The narrow fragrant leaves of rosemary are dark green on the upper surface, with undersides that are paler and matted with thick hair. During spring, the small and delicate, tubular, blue-white flowers begin to blossom on the tips of the leaves, and can remain in bloom throughout the summer.

Because it grows under a diversity of ecological conditions there can be a great deal of variation in the colour and size of rosemary flowers, as well as the odour of its essential oil. Three principal chemotypes of rosemary oil are available in the essential oil market; 1,8 cineole, camphor-borneol and verbenone.

Historical background

Rosemary has been used for its culinary, medicinal and magical properties since time immemorial. Bouquets of rosemary were found in Egyptian tombs dating as far back as the First Dynasty (c. 3100 BC), where it was used in incense for worshipping their deities. To the Romans who believed rosemary symbolised stability, rosemary was sacred and frequently used to decorate statues of their gods around the household.

Rosemary has long been recognised as a symbol of remembrance. Not only was it reputed to strengthen the memory, but it also held special significance to lovers who used it in poppets (cloth dolls) to attract partners and brides would wear a crown of rosemary in wedding ceremonies. At funerals it would be placed on the coffin as a sign of remembrance and can still be seen in use today at funerals where mourners wear a sprig of rosemary.

Self protection

In ancient times rosemary was also considered an herb of protection. During the middle ages in England it was reputed to drive away nightmares if placed near the bed, and when planted around the house or hung outside the front door and windows it was believed to protect the home from thieves.

During outbreaks of the plague, rosemary’s anti-infectious properties were captured in posies to carry whilst travelling, and the infamous ‘Vinegar of Four Thieves’ potion which was used by grave robbers also contained it. Along with juniper berry, rosemary was burned in sick chambers and hospitals to protect against infection. In France, it became known as ‘Incensier’.

Geographical sources

Spain and Tunisia are the largest producers of rosemary essential oil, although considerable quantities are also produced in France, Italy, Morocco, Serbia and Montenegro. Recently in the United Kingdom there have been test crops grown to test the viability of producing essential oil.

Tunisian rosemary essential oil is considered the finest by many connoisseurs, and although the Spanish oil is of good quality it is quite often adulterated to keep the price low and maintain its hold on the market over which it often dominates.

Harvesting and distillation in Tunisia

In Tunisia, harvesting takes place throughout April and May and the herb is usually cut and collected by hand. The essential oil is often extracted on-site using crude field stills and expertise that produces an oil with a beautiful herbaceous aroma.

The pictures in the sidebar opposite show the harvesting and on-site distillation of rosemary essential oil on a mountain located in the Zaghouan forest in Tunisia. High up on the side of the mountain fresh herb is cut and baled by hand, loaded onto a surprising strong donkey and transported to the area where the still is situated. After carefully charging the still with rosemary leaves, the lengthy process of distillation can finally begin.

Hard labour

The workers here labour continually throughout daylight hours under very difficult working conditions, often navigating perilously steep areas of the mountain-side. Certainly not recommended for the faint-hearted. Throughout the entire month that harvesting and distillation takes place, these workers practically live on the mountain, labouring around the clock and sleeping in small tents.

Although the weather looks quite sunny, at high altitude in April it is actually very cold – especially when it rains as it did the day I was there. To work for an entire month under such miserable, and sometimes perilous conditions merits major respect. I nearly slid down the side of that blasted mountain on more than one occassion, and I was only there for the morning!

Steam distillation of the flowering tops and leaves yields a pale straw or colourless essential oil with a unique fresh, herbaceous and slightly spicy aroma with woody, resinous and balsamic backnotes. Although the equipment used in this particular enterprise is very primitive, the rosemary essential oil produced here is as good, if not better, than many I have sampled from ultra-modern distilleries.

Aromatherapy use

Further to its recognised efficacy in treating muscle, joint, circulatory and respiratory conditions, rosemary shows surprising versatility in treating a host of other conditions such as arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, candida, catarrh, cellulite, colds, colitis, dandruff, hair loss, headache, hypotension, poor memory, muscular aches and pains, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, rheumatism, sciatica, sinusitis, sprains, stress.

Our ancestors believed that rosemary promoted youthfulness and used it as a preservative, and modern research has shown that rosemary essential oil does indeed exhibit potent anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and preservative properties which further increase its versatility. This has led to rosemary essential oil being used increasingly in skin care creams and lotions, and more recently as a natural preservative for food.

