How about we all agree on this? That SOME of aromatherapy is in-fact a ’soft science’? That SOME people may feel more relaxed when inhaling Lavender, for example, and some will not? Aromatherapists will not disagree on this point — they will however put up a defense when the medical applications of essential oils are thrown out with the soft side of ‘aroma’ therapy. Science IS BACKING UP many of aromatherapy’s claims with valid data, even on the ’soft-science’ of the practice. Here’s a look at the science behind aromatherapy, the holes in arguments of the popular debunkers, and why aroma-medicine has it’s place in today’s medical practices.

Aromatherapy really suffers from an image problem. Most people hear the word, and believe it has really to do with ‘the smell of things’ rather than with ‘things that smell’. Its a small but very important distinction. Aromatherapy is really the complete branch of medicine that uses the chemically-volatile (easily evaporated) constituents of plants for treatment of a wide variety of ailments. IT DOES NOT only have to do with the effects these plant chemicals have on people that smell them. Virtually every professional aromatherapist will tell you that the great medicinal promise of aromatherapy does not reside in their pleasing aromas, but rather in their abilities to successfully treat a wide range of infectious illnesses (like MRSA, the ‘Superbug’), their action as chemotherapy agents, anti-inflammatory agents, wound-healing agents, and other ‘hard’ medical applications.

A quick look at the research available on Pub Med, a database of thousands of peer-reviewed life-science and medical journals freely available on-line reveals thousands of citations of research performed using essential oils. Yes, there are in fact some studies that did not result in convincing evidence that hand massages with lavender cream didn’t make people feel better than hand massages with unscented lotion. But there is studies that show people sleep better after lavender inhalation. And there’s a study that show stress makers of the immune system remained unchanged after inhaling linalool (an isolated constituent of Lavender), but there’s also 15 studies (upon last count) showing positive significant results if one searches for ‘lavender’ and ‘axiolytic’ (the technical term for stress reducer). The results for ‘acetaminophen’ and ‘pain’ MAY be as strong; those for ‘minoxidil’ and ‘hair’ are almost certainly not.

So aromatherapists will even cede that there’s mix results. While the naysayers use this data to say “aromatherapy doesn’t work”, the reasonable statement seems to be: “everyone’s different. Some people respond and some don’t. It may be that they would respond to a different aromatic, or maybe not at all”. From Robert T. Carol of skepdic.com: “…I have to conclude that aromatherapy is a mostly a pseudoscientific alternative medical therapy. It is a mixture of folklore, trial and error, anecdote, testimonial, New Age spiritualism and fantasy.” Stephen Barrett, M.D. of Quackwatch doesn’t really seem to make a point about essential oils, but to just sound disgruntled about the whole idea. Sure, there may be some unsubstantiated claims floating about, but let’s play fair. How many deadly drugs have been pulled from the market after drug-manufacturer-paid rigorous scientific investigations claimed them to be “safe and effective”? One chart puts deaths attributed to “properly prescribed and used drugs” between those from alcohol and those from alcohol — these just above “preventable medical” misshap, and all of these above traffic fatalities. How many died from using essential oils? Can you draw a circle? How about the letter that comes between ‘n’ and ‘p’?

On to the cutting edge of aroma-medicine: The big news is that essential oils, yes very the same used in aromatherapy (this IS the idea we’re trying to get across!), are highly effective antibiotics and antivirals. Again, we invite you to search for ‘essential oil’ and ‘mrsa’ — this is the staphylococcus aureus bacteria ’superbug’ that has become resistant to commonly available antibiotics (the MR in the name stands for ‘methicillin resistant’). You’ll find studies showing the efficacy of Tea Tree essential oil in clinical applications, and positive results in the lab using several other oils. And thus far it is thought that these oils have no adverse effects at effective doses.

Then there’s the myriad of studies showing essential oils’ efficacy in destroying cancers. A recent study in the journal of “Chemico-Biological Interactions” noted that linalool, a common essential oil constituent, completely eradicated a particular liver cancer cell line at very, very small concentrations. Try ‘essential oil’ and ‘cancer’ in Pub Med and you’ll get results like “Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity”(perhaps this is terminology of “New Age spiritualism” I’m yet unaware of). Another result is “Anticancer activity of an essential oil from Cymbopogon flexuosus” (Lemongrass essential oil) with a conclusion of “Our results indicate that the oil has a promising anticancer activity and causes loss in tumor cell viability by activating the apoptotic process as identified by electron microscopy.” The list, of course, goes on (there are in fact 388 results today for this search).

