Physical description

It is a slow growing evergreen tree that can reach a height anywhere between 10 to 18 metres (33-60 ft) and displays a narrow conical habit. The fibrous shredding bark is reddish-brown or grey in colour with branches that are mostly horizontal, with a thin and scaling bark.

The needle-like green or blue-green leaves grow in pairs, and berries appear in spring that change colour as they mature, turning from a greenish-white to a dark blue-purple colour with a fine bloom in autumn.

The common name for this tree is derived from the beautiful fragrant heartwood, which is a reddish colour and highly valuable to the furniture manufacturing industry because of its special virtues.

Traditional uses & folklore

Virginian cedarwood has long been known to possess natural moth repelling properties which have been employed in cedar chests, wardrobes and closets, and its poles are highly resistant to decay when used for fence posts because of their durability and longevity in damp, wet soil.

Native American tribes revered this tree along with other so-called ‘red cedars’ such as the southern (J. virginiana var. silicicola) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata). Tribes including Cheyenne, Blackfoot, Flathead, Crows, Nez Perce, Kutenai, and Sioux all employed parts of the tree for medicinal purposes.

Leaves, twigs, berries and bark of J. virginiana were used in decoctions taken internally to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, asthma, colds, fevers, tonsillitis, pneumonia and to encourage menstruation.

Poultices of leaves and sprigs warmed on hot stones were also applied to treat rheumatic aches and pains, arthritis, backache and skin conditions. In later years these remedies were also used by the white settlers too, and later J. virginiana was included in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia.

The Tree of Life

Symbolising the tree of life and known as the ‘medicine tree’, the wood was believed by some tribes to have been blood-stained by a powerful magician and it became sacred to them. It was burned in rituals, purification ceremonies and sweat lodges to drive away negative spirits and bring prophetic visions.

On a more practical every-day level, cedarwood strips were used to weave storage bags and finely twined mats or partitions, and sachets were used to protect ceremonial head-dresses from insects. The Cheyenne made flutes from the wood, but it appears it was the Western red cedar Thuja plicata that was most commonly used to make totem poles.

Extraction

The prime source of wood today is the waste from cedar furniture manufacturing factories; stumps, chipped logs, shavings and sawdust are subjected to steam distillation and yield a slightly viscous, yellow-amber coloured essential oil. It has a fresh and slightly sweet woody aroma with a balsamic dry-out note that makes an excellent low cost fixative in perfumery.

At cool temperatures, crystals of cedrol often form in the essential oil, but this is quite natural and they will usually dissolve when the temperature returns to around 20 degrees centigrade.

Uses in aromatherapy

Virginian cedarwood essential oil is used to treat muscular aches and pains, painful joints, rheumatism and arthritis. It is particularly beneficial when blended with Roman or German chamomile essential oils when used in massage.

Although milder in action than juniper berry, it still has an influence on the kidneys and bladder, and creates an effective synergy when they are all blended together for use in the bath or for massage. Its astringent and antiseptic properties are ideal for treating acne and oily skin conditions as well as coughs and colds.

Cedar Virginian essential oil is a base note, and blends well with bergamot, chamomile roman, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, juniper berry, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang yang. It works particularly well for blends where rose or jasmine predominates.

Many aromatherapy books state that J. virginiana oil is an abortifacient without providing any evidence in support of this claim. As in many other cases, this information originated in older herbal references where it was confused with the related species J. sabina, which is a known abortifacient if taken internally.

It is not common knowledge that essential oil of J. virginiana is an approved flavouring ingredient, and this would not be possible if it was considered unsafe.

See Quinessence Cedar Virginian Essential Oil.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Step 1 - Cleanse

Always deep-cleanse your skin before applying any products. And wherever possible, avoid using commercial soap since this can be very drying and instead use a cleanser with gentle, natural ingredients. Dispense your cleanser onto the fingertips and gently rub them together to warm it slightly.

Apply the lotion to the face and neck with light circular movements to dislodge and remove any impurities. Don’t rub or stretch your skin, or use excessively hot water since this can damage your skin over time.

Step 2 - Tone

To remove any final traces of cleanser and to close your pores always use a toner that does not disturb the skins delicate pH balance. Choose a gentle cleanser containing natural botanical cleansing agents rather than one with harsh chemicals.

Hydrosols such as Rose, Orange Blossom, Geranium or Lavender are excellent for this job because they are totally natural and bring great skin-conditioning benefits. Soak two cotton wool pads with toner or hydrosol, and with upward and outward movements sweep across the face and neck.

Step 3 - Moisturize

Daytime replenishment is absolutely essential to keep your skin soft and free from the drying effects of central heating and the sun. After completing your cleansing routine apply some hydrating cream or lotion to your finger pads, gently rub together to warm it and apply to the face and neck in upward and outward movements.

