that!



The reality:

The study proved that essential oils distilled from dried herbs have no healing properties.

Buyer beware, there are essential oils on the market distilled the same way, yup and they are dirt cheap!

Fact:

a dried herb literally loses 90 - 95% of its essential oil during the drying process. You know when you harvest some fresh herbs and hang them to dry, how the room smells really good???

Well, what you’re smelling is 90 - 95% of the essential oil going into the air! Essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate. A dried plant has lost most of its essential oil, the beneficial/healing part - the “green” part is not the part that has the benefits, it’s the essential oil part.

This is also the reason “why” herbal remedies take so long to work, you need to keep taking them until your body gets enough of the essential oil, that is left in the dried herb, before it makes much difference.

I began using herbal remedies when I was young, and herbal preparations have been a huge part of my life for well over 20 years. I love herbs, plants and essential oils, and still use them… but not when I need relief! When I need relief I always turn to my medicinal-grade or therapeutic-grade essential oils. . In this day and age, there aren't many of those to be had, besides, Young Living Oils, Bella Mira, Mountain Rose, and a few others in my list of suppliers.


..........Anyway, those in the lab doing their study should have been here last summer when I got stung by a White-face Hornet on the side of my ring finger! My finger swelled up so fast, the pain was so bad, and within 2 minutes I couldn’t even bend my finger - the joints froze!

I came inside and put some of my Young Living lavender essential oil directly on the sting. It kept getting worse = lavender doesn’t work well for hornet stings! It got so much worse, I couldn’t even bend the finger with my other hand - it was as if it were frozen solid! That was scary!

I’ve been using essential oils for 20 years, and Young Living oils for 8 years - I know that if I do not see relief within minutes that it’s not the right oil.

So, I stood there looking into my case of 100 or more oils, wondering which one I should try next. I couldn’t make up my mind and finally said, “ugh, I’ll just use this one, my finger is killing meee!!!”

I picked up my bottle of Thieves essential oil and poured some drops onto the area of the sting and within 10 seconds I felt relief, the pain was gone, within 30 seconds the swelling went completely away and back to normal, and within 60 seconds I could bend my finger like normal!

Hmmm, placebo effect? My mind-power has never been known before to be that powerful, so… I don’t think so!

That same bottle of Thieves essential oil keeps my home mold-free, germ-free, and I’ve even used Thieves essential oil when I got 4 deep puncture wounds when a Husky bit me two years ago (no bleeding, no puss, no infection, and no trip to the emergency room either).

They can keep their inferior oil studies, drugs, and sugar pills… I’m sticking with my Young Living essential oils!

I’m laughing as I type this post, thinking… “well, if some want to believe that therapeutic-grade essential oils don’t work… that’s their loss, not mine!”

I’m sure if I simply “smelled” my Thieves essential oil, rather than directly apply it to the stung area, or apply it to the four puncture wounds, I wouldn’t have seen any relief whatsoever! Duh!

This study, and others like it, are so ridiculous… I can hardly believe I’m even writing about it.

What’s scary, someone actually paid these people to do this “comprehensive” study! No offense intended, but you’ve gotta admit, it is quite ridiculous.

I guess the only point I’m trying to make is this… people who don’t have a background in essential oils, would read something like that article and study, and chose not to use essential oils. Or worse yet, think that it doesn’t matter which brand of essential oils they buy because all they do is smell nice, they don’t actually provide any benefits. How unfortunate.




I truly hope you find the time to study the amazing uses of the hundreds of therapeutic grade essential oils and all their wonderful uses......they are truly a gift from GOD......
grades of essential oils

What You Should Know About "Fragrance"

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, the lovely scents of fresh flowers.......there's nothing like them......I mean that
literally, not even man-made synthetic copy chemicals are anywhere near the REAL thing :)

You wouldn't believe some of the harsh chemicals they use in such a sweet & simple word as ...


Fragrance

Please Read the following article from Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

Fragrance

What's that smell? Unfortunately, there's no way to know. Fragrance is considered a trade secret, so companies don't have to tell us what's in it – often dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds. Almost half the products in Skin Deep contain the generic term "fragrance," from shampoos and deodorants to lotions and shaving creams. Even "unscented" products may contain masking fragrances, which are chemicals used to cover up the odor of other chemicals.

