Fountain of youth

You’ve heard it a thousand times before and you’ll probably hear it a thousand times again – to enjoy good health you should drink more water! Water makes up 55% to 75% of the human body depending on a person’s build and size. It is absolutely essential for all of our metabolic processes, and helps transport nutrients, eliminates toxins and is vital for healthy kidneys, liver, colon, brain and just about everything else in your body.

A 5% drop in fluid intake creates a 25% to 30% loss in energy, and a 15% drop in fluids can cause death! According to statistics, over half of us aren’t drinking enough water, which means that over half the population isn’t running on all six cylinders to begin with, and that’s before things like poor nutrition, lack of exercise and stress are taken into consideration.

There is also research to show that drinking plenty of water can help to prevent many of the diseases that we associate with aging. Not drinking enough can contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol which in turn are factors in heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Staying well hydrated is particularly beneficial to the skin, so it helps you look younger too.

The raw truth

A little known fact is that heating food above 116°F (47° C) destroys much of its nutrient content, and considering that most of us already aren’t eating enough veggies that hardly helps us maintain a healthy diet. Nutritionists recommend five portions of fresh vegetables per day, but how many of us are able to put this into daily practice? Not always easy, is it?

A great way to get the important nutrients found in fresh veggies without spending hours preparing and cooking them - or resorting to eating raw celery sticks - is to juice your veggies. Make sure that you own a good juicer (some juicers expose vegetables to heat created by friction during juicing, which breaks down important enzymes), grab some fresh vegetables and simply drink your way to good health. It takes a fraction of the time because there’s no cooking involved, and is so much more convenient because you can take your juice to work with you.

Wheatgrass in particular is an excellent source of nutrition. It’s high in chlorophyll which is sometimes described as ‘plant blood’ because it closely resembles human red blood cell molecules, and has over 100 elements that the body needs. Fresh grains are another excellent source for vitamins and minerals.

Increase your energy

Although for many of us exercise is a dirty word, it doesn’t actually have to be particularly time consuming or mind-numbingly boring either, because there are plenty of options. Years ago, all that was on offer at gyms was usually a weight room and perhaps an aerobics class, whereas today you can choose from yoga, pilates, dance-exercise, step classes and a whole range of new workout options.

If you don’t really have the time or money for the gym, or prefer to spend your mornings or nights at home, then invest in an exercise bike or treadmill and you’ll soon reap the rewards of your investment. You can set it up in front of the television and enjoy your favourite shows whilst getting fit. Perhaps you might like to join the hi-tech crowd of Wii Fit Plus enthusiasts and choose from a wide range of workouts such as yoga, aerobics, muscle toning etc to suit your personal prefereneces.

Either way, if you are not physically fit and also unwell, it can be a mammoth battle to just do the most minimal amount of exercise in a day. The danger here is that inactivity will lead to further loss of energy, which becomes a self-perpetuating cycle until you can barely raise the energy to get off the couch.

The best way to get back into a physical routine is to start very slowly. For the first couple of weeks, walk or ride for just 5 minutes per day and no more, even if you think you could continue. When the 2 weeks are up, increase to 7 minutes, and then 10 minutes, 12 minutes… continue to gradually increase your activity until you’re at a level that you’re comfortable with. This way you trick your body into producing more energy because you’re building your exercise time up so slowly that it doesn’t really notice what’s happening.

Art of relaxation

Now it’s time to pamper yourself and when it comes to relaxation, aromatherapy is the perfect solution - whether it is in the form of a massage or just simply enjoying the vaporized aroma of essential oils. Because of the unique way in which aromatherapy works, there are other far reaching benefits to be gained too. It has been known for a long time that preventative measures go a very long way towards protecting the body against many types of illness. For example, relaxation gives the immune system time to recover, and in doing so it enables it to function much more efficiently.

Therefore, the relaxing and de-stressing influence of massage and essential oils together with their effect on the immune system makes aromatherapy the finest form of preventative medicine. The list of essential oils in the side-panel will help you to really relax and combat stress. The very best way that you can enjoy them is in a massage, so offer to swap massages with your partner or a friend if you can’t get an appointment with a qualified aromatherapist.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Our hands have a tendency to become dry and chapped during the long winter months, especially when it’s bitterly cold first thing in the morning and late at night. That’s why at this time of year we should spend some extra time and effort using aromatherapy to protect and rejuvenate these most age-revealing parts of our body.