The same invigorating and energising properties rosemary brings to the body can be used just as effectively on the emotional system. It can be like a ray of sunshine bringing hope and strength to those who have become disheartened and lost their self-worth, or lethargic and unable to deal with adversity. Rosemary really is a surprisingly versatile essential oil.

Rosemary blends very easily with most essential oils, and particularly well with basil, cedar atlas and virginian, frankincense, geranium, lavender, peppermint, petitgrain, pine needle, thyme, sage, sandalwood and all citrus and spice oils.

Safety

Due to the variable quantity of naturally-occurring camphor in this essential oil it is wise to avoid using it during pregnancy, or for those suffering from epilepsy or high blood-pressure.

See Quinessence Rosemary Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008.

Some of the most popular aphrodisiac essential oils used in aromatherapy today include rose, neroli, sandalwood, ylang ylang and patchouli.

What is an aphrodisiac oil?

Although essential oils have many therapeutic properties, most people don’t realize that certain essential oils are also aphrodisiac. An aphrodisiac essential oil has the potential to induce love and romance, so it is a great mood setter for a wedding proposal, a special romantic occasion, or a Valentine’s dinner. You can use aphrodisiac essential oils in various ways, depending upon the occasion; some suggestions for use might be in the bath, in a massage lotion or oil, or in a candle.

How romantic essential oils work

It is widely accepted in the aromatherapy world that essential oils are capable of working in a number of ways. However, one of the quickest ways in which the aroma of an essential oil can have an effect on the body is by inhalation through the nose, because the nose has direct contact with the brain. Simply put, when you inhale an essential oil an area of the brain called the Limbic System is stimulated, and this is the part of the brain where moods and emotions are governed. The inhalation of an aroma triggers varying emotional and physical responses in people; aphrodisiac essential oils have the ability to invoke romantic feelings.

Rose oil

Think of romance and most people think of roses! Rose essential oil is no exception to romance either! The rose itself has been coveted for centuries by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Ladies in history who have used rose to woo their lovers include Cleopatra of Egypt and Josephine Bonaparte of France.

True rose essential oil is expensive because it takes several thousand rose petals to distil just one ounce of rose oil. Be careful that you’re not fooled by a cheaper, adulterated rose oil that has been extended with another essential oil or synthetic chemicals – or is entirely synthetic. Combine rose oil in a massage lotion or oil for a fantastic sensual massage with your partner, or add a few drops to a romantic bath. Rose essential oil is a complete fragrance in itself, with rich, deep base notes, floral middle tones and a sweet, slightly leafy top note.

Neroli essential oil

Neroli, which is sometimes referred to as orange blossom, was given its name due to Italian princess Anne Marie de la Trémoille (Orsini), who was duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola. She first introduced neroli oil as a fashionable fragrance to high society and used it in the bath and to perfume her stationary, scarves and most famously, her gloves.

Neroli essential oil has long been used in weddings because of both its aphrodisiac properties and its ability to calm the bride on her big day. Victorian brides wore a sprig of orange blossom in their head dress and carried orange blossom in their bridal bouquets in an attempt to calm nerves and stimulate romance on the wedding night! Orange blossom essential oil has an intoxicating, heady aroma with orange floral undertones, and like rose, it is a completely balanced perfume on its own.

Sandalwood essential oil

Sandalwood is an ancient oil that is well known for its meditative and relaxing properties; it is often used in incense in churches and temples. However, sandalwood also has aphrodisiac properties and is occasionally still used as a fixative in very high-class perfumes. Sandalwood essential oil is a base note oil and is now quite expensive, so use it sparingly. It has a balsamic, woody aroma so is a great choice if you don’t particularly like floral fragrances. Add a drop of sandalwood oil to a massage lotion or a bath for a sensual, truly romantic encounter!

Ylang ylang essential oil

Ylang ylang essential oil is extracted from the flowers of a tall, tropical tree which invokes exotic images and may contribute to its romantic associations! However, ylang ylang oil does possess aphrodisiac properties too and has traditionally been used for love and romance. In Indonesia, the flowers of ylang ylang are laid out on the bed of the bride and the groom, in an attempt to stimulate passion. In addition, the oil is used as a tonic to help overcome sexual difficulties. Ylang ylang has a sweet, floral-balsamic aroma which is quite sweet and rich. It is a good choice if you want to choose something between the full floral aroma of rose and the balsamic aroma of sandalwood.