Don’t forget to hydrate the eye zone, but be sure to use a very light product which is designed for this. Quinessence Aloe Vera and Lavender Gel hydrates, soothes and tones, making it perfect for this type of application.

Step 4 - Night repair

Overnight treatments are especially beneficial since as you sleep, your skin is replenished and renewed. Warm your chosen night treatment cream between the finger pads and apply in upward and outward movements to the face and neck avoiding the eye area. Don’t forget the neck and décolleté area since like your hands, it can reveal your age! Ideally, you should apply a light hydrating gel around the eye area to complete this step.

Step 5 - Exfoliate

To keep your skin in tip-top condition you should exfoliate every 10 to 15 days as this is a quick and effective way of removing dead skin cells. It leaves the skin soft and radiant, enhancing the absorption of your treatments. The best time to exfoliate is in the evening before applying your night-time treatment.

After finishing your cleansing routine, warm up a small amount of exfoliator on your finger tips and apply to the face and neck using light circular movements. Make sure you avoid the delicate eye area. Rinse off with warm water and either follow with a mask or finish off with your toner.

Step 6 - Mask

Use a clay mask for facials if possible, since they are highly absorbent and naturally help to draw out impurities in the skin and unclog the pores. Seaweed helps to deep-cleanse, re-mineralise and purify the skin, so for best results look for a mask containing this deep-sea treasure.

After exfoliating your skin apply an even layer of your mask to the face and neck, again avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off thoroughly with warm water, finishing off with your toner.

Step 7 - Drink more water

That’s right. Simply drink more water and your skin will benefit enormously. Drinking plenty of water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil, from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

It is often said that the simplest way to achieve clear and supple skin is to drink plenty of water. Drinking more water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

In fact, washing and showering only cleans off the perspiration and other substances from the surface of the skin, whereas drinking lots of water dilutes and washes away toxins from within the body and at the same time moisturizes the skin, helping it to look younger and reducing wrinkles.

Make drinking water a habit today, and your body will thank you for it by helping you to stay young.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Technically classed as fixed oils because they are more dense and do not evaporate like essential oils, carrier oils are also known as vegetable oils due to their origin. These oils are largely derived from nuts and seeds, although there are a few exceptions to this generalisation. For example, coconut oil is not extracted from the nut, but instead it is obtained by a special process from the white flesh which is known as ‘copra’.

Virtuoso performance

Carrier oils play a far more significant role in aromatherapy than at first it may seem, often appearing to be of much less importance than the essential oils. To believe this though would be a mistake, because they too offer a wealth of health-giving benefits and are absolutely vital to aromatherapy itself. They are indeed, the unsung heroes of aromatherapy.

They contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, provide the necessary lubrication to allow the hands to glide freely over the skin and not drag, they soften and improve the condition of the skin, and at the same time help with the absorption of essential oils into the body. Carrier oils are nothing if not versatile.

During an aromatherapy massage treatment, not only do you enjoy the therapeutic properties of the carrier and essential oils, but you also get the added benefits that the massage brings to the circulatory system as well. This is true whether you visit an aromatherapist, or mix and apply them for yourself at home.

In fact, through skilled massage using the correct techniques, all the functions of the organs of the body, skin, muscles, nerves and glands in the body are stimulated. The increased circulation of the blood and lymph also assists with the clearing away of toxins from the body. All of this would not be possible without the help of carrier oils. Not a bad performance - despite playing ’second fiddle’ to essential oils!

Methods of extraction

The oil obtained from nuts and seeds are usually extracted by one of two different methods. The first process is known as ‘cold pressing’ and is restricted to relatively small scale production these days due to the higher cost of manufacturing. The nuts or seeds are placed in a horizontal press with a rotating screw known as an ‘expeller’ and the oil is literally squeezed out.

Despite the processing name, a certain amount of heat is actually produced during the process due to friction, but this is typically around 45º and rarely exceeds 65º causing virtually no damage to the essential fatty acids and minerals contained in the oil. The extracted oil is then filtered and sold as a finished product.

Large scale industrial production uses a method called ‘hot extraction’ and uses a similar process, but tremendous heat is applied during the process to increase the yield of oil, and temperatures used can reach up to 200ºC which destroys the important vitamins and fatty acids.

The waste product from both methods of extraction, known as ‘cake’ is often re-processed using solvents to extract even more oil. This oil is re-heated again, refined, deodorised and the colour is bleached out. Finally, artificial colour, preservatives and vitamins are added back.

These highly refined, solvent extracted oils usually end up on supermarket shelves for use in cooking and are fine for this purpose, but totally unsuitable for use in genuine aromatherapy. All the vitamins, minerals and fatty acids have been destroyed during the extraction process and they are literally a dead product.

You should always buy cold pressed oils for aromatherapy and your skin will be sure to feel the benefits. Grapeseed oil is not usually produced by cold pressing since a realistic yield of oil can not be obtained without applying heat.