Some hidden hazards that may be lurking in products that contain synthetic fragrance include:

• Allergens: Fragrances are considered to be among the top five known allergens and are known to both cause and trigger asthma attacks.

• Phthalates: Product tests conducted by Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine in January 2007 found the phthalates DEP and DEHP (which is banned in Europe) in each of eight popular perfumes tested. In 2002, the "Not Too Pretty" report from some of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics founders revealed phthalates in more than 72 percent of personal care products tested, including fragrance-containing shampoos, deodorants and hair gels. None of the products listed phthalates on the label. Follow-up testing in 2008, published in the report, "A Little Prettier," indicated that some leading companies are now using fewer phthalates than in 2002, though these companies still deny that phthalates may pose a health risk.

• Sensitizers: One in every 50 people may suffer immune system damage from fragrance and become sensitized, according to the EU's Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-food Products. Once sensitized to an ingredient, a person can remain so for a lifetime, enduring allergic reactions with every subsequent exposure.

• Neurotoxins: As far back as 1986, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences identified fragrance ingredients as one of six categories of neurotoxins (chemicals that are toxic to the brain) that should be thoroughly investigated for impacts on human health. However, this research has not been demanded or funded. The FDA has taken no action on a petition submitted to the agency in 1999 requesting fragrance components to be listed on labels.


What You Can Do

Choose products with no added synthetic fragrance. Look for products without the word fragrance on the label, or choose products that use natural fragrance or essential oils. You can also use the Skin Deep advanced search to look for products with no added fragrance.


More Information on:

Report: "A Little Prettier" (2008)

Report: "Not Too Pretty" (2002)

Science: Phthalates

Skin Deep product search: Fragrance-free cosmetics

Skin Deep topic: Fragrance

Analysis: Scented Secrets

Research: Studies on the toxicity of fragrance cited in Pub Med

Yellowstar*Essentials is a new member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
shop here for Yellowstar*Essentials products

Now that's making sense of scents!

Sounds silly, but the nose knows. Your sniffer can distinguish between 10,000 scents that waft their way to your limbic system. The what system? The limbic system -- the part of your brain that controls your moods, emotions, memory and learning. So it makes sense that aromatherapy, or treatment using scents, can have powerful applications for your state of mind and well-being.

The basics of how the nose detects smells have been known for some time. Odorants waft up through the two nasal cavities until they strike a region that contains approximately 50 million olfactory neurons, the cells that bear odorant receptors. These sensory cells extend long fibers, known as axons, from the nose to the olfactory bulb, the brain region that first processes olfactory information and then sends signals to other areas of the brain (SN: 8/15/98, p. 106).
_________________________________________
From Nobel Prize winning researchers to factories in Tokyo, aromatherapy has come of Age.

Aromatherapy scents have been used for centuries, but the science behind aromatherapy and scent therapy has in recent years gained much recognition.

For example, the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to smell researchers, Drs. Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their discoveries that clarify how the sense of smell works.

Buck and Axel discovered a large gene family, comprised of some 1,000 different genes. The gene's receptors are located on the olfactory receptor cells, which occupy a small area in the upper nasal cavity and detect inhaled odorant molecules.

With each of our olfactory-receptor cells producing a single odorant receptor gene, they determined that there are as many types of olfactory-receptor cells as there are odorant receptors.

Since most odors results from a combination of odorant molecules, a pattern is formed; thus, the human sense of smell can recognize approximately 10,000 different odors.

And, of most significance to most, each of these odors can evoke a memory. In fact, unlike the other senses, the brain triggers an emotional response to an odor before a conscious identification.

In other words, if you associate the scent of apple pie with a cozy feeling evoked by memories of baking with your mother, than you will feel this warm feeling even before your brain says, "Mmm apple pie!"

Now that we are beginning to understand the mystery of the human sense of smell, how are we applying this knowledge?

From the Egyptian pyramids to our homes

Even the ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy scents in the form of candles and oils as natural mood enhancers. Humans are naturally drawn to things that smell good and make us feel good. Naturally, scents that evoke good feelings are the ones we want to have in our homes.

Scented candles, infusers, diffusers, simmer pots, bath oils, and Scent Therapy [http://www.scenttherapy.com/] patches are among the various ways we use aromatherapy scents to enrich our family and personal lives.