Conventional wisdom says that once the damage has been done to these precious, vital assets, there can be no turning back the clock on them. This may shock you, but is it really true?

Get the upper hand

Some cosmetic creams may offer you a little help, but in many instances they don’t contain anything like enough of the necessary active ingredients required to really produce any results that are noticeable. Different ingredients are required to offer protection from the harsh environment to those needed for repairing existing damage, and most high-street brands fail completely to address this important issue. And of course those few creams that do meet these demands can be so very expensive.

The skin on the back of your hands is some of the thickest on the body, which is just as well when you think what they have to go through in daily life. Harsh detergents and soaps can have a devastating effect on the hands if they are used regularly, plus the drying effects of the harsh winter elements - this is why natural soaps are so much better for you. The skin on your hands really does need intensive, deep penetrating hydration.

Fortunately for us girls, aromatherapy is ideally suited for total hand care since carrier oils are both highly moisturising and emollient, and certain essential oils can actually help to encourage fresh new healthy skin growth too. You’ll find the most effective essential oils for revitalizing your weather-beaten hands listed in the sidebar below.

And best of all, when you make these treatments yourself at home they cost much less than leading brand-names, and are far, far more effective too. So let’s get to it!

Hands of time

There are some very simple aromatherapy treatments that can be used to turn back the hands of time; almond, apricot, coconut, macadamia, moringa and peach oils are all quickly absorbed into the skin and perform wonders softening the hands. Calendula oil works absolute miracles on sensitive, dry and chapped hands that have been subjected to the biting winter winds.

As a special night-time treat try massaging the hands with borage, evening primrose, coconut, jojoba or macadamia oils. Only a small amount of carrier oil is needed, and gentle circular massage movements will ensure that all of the oil is absorbed into the skin. They are all highly effective oils, but my preference is macadamia oil since it is light, deep penetrating and not at all greasy.

Whilst you are giving your hands an aromatherapy treatment, why not give them a good massage too. Use small circular movements with your fingertips over the back of your hands and right up to your finger joints, front and back. This will stimulate the circulation in your hands bringing a fresh, rich supply of oxygenated blood.

Then massage the back of your hands with your thumbs, and work your way right up to your wrists. Your hands will feel energised and refreshed with the increased blood flow, whilst the oils will work to soften your skin and encourage radiance and vitality. Remember to massage over your nails and cuticles daily to help prevent splits and breaks.

Intensive care

For a really intensive treatment regime, choose one of the formulas from the panel to the right and you should be well on the way to seeing a more youthful appearance in your hands by the time summer arrives.

For best results be sure to use your hand treatment at least once a day - twice if you can manage the time. Moisturising your hands before retiring to bed should ideally become a part of your hand-care routine for life. Remember to gently massage the hands until all of the oil or cream has been absorbed.

Of course don’t forget the preventative approach to hand care too, and be sure to use rubber gloves when washing up. Never put your hands into very hot water unless you are wearing gloves.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

General description

Sweet basil is a low growing, tender annual plant, that reaches between 40cm to 80cm in height at maturity. It has square, branching stems, slightly serrated fragrant leaves that are smooth, shiny and paired opposite, with flowers that cluster in terminal spikes. The colour of leaves and flowers varies according to the climatic and soil conditions under which it is grown. Essential oil cells are located underneath the broad leaves and in the flowering tops.

Originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia as another form, sweet basil has adapted well to growing throughout Europe and the Mediterranean where it thrives under warm, sunny, dry conditions in well drained soil. Sweet basil is grown for the production of oil in several European countries, but the main producers are found in Bulgaria, Egypt, France and the USA.

Traditional uses

One of the worlds oldest medicinal herbs, basil was used in ancient India to treat colds, coughs and mucous discharges, diarrhoea, dysentery and gastric conditions, headaches, heart disease, inflammation, malaria, poisoning and venomous bites, skin diseases and vomiting.

It would be administered as a juice or in teas, infused for massage, or the fresh leaves were applied to wounds. The Roman naturalist, philosopher and writer, Pliny (24-79 AD), considered basil to be an aphrodisiac and good for treating flatulence and fainting fits, whilst the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed basil for headaches.

Herb of protection

In Egypt, Malaysia and Iran, basil was planted on graves as protection against evil spirits, and in medieval England the leaves were used in doorways for the same purpose. It still has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is used to prepare holy water – perhaps because it is claimed to have been found around Christ’s tomb after his resurrection. The heart-shaped leaf of basil still serves as a symbol of love in Italy.