So why are these criticisms of aromatherapy so popular, at least in Google’s eyes? Why do some folks like horror flicks and car crashes — not sure, really. It might have to do with there being a closer relationship between ‘aromatherapy’ and ‘Glade Plug-in Air Freshener (TM)’ in many people’s minds than there is between ‘aromatherapy’ ‘frankincense’ and ‘tumor cell specific cytotoxicity’. One reality is that there’s a lot more money pushing the Glad Plug-In concept. Because essential oils cannot be patented as medicines, the amount of money to be made by Really Big Business is negligible. So it’s up to small natural health companies, individual practitioners, and the wonderful education and research facilities doing the technical work to get the word out. And particularly to rock the boat a bit when so-called authorities make truly dubious claims about the dubious nature of aromatherapy. Plant medicine has kept human beings alive for millennia — essential oils are just very active molecules produced by plants, and aromatherapy is so-called as it deals with the therapeutic applications of these aromatic molecules. Aroma-therapy. Get the word out!

The Optimum Diet for Health/Longevity:
•     Vegan (no animal products of any kind, cooked or raw)
•     Organic
•     Whole Foods
•     High in nutrition such as vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients
•     Highly mineralized
•     Contains a significant quantity of chlorophyll-rich green foods
•     Contains adequate complete protein from plant sources
•     Contains a large proportion of high-water content foods
•     Provides excellent hydration
•     Includes raw vegetable juices
•     Contains all essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 fatty acids from
naturally occurring plant sources
•     Is at least 80% raw (the remaining to be Vegan, whole food,
and organic)
•     Has moderate, yet adequate caloric intake
•     Contains only low to moderate sugar and exclusively from whole food
sources (fruitarianism is strongly discouraged)
•     Is nutritionally optimal for both detoxification and rebuilding
We also agree that:
• Supplementation with Vitamin B-12 is advised.
• The addition of enzyme active superfoods and whole food supplements is also advised.
• This way of eating can be further optimized by tailoring it based on individual needs
(within the principles stated).
• Benefits derived by following these principles are proportional to how well they are followed.

• We will remain open-minded, and this information will be updated and expanded
upon, if necessary, as new research becomes available.
• Diet is a critical piece of a healthy lifestyle, yet not the entire picture.  A full spectrum, health supportive lifestyle is encouraged.  This includes physical exercise, exposure to sunshine, as well as psychological health.  Avoiding environmental toxins and toxic products is essential. Paramount is pure water (for consumption and bathing), the use of natural fiber clothing, and non-toxic personal care products. Also consider healthy options in home furnishings/building materials and related items.
All leaders agree that the main objective of eating in the above mentioned fashion is to promote health, and equally to prevent and minimize disease.

Following is the equipment you will need to make a sun flower essence: a clear glass bowl, fresh mountain or spring water, sharp scissors or a crystal, or stone (used only for this purpose), a camera, a notebook or journal, something to write or draw with, a funnel (preferably glass), tweezers, a strainer (this is not an a necessity - muslin or cheesecloth work well), a 2-4 ounce  dark amber or cobalt blue glass bottle (4 ounces is a good size), organic brandy, apple cider vinegar, glycerin, or red shiso vinegar, and a local wildflower guide.

Offering: bring a gift to offer to the flowers – suggestions include Indian Tobacco (Lobelia), cornmeal, sage or sweetgrass, a song, a prayer, crystal or offering of personal choice.

Find the plants from which you wish to make into a flower essence.
They should be plants growing in a pristine natural setting or cultivated organically; away from traffic; in abundance.

You may wish to spend some time in mediation with the plants prior to harvesting. Get clear and enjoy the process of developing this relationship.

Ask and gain permission and NEVER take the grandmother flowers.

Ask for a sign and be sure to stay open to recognizing when your sign appears.

When you have made a connection with your plant make your offering.

The process:  The best time of day to harvest the plants is when the plant is at its peak power, usually sometime between 11 am and 3 pm. If possible use natural spring water that is found near the plant.

Begin by preparing yourself. Peaceful, open, joyful, present and clear.
Do NOT make the flowers when your thoughts or emotions are turbulent or chaotic.

Use a clear glass bowl that is only used for this purpose. (Dr. Bach destroyed his bowls after using…I like to use mine in the kitchen for living foods meals).

After sitting with the plant in meditation and when you feel the timing is appropriate begin by making your offering. This is a precious opportunity to commune with the plant. Enjoy this time.

Use the new scissors or crystal or stone to cut the most auspicious of the plants blooms. Do NOT touch the flowers. Allow the blooms to drop gently into the top of the bowl that has been filled with water. Cover the surface of the water with the blossoms.

Leave the flowers in the water for several hours, until you can see the energy has left the flowers and ‘transferred’ to the water.

In the meantime: As you wait for the flowers to potentiate the water… take time to photograph the site; the plant; the surroundings. Journal. Draw. Meditate.

Examine the plant carefully. Become fully acquainted with the plant. Draw the plant. Note any physical aspects of the plant that might be related to its healing properties. (Doctrine of Signatures) Note colors; textures; energies; aroma; shape; arrangement and number of petals and so on.

Sit with the plant as you would a dear friend. Listening attentively, learning all that the plant is willing to reveal and you are ready to receive.

Potentiate: The water is charged.
a) Remove the blossoms with the tweezers. Offer the flowers back to the earth and the surrounding environment.

b) Put the funnel in the large bottle.

c) Pour the flowers (through the strainer) and into the bottle.

d) Label the ‘mother tincture’ with the name of the plant, the date, and the location, and any other pertinent information.

e) If there is any remaining water you can either drink it or offer it back to the plants or both.