Through the gentle, yet powerful, stimulation of the limbic system, aromatherapy scents can be used as safe and effective mood enhancers, as well as stimulants for our thinking processes. They can even help us change behaviors. For example the scented weight loss patch, Diet Scents [http://www.scenttherapy.com/products-diet.asp] can help curb your cravings.

Aromatherapy, in the classic sense, calls for the use of pure essential oils. Synthetic oils, like anything with an odor, can evoke a feeling or memory; however, they do not contain the therapeutic properties of quality essential oils. This is because the brain’s 'feel good' endorphins are released through certain aromatic scents.

A new market entry is the Scent Therapy [http://www.scenttherapy.com/scent-therapy-technology.asp] products that use essential oils in a special blend of formulas developed by Dr. George Dodd, one of the world's leading aroma scientists. Scent Therapy uses a transparent patch the size of a thumbnail that is infused with a mood transforming scent. Simply smelling the patch throughout the day brings the benefits of aromas directly to the nose of the user.

Aromatherapy Scents in the Corporate World

Kajima Construction Company, located in Tokyo, uses aromatherapy scents [http://www.scenttherapy.com/scent-therapy-technology.asp] to improve productivity at their plant and in their offices. In the morning, the invigorating scent of lemon flows from the air conditioning/heating vents. At mid-day, the scent of roses reduces stress, and in the afternoon when workers are tiring, the scent of cypress provides a pick-me-up.

At the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the scent of peppermint wafts through the ducts and out the vents to perk up associates.

Smart executives at companies like these have found an efficient and cost effective way to increase productivity and quality of work, as well as a sense of well-being.

According to professional journals, psychologists agree that concentration; aromatherapy can improve efficiency and mental stamina.





Author's Bio
Luke Vorstermans is the founder of The Sense of Smell Lab, a world leader in the development of innovative products that use our sense of smell to influence behavior, trigger memories, manage cravings, enhance moods and improve sexual health. Learn more about enhancing your emotional health at: www.scenttherapy.com

Additional Resources on Aromatherapy can be found at:

Website Directory for Aromatherapy
Articles on Aromatherapy
Products for Aromatherapy
Discussion Board
Luke Vorstermans, The Official Guide to Aromatherapy

More on the Complex Chemistry & Constituents of Essential Oils

Common Constituents Found in Essential Oils:


Esters

Gentle in action, esters are generally found in the mildest essential oils and are mostly free of toxicity and irritants. They tend to be the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing of all the essential oil constituents. Esters exert a normalizing effect on imbalances in emotional and physical conditions. They often exude a fruity aroma. The names of esters usually end in -yl, -ate, or -ester.

Names of Common Esters:

linalyl acetate
geranyl acetate
methyl salicylate

Main Effects:

Some are antispasmodic and calming to the nervous system. Others tend to be antifungal. When applied topically, some esters exhibit comforting properties to skin and are soothing for inflamed tissue.

Found in:

lavender, clary sage, bergamot, Roman chamomile (85%), fir, and wintergreen.
_________________________

Aldehydes


Key ingredient to the scent of a plant, aldehydes exert powerful aromas. Aldehydes are often calming to the emotions. Essential oils with high aldehyde content must be used correctly when applied to the skin as they can cause irritation. The names of aldehydes usually end in -al, or -aldehyde.

Names of Common Aldehydes:

geranial
citral
neral

Main Effects:

Calming, antiseptic, antimicrobial; some are antifungal, and some act as vasodilators.

Found in:

neroli, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, lemon verbena, valerian, and cinnamon bark.
___________________


Ketones

Many ketones are good for the skin and scars. They are often found in skin care products. Particular ketones encourage normal cell growth. The pest-deterring action of marigolds is due to the ketone, "tagetone." Since various ketones are resistant to digestion, excessive usage may cause a buildup in the liver when taken orally. When used in the context of a natural, whole essential oil, however, ketones may be utilized safely. The names of ketones normally end in -one, but other components found in essential oils may have the same last three letters, such as asarone, which is a phenolic ether, not a ketone.