Harvesting and extraction

In France, harvesting takes place throughout July and August as the flowers reach full bloom, and both the flowering tops and upper leaves are collected for processing. Extraction is by steam distillation, yielding a pale straw coloured essential oil with a fresh, sweet, herbaceous and spicy odour. The sweet basil oil produced in France is generally considered to possess the finest fragrance.

Uses in aromatherapy

Sweet basil is an outstanding essential oil with a vast array of healing properties, and in my experience virtually every one of its uses in traditional medicine have proven effective in aromatherapy. It is unsurpassed at bringing clarity and strength of mind to those suffering from stress, fatigue, mental exhaustion and headaches.

It also has a direct action on the digestive system, easing colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps when massaged onto the abdominal area in a clockwise direction

Unfortunately, it has received considerable bad press over recent years due to the presence of methyl chavicol (a natural constituent), which has been shown to produce hepato-cellular carcinomas in mice. Further research on humans concluded there was virtually no risk at normal dietary levels because humans excrete the carcinogenic metabolites much more efficiently than animals.

However, since we don’t normally use essential oils internally, the external use of sweet basil ct. linalool at the correct concentration should therefore pose no risk whatsoever. I would avoid using it on your pet mouse though, just to be safe.

Putting my sarcasm aside; force-feeding an isolated component of an essential oil to an animal in large quantities and discovering (surprise, surprise) that it causes cancer, does not predict that the same thing will happen in humans, particularly when the natural oil is used diluted down to 2% and used externally.

Sweet basil is a versatile, highly therapeutic oil, and so long as you use the linalool chemotype in aromatherapy - and not the ‘exotic’ methyl chavicol chemotype - it is perfectly safe when used externally at normal levels. It adds a fresh lift to any blend, and works particularly well with bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, orange sweet, palmarosa, peppermint, pine and rosemary.

Last year, Swine flu (H1N1) swept across the world, and although not featured in the news as much recently it is still out there spreading its misery. The symptoms of swine and seasonal flu are almost identical, including coughing, sore throat, body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. Swine flu is easily spread by the tiny moisture droplets in a cough or sneeze, and if you don’t use a tissue and sneeze into an empty space, you will leave germs on surfaces that another person will pick up simply by coming into contact with it.

Hands off

Believe it or not, when someone has a cold you are far more likely to catch it by just holding their hand rather than by kissing them! This is because someone with a cold may have contaminated their hand with nasal mucus when wiping their nose. If you then put your finger onto your eyes or touch your nose you may infect yourself. Nasal mucus is the main carrier of the cold virus, and when we kiss we exchange saliva not nasal mucus.

So to help stop spreading infection remember to always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap after spending time near somebody who has a cough, cold or flu. Your eyes are equally as receptive to invading bacteria as your nose, so be absolutely certain you’ve washed your hands before touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Anti-viral essentials

There are many essential oils that can be used effectively during cold and flu epidemics to stop the germs from spreading, whilst at the same time helping to ease the symptoms. Essential oils of eucalyptus, cajuput, palmarosa, ravensara, rosemary, white thyme and tea tree are powerful antivirals that can be used in a multitude of ways to offer protection. They can even be used to make up personal anti-viral hand-wipes which you can carry with you and use after handling surfaces, telephones, computers and door-handles etc in public places.

If a member of your family is suffering from a cold vaporize essential oils of cajuput, ravensara, rosemary, white thyme or tea tree around the house, since these are powerful antiviral oils that will help to kill any airborne viruses. As you know, prevention really is better than cure!

Clear your head

Your essential oils can also be used to clear a stuffy nose; begin by filling a large bowl with almost boiling water and add 3 or 4 drops of basil, eucalyptus, silver fir, peppermint, pine or lemon essential oil. A particularly effective synergistic blend is 1 drop each of basil, peppermint and silver fir essential oils. Lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes until things begin to clear. If required, replenish with fresh hot water, add more oils and repeat. A towel can be placed over the head to help direct the vapours.

Gargling with warm water and a pinch of salt has traditionally been used at the onset of a sore throat, which is usually the first symptom at the onset of a cold. For a bug-busting gargle add 1 drop of tea tree and 1 drop of ravensara essential oils to your glass of warm salt-water mix. Stir the mixture vigorously to break up the droplets of essential oil, take a small mouthful of the mixture and gargle for about thirty seconds, then spit it out.