Upon returning home: Preserve the flower essence in an equal amount of brandy or other tincture preservative.

To make a dosage bottle:
a) Almost fill a (dark glass or cobalt blue) glass dropper bottle with water.
b) Add two to three drops of your ‘mother tincture’ flower essence to the bottle.
c) Add a small amount of brandy or other preservative.
d) Shake gently.

e) Doses of four to six drops of this bottle can be taken as needed.

Effectiveness:
a) Always set an intention before using your flowers.

b) Consistency is the KEY.

c) Flowers can be taken neat (in the mouth); added to one’s drinking water; added to a bath; applied to the crown of the head of feet (this works great for children and animals); any variety of ways that feels appropriate to you.

d) The flowers will not conflict with other methods of healing. They are vibrational medicines that support healing from within and without.

e) Trust and heal. You are whole. You are divine.

In the kingdom of children
Every one of is this child
An innocent being
Who jumped into heaven
And landed in Shambhala.
Fortunate birth is who you are-
Everything is perfect in your world.

Your clothing is the midst of heaven,
Your feet covered by dragon’s breath,
You are the most fortunate beings are earth.
You are the children of dharma.
Nothing can close your open heart.
Other children suffer, caught in perpetual dilemma-
Because Buddha has touched you,
You are fortunate.

Be dhamic now,
Be powerful now,
Be benevolent now-
Not for me, not for others-
But because that is your blood.
When you feel privileged, use it.
When you feel ashamed, pounce.
Consume that hesitation -
It’s only a flicker of your imagination.

You are the blessed people on this earth.
Every atom of your being is Buddha-
What is left is joy.
You have no excuse;
Don’t sulk.
You can be sad, for sadness is
the most genuine expression.
Expression of goodness is who you are.
Being a child of dhama is dilemma.
Being a child of dharma is freedom.

Consume this hesitation of not knowing.
Never doubt,
only walk forward.
Love everything.
For that is why you are here.

The word ‘cacao’ is ancient and likely originated with the pre-mayan Olmec people. All chocolate is made from cacao, the seed of the fruit of the jungle tree, Theobroma cacao which translates as food of the Gods.. Native to Central American rainforests, the cacao tree was originally cultivated by these ancient earth walkers. Later harvested by the Mayans, Toltecs, and Aztecs the seeds (also known as beans) were also used as a form of currency in Aztec society. Thorough in their quest to understand the properties of all plants in their realm, the Aztecs  trained a class of medicinal botanists to explore far and wide bringing back living specimens to the royal botanical gardens for research. With such expertise and so many fabulous and intriguing  botanicals available, it is fitting that they determined the seeds of the Cacao tree to be of such superior value. There were periods when no person in the whole domain was allowed to use the seeds, except the King and his court. The complexity of the cacao tree and its fabulous fruit and seeds serves as a reminder to us of the great potential of the rainforest botanicals for enhancing our well-being. Let us use this plant in honor of the vast diversity of the virgin rainforest. Cacao has long been thought of as a natural medicine. Various therapeutic qualities of the plant include a decrease in depression; an increase in general health; a lessening of stress; and enhancements in pleasure, including sex. Recently, scholars deciphered the word ‘ka-ka-wa’ on a Mayan chocolate drinking vessel that dates back thousands of years. Cacao is so popular, rumor has it that Casanova himself abandoned champagne in preference of chocolate. Even the animals love cacao as the trees attract over 80 different species of birds in areas that they are planted.

A beautiful Mayan legend: After creating the world, the oceans, plants and animals, the Mayan deity, Heart of Sky, had one remaining task; to create humanity. First, Heart of Sky worked with mud, then wood, and even stone without success. Using creativity and insight, Heart of Sky fashioned a human being out of natural materials including water, earth, corn, and various beautiful fruits including cacao. And so it is told, humans came into being with cacao as an essential ingredient.

Chocolate alchemy: Cacao blends fabulous with essential oils of Vanilla, Peppermint, Rose, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Tuberose, Tangerine, Wild Orange, and Dark Patchouli.

Create your own body oil by adding to Fractionated Coconut oil, Coconut Jojoba lotion, Hemp oil, or Jojoba oil.

Recipes:
Cacao vanilla bliss
Cacao essential oil 40 drops
Vanilla essential oil 10 drops
Blend in 4 ounces of Fractionated Coconut oil or Coconut jojoba body cream.

Vanilla dream  (a children’s blessing)
4 drops vanilla
1 drop cacao essential oil
1 ounce of carrier of choice

Chocolate and roses
1 drop rose absolute
1 drop cacao essential oil
wear as a natural perfume

Ahem prema (divine love)
13 drops of cacao essential oil
3 drops of rose absolute
3 drops of vanilla essential oil
4 ounces of fractionated coconut oil

Love is all there is!
20 drops of sandalwood
4 drops of cacao essential oil
1 drop rose absolute

Amyris’ woody, balsamic aroma is relaxing and calming to the nerves.  Its cooling action also helps to relieve frustration and sexual tension as well as general stress and irritability. The scent is both uplifting and soothing with a strong anti-inflammatory action. This oil both slows the aging process and regenerates the skin, making it an excellent choice for facial care blends.