Patchouli essential oil

Most recent memories of patchouli essential oil are its association as an incense in the hippie era of the 1960′s and, as such, most people either love or hate the aroma of patchouli for this reason! However, patchouli’s history goes back a lot further in time than its hippie associations and it was originally used in many perfume bases. It was introduced into Europe from the Far East in the 1800′s. Patchouli essential oil is a base note oil with a rich, earthy aroma. Use patchouli oil to re-capture the ’60′s decade of free love!

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2012

Unlike commercial grade soaps, our hand-crafted soaps do not contain animal fats, synthetic dyes, artificial preservatives, lathering agents or hardeners. Our hypo-allergenic cleansing bars are 100% vegetable based containing the purest Olive, Coconut, Jojoba and Palm oils, enriched with plant botanicals and essential oils.

As always with Quinessence products, they have not been tested on animals. Nor will they ever be.

You can pamper your senses with this creamy cleansing bar with a heavenly aroma as much as you like, without having to worry about all those naughty calories! This truly is a chocolate-lover’s delight – just please don’t try to eat it!

Indulge yourself with a Quinessence Orange and Chocolate Cleansing Bar

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011

Weakened immunity

The key to consistently good health lays in having an optimised immune system which acts as the body’s very first line of defence against invasion by bacteria and viruses. The immune system works together with other body systems such as the lymphatic and nervous systems. Whenever an outsider threatens the body, a whole battery of defences spring into action to seek out, recognise and destroy the invader.

However, the immune system may become weakened by outside forces which can have an impact on both the physical and emotional systems, thus bringing about a condition known as immuno-deficiency. When this happens, the body becomes far more susceptible to these invading germs since it is now working at a greatly reduced level of efficiency. If this situation is not addressed quickly, it is possible that serious medical conditions may develop.

What causes Immuno-deficiency?

On the physical level poor diet, too much alcohol, pollution, insecticides, food additives and certain drugs such as antibiotics and the contraceptive pill can all supress the immune system. It is quite common for the immune system to become noticeably compromised after the repeated use of antibiotic drugs, as some of you may have already learned to your cost.

Negative emotional and psychological pressures undoubtedly contribute to the weakening of the immune system if they are allowed to continue. Psychological stress causes the release of hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol, which over a period of time will begin to suppress the immune defences, making us more susceptible to disease. For example, cortisol reduces the level of T-helper cells, and inhibits the production of natural killer cells.

Negative cycle

Prolonged physical illness itself will often lead to a negative emotional state, and this in turn can cause immunodeficiency. The weakened immune system will now be more vulnerable to further infection, and another new infection can lead to even further emotional depression. This negative cycle of illness can be very difficult to break unless a course of treatment is adopted that takes both the mind and body into consideration.

General medicine has a limited range of treatments to boost a depressed or flagging immune system, but some illnesses seem well beyond their help. Vitamin injections and supplements also have their part to play in conjunction with sound dietary advice, but again this can be only helpful in certain cases.

The Holistic approach

Aromatherapy is a highly effective treatment for a depleted or suppressed immune system because we can employ essential oils that have been proven to boost the immune system. As aromatherapists already know, using essential oils to treat a depleted immune system can be a very positive treatment – especially when used regularly.

Research has shown that essential oils work as natural immune boosters in three different modes of action;-

1) They work directly against the invading bacteria and viruses due to their powerful antibacterial and antiviral actions.

2) Certain essential oils can influence the stimulation and production of phagocytes, T- cells and B- cells which are so vital to your bodies defences.

3) Other essential oils can give an uplifting boost to the emotional system, which helps to break the downward spiral caused by immunodeficiency. This effect is quite unique to aromatherapy.

In fact it is this third mode of action where aromatherapy really comes into its own by helping to break the circle of illness that is caused by depression. Regular use of the correct essential oils – particularly in massage – will have a powerful effect on the limbic system, which in turn has an uplifting effect on the mind in a way that allopathic medicine has yet to appreciate.

Aromatic Armoury

The comprehensive list of essential oils in the side panel illustrate how aromatherapy can help to boost the immune system by using those oils that have been shown to possess immunostimulant properties.

To produce a powerful synergy with these essential oils, you should make a blend containing one oil from each of the three categories listed in the lists so that they can get to work on all three levels. This produces a holistic result that captures everything that is the very best about aromatherapy.

These individual essential oils and synergistic blends can then be used in the usual ways; add 6 drops (total) to a bath, use them in massage, add them to your skincare, or use them in vaporisers around the home and at work to give you all round protection.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2007. Written by Sue Charles

Native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia, arnica (Arnica montana) has been of significant importance as a medicinal plant throughout these regions since the 15th century, and it is still highly popular in herbal medicine today. Due to its proven efficacy it is still included in the herbal pharmacopoeias of several countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and USA.