Repeat the process several times, stirring the mixture repeatedly, and for maximum effect you should use this treatment every 4 hours. Replace the ravensara with white thyme essential oil for an even more powerful blend, but use no more than 1 drop and mix it well before use.

Hot soak

Nothing beats a hot bath infused with 6 drops of tea tree oil for helping you to ’sweat it out’, and adding ravensara or white thyme essential oil to the bath will create a powerful anti-viral synergy. Thyme is a very powerful and effective essential oil against colds, but use no more than 2 drops in a bath or it may irritate the skin if it is not dispersed properly. Add a capful of bath base dispersant first to make sure that all the essential oils distribute evenly, and do not use any more than 8 drops of essential oil in total.

When a cold begins to clear up you can develop an irritating tickly throat or a feeling of tightness in the chest, especially during the night whilst laid in bed. A blend of sandalwood and frankincense essential oils used in a vaporiser brings a soothing and comforting action to the bronchial passages that will assist you getting a good nights sleep.

Remember that all of the essential oils listed in the sidebar above can be vaporized, added to a hot bath, gargled and even inhaled directly from a tissue or handkerchief. When you inhale any oils from a tissue you only need 2 or 3 drops at a time, and breathe slowly and deeply for the best results.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

After the fall of the Roman Empire the trading routes supplying aromatics were no longer maintained, and their use was dramatically restricted to their original realm of incense and ritual. In the 12th century the returning Crusaders brought fragrant herbs and flowers back from their travels, which coincided with re-established trade routes from the orient after which aromatics and essential oils gradually began to find their way into Europe.

This is how the unbreakable bond between fragrance and romance was created in western society. But what exactly is the connection between fragrance and emotion?

Emotional responses

Our sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than our sense of taste, and researchers have discovered how certain aromas excite the brain, activating the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland and the body’s hormones. Aromas also stimulate the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls sensations of pleasure, emotions and memory.

Research has confirmed that essential oils influence the brain by causing the complex chemistry of the brain to change subtly. During controlled experiments it has been observed many times that essential oils will produce specific and repeatable emotional responses in an individual. Some scientists argue that synthetic aromas create exactly the same response as natural essential oils, although I am yet to be convinced of this.

Exactly which emotion is evoked when experiencing a fragrance will of course depend on the particular essential oil concerned, but scientists now believe that all of our emotions are the result of neurochemicals such as noradrenaline and serotonin being released into the bloodstream. Mood swings are thought to be a result of these influences, particularly when they are in the extreme.

Fragrances can invoke either intellectual arousal (concentration), emotional arousal (euphoria or affection), or sexual arousal. In fact, there has been a great deal of clinical research into this whole subject, most of which again confirms many long held beliefs and principles of aromatherapy.

Character analysis

Essential oils are just like people. They are all quite different from one another, bursting full of personality, character and sometimes a few surprises. Some are subtle, mysterious and seductive, whilst others are vigorous, energising and empowering. They interact with our moods, subtle energies and thoughts, influencing us profoundly in ways we still do not yet understand.

And also just like people, finding the right one for you can be the key to a happy relationship together. It’s all about experimenting with your essential oils and finding what works for you, and with the right partner it’s a lot more fun than you ever had in the science lab at school!

Love is in the air

Dim the lights and put some oils in your vaporiser, light a few candles and discover for yourself what the ancestors of aromatherapy already knew about the power of fragrance! Aromatherapy massage is the perfect way for you and your partner to enjoy the seductive power of odours because of the sensuality of touch. However, there’s no need to do a full body massage because a back massage can be just as seductive, or if time is tight try just a neck and shoulder massage.

If you prefer not to use a carrier oil, simply add a blend of alluring essential oils to some unfragranced base lotion and massage as usual. Or you can just wear your blend as a perfume. If all of this sounds like too much hard work don’t worry, a creative mix of essential oils in the bath or a vaporizer can work just as well. Whatever turns you on!

On February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is traditionally the time of year to validate that special relationship with a loved one. Of course, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to try out the alluring and arousing powers of essential oils, you can use them anytime - well almost anytime!