Refined or unrefined?

Some oils such as avocado, coconut and wheatgerm are available in both a ‘refined’ and an ‘unrefined’ form, and wherever you do have a choice you should always choose the unrefined oil. However, unrefined coconut oil is almost impossible to use since it sets solid like butter, and is therefore made available in a form known as ‘fractionated’ oil. Fractionated coconut oil is and excellent carrier oil due to the fatty acid triglycerides it contains and its indefinite shelf life.

Unrefined avocado oil is a dark green colour and has a very strong odour which is not to everyone’s liking, but nonetheless is rich in lecithin and vitamins A and D. Likewise, unrefined wheatgerm oil is a dark orange colour with a strong fragrance typical of the cereal, and contains high levels of essential fatty acids and some vitamin E. The claim that wheatgerm oil contains high levels of vitamin E are greatly exaggerated, and it is not particularly effective as an antioxidant. However, wheatgerm oil is very good for moisturising dry, mature skin.

The cosmetics industry prefers refined oils since the darker colours and heavy odours can have an adverse effect on the final product. Because of this, unrefined oils are not produced in the vast quantities that refined oils are, which makes them a little more difficult to find - especially if you only buy your aromatherapy products from health shops and not specialist suppliers.

Fortunately, most aromatherapy stockists who supply to qualified practitioners will normally offer a range of unrefined, cold pressed vegetable oils to the retail sector too. If you want to get the maximum benefits out of your carrier oils, be sure you know exactly what you are getting before you buy them.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

From the Lamiaceae family, M. piperita is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching a height between 20 or 30 inches (50-76cm) and has smooth, quadrangular upright stems that branch towards the top. The plant propagates by underground runners called stolons, and its spreading, invasive habit forms an abundant carpet of oval, serrated, deep-green coloured leaves. The flowers are spike shaped and usually purple in colour, placed in whorls around the stems.

Black or white

There are several varieties of Mentha piperita, but the two forms that are most extensively cultivated are commonly known as ‘white’ and ‘black’ peppermint. White peppermint (M. piperita var. officinalis L. forma palescens) is usually a smaller plant and has green stems and leaves with white flowers.

Common black peppermint (M. piperita var. vulgaris) has dark green leaves with reddish veins, purplish stems and purple flowers. White peppermint was at one time the preference of herbalists and purchased in dried bundles. Black peppermint is mainly used for the production of essential oil since it is a hardier plant and produces a higher yield of oil.

Peppermint essential oil produced in England has traditionally been considered to be the very finest available and is derived from a variety known as Mitcham (Mentha piperta forma rubescens), having been named after the area in Surrey where it was originally produced.

Traditional uses

Accounts of the use of peppermint in medicine and as a flavouring agent have been recorded in China, Japan, Egypt, India, Greece, Rome and many other European countries. The Greeks and Romans would adorn themselves with mint crowns, and at feasts it was used to decorate tables and flavour sauces and wines. The great Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23–79 A.D.) advised scholars to wear a crown of mint as an aid to concentration. Clearly, he was an aromatherapy pioneer!

In folk medicine, peppermint has been used over thousands of years to treat numerous conditions both internally and externally. Rubbing a few leaves on the forehead was a common cure for headaches, and as an infusion it was used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

Its cleansing and antibacterial action was highly prized for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. The action of peppermint in teas was, and still is, unrivalled for curing indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, colic, nausea and vomiting, as well as the symptomatic treatment of coughs, colds and fevers.

Harvesting & Extraction

Harvesting takes place when the oil content of the leaves is at its highest, which is normally as the herb reaches full bloom. As this time approaches, expert farmers will conduct daily tests to identify when key components are at optimum levels, thereby ensuring that harvesting takes place at precisely the right time.

After harvesting, the leaves are partially dried prior to extraction since excess moisture in the leaves can cause difficulties with the process of extraction, thereby leading to a reduction in yield. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves, producing a pale straw-coloured oil with a wonderfully refreshing, diffusive and minty fragrance.

Aromatherapy uses

Peppermint essential oil is extremely versatile and can be used for a broad range of applications. It’s clearing, antiseptic and anti-infectious action is particularly suited to the relief of headaches, migraine, hay fever, sinus and catarrhal congestion, as well as general coughs and colds.

The stimulating aroma of peppermint when inhaled relieves the symptoms of travel sickness, jet lag and general fatigue, whilst in massage it is particularly helpful with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, colic, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It also works effectively with emotional states such as mental exhaustion, impatience, indecision, irritability, poor memory, shock, and improves mental clarity/lack of concentration.

Peppermint is a highly adaptable and effective essential oil that is absolutely indispensable in aromatherapy. However, it is very powerful and should be treated with respect at all times, and only very small quantities of this oil are required to receive its many therapeutic benefits.