Applied externally, arnica oil has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of conditions including arthritis, bruises, chilblains, dislocated shoulders, haematomas, insect bites, lumbago, muscular strains, rheumatism, swollen ankles and torn ligaments. The antiseptic, antibacterial and healing properties of arnica oil also make it helpful in treating a number of skin ailments such as acne, boils and spots, and is even reputed to help with hair loss.

At one time the mountain dwellers of Europe would smoke the dried leaves as a treatment for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, coughs and colds, which led to its common name of ‘mountain tobacco’. Arnica is also known as Leopard’s bane and Wolfs bane, but these common names are also used by other plants from entirely separate species, reminding us again the confusion caused by using the common names of plants.

From the Asteraceae family, arnica is an herbaceous perennial sub-alpine herb with bright green leaves that form a rosette at its base, and tall stems reaching a height of between 30 to 60 centimetres supporting a single flower. Similar to daisies in appearance, the bright yellow flowers begin to appear in May and are harvested when in full bloom during late summer for use in creams, ointments, salves, tinctures for homeopathy, and of course macerating in vegetable oils to produce an infused oil.

The chemistry of arnica has been well studied, and modern research has corroborated the traditional uses of this amazing plant. In the early 1980s, German investigators identified two key components in arnica; the sesquiterpene lactones helanalin and dihydrohelananin and their derivatives which help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Another study in 2002 demonstrated that these constituents work by reducing the delivery of inflammatory cytokines which inflamed tissues over-produce.

When used in aromatherapy arnica oil is invaluable when treating bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, torn ligaments, and in fact all types of sports injuries. Arnica oil works best when applied quickly to injuries so many athletes apply arnica oil before and after sports to help keep any possible damage and inflammation due to injuries to a minimum.

See Quinessence Arnica Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011

Easy does it

Most self-development coaches advise that to achieve and maintain your desires for a healthier and more productive lifestyle, it is made much easier by taking small steps. Small, incremental changes are far more sustainable than diving into a radical crash diet or exercise program that you won’t stick to in the long term.

So this year resolve to make minor adjustments to your diet, organizing skills or exercise routine, and together with a little help from aromatherapy you will be able to achieve your desires and stick to your New Year’s resolution throughout the year, and beyond.

Bringing change into your life usually involves a new way of thinking or behaving, which ultimately requires us to let go of the past and clear things out on both a physical and mental level to make room for the new. Essential oils are great for this because of their great cleansing action and ability to focus clear thinking.

Out with the old – in with the new

Put yourself in the mood for change by using your essential oils and hydrosols to clear away emotional clutter in preparation for the healthier, more enlightened person you will soon become. The mood enhancing properties of essential oils can really help to strengthen your resolve for change, as well as giving you that extra boost of self-confidence.

Start by adding a table-spoon of your favourite hydrosol to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine to introduce a subtle fragrance to your underwear, bed linen, towels and clothing. Rose is associated with the heart chakra and balances the emotions, whilst melissa facilitates change by helping you to let go of the past.

Harmony and balance

Add a few drops of uplifting oils such as frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender or litsea cubeba to cotton wool pads, sachets or pieces of tissue and place them in your linen drawers, cupboards and wardrobes.

This creates a harmonious atmosphere that will help keep your mood positive whilst you tackle the changes in your life that you truly desire. Also, using essential oils is a far more environmentally friendly way of fragrancing your home than using the usual chemical-laden aerosols that just create a flowery fog and do absolutely nothing for your wellbeing.

Whilst ironing your clothes, spray them with your favourite hydrosol to fragrance them and give your spirits a much needed boost whilst you tackle the drudgery of this thankless chore. Symbolically, this represents you smoothing out life’s little wrinkles – revealing the fresh and fragrant person you are striving to become!

Healthy eating

Anyone who has ever set an unrealistic weight loss goal will tell you that not meeting your own expectations is the fastest way to fail at weight loss, so to begin with you should plan to lose no more than 1 or 2 pounds per week. The aim is to eat healthily, not kick off with a crash diet.

Start gently on the first week by reducing your alcohol, coffee and fizzy soda intake whilst increasing your water consumption, and then the next week focus on eating closer to nature. The week after that, start cutting sugar out of your diet . . . and so on, working every week to add a simple but positive change.