Show your partner how much you love and care about them by trying a few of the recipes in the sidebar and make your evening or time together a bit special. All of the essential oils included in the recipes can be used for their romantic allure on their own too.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Origins and folklore

Originating from the Mediterranean and North Africa, marjoram spread far and wide reaching Egypt circa 2000 BC according to early records. The Egyptians dedicated marjoram to the god of the underworld, Osiris, and it was used as a funerary herb as well as to produce unguents, medicines and even love potions.

The Greeks and Romans considered it the herb of happiness, dedicating it to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Garlands of marjoram were placed on the heads of newly weds as a symbol of love and honour. It was also employed as a funerary herb by the Greeks to promote restful peace for the deceased.

References to marjoram appear in Banckes’s Herbal, which is believed to have been the first ever herbal book printed in England in 1527. In this ground-breaking book it was reported that, ‘It hath vertue of comforting, of loosing, of consuming, and of cleansing.’ Sweet marjoram was recognised as a valuable medicine with antispasmodic, digestive, decongestant and sedating properties and would be used successfully until modern drugs replaced its use.

What’s in a name?

Also known as Knotted marjoram, Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is part of the Labiatae family which includes over 30 species of ‘marjoram’ within the taxonomy of origanum. This diversity and the fact that origanums have been widely used for both medicinal and culinary purposes over many centuries, has led to a certain amount of confusion regarding their correct identification.

For example, Origanum vulgare is often referred to as ‘wild marjoram’, although botanists today generally agree that it should be more properly called origanum. Confusingly, pot marjoram (Origanum onites) is also referred to as both ‘wild marjoram’ or origanum!

As many of you will already know, there is an oil used in aromatherapy extracted from Thymus mastichina known as ‘Wild’ or ‘Spanish Marjoram’ - and this one belongs to the thyme family. Ay Caramba!

Origins and extraction

Sweet marjoram is cultivated for the production of essential oil in Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Tunisia, Spain and more recently in the USA. In the south of France, harvesting usually takes place between August and September.

The oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowering tops, and produces a yield of around 1%- 1.5% essential oil. The oil is a pale straw or yellow colour, with a warm, spicy and enlivening aroma that is quite distinctive.

Aromatherapy uses

Used in aromatherapy, marjoram excels in massage for muscular aches and pains, muscle spasms, arthritis and rheumatism. It’s warming, soothing action brings almost instant relief to all muscle and joint conditions.

In common with most oils extracted from culinary herbs, it is effective for digestive problems and intestinal cramps. Remember you must always massage in a clock-wise direction when treating anything to do with the digestive system. If you suffer with cramps during menstruation, try a hot compress with a few drops of sweet marjoram essential oil for quick relief.

Used as an inhalant oil it helps to clear sinuses and a stuffy head, as well as easing asthma and bronchitis. A few drops on a tissue can really help to soothe a tickly cough due to its highly effective antispasmodic action. When used this way it also has a calming action on the nervous system, helping to dispel anger and stress.

Time to relax

Sweet marjoram essential oil is also an effective relaxant, and is therefore an excellent oil to use if you suffer from insomnia or have trouble winding down after getting into bed. Put a few drops in a warm bath before bedtime, and if you have a vaporiser try burning it in the bedroom before retiring. The warm and soothing fragrance is perfect to lull you into restful sleep. If you find you need something even stronger, blend it with Clary Sage for a truly relaxing experience.

In fact, this oil blends well with a wide range of oils including; bergamot, black pepper, cedar atlas and virginian, roman chamomile, clary sage, cypress, lavender, myrtle, rosemary and all citrus oils. Be bold with your blending and go with your instincts because this is one aspect of aromatherapy that can only be learned by hands-on practice. Sweet marjoram is a very ‘forgiving’ oil and it is great for adding a nice herbaceous, spicy note to any blend.

Try it and you’ll soon see what I mean.

Copyright © Quinessence 2010

That’s a very good question, and one that crops up a lot on our Customer Helpdesk. Unfortunately, like so many questions in life it’s not as straightforward to answer as you might think . . .

Having invested hard-earned money in your essential oils, it certainly makes sense to look after them properly to ensure their therapeutic properties are not weakened or lost unnecessarily. Following a few simple guidelines will help to keep your oils in prime condition without any real effort or hassle on your part. Here are the facts.

Unpredictable

Despite what you may have been told or read in books, the so-called ’shelf life’ of essential oils is extremely difficult to predict once they are taken out of storage and put to use. There is no fixed length of time after purchase that your essential oils will keep before they begin to deteriorate and eventually become unusable.