At all times be sure to keep the oil well away from the eyes, nose and other sensitive areas because it is a mucous membrane irritant. Peppermint is best avoided on children less than 3 years old, and keep the undiluted oil away from the nostrils of babies to avoid the possibility of apnoea or other breathing difficulties.

Peppermint blends with basil, cedarwoods atlas and virginian, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper berry, lavender, sweet marjoram, pine, rosemary and all citrus oils. This essential oil is considered a top note in aromatherapy.

Learn more about Quinessence Peppermint Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Summertime is the most dangerous season for your eyes. You are at least three times more likely to cause serious sun damage to your eyes in the summer than you are in the winter. This is because the sun produces three times more ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays during the summer than any other season.

It’s true that clouds do block some ultraviolet rays from reaching the ground, so it’s not as important to wear eye protection when the sun’s not shining. But on cloudless, bright, sunny days it’s a good idea to get into the habit of wearing protection against those invisible rays.

Protection racket

Sunglasses offer unrivalled protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, so that’s one offer you definitely don’t want to refuse. The eyes are the windows to the world, and these complex yet delicate body parts need all the protection they can get. Although you can’t see the damaging ultraviolet rays, they are always present - even when the sun isn’t shining. Sunglasses that effectively block these rays can help keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Age is not really a factor either, meaning that children’s eyes are just as susceptible to these hidden dangers as adults. And when you consider that children generally spend much more of their time outdoors, eye protection for children becomes an absolute must. Babies and infants in strollers should wear eye protection as well, because people who start protecting their eyes at a young age are far less likely to have problems later in life.

How much protection is enough? The sunglasses you choose should have lenses that block at least 99% of the ultraviolet light. There should be a sticker on the lens or a tag attached to the frame advising how much ultraviolet protection each pair provides, so be sure to look for this information and read it. If you’d don’t see a sticker or tag offering this vital information the chances are they don’t offer much defence against UV. Just select another pair.

Ideally, choose a pair that provides full protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which are generated from the sun even on cloudy days. While experts disagree about possible negative effects UVA rays may have on the eye, it is known that UVB rays can cause a number of eye conditions including permanent retinal damage, so make sure your sunglasses are rated for full UV protection.

Fashion conscious

If fashion is your main consideration, pick a stylish frame and then have custom lenses with UV protection added to them. If sun protection is your primary concern, pick up a pair of wraparound sunglasses that will block light that would normally skip past the frames of regular sunglasses.

After you’ve found a style that you like, think about the lenses. You’ve probably seen sunglasses with different coloured lenses. While on cheap plastic sunglasses colour may be little more than a fashion choice, with proper lenses, the colour can tell you more about the purpose of the sunglasses. Knowing the different kinds of lenses will help you make the best decision when choosing sunglasses.

• Photochromic lenses change colour depending on the amount of UV light to which they are exposed, although for the most part, they appear darkly shaded when outside, and light or clear when inside. Photochromic lenses create the illusion of sunglasses and regular glasses in one package.

• Amber-coloured lenses tend to block blue light. There is discussion about whether blue light is harmful to the eye, but outdoors lovers agree blue-blocking lenses are super on the ski slopes or while hunting or fishing.

• Mirror-coated sunglasses limit the light that reaches your eye, which may make it easier to see in very bright situations.

• Gradient lenses, as the name implies, are those that are tinted at different opacities from the top down or from the bottom up. Top-down gradient lenses in sunglasses are great for driving and viewing the controls clearly.

• Polarized and anti-reflection-coated sunglasses reduce the amount of reflected light reaching your eyes, which is great in super-bright situations such as in the snow on a sunny winter day.

Nearly every style of sunglasses, lenses and frames, can be made to accommodate special prescriptions so that even those with poor vision can benefit from wearing sunglasses. There are so many different designs, styles and prices that it is difficult to come up with an excuse for not wearing them.

If you still remain unconvinced about the dangers of ultraviolet light, just bear in mind that over time excessive exposure to the harmful UVA and UVB rays the sun emits can lead to the onset of eye conditions, including retina damage and even cataracts. So do your eyes a favour – eat up your carrots and be sure to carry your sunglasses with you at all times!

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Despite spending hours and hours every year applying luxurious beauty treatments to our faces, necks and hands, our poor old feet are lucky to get more than a quick toe-nail clip or lick of nail varnish! Given the tremendous pounding that our feet have to take every day, it is genuinely surprising that we do not lavish much more care and attention on them. And at this time of year it’s more important than ever to look after your feet, don’t you think?

The truth is, very few people realise how important it is to look after their feet properly until they develop a painful condition, and by then of course it can be too late because the damage has been already done. Foot problems can range from dry, cracked skin to athlete’s foot, or to more serious conditions that may be an indicator of a serious illness such as diabetes, so it’s important to know how to care for feet properly and avoid unnecessary foot-related problems.