Put away your deep fryer and frying pan and consider steaming, baking and grilling meats and vegetables instead. Steaming vegetables and potatoes is a great way to cook them, plus it leaves the essential nutrients and vitamins intact. Simply changing the way that you cook the foods you normally eat will have a huge impact on your weight loss efforts.

Remember, a well balanced diet is considered to be one that includes bread, cereals, fish, lean meat, chicken, potatoes, and dairy products, this along with exercise not only makes you look better but can help to counteract the onset of many health related problems.

On yer bike

If like me, you have embarked on a new year keep-fit regime you might be looking forward to lots of cycling, power walking, jogging or regular trips to the gym to burn off those extra Christmas calories. Keeping active by exercising not only helps you to lose those few extra pounds, but it also tones your muscles leaving you looking better too. To maintain the peak of health you only need to exercise for 30 minutes every day whilst maintaining a healthy balanced diet.

When you return home from your energetic encounters take a nice long, reviving bath soak with restorative rosemary, black pepper, lavender and ginger, and your muscles won’t ache so much the next day. Eucalyptus, sweet marjoram and roman chamomile are very soothing in a bath too.

If you overdo things a bit in the race to find the new you, mix up a comforting massage oil containing sweet marjoram, roman chamomile and black pepper and massage the painful area twice a day. The powerful combination of massage and the therapeutic essential oils will bring almost instant relief to all types of muscular aches, pains and strains.

After any type of aerobic exercise where your feet have taken a bit of a pounding, revive those tired tootsies with a spray of peppermint hydrosol – it soothes, cools and refreshes aching feet in a second. If your feet are really aching after working out try a hot footbath with essential oils of peppermint, rosemary and lavender. Works like a charm every time.

Positive outlook

Make it a goal to obtain a healthier outlook on life and it will undoubtedly lead to a healthier you. If you are truly determined to reach a better state of health, making it a reality becomes so much easier when you change your outlook.

Support your new outlook by learning as much as you can about the different ways of achieving better health by living a healthier lifestyle. Use the internet, books, DVDS, clubs, gyms and support groups to your benefit, since this knowledge gives you a great base to work from.

One of the truest sayings I ever heard is ‘The only thing in life that will always remain the same – is change’. In our life we have the power to make the necessary changes if we really, really want to. Even when we find ourselves in the most unbearable situation we can always find solace in the knowledge that it too will change.

All we need do is take the first small step towards our desires, be positive, and hold Great Expectations.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009. Written by Sue Charles

The ancient Egyptians are known to have used ‘chamomile’ in skin care preparations, incense, good-luck charms and medicine, and were so impressed with its curative properties for the ‘ague’ (acute fever) they dedicated it to their sun god Ra.

The Anglo Saxons believed that sickness was a result of poisons carried on the wind and knew chamomile as Maythen, including it in their Nine Sacred Herbs which they believed were given to mankind by their god, Woden. The song ‘The Nine Herbs Charm’ written around 1,000 AD declares; ‘That never a man should lose his life from infection after Maythen was prepared for his food.’ Modern research has proven that M. recutita exhibits a powerful antibacterial action against a wide range of bacterium, suggesting that the beliefs held so dear by the Anglo Saxons were scientifically correct.

Throughout Europe and Russia the virtues of German chamomile have been used in compresses and massage to combat arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, gout, cramps, inflammation, vomiting, and a wide range of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. Taken internally as a tea or tincture it was used to treat colic, convulsions, croup, diarrhoea, earache, fever, heartburn and indigestion, insomnia, liver disease, period cramps, pyorrhoea, toothache, stomach ulcers and even as remedy for cancer.

General description

Belonging to the Asteraceae family, Matricaria recutita is an annual aromatic plant producing an erect, round, branching stem reaching 40 to 60 centimetres in height. The green to dark green leaves are few and feathery, and each upper stem normally terminates in 1 or 2 single, daisy-like flower heads. The flower heads measure 2 to 4 centimetres across and consist of yellow tubular disk florets surrounded by 10 to 20 white strap-shaped ray florets.

The flowers spread outward or droop downward depending on the maturity of the flower head. Although they are similar, the flowers of German chamomile can be easily distinguished from those of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile which is also known as Anthemis nobilis) by the shape of the central yellow receptacle; German chamomile flowers are hollow and conical shaped whereas roman chamomile are flatter and solid as shown in the sidebar.