With all natural products, it can be extremely difficult to predict with any kind of certainty how long they will keep because there are too many variables. Essential oils are not the same as simple commodities such as milk or bread which follow a predictable and rapid path toward spoiling over a known period of time.

Chain reaction

The shelf life of an essential oil is governed by its chemical stability, and anything that interferes with this stability will cause the oil to start the slow, but inexorable process of deterioration known as oxidation. And once this process has begun, there is no way to reverse or stop it; it is inescapable and inevitable.

Heat, sunlight and air can all have a detrimental effect on the chemistry of all the oils that are used in aromatherapy, and this also includes carrier oils and mixtures of both such as massage oil blends. In addition, the complex and varying chemistry of natural essential oils means that the rate of deterioration will be different for every individual botanical species of oil, even when kept under ideal conditions.

This means that some oils will last far beyond what many books report, whilst others may deteriorate much earlier than they claim. Either way, it is the combination of heat, air, the chemistry of the oil and the way they are stored that will ultimately dictate how long your oils remain in good condition. I did say it was not straightforward!

Now the good news

Despite all of this, the easiest way to extend the life of your essential oils is to simply store them away properly after using them. Essential oils do not like extreme or repeated changes in temperature, and ideally they should be stored in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and other sources of variation in temperature.

Providing the oils were fresh when you purchased them from your supplier, this is by far the best way to keep them in good condition. This one simple tip could almost double the life of your essential oils.

Never leave essential oils in a place where the sun will shine directly on them such as on a window shelf in the bathroom, for example. Over a period of weeks this will dramatically speed up the natural process of deterioration due to them continually heating up and cooling down. Leaving your oils out in the sun like this can halve their life expectancy.

Stay cool

To avoid this type of temperature variation you may want to store your most expensive essential oils and absolutes in the refrigerator providing you have some space. Avoid placing them too near the freezer section and don’t have the refrigerator setting too cold; somewhere around 5 - 10 degrees Celsius should be fine.

You will find that Rose Otto and most absolutes will solidify at this cooler temperature, so you will need to allow them to warm up for a while in advance of using them. The ambient temperature of a room is usually enough to dissolve the natural waxes in Rose Otto, and if not, holding the bottle produces just enough warmth to liquefy the oil again.

One final point regarding storage of essential oils; because they are quite volatile, essential oils will evaporate fairly quickly so be sure to always replace the cap tightly when you have finished using them. You don’t want your precious oils evaporating upwards towards the heavens!

Buyer beware

It almost (but not quite!) goes without saying these basic guidelines assume that the products are fresh when you originally purchase them. Bear in mind that many oils can originate on the other side of the world and may have already taken 3 months to reach a distributor. Such oils may well have passed through the hands of several traders before finally arriving at your suppliers premises. The storage conditions used by everyone in the supply chain will have a major influence upon the condition of the oil before you have even purchased it.

Specialist aromatherapy suppliers should have quite regular deliveries of oils, so this should not (in theory) be a problem. However, if you usually buy your oils from retail outlets be sure to avoid bottles that are displayed on shelves under hot lighting or in direct sunlight. One final telling sign to watch out for is products on shelves that have accumulated a visible layer of dust!

Choose your source of supply carefully and then take good care of your oils. In turn, they will serve you faithfully and bring you the results that you deserve.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Winter warm-up

Many people with poor circulation suffer from cold feet and cold hands at this time of year, so warming essential oils such as black pepper, cardamon, clove bud, ginger, juniper berry, marjoram and rosemary are just the thing. Choose 3 oils from this list and add 2 drops of each to 10ml of your chosen carrier oil. Rub your blend vigorously into your frosty fingers or feet and you will soon feel a warm glow spreading throughout your body.

Because these oils are so warming and stimulating, it also makes them highly effective at easing those every-day aches and pains, stiff backs and similar conditions which always seem to feel worse during the winter months. In addition to using them in a massage, these oils can be added to a warm bath which I feel is one of the nicest (and laziest!) ways to enjoy aromatherapy during the cold winter months.

Water works

Aromatherapy baths are perfect for lifting your spirits during the depressing winter months, and so easy to do. Set the scene for a soothing aromatherapy bath with some nice relaxing music and the flicker of candlelight, and you will have created your very own health spa without the hefty high-street cost.