Amyris, also known as ‘West Indian Sandalwood,’ is a great choice for use as a base note fixative oil. Commonly found in soaps and other ‘Sandalwood’ products in place of ‘true’ Sandalwood, Amyris supports vibrant physical health by helping to remove physical and etheric toxins that congest and distort the body. An alternative choice in place of the endangered ‘true’ Sandalwood, Amyris is a healthy, inexpensive and sustainable substitute in many aromatherapy applications.

Connected to the planet Venus, Amyris suggests ‘amour’ (love) as she is both calming and nourishing to the heart chakra. Amyris anchors one’s energy in a state of receptivity and openness, thus enhancing the flow of grace by opening the pathways for love, inspiration, and transformation.

Helping us to balance in our natural rhythms and cycles, Amyris aligns us with the feminine energy of the moon. Heightening intuition, creativity, and imagination, Amyris is an excellent oil for dreamers, artists, musicians and poets as she supports them in connecting with creative source energy.

By helping us to see the unfolding of the natural magic of life, Amyris’ transformative energy saturates the auric field with creativity, health and abundance. Amyris restores a natural, innocent outlook on life, bringing joy and laughter to our hearts and assisting us in making choices that uplift and nourish, thus encouraging love for ourselves and the world as a whole.

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating Amyris blends well with essential oils of Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Myrrh, Neroli, Wild Orange, Palmarosa, Rose, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Vetiver, Wild Orange, Ylang-Ylang.

To the best of it’s ability the bodies natural regulatory patterns are constantly seeking a harmonious balance. A spacious and investigative look at one’s life can prove beneficial in the quest for optimal health.
Blood sugar imbalances have been linked to ADD, ADHD, diabetes and hypolglycemia, eating disorders, drug use/abuse, emotional outbursts, obesity, depression, poor test scores, lower athletic performance, immune related illnesses, PMS, fatigue, and many other states of dis-ease including coma and even death. Studies indicate that prison populations have a higher than average levels of blood sugar imbalances.

Craving sweets is an indication that we need more minerals from living foods sources and more usable protein from high vibration sources. Additionally these cravings can have emotional and psycho-spiritual indications.  Ex. A feeling of lack of ’sweetness’ in one’s life.

Seeds and greens both provide high levels of bio-available proteins. The best seeds are flax, sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame. On average these seeds are 2 parts fat to one part protein.

In addition, minerals feed the skeletal and muscular structures of the body as well as the nervous system and overall help to balance the energy production and utilization of the body. The most effective method of obtaining the necessary minerals that feed the body systems is through the ingestion of vegetables - foods that through the alchemical transformative power of the sun change molecules of energy into usable food-stuff.

A wonderful natural tool for balancing the alkalinity of one’s inner ecology is through the regular use of minerals found in super-foods. Greens, blue-green algaes, spirulina, and chlorella are all wonderful for helping to regulate the health of one’s blood. Known to build hemoglobin values these superfoods assist in overall liberation of oxygen to the cells.

Action steps:

• Starting one’s day with a 1/2 lemon in a warm glass of water is alkalizing to the system and setting up an optimal opportunity for minerals to be properly utilized. (When one’s mineral conditions are such that the system is acidic the minerals can get lodged in either the vascular system in an attempt to help buffer the acidity or in the joints of the body.)
• The more refined the sugar source - the more likely it is to be ‘abused’. Did you know that one soda has 9 teaspoons of processed refined sugar. These empty sweets rob the body of minerals and vitality. In the United States, the average per capita use of refined sugar is 142 pounds per year. Replace ‘empty’ sweets with full sweets such as fruit and vegetables.
• Eat fruit in the morning. This will alkalize and mineral the system. A system that is mineralized is much healthier. Cravings for processed sugars will diminish. ‘Fruit will make you beautiful.’
• A wonderful natural tool for balancing the alkalinity of one’s inner ecology is through the regular use of minerals found in super-foods. Greens, blue-green algaes, spirulina, and chlorella are all wonderful for helping to regulate the health of one’s blood. Known to build hemoglobin values these super-foods assist in overall liberation of oxygen to the cells. This will greatly increase one’s overall wellness. These also help to mineralize the body.
• Some  herbs to research include: Pau d’arco; Cats Claw; Stevia.
• Add cinnamon to your food to help stabilize blood sugar levels especially when eating carbohydrates. Great on toast, brown rice, bananas, and oatmeal.
• Juiced veggies are a concentrated form of energy - start slowly and consider diluting with water. Raw veggies can be difficult to digest for some folks with low digestive fire or depleted digestive enzymes. Enzymes help to stoke the digestive fires and help the body to draw out the precious nutrients from food. It may helpful to lightly steam one’s veggies until the digestion is stronger. Veggies are a great source of minerals. Do not over-cook them as the minerals will be lost.
• Taking supplemental enzymes can also prove effective. Make sure that the enzymes are plant based and always take them when eating any meal that is ‘complicated’ (meaning a lot of different foods at once) or heavy.
• Simplify one’s eating choices for best digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Chew your food thoroughly in order to receive the most nourishment.
• Drink adequate amounts of fresh water. Sometimes when we have cravings, we are actually thirsty. Use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day. (move to this amount over time)
• Take an honest look at your emotional well-being. Flower essences are a fantastic way to support your overall emotional health.
• Love yourself and take good care of yourself.