Geographical sources

Matricaria recutita is native to Europe and western Asia and has now been naturalized on almost every continent. It is one of the most important medicinal plants in world trade and is cultivated for the dried herb in many regions. Essential oil producing countries include north Africa, Argentina, west Asia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Harvesting and extraction

To achieve the highest levels of chamazulene and a-bisabolol (the constituents responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect) in German chamomile essential oil, the flowers must be picked in the morning or evening at precisely the right stage of maturity. Experienced farmers conduct daily tests to identify when key components are at optimum levels before harvesting, since the level of certain constituents affects the value of the extracted oil.

After harvesting, the flowers are dried and then steam distilled to yield a viscous, dark inky-blue oil with a powerful sweet herbaceous aroma that has fruity and tobacco-like nuances. Essential oil of Matricaria recutita is generally considered a middle note when blending, and it is extremely persistent (long lasting). So use it carefully in blends or it will overpower the fragrance of other oils. Of course this does not matter if you are using the oil for its therapeutic properties rather than fragrance.

Uses in aromatherapy

German chamomile is a remarkable essential oil and there is very little currently available to the aromatherapist that performs better than this essential oil when you need a powerful antispasmodic or anti-inflammatory action for a treatment. German chamomile essential oil is highly versatile, and is also excellent for soothing and healing skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis, whilst it’s relaxing and calming action to the mind is both legendary and well proven against insomnia.

Although the anti-inflammatory properties of chamazulene and a-bisabolol extracted from German chamomile essential oil have been investigated and authenticated extensively, as is so often witnessed with other essential oils, their effects are often more pronounced when these constituents appear together naturally in the ‘whole’ essential oil rather than when isolated and used individually. This explains why the essential oil is so effective at bringing relief to arthritis, muscular pains and strains, rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions when used in massage.

German chamomile is often the first choice of aromatherapists when treating premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, and a wide range of menopausal problems, as well as migraines and headaches. At a concentration of 25 mg/mL, oil of M. recutita also demonstrates antibacterial activity against such gram-positive bacteria as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus salivarius, as well as mild fungicidal activity against Candida albicans.

The aroma of German chamomile essential oil tends to dominate in blends, but when used sparingly it works well with benzoin, bergamot, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, neroli, lemon, marjoram sweet, rose, ylang ylang, and vetiver. See Quinessence German Chamomile Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2003. Written by Geoff Lyth

There’s no doubt about it, few annual events are as stressful as the weeks leading up to Christmas. So this year, make Christmas especially festive and fragrant by using your essential oils to create a truly seasonal atmosphere in your home whilst at the same time helping to calm, soothe, uplift and revive your frazzled mind and body!

Countdown to Christmas

You know the script – there’s only a few days left before Christmas and you still haven’t bought a single present yet, there is not a drop of booze in the house, the butcher has run out of turkeys and you can’t figure out why the Christmas lights keep coming on when you switch on the toaster . . . will you ever be ready for Christmas Day?

Remember that shopping for gifts and groceries in overcrowded stores can be exhausting and can often send your stress levels soaring, so whatever you do don’t leave it all to the last minute this year. Plan ahead, shop, and make your travel plans in plenty of time and pace yourself out. Take the pressure off yourself by shopping smart.

Cyberspace or car park space?

Buying online can really take the stress out of Xmas shopping, so check to see if you can purchase some of your presents and groceries online this year, and forget about battling for that one remaining car park space. What with the cost of petrol, car parks and the strain on your nerves, it really does make sense to shop online these days.

Of course, the internet can be frustrating at times when searching for the right products, so vaporise some soothing and calming essential oils such as petitgrain, lavender, linaloe wood, roman chamomile or ylang ylang, and once again peace shall reign in cyberspace.

Soothing footbath

If you prefer to do your shopping off-line, then pounding the pavements in search of all those special prezzies usually results in tired, aching feet. So when you get home treat yourself to a soothing and refreshing essential oil footbath to bring blissful relief, plus the bonus of few minutes of peace and quiet to yourself.

Just one drop each of cooling and refreshing peppermint, rosemary and lavender essential oils in a warm footbath will quickly soothe and revive those tired tootsies and have you back on your feet in no time at all. Somehow, a footbath seems to relax, soothe and invigorate all at the same time.

If you came home empty-handed after all morning traipsing round the stores don’t work yourself into a sweat – just crank up your burner! A simple blend of lavender, grapefruit and ginger essential oils in equal proportions quickly dispels a Christmas panic attack, and it smells absolutely gorgeous too. The refreshing nature of grapefruit blended with the stimulating and ‘grounding’ properties of ginger will put you back on track in double-quick time.