Names of Common Ketones:

d-pulegone
jasmone
fenchone
isomethone

Main Effects:

Some ketones are soothing to cuts, abrasions, and irritated tissue; others have lipolytic (breaks down fat) actions; several ketones are mucolytic (thins the mucous); while others are sedative. A number of ketones are analgesic (for pain). One major action of certain ketones is that they act as expectorants. Note that while some ketones are sedative, others are stimulating.

Found in:

Neroli, Idaho tansy, Eucalyptus dives, spearmint, hyssop, Western red cedar, and sage.
__________________________


Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes (as well as a few other constituents) increase blood flow to the capillaries throughout the body. They pass the blood brain barrier, having a positive effect on blood flow to the brain. They exert a helpful effect on the endocrine system. Like aldehydes, sesquiterpenes possess a strong aroma. Though from the same family of terpenes, sesquiterpenes are larger molecules than monoterpenes. The names of sesquiterpenes generally end in -ene.

Names of Common Sesquiterpenes:

b-caryophyllene
germacrene D
aromadendrene
chamazulene

Main Effects:

Antiseptic, antimicrobial, soothing to irritated skin and tissue, calming; some are analgesic.

Found in:

patchouli, ginger, helichrysum, sandalwood, cedarwood, and German chamomile.
_____________________________________


Oxides

Oxides are found in a number of essential oils, mainly those that have a camphor-like nature. The most common oxide in aromatherapy is l,8-cineole-a strong expectorant. For example, the smell of fresh-baked bread is due to an oxide. The names of oxides generally end in -oxide.

Names of Common Oxides

1,8-cineole
bisabolol oxide
linalool oxide
sclareol oxide

Main effects:

Expectorant; mildly stimulating.

Found in:

Eucalyptus globulus, rosemary, ravensara, and German chamomile.
_______________________


Monoterpenes

Monoterpenes make up the largest single class of compounds found in essential oils (see chart). They generally possess antibacterial agents. Monoterpenes in general have a stimulating effect.

Terpenes are light molecules that normally evaporate quickly. A terpene is insoluble in water and is often removed from perfume since it causes cloudiness. The names of all terpenes end in -ene.

Names of Common Terpenes:

d-limonene
myrcene
p-cymene

Main effects:

Antiseptic; soothing to irritated tissue; limonene is believed to be antitumerol; some monoterpenes are analgesic.

Found In:

Lemon, grapefruit, frankincense, orange, thyme, and balsam fir.
_____________________________


Alcohols

Not to be confused with grain alcohols, this plant constituent is somewhat stimulating and helps to increase blood circulation. Some alcohols decrease blood thickness without being over-thinning. Alcohols are very resistant to oxidation and have a very low toxicity. Non-phenolic alcohols are mild and possess pleasant floral odors. Phenolic alcohols, on the other hand, are very strong and aggressive and can be irritating to the skin. The names of alcohols usually end in –ol.

Names of Common Alcohols:


borneol
terpineol
geraniol

Main effects:

Strongly antimicrobial; some are uplifting, while others are sedative; used in animal studies to revert cells to normal function and activity.

Found in:

rosewood, coriander, geranium, rose, and lavender.
______________________________


Phenols

Phenols are a type of alcohol. Phenols are highly subject to oxidation and darken or redden with age. Only four common phenols are found in essential oils: thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, and chavicol. They are typically considered medicinal in character. Phenols often smell pungent and spicy. They are helpful for poor moods and for healing.

Many are irritating to the skin when used incorrectly.

The names of most phenols end in -ol, which may be confusing since alcohols also end in –ol.

Names of Common Phenols:

thymol
eugenol
chavicol

Main Effects:

Antiseptic, powerful anti-microbial; stimulating to the nervous and the immune systems; uplifting; many are irritating to the skin, but some have an opposite effect.

Found In:

wintergreen, clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and peppermint.

______________________________

Hope this helps in finding you answers to your essential oil questions :)

A simple flower is a complex chemistry of beauty

The sight of a beautiful flower is lovely, of course, and its essential oil contains fractals of all of those constiuents that make us love their sight, smell and emotional, even spiritual responses...
but do we really have any idea what essential oils are actually composed of?
What makes them smell the way they do, or look the way they do?
Scientists have been studying for years the complexities of the chemical compounds that make up our world's flora.