]]> http://www.organicmedicinalherbs.com/food-as-medicine/sugar-in-balance/feed/ http://www.organicmedicinalherbs.com/uncategorized/adrenal-health/ http://www.organicmedicinalherbs.com/uncategorized/adrenal-health/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:33:31 +0000 tarah http://www.organicmedicinalherbs.com/?p=25 Adrenal Health

Adrenal glands are no bigger than a walnut and weigh less than a grape. They sit like a tiny ‘pyramid’ on top of each kidney. Their location is spelled out in their name; ’ad’ ‘renal’ means ‘over’ or ‘above’ the ‘kidney’.

Important ‘control centers’ for many of the body’s hormones These powerful endocrine glands manufacture and secrete steroid hormones including coritsol, DHEA, estrogen, and testosterone, as well as adrenaline all of which are essential to ones health, vitality, and overall well-being.

The adrenal hormones support and affect every tissue, organ, and gland in your body. Their main purpose is to enable one’s body and mind to deal with various forms of stress including injury, disease, and adaptability to situations. The adrenals (largely) determine the energy response of your body to every change in one’s internal and external environment, in fact, every cell in your body responds to signals from the adrenals.

One of the essential functions of your adrenal glands is to draw all your body’s resources into “fight or flight” mode by increasing the production of adrenaline and various other hormones. I would like to re-name this response “fight, flight, or freedom”. When the adrenals are healthy one’s ability to respond to situations appropriately is enhanced. This renewed freedom allows for a whole host of possibilities.

When healthy, your adrenals can instantly increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release energy stores for immediate use, sharpen your senses, slow digestion and various other secondary functions. This function is extremely important in emergency situations.

Another aspect of healthy adrenals is the ability to endure long periods of physical exertion such as seen in marathon running, swimming, long distance cycling, and the day to day responsibilities of parenting. When supported by healthy adrenals, one’s natural energy supply is balanced. It is your adrenal gland’s ‘job’ to react to stress in a ‘balanced’ way so that one’s response is appropriate to the situation and not injurious. An example of this is the ‘protective’ activity of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant adrenal hormones such as cortisol that helps to minimize allergic and negative reactions such as inflammation and swelling to environmental allergens, infection, and various foods.

The hormones produced by the adrenal glands closely affect the utilization of carbohydrates and fats, the conversion of fats and proteins into energy, as well as the distribution of stored adipose (fatty tissue) on the body (especially around the waist), blood sugar regulation, and healthy cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (digestive and absorptive) function.

Adrenal gland hormones have a wide variety of physical, emotional, psychological, and physiological effects including sex drive and the tendency to gain weight. In fact, at mid-life (menopause in women), the adrenal glands become the primary source for sex hormones circulating throughout the body in both genders. (reword the last two paragraphs)

An estimated 75-80% of Westerners suffer from ‘Adrenal fatigue’ at some point in their lives. ‘Adrenal fatigue’ is a described as a collection of signs and symptoms classically known as a “syndrome” that results when the adrenal glands function below the necessary level. Signs and symptoms may include severe fatigue, light-headedness upon standing, depression and irritability, lack of sex drive, exhaustion and general malaise, loss of appetite, food cravings, and dark circles around the eyes. Most commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress, various other situations contribute to ‘adrenal fatigue’ including life crisis, trauma, lifestyle, and chronic illness. Other factors that contribute to the depletion of adrenal health include certain lifestyle choices such as improper diet, substance abuse, too little or improper sleep or rest and increased or on-going life-style pressures.

Following are some natural suggestions for nourishing and rejuvenating adrenal health:

Adequate intake of water. I use the formula .6 x body weight = ounces of water per day for my clients. This is a number that should be moved towards over time. For example if weigh 150 pounds your daily water intake would be 90 ounces. .6 x 150 = 90 ounces. If you are currently drinking 40 ounces of water per day and your (ideal) daily ounce intake is 90 ounces, increase gently to your ideal ounces of water over the next month or two.

Silence. Take 10 minutes of time to sit in silence at both the beginning and the end of each day. Find a quiet place in your home or outside near a tree or natural source of water. Sit in a comfortable position and gently follow the rhythm of your breath. Allow yourself this sacred quiet time each day as an opportunity to nourish and assimilate, ground and rejuvenate your energy.