Lack of support

Problems with your feet can have a huge negative effect on your health because troubles that start in the feet can result in bad posture and poor circulation if they are not corrected quickly. Bad posture can then lead to pain in the knees, lower back, and even the neck if left untreated. Remember that in the body, every part connects to something else, and this is why a problem with the feet can lead to pain in the back.

A lack of structural foot support can also lead to lower back pain, headaches, and of course fallen arches. Often the subject of jokes, so-called ‘flat feet’ are anything but funny since they can be painful, and if left untreated may cause problems in the ankles and knees in later life. When you have fallen arches your ankles and knee joints tend to rotate inwardly too much, a condition known as over-pronation.

Because the knee is designed to flex and extend like a door, and not rotate, continual inward rotation of the lower leg displaces the patella (knee cap). In addition, when the legs rotate inwards the pelvis is forced to tilt forward resulting in constant strain and stress on the lower back muscles.

I see clients suffering the results of foot-related back and knee problems every week in my clinic, and it’s such a pity because often it could have been avoided. Just be aware that it is important to care for your feet, and if you have a problem that persists go and see your doctor or a podiatrist. Otherwise, all you need is just old fashioned common sense and a little help from aromatherapy!

Sensible shoes

We all know that high heels contribute to blisters, bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, ingrown toenails and posture problems, but did you know they can also contribute to arthritis of the knee? And this damage is not restricted to just wearing high stiletto heels either.

A study of 20 women published in the British medical journal The Lancet a few years back found that even walking on wide heels more than 2 inches high stresses those knee areas that are most vulnerable to the joint damage that causes arthritis. It also puts extra pressure on the toes and lower back area.

Therefore choosing the appropriate footwear for any activity is obviously the starting point for healthy feet, even when just socialising. For every-day footwear choose lower heels (3-4 cm) and never wear shoes that are too tight, too short or too pointed. Look out for rubber heels which absorb shock better than either leather or synthetics.

Treat your feet

It doesn’t matter how you spend your recreational time, whether its walking, golf, or sports,- adults and children of any age can benefit from a foot and leg massage using essential oils which can relax tired, aching muscles and help improve the body’s circulation. Balanced exercise and relaxation, along with regular aromatherapy massage and footbaths can all contribute towards keeping the feet healthy and in the best of condition.

Soaking your feet in a nice, warm bowl of water is wonderfully refreshing, and the addition of a few essential oils really does work wonders to ease aches and pains. Stimulating essential oils such as peppermint, spearmint, rosemary or eucalyptus are perfect to enjoy in a relaxing and reviving footbath after a busy day.

These essential oils will refresh and soothe your aching feet by stimulating the circulatory system and soaking away the stresses and strains of daily life, leaving your feet feeling fresh, revitalized and glowing. Just add one drop each of peppermint, lavender and rosemary to a warm footbath and soak away the stressful day.

Reflex points

If you prefer a foot massage, add one drop each of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender to a carrier oil or lotion and enjoy the full benefit that massage delivers. When you have really overdone things and your feet are painful, try adding essential oils of black pepper, roman chamomile, sweet marjoram or lemongrass to your chosen carrier.

Gently massage the soles of the feet in a small, circular motion to bring them welcome, blissful relief. Or better still, get your partner to do this for you! If they are not too enthusiastic about the idea just treat them to a nice foot massage first - once they have enjoyed the experience themselves they will be more than willing to exchange foot massages with you!

The soles of the feet are well supplied with nerve endings and reflex points which reflexologists believe correspond to various organs and systems of the body, and experienced aromatherapists often use reflexology as both a diagnostic tool and treatment when working with clients. So you can see how gentle massage not only soothes your aching feet, but it also improves the function of certain glands and internal organs bringing a benefit to the entire body.

Swift and sweet relief

Soothing and cooling hydrosols also bring sweet relief to weary, over-heated, tired aching feet. Nothing quite beats the instant refreshing and toning effect of peppermint, rosemary or eucalyptus hydrosol when sprayed onto your tired aching feet. Having said that, luxurious rose hydrosol is my favourite for tired tootsies, not because it is effective but just because it smells so lovely!

Essential oil of tea tree makes an excellent all-round foot-care treatment since it is a powerful antiseptic, and if used regularly it will keep your feet hygienically clean and healthy. Blended with cypress essential oil it is particularly good if the man in your life suffers from sweaty feet, or tea tree can be used alone if he suffers from athletes foot.

Other essential oils noted for their antifungal properties include myrrh and tagetes, and both are useful for treating athlete’s foot. Along with tea tree these oils can be used in either a foot bath or a carrier lotion, but it is important that the feet are dried thoroughly after a foot bath, particularly between the toes. It is vital when treating this condition that attention is paid to the toenails, and tights or socks are changed regularly because the minute fungus can sometimes lodge under the nails and then develop into a re-infection.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Also known in the West as Arabian Jasmine, Tuscan Jasmine and Zambac, the plant produces two distinct types of flower; one is a single flowered variety and the other displays a double flower (J. Sambac var. plenum). This double flowered variety is larger than the single but is actually less fragrant. Both types of flower bloom throughout the greater part of the year. During the latter part of the seventeenth century the single headed variety was introduced into Britain, with the double-flowered variety arriving many years later.

