The warm balsamic fragrance of benzoin resin is familiar to most people, and this ancient aromatic has been used in almost every culture around the world since records began in both incense and medicine. Its medicinal use throughout history is legendary, and the aromatic resin from the tree still remains in high regard within the world of perfumery and medicine.

Also known as gum benzoin and gum benjamin, the balsamic resin extracted from Styrax benzoin has been available for centuries in the West, but Sumatra and Indonesia is its natural home. Other Styrax species that are the source of benzoin resin also grow in Cambodia, China, Java, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

General description

Styrax benzoin is a handsome tropical tree that grows up to 15 metres (50 ft) in height and is covered with a crown of alternate, ovate leaves which are smooth on the upper surface and hoary underside. The tree bears a flat hard-shelled fruit, measuring 2 or 3 cms in diameter, and attractive white flowers with 5 petals group in clusters along branches.

When incisions are made in the trunk of the tree it exudes a balsamic liquid which solidifies after exposure to air and sunlight, resulting in a reddish-brown gum. The balsamic liquid collects as ‘tears’ beneath the bark or around the incision cuts and although it is known as a gum, it is actually a balsamic resin.

Aromatic history

From early records we know benzoin resin was imported by the Chinese and the ancient Egyptians via the Red Sea. Papyrus records indicate that it was ground into powder and mixed with other substances such as pine, juniper, galbanum, cypress and labdanum into incense, and often made into cones that were placed on the heads of Egyptian dancers. Interestingly, the ancient Greeks and Romans did not appear to use benzoin as a medicine, reserving its use predominantly for incense purposes.

In the ancient Malayan culture benzoin was used as an incense and fumigation to drive away evil spirits and also for ceremonial purposes. Ancient transcripts show that the Greeks and Romans used benzoin over 2000 years ago, although interestingly they did not appear to use it as a medicine, reserving its use predominantly for incense purposes. The Arab traders called benzoin ‘luban-jawi’ which means ‘incense from Java’.

In England its use was first recorded between the 15th and 16th centuries when it was brought over by spice traders and used in powdered form to make dry perfumes, one of which was worn by Queen Elizabeth I. In later years, the medical profession of the day began to expand the boundaries between perfume and medicine and benzoin began to take a more therapeutic role. The resin was burned to relieve bronchitis and coughs, and eventually modified into a tincture that became popular in the apothecaries.

Harvesting and extraction

This process of cutting the bark of the tree to obtain the crude balsamic resin exudates is called tapping, and is not usually employed until the tree is around seven years old. After tapping, the exudate is left to harden and dry before collection which will be 3 or 4 months later, after which it is sifted and graded.

The oil is extracted from the balsamic resin by means of a solvent, and because the resulting resinoid is still too viscous (thick) to work with at this stage, a diluent is added to the resinoid to make it mobile and easier to use. After this process, the oil is referred to as a resinoid. The resulting oil has a balsamic, creamy aroma reminiscent of vanilla due the presence of a component called vanillin, which also occurs in vanilla.

Uses in aromatherapy

Benzoin resinoid makes a useful addition to blends for all types of circulatory and joint problems including poor circulation, arthritis and rheumatism where it imparts a warming and comforting effect. For the best results with these conditions blend it with essential oils such as black pepper, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, rosemary or sweet marjoram.

The expectorant properties of benzoin can be invaluable when used as an inhalation to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, colds and flu. Use it in your vaporiser or on a tissue with other expectorant essential oils such as eucalyptus, frankincense, niaouli, pine and ravensara for the best results.

Due to its warm, creamy fragrance and cheering characteristics, benzoin is comforting if you feel anxious, stressed, tense, worried or lonely. Madame Maury summed up the comforting action benzoin has on the emotional system when she wrote ‘This essence creates a kind of euphoria; it interposes a padded zone between us and events’.

Benzoin adds a pleasing base note to almost any blend, and works particularly well with bergamot, black pepper, cinnamon, cypress, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, marjoram sweet, myrrh, petitgrain, rose, rosemary and sandalwood.

Safety first

Some books recommend using benzoin in creams and lotions for cuts, chapped skin and generally irritated skin conditions, but I recommend extreme caution when using benzoin on broken and sensitised skin. Although benzoin has not previously been considered to have any contra-indications, recently questions regarding sensitisation have been raised. When used as part of a blend with other essential oils however, these risks are much reduced.