Decrease (or preferably eliminate) intake of processed sugars and increase intake of natural earth sugars from root vegetables such as yams, carrots, turnips, and beets.

Ingest adequate amounts of essential fatty acids. Various sources include fish oils, evening primrose oil, borage oil, hemp oils, coconut oil, and flax oils. Research which sources are best for your needs.

Adequate fresh air, deep breaths, and movement. Spend time in nature-walking along the ocean, at a park, on a well traveled trail. Take full deep breaths and inhale in the healing power of the natural world. Take time to look at the trees and flower as well as the sky and various birds and so on. Enjoy this time outside as healing and nourishing.

Take time for baths using Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar (a tablespoon of either is sufficient). This will help to pull out fatigue and ‘acidity’ from the your mind and body. Light a candle and read a book or simply soak in the warm water imaging your worries and stress washing away as you renew, strengthen, and ‘purify’ your energy. Consider adding a few drops of pure Lavender essential oil to your bath and allow the relaxing aroma to help you relax and refresh. A favorite essential oil blend: 4 drops Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Rose essential oil. Lavender essential oil is often used for the decreasing stress and depression. Lavender has a calming and mood lifting effect.

Deep sleep. The two hours before midnight is consider essential time for sleep for rejuvenating sleep. Start consciously moving your bedtime towards the bewitching hour of 10 pm and notice the shift in health. A couple of drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow can help with sleep.

The following essential oil blend used directly over the adrenals first thing in the morning and then again in the (early) evening can help to nourish, strengthen, and rejuvenate the adrenals.

In a 30 ml (one ounce blue cobalt or amber glass bottle)
Black Spruce 2 ml
1 ml Pine essential oil
1 ml Cedarwood essential oil
1 ounce of Hazelnut carrier oil (unless allergic to nuts-then choose another carrier such as sesame seed).

Fill the remainder of the bottle with carrier oil and blend.

Use 1 ml at a time and rub into the adrenal area at the bottom of your ribs on your back.

*** As with any suggestions please consult your primary care giver prior to utilizing if you have any questions or concerns.

A fantastic and mysterious relationship occurs between plants and their environment. The plants bodies absorb and alchemically transform the soil, water, sunlight, moonlight, and air. The bodies of the plants convert the elements of the Universe into elegant art forms, foods, medicines, and fragrances. The plants create their aromatic fragrance from the nutrients of the soil and its symbiotic relationship with its environment. The rhythm of the celestial heavens is cultivated by the plant as it develops under the radiant sun, the luminous moon and the sparkling stars. The natural flow of rain, underground rivers and streams, as well as mountainous snowmelt brings the living water into the plant. The winds and breezes blow the air and ether around the plant as she continues to refine her beauty and gifts. Aromatic plants and flowers are arguably some of nature’s most incredible creations. The earth’s garden of plants and flowers is glorious and vast containing highly effective medicines for every nature of physical and non-physical ailment.

In humans, the olfactory (sense of smell) region is an area of about 2 and a half square centimeters and is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eyes. Containing approximately fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this region is highly intricate. Incredibly, the olfactory sense is 10,000 times more perceptive than the sense of taste and is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of element compounds at very low concentrations. When compared to sight, we find that olfaction is more complex. In order to span the visible spectrum humans’ use only three types of photoreceptors; in contrast, the sense of smell relies on hundreds of distinct classes of receptors.

Depression is one of the most common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies. There is a wide and varied range of psychological, physical, and energetic issues and challenges that can lead to feelings of depression and feelings of negativity.

Research has shown that fragrances stimulate multiple areas and a variety of systems in the brain including those that influence the endocrine system, the immune system, and the limbic system (the emotional body). Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through inhalation as their primary route of absorption, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, the fragrances of the oils enter the brain, producing powerful systemic effects on the neurological, immunological, and hormonal functions. A Korean study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain and depression in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oils significantly decreased both the pain and the depression levels.

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine (The Science of Life), essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana (essential life force), enhance and nourish ojas (nourishing and immunological essence), and brighten tejas (clarity and mental luminosity). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart and guides and governs consciousness. Used consciously, essential oils powerfully enhance positive mental and emotional states.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for up-lifting Shen, enhancing prana, nourishing ojas, and brightening tejas (luminosity):

Bergamot has a wide reputation for a capacity to gently uplift. This is a direct result of its action of smoothing the flow of Liver-Qi. Bergamot combines the ability to both relax the nerves and refresh the Spirit; it is suitable for depressive states that depression. Neroli, like Sweet Orange and Bergamot regulates the Qi and like Jasmine oil, comforts the Mind and Heart.

Neroli is called for at a core level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Neroli uplifts the Mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and unify. Neroli assists in retrieving and releasing repressed emotions. Neroli is specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

The Chamomiles (German and Roman) are wonderful oils to use when the depression manifests in a moody and irritable and dissatisfied outward expression that is associated with stagnant Liver-Qi.