Traditional uses

The health-giving properties of this tree are voluminous, and have been used for centuries in many cultures. In rural India the juice from ground flowers is applied to wounds or sores, and a paste made from the ground root is used for labour pain. In Borneo, the young leaf is boiled and the infusion is taken for 3 weeks to treat gallstones. The root is boiled and the infusion is taken internally to treat diabetes mellitus.

The root is also used in China to treat headaches, insomnia, and pain due to dislocated joints and broken bones since it is reported to have anaesthetic properties. In the Philippines the plants various parts are used for fever, abdominal distention and diarrhoea, redness and swelling of the eyes, sprains and fractures. For hundreds of years throughout Asian countries, sambac has been used for culinary purposes, being employed in teas, liqueurs, dairy desserts, candy and puddings.

Harvesting and extraction

In India, the largest harvest is gathered from April through to July, and later in the year smaller amounts are collected during August and September, and again in January and February. Unlike J. grandiflorum which is collected in the early morning at sunrise, J. sambac is harvested in mid to late-morning while the buds are still partially closed.

The buds must be picked by hand and transported quickly to the cool environment of distillery within a few hours of picking, since in common with the buds of J. grandiflorum, sambac buds will continue to develop their fragrance and are highly perishable at this stage. The absolute is produced by extraction of the concrete, and it requires over 8 million blossoms to eventually produce 1 kilo of jasmine sambac absolute. A true labour of love!

The fragrance of jasmine sambac oil is alluring, sultry, sensual and mysterious, and as usual - very difficult to describe in words! It is a typical example of a fragrance that must be experienced rather than described. It shares many similarities to the aroma J. grandiflorum with subtle overtones which are slightly more green, and vaguely reminiscent of Neroli. It is quite distinguishable from J. grandiflorum and does not possess its intense sweet ‘headiness’ that some people dislike. This is what makes it so useful in the world of natural perfumery - it produces a sharper jasmine note that does not cloy.

Uses in aromatherapy

Like its close relation, in aromatherapy jasmine sambac has a relaxing effect on the body whilst being stimulating the senses, which perhaps goes some way to explain its renowned action as an aphrodisiac. It promotes a state of relaxation and peace which helps to block sexual inhibitions, allowing female and male energies to be released in a natural way. This is a very sensual and intoxicating oil!

Sambac is one of the finest oils for balancing and opening up emotional states; it counteracts selfish thoughts and actions opening up the way for us to learn to love ourselves and others. It excels at empowering the meek at heart, and paving the way toward enlightenment and self-confidence, whilst promoting purity of heart. It is an extremely valuable emotional equaliser which helps us deal with the darker side of our nature, bringing sweetness to any destructive or detrimental thoughts.

Add a few drops of the oil to an unfragranced cream or lotion base for a divine aroma that uplifts the senses whilst easing hot, dry, irritated or sensitive skin. It assists the removal of blemishes and improves the complexion, bringing out your skins natural radiance. Although it blends well with many other oils, in many ways in aromatherapy jasmine sambac is best enjoyed alone or with just a hint of another oil such as lavender - otherwise it its unique aroma can be overshadowed and lost.

However, there is one exception to this. Blended with a little sandalwood oil, the aroma becomes truly celestial and is similar to the Indian attar known as ‘Motia’. Whenever I have any difficulty sleeping due to an overactive mind or a particularly stressful day, this is one of my preferred blends to vaporise. A bit self-indulgent, but very, very effective!

See Quinessence Jasmine Sambac Absolute

The comprehensive list of topics includes a directory of 68 common and exotic essential oils with therapeutic properties and contraindications, how to blend them for different moods and skin care treatments, massage techniques and lots of recipes for common ailments. The book also includes esoteric subjects such as the connection between aromatherapy, astrology and the chakras.

Written by Gill Farrer-Halls, the author lays out topics in a logical format with photographs to help the reader gain further insight into the subject matter. The ‘aromatherapy for beauty’ chapter covers such topics as the different skin types, techniques for a toning facial massage, a draining facial massage technique, and for the more adventurous reader it shows how to make your own creams, lotions and toners.

Since one of my areas of interest is fragrance, I particularly appreciate the section on aromatherapy and how it affects moods and emotions. In it you will find formulations for creating various scents and explains how to select oils to create your own personality blend. Very few books are written about this subject, so this will be useful to those interested in this aspect of natural perfumery - and it’s fun to try too.

For those of you that love to give and receive a massage you will find the chapter on massage includes information on the body’s systems, techniques and even suggested combinations of formulas to help balance each body system, again all nicely illustrated to help understanding these subjects.