Here's a great article about just that:

Simple Flower, Complex Chemistry

The simplicity of a single flower disguises the complexity of its fragrant aroma. Looking past its structural beauty, we are awed by thousands of individual constituents, or ingredients, as they whirl in perfect order to form a fragrance that elicits physical, emotional, and even spiritual responses. Such is the intricate beauty of a single flower; such is the intricacy of its essential oils.

Essential oils are very complex in chemical compounds. Their chemistry, when charted on paper, boggles the imagination and often leaves all but the most advanced chemist with feelings of stupor. One single oil may contain thousands of individual constituents that exert specific actions. Take one substance from its normal surroundings, and combine it with a different component, and it acts in an entirely different manner. This makes it quite difficult to define any constituent's action, for its true action is often determined by the relationship it has with all the substances around it. In nature, no constituent ever works alone, but instead works in perfect harmony with all the other ingredients to create a perfect, whole essential oil.

Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity, scientists isolate, observe, and report single actions and try to identity, name, and categorize individual components. The essential oils that share a high proportion of similar constituents are grouped together and are said to have similar actions. To help one understand the actions of the oils, scientists divide the oils' identified constituents into family units and assign them names like esters, aldehydes, and phenols.

Oils with a high number of common constituents tend to mix well with each other when creating aromatic blends. The effect of essential oils may be predicted according to the major constituents present. The identified chemical make-up helps one discover the potential properties that are exerted on the physical and mental body. But once again, this may all change when the single constituent is blended with new components. The action of the component may also change depending on how it is used. Is it inhaled, rubbed on, or taken internally? How it is taken helps determine the action of the main constituent.

When mingling with other essential oil users, you may hear the following terminology. This chart and glossary will prove useful for the beginning oil enthusiast, with descriptions and simplified keys to assist you in peeking into the complex world of essential oil chemistry.

(finish reading online http://essentialsoflife.net/web/oilchart.htm)

__________________________________

The information in this email is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or disease of the human body.
___________________________________

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Celestial Elements

Angel Therapy

Concentrated Purefume

Spray Mists Gift Set 

 

*inspirations designed with thoughtful intention

and divined essence of celestial vitalities.

 

 

Gift Set Includes FIVE (5) Personal Protective Archangel Blends

made with THERAPEUTIC GRADE Essential Oils

only organic high quality ingredients

are used in all of my products

One designed for each Angel:

Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, & Your Personal Guardian Angel

plus a free gift with every order!

$7.77 - Celestial Elements Angel Therapy Gift Set $7.77 - Celestial Elements Guardian Angel Gift Set

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+++Plus+++

Learn how to Ask Your Guardian Angel's Name

Learn How to  "Angel Charge"  your candles or any special items

for Healing, Wisdom, Strength , Nature or Natural Situations

How To Charge or Cleanse your Crystals

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Learn How to receive Angel assistance involved with

HEALING, psychic gifts, vision, intuitions,

clairvoyance, astral travel, herbal medicine,

Career Achievement, Ambitions, Life tasks, Motivation. Protection,

help in comprehending your identity, magic, devotion, Alchemy, sudden changes,

Astrology, Universal Cosmic Consciousness, Divine order,

distribution of  power & universal flow and much more!

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Your Celestial Elements

Angel Therapy

Concentrated Purefume

Spray Mists Gift Set Includes:

 

 

 

 Five (5), 2.5 ml spray mist bottles of one ea. of the following:

1- 2.5 ml spray mist bottle of Archangel Michael blend,

1- 2.5 ml spray mist bottle of Archangel Gabriel blend,

1- 2.5 ml spray mist bottle of Archangel Raphael blend,

1- 2.5 ml spray mist bottle of Archangel Uriel blend, &

1- 2.5 ml spray mist bottle of Archangel Your Personal Guardian Angel blend

also comes with more information on each Angel

AND

An  Invocation of the Angels Prayer

Seraphim Call

and A Special Invocation to the Healing Angels Prayer

A Mother's Prayer to the Guardian Angel of her Children

and a special free gift with every order!