When depression is of a Fire nature it most often involves an imbalance of Joy and Love-the root emotions of the heart and the Mind. Joy is an extension of Shen’s innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. The depression that afflicts the Heart and Shen involves a loss of one’s natural sense of Joy. There is often an accompanied lack of enthusiasm and interest as well as an inability to become inspired.

Wonderful recipes to release depression and uplift the Spirit:

Heart opening:
1 part Rose
3 parts Sandalwood
3parts Sweet Orange or Bergamot
3 parts Jasmine
1 part Ylang Ylang
1 part Sandalwood

Brightening, refreshing and uplifting:

a) Uplifting
3 parts Bergamot
1 part Ylang Ylang
1 part Grapefruit

b) Bright and refreshing

2 parts Bergamot
2 parts Clary Sage
1 part Frankincense

c) Bright and clear
3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange
2 parts Clary Sage

d) Refreshing and floral
2 parts Frankincense
1 part Lemon
1 part either Jasmine or Neroli

Nourishing:
1 part (Roman) Chamomile
1 part Vanilla
10 parts Carrier oil of choice

Floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit):
1 part Neroli
1 part Vanilla
1 part Orange
1 part Sandalwood

When feeling bitter and brooding
1 part Bergamot
1 part Helichrysum

Wise women will notice that therapeutic grade pure essential oils are often found in the highest quality beauty care products designed for mature skin. It is known that essential oils have many beneficial and therapeutic properties including the stimulation of cellular metabolism, the regeneration of tissues, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as various hormone-like activity. These known benefits are the therapeutic fundamentals for wise woman topical support of the health and beauty of aging skin. Not only are these natural (nature made) essential oils good for the skin, they are much kinder to the planet than synthetic concoctions made in a laboratory and the results of using pure therapeutic grade essential oils on one’s skin can certainly be as profound. Beyond these obvious benefits, the wise woman (that’s you) can make a skin care blend that is precisely suited to her skin’s personal needs and at a fraction of the cost of the high-end synthetic blends. Many of the ingredients that are required are available locally at your health food store. The more exotic items found either on the internet or through mail order from providers of therapeutic-grade aromatherapy and apothecary supplies. As a curious woman you may ask, “What makes essential oils and their complementary carrier oils so effective for natural skin care?” The answer is found in nature herself. It happens that their elemental structures of the plant oils are beautifully and decidedly compatible with that of our skin. The truth is, essential oils are easily absorbed through the various layers of the skin and even through the skin’s individual cell walls. This compatibility makes them extremely simple to create and use your own formulas.

A little background on some of the various carrier oils otherwise known as “base” oils. These oils make up the foundation of most natural skin care formulas and are pressed from nut and seeds. There are a many lovely carrier oils from which to choose: Following are some of our favorites for nourishing and healing mature skin: Avocado is known to be both hydrating, and nutritive; it has a medium consistency and is generally included at about 20% of the total base oil mixture. Apricot Kernel is fantastic for dry skin and is used for healing damaged or irritated skin. Apricot oil can be used in combination or with other carriers or as 100% of the base oil. Borage oil is used as a small (5-15%) portion of the carrier blend; helps to calm inflammation and supplies important essential fatty acid nutrients to the skin. Borage and Evening Primrose oil may be interchanged though the Evening Primrose should be used in slightly larger concentrations of up to 25% of the base formula. Hazelnut is likely the most common carrier in skin care blends. It has a thin consistency and is best used by those with oily skin conditions. With its astringent properties Hazelnut should not exacerbate troubled skin. Lastly, and likely most importantly we have Rosehip Seed. Rosehip seed oil combines a plethora of therapeutic properties including the ability to turn over skin cells without the drying side effects found in pharmaceutical preparations such as Retin-A. A good base oil for mature skin would look something like 70% Apricot Kernel, 15% Rosehip and 15% Evening Primrose. For those with dry skin, add Avocado oil at 20% and reduce the Apricot Kernel to 50%. For oily skin, use Hazelnut in place of Apricot Kernel.

And now for the delightful ingredients, the essential oils. There are numerous essential oils that can be used in skin care and many of these will are of great benefit to mature skin. We will look at eight incredible essential oils that are all beneficial to mature skin:

Considered one of the most potent revitalizing oils for the derma (skin), Carrot Seed (Daucus carota) essential oil is distilled from the seeds of Wild Carrot. Carrot seed is chosen principally as a tonic for skin that has become dull and lifeless which makes it a good choice for a blend for those whose lifestyle or environment seems to be taking its toll on the skin’s vibrancy. Carrot seed has a smooth, warm and earthy aroma that will blend well with many other essential oils. Another essential oil that is great for revitalizing the skin is Rosemary Verbenone. Rosemary Verbenone contains a higher amount of regenerative ketones than common rosemary and is highly effective at regeneration of the skin. In his book ‘Advanced Aromatherapy’ , leading medical aromatherapist and Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Rosemary Verbenone “displays its main activity in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), where it stimulates the metabolic functions, circulation, and elimination of waste products”.