This comprehensive book will prove valuable to anyone with an interest in gaining more knowledge and insight into the wide scope of subjects covered in aromatherapy. Despite the extensive information provided in this book, it still remains a doddle to understand - and it’s very easy on the eye thanks the interesting pictures.

Overall, it is a useful addition to anyone’s aromatherapy book collection, and considering the large number of full-colour photographs it is excellent value for money at just 12.99 GBP.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Around 3 to 4 million people in Britain are now suffering the return of red, itchy eyes, a runny nose, persistent sneezing attacks, headaches, - and for some sufferers, serious breathing difficulties. If you are one of the unfortunate 15% to 20% of sufferers in the UK, this time of year signals the return of your annual nightmare known as the hay fever season.

The term ‘hay fever’ is misleading since it is very rarely caused by hay, and there is not a fever associated with it. Nonetheless, it does aptly describe the misery that millions of people suffer when the pollen count is high. More correctly, this condition is called ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ since it generally occurs in spring and summer, depending on which airborne substance is causing the allergy.

The main culprits

For UK sufferers, grass pollen is the most common allergen accounting for over 90% of victims. This season begins in late May and peaks in June and July, eventually ending around the middle of August. The worst time for grass pollen is usually early morning until around 10 a.m. and late afternoon into the early evening.

Tree pollen can be a trigger for up to 25% of sufferers in the UK, with birch, alder, hazel, elm and ash all producing pollen at varying times of the year, although spring tends to be the worst time. Weather conditions often determine how much pollen is in the air from day to day, because pollens which are produced by grasses, weeds and trees are readily carried by the wind.

For some people, weeds and other plants as well as spores from moulds and fungi can be a trigger. There are over 20 different moulds known to cause an allergic reaction with individuals, and they may be allergic to just one, or in some instances, several of them. And it should be remembered that moulds can survive indoors as well as outdoors. The worst time for these allergens is June to November.

Typical hay fever symptoms

Since the allergy may be caused by various airborne substances and everyone is an individual, this condition can affect people quite differently. However, it is likely you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Frequent sneezing

• Itchy and blood shot eyes

• Itchy throat mouth and nose and ears

• Loss of smell

• Severe wheezing, rhinitis can trigger nose bleeding

• Difficulty in concentrating

Histamine reaction

The pollens from trees, grass or weeds can cause the immune system to produce antibodies and release a natural substance called histamine that is present in all cells throughout the body. Unfortunately, histamine irritates all the upper respiratory passages such as the nose, sinus, throat and eyes, making them swell and produce most of the typical hay fever symptoms.

Antihistamine medication helps to relieve these symptoms by inhibiting the action of histamine on nasal and eye tissues, but it also causes drowsiness when first taken. Operating dangerous machinery or driving must be avoided until you know how badly you are affected by the medication. And although symptoms can be controlled quite effectively with allergy medication, you can’t get rid of the allergy itself. So what else can be done?

Fragrant relief

Thankfully, there are lots of essential oils that bring some welcome relief to this miserable condition and several ways of using them too. Vaporising essential oils such as chamomile roman, eucalyptus radiata, lavender, pine or peppermint around the home and office can help to keep the sinuses clear.
If you are already a bit congested then a steam inhalation with any of these oils will really clear your nasal passages, and remember this method of use is actually one of the best home treatments available for all types of congestion.

Inhaling a few drops of essential oil placed on a tissue will bring quick relief from the effects of pollen when you are away from home and outdoors. The oils instantly get to work soothing and clearing the respiratory passageways, and for many people this is the most effective way to use essential oils to combat this debilitating condition.

Calming chamomile

When it comes to soothing the ravages of hay fever, nothing beats the therapeutic, calming power of roman chamomile. Used individually it is extremely soothing to itchy, irritated and sensitive sinuses, and it’s also highly effective when blended with other essential oils too. Its anti-allergenic properties are highly beneficial to counteract many of the effects of pollen.

Blend roman chamomile with eucalyptus, lemon or lavender for instant and effective relief. All of the essential oils that can help to relieve hay fever are listed in the side panel (right), it is just a case of finding which ones work the best for you. In my experience, roman chamomile produces a very powerful effective synergy with each one of these essential oils.

Other methods

Essential oils can also be added to a fragrance free cream or lotion base, so that when you apply this as a moisturizer in the morning you will also be getting the benefits of a hay fever treatment too. You only need to add five drops of essential oil for every 30mls of carrier base to create a protective treatment in your skin care.

Massaging the sides of the nose, forehead, temples and the back of the neck with a blend of oils in a carrier also brings soothing comfort for many sufferers. A gentle massaging action around the nose really helps to soothe those streaming eyes and mucous membranes. And a warm relaxing bath with any of the essential oils from our list is yet another easy way to help relieve the worst symptoms.