Whilst running your bath brush your skin all over to exfoliate and improve circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid. Your skin is the biggest organ in the body and it plays a major role in eliminating toxins. Using a natural bristle brush or loofah, start at your toes and gently brush upwards towards your heart using quick sweeping motions.

Choose the essential oils you want according to your mood or needs, and add them to the water after running your bath. Adding your oils too early can be wasteful since a large proportion will evaporate before you even get into the bath. Always add your oils just before stepping in, and make sure you use some type of dispersant to ensure your oils distribute nice and evenly on the surface of the water.

Soothing soak

Try adding two drops each of ylang ylang, lavender and bergamot to soothe away the stresses, strains and hangovers of the New Year parties! You only need to use a total of 6 or 8 drops of essential oil, since generally speaking, more is not necessarily better in achieving the desired result when using essential oils in aromatherapy.

An equal blend of geranium, lavender and sandalwood is absolutely heavenly, as is Roman chamomile, lavender and bergamot. Any blend containing either rose, neroli or jasmine is bound to be deliciously relaxing, but if you do not have any of these oils there are plenty of other relaxing ones to choose from.

If your legs and tootsies are tired from all the New Year’s bargain hunting, then a blend of sweet marjoram, black pepper and rosemary will quickly ease them back to normal. Carrying large bags of shopping can play havoc with your shoulders and back, so try a blend of Roman chamomile, ginger and lavender to help lift the load.

Breathe easy

If you suffer with blocked sinuses or congestion during the winter, you will find that using cypress, eucalyptus radiata, silver fir, frankincense, peppermint, pine, ravensara or tea tree in your vaporiser can bring tremendous relief. When you have a case of the sniffles or a runny nose remember, these same oils all have highly effective antiviral properties too and are ideal to kill those nasty bugs.

Should you not have a vaporiser or burner, you can also use these oils in a good old-fashioned steam inhalation; simply choose a selection of 3 oils from the above list and add 1 or 2 drops of each to a bowl of steaming hot water. Here are further instructions on preparing and using a steam inhalation. Please note that asthmatics should not use this method because it involves using steam directly over the facial area.

Alternatively, you can massage these oils on to the area above the upper lip, the tip of the nose and on the the cheekbones outwards towards the ears. Use small, circular movements with your fingertips avoiding the eye area, and your stuffy nose should soon begin to clear. Take care to add no more than 3 drops in total of your chosen essential oils to 5ml of carrier oil.

Natural protection

Don’t forget that using aromatherapy carrier oils is one of the finest ways to keep your skin soft and supple throughout the freezing winter. These natural protective oils can be used effectively without any essential oils to look after your skin because the texture and fluid nature of carrier oils have a natural affinity with the skin, and are very easily absorbed.

Gently massage a few drops onto the face and neck area twice a day during the colder weather and your skin will soon show the benefits. Remember your legs need protection too since they often feel and show the effects of cold first.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2010

Learning to do a back and neck massage just wasn’t enough, they said, - ‘We want to learn how to do a full body massage!’ So this month we are pleased to introduce ‘Complete Body Massage Made Easy!’, which meets the same high standards as the first DVD because it was produced by the same company.

If you have ever wished that you could give a really great, therapeutic, full-body massage to your partner, friends or family – but were put off by the high prices for all those lessons at night school or college then this is a fantastic low-cost solution.

‘Complete Body Massage Made Easy!’ is a high quality, instructional DVD that shows you step-by-step exactly how to perform a safe and effective massage for friends and family of all ages, all from the comfort of your own home.

An expert therapist demonstrates each and every movement complete with an easy to understand commentary so that you will know exactly how to perform the perfect massage effortlessly. This is a hundred times more instructional than a ‘teach yourself’ book that only uses sketchy diagrams or photographs because you are shown exactly how and where to place your hands to perform the massage movements and strokes flawlessly. It’s a proven fact that you retain far more information when you learn by watching and listening rather than reading.

The interactive menu guides you through each stage of giving a massage, and all of the techniques are explained and demonstrated in exactly the right sequence, so that in a matter of only hours – not weeks or months - you could be giving your very first massage to friends and family. It’s just like having one-on-one tuition from an expert therapist right there with you!

This highly instructional DVD is an excellent reference tool for even the most experienced massage therapist, and if you are considering taking up massage as a profession then this program will give you the perfect foundation to build professional training upon.