The essential oil of Clary Sage is renowned as being particularly suited to natural skin and beauty care. Clary Sage contains sclareol, which mimics the effects of estrogen; this is noted by one expert author and aromatherapist suggests that this effect is the a key reason it helps with skin aging. Clary Sage is also celebrated for its ability to regulate the skin’s secretions naturally bringing balance to both over-oily as well as over-oily skin. Elsewhere, it is noted as relaxing and ‘mildly euphoric’ which may also contribute to its positive effects for wrinkles.

Sweet Fennel is another ‘estrogenic’ essential oil, called for by Herbalist and author Valerie Worwood in “The Complete Book of Essential Oils” as an ingredient in wrinkle-preventative blends for all ages.

Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 (a cold-processed essential oil made from the berries of the prolific Sea buckthorn tree) is gentle oil with a pleasingly sweet aroma. Sea Buckthorn contains significant amounts of essential fatty acids along with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. This specialty skin care essential oil is rich in carotenes, which likely impart its rejuvenative effects. It is noted as a particularly effective anti-wrinkle and skin softening agent. Also known as Rock Rose, Cistus is another specialty essential oil for the care of mature care. The oil is distilled from a plant that grows in hot, sun-drenched regions of the world such as Spain and Morocco. Cistus is called for in blends for its naturally firming effects on the skin. Along with its firming effects, Cistus is also a natural astringent making it a good oil for those with adult acne. Please note that Cistus is mentioned as a good choice for blends that are used for firming around the eyes. A word of caution, when using ANY essential oils near the eyes, the blend should contain no more than .5% essential oils as to not be irritating in this sensitive area.

No discussion of aromatherapy and skin care would be comprehensive without first addressing Lavender essential oil. Well-known for its relaxing effects, true lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) can be included in aromatherapy blends for skin made for any age. Lavenders’ support for stress reduction may quickly result in improving the overall appearance of your skin. Due to its regenerative actions, anti-inflammatory, and balancing effects, lavender is especially supportive of aging skin. Lavender may be added in whatever concentration one chooses in alignment with one’s personal taste. For those wanting a stronger anti-inflammatory and regenerative effect, use Helichrysum essential oil. Also known as Immortelle or Everlasting, Helichrysum is known widely as a profoundly healing essential oil for damaged skin and is often called for in blends for healing wounds or reducing the appearance of scars. Note that if you are combining aromatherapy with other treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabasion Helichrysum essential oil would be an valuable ingredient in your blend.

The recipes for natural skin for mature skin are relatively uncomplicated. A good starting place is the following ratio: 10 drops of each essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. For example, as a if you have four total ounces of carrier oil, you would then use forty drops of each chosen desired essential oil. Remember ladies, more essential oil is rarely better when blending a formula for the skin. Many essential oils work best at low concentrations with some oils potentially irritating the skin at high doses. A good rule of thumb is to keep your overall concentration of essential oils to a 5% total concentration. This ratio works out to about 30 drops per ounce of carrier. Remember that the face and neck are relatively delicate areas and will respond beautifully to small amounts of these naturally dynamic ingredients.

If you are designing your own recipe, you can start with equal amounts of essential oil in your blend. Some oils will have more powerful aromas than others; most of these very potent aromas will be oils that you will want to use in smaller quantities. You can also adjust according to your aromatic preferences as well, thus creating a formula that not only supports your skin’s health and metabolism, but smells lovely too.

Although many of these oils are favored for women’s beauty care, similar recipes may be used by men as well. A more masculine formula can be created using essential oils from woods – Cedarwood and Australian Sandalwood are both good examples of an essential oils that can be used for both its therapeutic and aromatic properties. Both Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils both have warm earthy aromas and are also noted for their positive effects on aging skin. The addition of essential oils purely for their aromatic beauty is always an option. Please note, there are a there are a few oils that should not be applied to the face that are commonly used in aromatherapy: Cinnamon, Oregano, Clove and Red Thyme; cold-pressed citrus oils such as tangerine, lemon, and orange as well as Angelica Root oil are phototoxic, and should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to sunlight in the following 72 hours. If you’re not sure about a particular essential oil, check with a reliable resource - There are many excellent references and health professionals available if you need assistance.

Blending a personal formula may seem overwhelming at first, but in fact it is quite a natural and pleasant experience. Once the formula is decided upon, one simply needs to mix each selected essential oil into the one or more base oils (these also have their own healing benefits) at the recommended concentrations, allow to stew and then apply to clean skin on a regular basis. The base oils will carry the essential oils more deeply into the skin, and prevent them from being quickly evaporated into the air. This allows the essential oils time to work their magic.

The creation of synergistic therapeutic blends for mature skin is enjoyable, easy-to-do, and a wise choice for the skin, the planet, and the pocket-book. By using therapeutic-grade oils and carriers, you’ll be creating an effective, beautiful smelling formula that is designed precisely for your own skin condition. Moreover, you can adjust the recipe over time as your needs change, or make different formulas with various aromas to double as natural perfumes. As always with aromatherapy, start slowly, pay attention to your body, enjoy the process!