Spice it up

Spice oils such as cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg can be used on the lead up to and during the festivities to invoke a fantastic Christmassy atmosphere. These oils blend perfectly with citrus essential oils such as mandarin and sweet orange, so you can experiment away to your hearts content. Try making our Christmas blend recipe in the sidebar below – it’s absolutely perfect just before or during Christmas dinner!

Soak it up

Here’s a simple tip to ease the pressure of preparing that Christmas dinner; – prepare your veggies late on Christmas Eve! This way you will not have to be up at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, and you can now use the time you saved to take a nice relaxing aromatherapy bath. Go on, pamper yourself – you’ve earned it!

Run a nice warm bath and add 3 drops of sandalwood and 2 drops of rose oil – and ahhh, absolute heaven! This ultra relaxing blend will ensure that you have at least 15 minutes of pure relaxation before the festivities begin, so be sure to make the very most of it! If you don’t have these oils just substitute them for your own personal favourites, and indulge yourself a little.

Set the mood

Next, begin vaporising your favourite essential oils around the house whilst you continue to make preparations for the Christmas dinner and organise the party festivities or games. Try making our popular Christmas blend recipe in the sidebar – it creates the perfect atmosphere leading up to, during or after Christmas dinner!

There are lots of essential oils you can choose from to create the right atmosphere for all your celebrations, but some popular oils that are blend easily together and are sure to please everyone include bergamot, geranium, lavender, mandarin and ylang ylang.

Frankincense essential oil is perfect for a soothing and calming effect if the children are getting over-excited and chaos is breaking out all around you! On the other hand, if things start flagging after too much Christmas pudding try vaporising grapefruit or lemon essential oils to give everyone a reviving boost. Alternatively of course, you could just let everyone sleep whilst you enjoy a well earned rest!

Remember that hydrosols make great refreshers, so make sure you take one if you go out for the evening. Peppermint, rosemary and orange blossom hydrosols are instantly enlivening and uplifting when your energy levels begin to flag, and when your feet are aching and tired a spray of peppermint or rosemary hydrosol is wonderfully refreshing. On the other hand, rose, lavender and geranium hydrosols can be used help you wind down for bed after a hard nights partying.

One too many!

And then there’s the next morning! Too much Christmas ‘spirit’ is guaranteed to put a dampener on things, so if you went completely over the top the night before try our Hangover Blend described in the side-bar. Once again, an enlivening spray of Peppermint or Rosemary Hydrosol can also be just the thing you need to get you kick-started after a late night session.

Be sure to keep your essential oils and hydrosols close to hand throughout the festivities and you are guaranteed to have a great time whatever you do. Remember – at the first sign of festive fatigue, just reach for those oils and crank up your burner!

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011

Argan oil is a deeply nourishing vegetable oil rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, ferulic acid and antioxidants, making it ideal for use in aromatherapy. It’s rich, complex and unique chemical composition deeply nourishes the skin helping to soften wrinkles and protect against the damaging effects of premature aging. No wonder it’s known as ‘liquid gold’ and ‘Moroccan gold’ in the beauty industry!

Rich in proteins, argan oil strengthens the protein bonding structures which tightens skin and improves its elasticity whilst at the same time it has a regulating effect on sebum, promoting production of this vital substance for dry skin or reducing its secretion with oily skin.

The spiny, gnarly argan tree (Argania spinosa) is an ancient species that once grew throughout Africa but is now found almost exclusively in the Souss Plains of south-west Morocco. Argan oil is obtained from the seeds found inside the stone of the fleshy fruits, which are a type known as drupes. After collection, the drupes are sun-dried for a few days and the central nut is separated and cracked open by hand using a small oval stone as a hammer to recover the seeds (kernels).

When the oil is intended for culinary purposes the seeds are roasted and then ground with a little water to extract the precious oil, whereas the unroasted seeds are used to produce argan oil intended for use in aromatherapy and cosmetics. Whichever method is used, this laborious and time consuming work is done solely by Berber women who are the only people with the ancestral knowledge of argan oil production. Depending upon the level of skill of a worker, it can take between 15 to 20 hours to crack enough nuts to produce just 1 litre of oil!

Argan oil is the ultimate all-round, natural anti-aging product that can be used for a multitude of purposes such as;

• Protecting skin against wrinkles

• Moisturising hair and nails

• Reducing the appearance of crow’s feet

• Increasing elasticity of skin

• Preventing stretch marks

• Treating acne, eczema and psoriasis

Discover for yourself the amazing healing and beautifying benefits of this precious vegetable oil from Morocco. With winter on its way now, you won’t find a better oil to care for your skin . . .