This month you can get a copy of this fantastic DVD absolutely FREE when you order the AromatherapyLifestyle exclusive Special Offer. Check your inbox for more details of this unrepeatable offer (Members only).

Learn more about Complete Body Massage - Made Easy! . . .

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009

Frankincense is the hardened oleo-gum resin obtained from several species of trees in the Boswellia family. The trees producing the finest quality resin can be found growing around the horn of Africa; Somalia, the Hadhramaut region of Yemen, and Oman. Since the trading of this spice was originally based in this small geographic area, its demand far exceeded the trees ability to produce. Add to that the difficulty involved with transporting and delivering this precious cargo you can begin to understand why this became such a lucrative market.

Taxing time

History records that in those days Arabia was the centre of the ‘Spice Trade Route’, where aromatics and herbs were traded along with silk, paper and peacocks from China, and tigers, panthers, rubies and ebony from India. Vast trading empires were built upon this route, where other aromatics such as cardamon, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, nutmeg, sandalwood and valerian were bought, sold and transported.

However, it was the revenue from frankincense that brought the most wealth to the region, mainly due to its heavy use as an ingredient of ceremonial incense which was used by many religions. Such was the wealth created in the trading of frankincense, that at one time the Arabs were required to pay a tithe (a tax amounting to 10 percent) to the Persian King Darius.

General description

From the Burseraceae family, Boswellia carterii (also known as B. sacra) is a small tree or shrub, growing from 3 metres to 5 metres in height (9.75 – 16.25 ft). It is a somewhat bizarre looking, but strangely attractive tree that has very little central trunk, presenting twisted, gnarly, angular branches that emerge just above ground level. Abundant serrated pinnate leaves appear on the branches in pairs of ten, and the small five-petalled flowers are pale yellow or white. The oleo-gum resin is located in vertical reservoirs within the bark of the sturdy branches.

Trees found on the Somali coast grow out of the barren marble-like rocks to which they are attached by a thickish mass resembling a mixture of lime and mortar. The young trees yield the most valuable gum whilst the older ones yield only a clear glutinous fluid.

Harvesting and extraction

To collect the resin the workers make longitudinal incisions in the bark of the tree, and below these incisions a narrow strip of bark about 10 cm in length is peeled off. One month later, and again a month after that, deeper incisions are made in the same place as the first cuts. This causes the tree to exude a white milk-like emulsion, which after a time congeals into yellowish tears and drops.

These are known as the ‘tears of frankincense’, or ‘tears of olibanum’ - which is the name they are known by in the aromatics industry. The tears are picked up from the ground or plucked off the bark. The gum is collected all year round except in the monsoon period which is mid June to mid September, when the workers are busy with other agricultural work. The tears vary in size from one eighth to one inch in diameter and are graded according to size and quality before distillation.

The constituents of gum oleo-resin can be separated either by steam distillation or solvent extraction followed by steam distillation. An absolute is also produced on a small scale for the perfumery industry.

Geographical sources

The essential oil is mainly produced in Africa (North-east), Arabian peninsula, China, Ethiopia, India and Somalia. Although commonly supplied to the aromatherapy market due to its cheaper price, the fragrance and therapeutic properties of the Indian and Chinese oils are inferior to those from Somalia, Yemen and Oman.

It has become increasingly difficult to obtain good quality frankincense essential oil this year due to the growing unrest in Somalia. This has put pressure on oil supplies from other regions, driving up prices considerably. Beware of cheap frankincense!

Uses in aromatherapy

Frankincense essential oil has a wide range of physical applications, some of which include acne, asthma, bronchial conditions, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhoea, eczema, immuno-deficiencies and rheumatism.

Its skin cell rejuvenating powers are legendary, making it an indispensable oil to use in skincare for treating fine lines, wrinkles and scars. Likewise, it is the perfect oil for reducing stretch-marks - especially when blended with neroli, lavender, helichrysum, rose and other rejuvenating essential oils.

All types of respiratory conditions respond well to this oil, and when used to calm a troubled mind it is virtually unsurpassed. It is the perfect choice of oil for reducing anxiety, claustrophobia, fear, frustration, depression, hysteria, impatience, insomnia, panic, restlessness, shock, stress and general worries.

This is the perfect time of year to use frankincense for spiritual, ceremonial, traditional and recreational reasons. So if you have never used this oil before, now would be the perfect time to become acquainted with it.

Learn more about Quinessence Frankincense Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009