Other forms of complementary or alternative therapies that can help relieve the misery of hay fever include acupuncture, herbal remedies, homeopathy, immunotherapy, and vitamin supplements.

As always though, if your symptoms persist or worsen you should see your doctor, since unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever yet.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

During the 18th century, hundreds of these European hybrids were returned to South Africa, and were later introduced to Algeria, Australia, Comoros, India, Israel, Madagascar, Morocco, Reunion Island and North America. Much later in the 1940’s pelargoniums were introduced to the Yunnan province of China, which still remains one of the largest geranium oil producing countries.

Fragrant varieties

The principal species which were originally used to develop cultivars for the production of geranium oil are P. graveolens, P. capitatum, P. radens and P. odoratissimum. Although the leaves of P. odoratissimum (Apple geranium) have an agreeable odour, the extracted essential oil has a distinctly musty note that is quite unappealing when compared to other varieties.

Botanical experts Demarne and Van der Walt determined in 1989 that geranium ‘Bourbon’ oil originating from the island of Réunion is produced from the leaves of a hybrid of P. capitatum and P. radens. This cultivar is usually identified as Pelargonium graveolens cv. Rosé, but is also known as Pelargonium roseum asperum cv. Bourbon.

In fact, the Bourbon oil from Reunion has gradually become the new reference by which all other geranium oils are judged. Although this oil was originally produced exclusively on Reunion, more recently this Rosé cultivar has been grown commercially for the production of ‘rose geranium’ oil in other countries including Egypt, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

Confusingly, the oil from these regions is sometimes referred to as ‘Bourbon type’ geranium oil, so buyer beware! Geranium Bourbon from Reunion commands a higher price than geranium oils from other origins, so be sure you are getting what you have paid for.

General description

The Rosé cultivar is a non-hardy, perennial shrub, with an upright habit that can reach a height of 1.3 metres (4ft 3ins). It has an extensive root system and copious grey-green stems that darken and harden with age. The grey-green leaves are variable according to climate and soil conditions, but are typically 70 mm in length, deeply lobed, pointed and highly fragrant.

Flowers are small and grouped together in dense clusters, and are rose-violet coloured with darker stripes. In Reunion, the blossoms appear during spring and again in August or September, bringing with them the same beautiful fragrance as the leaves. The oil content of the flowers is less than that of the leaves.

Traditional uses

The plant has a wide range of medicinal uses, although documented ethnobotanical citations are difficult to find. The references in most aromatherapy books actually relate to the British plant Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) and the American Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) and not P. graveolens.

In African folk medicine, the non-hybridized form of this plant was considered to be astringent, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and styptic. The Sotho made a paste made from the leaves to staunch bleeding and treat wounds and abscesses. The roots were also used in a decoction to wash patients suffering from fever. Other external uses for the leaves includes treating neuralgia, throat infections and a wide range of skin conditions such as ringworm, ulcers and rashes. An infusion was taken internally for diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, gastroenteritis, haemorrhage, menstrual problems, kidney and bladder disorders.

Harvesting and extraction

The essential oil content of the leaves increases as the flowers reach full bloom, therefore this is the ideal time for harvesting the plant. In Reunion, the cutting is done in the morning during dry sunny weather, usually by hand since the steep slopes where the crops are mainly grown are not conducive to mechanical harvesting. In areas where mechanical cutters can be used, the stalks are collected along with the leaves. Although there is very little oil content in the stalks, the leaves can not be harvested alone mechanically.

Extraction is achieved by steam distillation of the leaves and stalks. The resulting essential oil is a pale olive-green colour with a sweet, leafy rosy fragrance with a minty and slightly fruity overtone. Geranium Bourbon essential oil is considered a middle note in aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy uses

Like all species of geranium oil, the Bourbon type is balancing and regulating to both body and mind; used in skin care it normalises sebum levels in dry or greasy skin and promotes cell renewal, whilst on the emotional system it stabilises anger, depression, irritability, nervous tension, PMS and all forms of roller-coaster emotions. It is also an effective adoptogen, which means that it strengthens the body’s immune, glandular and nervous systems, thereby increasing resistance to stress. It is an absolutely indispensable oil.

Geranium Bourbon makes a welcome addition to any blend since it adds a lovely floral note, without the usual floral oil cost! Many aromatherapists prefer to use this geranium oil since it blends so easily with a very wide range of other oils. Try mixing it with basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwoods Atlas and Virginian, chamomile Roman, citronella, clary sage, clove, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, neroli, patchouli, peppermint, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver and all citrus oils.

You may read in some aromatherapy books that geranium oil can cause contact dermatitis in hypersensitive individuals. As is often the case in poorly researched aromatherapy books, these reports appear to have based from the action of the plant, and not the essential oil. Good quality, unadulterated geranium oil from any origin is well tolerated by the skin when used at normal levels.

See Quinessence Geranium Bourbon Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010