 

 

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*Gabriel: “GOD is my strength”

angel of annunciation and mercy

 

*Raphael: “GOD has Healed”

Angel of healing and science

 

*Michael: “He Who is as GOD”

Angel of protection and patience

 

*Uriel: “Light of GOD”

Angel of unconditional love, understanding & peace

 

*Guardian angel:

Your personal angelic guide

 

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Archangel Gabriel--  “GOD is my strength”

Archangel of annunciation, resurrection, mercy, vengeance, death, revelation, truth, and hope

Element: Water/ Direction: West

Symbols: Lily & Trumpet

Ingredients:

Organic essential oils of: Angelica root, Carrot seed, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Rose Otto, Hyssop, Helichrysum, & other therapeutic grade essential oils with Vit.E in a dry oil base.

Gabriel is the angel of the moon who brings us the gift of hope. He is the spirit of truth and the prince of justice. He is the bringer of intuition, and receptivity. Ruler of psychic gifts, visions, Intuition, magic, clairvoyance, astral travel, herbal medicine, the cycles of women, and female aspects of men.

 

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Archangel Raphael--“GOD has Healed”

Archangel of HEALING, prayer, love, light, joy, science & knowledge

Element: Air / Direction: East

Symbol: 5 pointed star

Ingredients:

Organic essential oils of: Myrrh, Palmarosa, Rose, Bergamot, Geranium, Sandalwood, Helichrysum, & other therapeutic grade essential oils with Vit.E in a dry oil base.

Raphael is one of the four presences set over all the diseases & all the wounds of children. Raphael is charged to heal the earth. He is the regent of the sun, Chief of the order of virtues & overseer of the evening winds. Angel of prayer, love, joy, light, science, and knowledge. Above all, he is the angel of healing.

 

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Archangel Michael--“He Who is as GOD”

Michael is the bringer of Protection & Patience Defender of the People

Element: Fire / Direction: South

Symbols: Sword & Blue Cloak

Ingredients:

Organic essential oils of: Elemi, Ravensara, Lemon, Frankincense, Myrrh, Galbanum, Jasmine, Rose, Cedarwood & other therapeutic grade essential oils with Vit.E in a dry oil base.

Michael ranks as the greatest of all angels. He is the head of all the great warring angels who do battle against evil. Angel of career Achievement, Ambitions, Life tasks, Motivation. Protection Archangel.

 

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Archangel Uriel-- “Light of GOD”

Uriel is the bringer of Unconditional Love, Understanding, & Peace

Element: Earth/ Direction: North

Symbol: Open hand holding a flame

Ingredients:

Organic essential oils of: Clary Sage, Jasmine, Yarrow, Immortelle (Helichrysum), Sweet Basil, child oils of the citrus & other therapeutic grade essential oils with Vit.E in dry oil base.

Archangel Uriel is child-like in nature, very understanding & non-judgmental

Understanding is the pathway to expression that helps you Comprehend your identity through Goodwill to others. The ruler over magic, devotion, Alchemy, sudden changes, Astrology, universal cosmic Consciousness, Divine order, distribution of  power & universal flow.

  

 

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*Guardian angel: your personal angelic guide –

Your guardian angel is always there, whether you acknowledge it or not. Everyone has a personal guardian angel who, from the very minute you were born, was assigned to you and will be there to protect and guide you whenever you should need or ask. One of the nicest things you could do would be to thank your guardian angel for all the times that they were there for you.

Everyone has guardian angels, but many people are just too busy to hear them. Angels are polite and have strict orders not to interfere in our daily lives, except in dire circumstances. They will, however, drop subtle messages to keep us out of trouble if we are alert enough to catch them. If you want a clear and concise message from your angel, you must ask a direct question. Your angel will always answer your questions. You must ask your question out loud. Clear, concise questions will get you clear, concise answers. Answers will always be tangible and explicit, something you can put your hands on. The answers I've gotten I could pick up and examine. Asking a frivolous question will get you a silly answer. The universe will match your level of sincerity.

Many people would like to believe in guardian angels, but are skeptical. I always encourage a healthy skepticism when dealing with the astral plane. It is not my intent to convince you that angels exist. You will convince yourself or you won't. There are con artists on the astral plane, just as there are here in temporal life. Your angel will be happy to provide you with evidence of its existence. They seem to have no gender so its no matter if you refer to them as female or male. A real angel will expect you to ask for proof, and will provide you with straightforward answers.

 

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Please choose those angels and prayers which speak to you and remember, angels can hear the words in your heart, too.

 

 

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Makes a wonderful gift for yourself or someone you love.

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