Learn more about Quinessence Argan Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011

Self-inflicted problem

Although some things are outside our control such as genetics and accidents, a large proportion of back pain is related to our lifestyle and the way that we interact with the world. Due to the bad habits that we have gradually developed over time, we have adopted a poor posture with a tendency to slump when we sit which then creates tension in the neck, shoulders and back.

The invention of the motor car means that people now drive everywhere instead of walking, and our occupational habits have also changed with many of us spending our working day sitting at desks, slouched over computers that puts a great strain on our backs. This is a far cry from our ancestors who would spend most of their working day walking, running and standing up.

Those of us who spend most of our working day sat at computers are particularly vulnerable to neck and shoulder pain. If a monitor is positioned too high or low the user is forced to tilt the head back or forwards which causes the neck and shoulder muscles to become fatigued. Within a relatively short space of time this can cause serious neck and shoulder pain, and even headaches.

Use it or lose it

People who walk a lot or spend time in the gym develop good muscle tone in their backs, but those who sit for most of the day lose tone in the large group of muscles in their backs. When we slouch, the vertebrae of the spine are subjected to larger forces of pressure and over a period of time this can often lead to trouble.

Repetitive activities and overstraining can also lead to problems in your neck, shoulder or rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that attach four shoulder muscles to the upper arm, and when injured it restricts the movement of the arms and is very, very painful.

Life moves fast in today’s world and we carry stress in our upper backs, shoulders and neck. Our shoulders are held stiffly as we drive or sit, and our frustrations and emotions can then have an impact in this area. Ultimately it can affect our ability to get a good nights sleep, and without sleep you can’t escape the pain and will become tired and irritable. And so the dreadful cycle continues . . .

Help is at hand

Aromatherapy is highly effective remedy for easing shoulder and neck pain whilst at the same time reducing stress levels by using a regime of massage and bath soaks in the comfort of your own home. Massage is a time-honored treatment for relieving tight and tense muscles, and by including the correct essential oils it can bring instant relief to the tension knots and muscle spasms associated with neck and shoulder pain. Although you can effectively massage your own neck, it may be better to get someone else to massage the difficult to reach upper back area.

Some aromatherapy carrier oils have properties that are really great for muscular aches; for example black seed oil with added essential oils of Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, lavender and rosemary will bring blissful relief to those stiff and aching muscles and joints. The oils penetrate into muscular tissue increasing blood flow to the area, and encouraging the contracted muscles to expand and relax.

A soothing warm bath with essential oils is also just the thing to relax tight, tense muscles in the shoulders and upper back. Roman chamomile, black pepper, clary sage, lavender, rose, sandalwood, sweet marjoram, sweet thyme, rosemary and vetiver are all oils that can be used to ease muscular aches and pains.

Preventative action

To help prevent neck and shoulder pain developing, try doing these simple stretching exercises. Following these simple and easy to understand exercises can be a productive way to prevent the tension in the neck and shoulder that lead to pain. Remember, headaches are a common side effect of sore all tight muscles of the upper back and neck too, and gentle stretching will help to relax muscular tension.

Here are a few easy exercises to get you started:

• Shoulder rolls
Roll your shoulders forward (clockwise) and backwards (anticlockwise) in slow circular movements.

• Shoulder shrug
Lift shoulders upwards towards the head hold for a few seconds and let go to release tension. Slowly tilt your head to the right shoulder, hold for a couple of seconds and then returned to upright position. Then repeat the exercise tilting toward the left shoulder.

• Head circles
Looking straight ahead slowly form a circle with your head in a clockwise direction for three or four complete circles. Then repeat in an anti-clockwise direction.

• Head Tilt
Slowly tilt your right ear towards the right shoulder, hold for a couple of seconds and then return your head to the upright position. Then repeat the exercise on the left side.

• The Omni Massage Roller
This handy personal massager and proven therapeutic tool is small enough to pop into your bag, yet effective enough to roll away stress and tension and ease aches and pains. The magic combination of deep penetrating pressure along with mobility of the ball will smooth, soothe and loosen muscle tissue, improving circulation and relieving pain.

Using aromatherapy massage together with a few simple exercises really can help relieve or prevent neck and shoulder pain. But if your neck or shoulder pain persist beyond a few weeks you must go and see your doctor in case there is a serious underlying problem.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2011