To be safe, avoid using benzoin in massage oils, creams and lotions on already irritated and sensitised skin. And one final tip – don’t use benzoin in a bath since it usually sinks to the bottom and can stain the plastic or enamel finish!

See Quinessence Benzoin Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2012.

It has been estimated that about 15% of the population of all industrialised countries now suffer from spring allergies, with figures in the UK recently reaching over 25% according to the European Society of Allergy and Immunology. This figure has now doubled during the past 20 years, which is worrying news.

However, you can get welcome relief to the symptoms that many experience such as itchy eyes, congested sinuses, pounding headaches and runny noses simply by using your trusty essential oils. Some essential oils bring relief because they are anti-allergenic, whilst others help to clear blocked sinuses. This is an area where aromatherapy can be invaluable.

But why do we get these allergies in the first place?

Spring allergy symptoms

An allergy is typically the body’s reaction to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, which it doesn’t recognize. Although the bacteria, virus or other foreign body might not be life-threatening, the body’s immune system responds as it would to a more lethal foreign attack and this over-reaction can make the sufferer feel quite poorly.

Hay fever is usually caused by pollens from trees, grass or weeds which causes 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 typical hay fever symptoms such as;

• itchy, watery, bloodshot eyes

• congested, runny or itchy nose

• pounding or congested headache

• frequent sneezing and coughing

• pain around the sinus area

• difficulty in concentrating

Allergy culprits

Both tree and flower pollens are common causes of allergies in many parts of the world and according to the National Pollen Research Unit here in the UK, the grass pollen count has been rising since 1999 thanks to warm springs and sufficient rains. These conditions mean the plant can operate at its optimum, so it produces more pollen.

Grass pollen is the most common allergen for UK sufferers and currently accounts for over 90% of victims. The season for this particular allergen begins in late May, peaks in June and July, and eventually comes to an end in 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.

Fortunately there are various essential oils that you can use to treat a wide range of spring allergy symptoms – see the side panel for a comprehensive list that you can choose from. Essential oils that possess the following properties are the most useful, because they treat the various symptoms mentioned above:

• anti-viral

• immuno-stimulant

• anti-inflammatory

• expectorant

• anti-bacterial

• restorative

• relaxing

• calming

How to use essential oils for Spring allergies

You can use your essential oils in several ways to help ease the symptoms of spring allergies. Many people find that simply inhaling an essential oil is one of the most effective and easiest ways to relieve allergy symptoms. Inhalation is one of the quickest routes for an aroma to reach and stimulate the relevant area in the brain, whilst at the same time the inhaled aroma molecules enter your bloodstream as your lungs work to oxygenate your blood.

You can use this method by adding your chosen essential oils to an aromatherapy diffuser, or by placing a couple of drops of an essential oil directly onto a tissue. This is often the best way to get relief from the effects of pollen when you are outdoors or away from home, as the essential oils will work to soothe and clear the respiratory passageways.

If you are using an aromatherapy burner at home add a few drops to the water bowl above the candle or, if you are using an electric vaporizer or diffuser simply add a few drops to the unit according to the manufacturers instructions. Alternatively, you can add up to 8 drops of your essential oils to a nice warm relaxing bath – and for me, this method always brings its own special type of comfort and relief. To get the best results with aromatherapy it’s usually a case of finding what works the best for you personally.

Massage helps too

Massaging the sides of the nose, forehead, temples and the back of the neck with a blend of appropriate essential oils in a carrier brings welcome relief for many sufferers, so this method is definitely worth a try. A gentle massaging action around the nose really helps to soothe those streaming eyes and mucous membranes and it’s easy to do for yourself.

Likewise, if you are feeling congestion on the chest or in the head, a massage can really help since it is really reviving and refreshing due to the increase in your blood circulation. Massage the appropriate blend of essential oils (or get someone else to do it for you) over the affected area, and be sure to include the neck and face to get the full benefit.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2012.

Perfect for shower, bath or hand-washing, the unique combination of essential oils also helps neutralise bacteria since Fennel and Anise Star essential oils possess a powerful antibacterial action. Despite this protection, our Fennel and Anise Cleansing Bar is gentle even to the most sensitive skin, and the refreshing and energising aroma works great as a deodoriser.

Quinessence hand-made aromatherapy soaps are filled with natural organic oils and botanical ingredients to cleanse, moisturise and nourish your precious skin. The luxurious rich and creamy lather produced by our gentle, long-lasting soaps will leave your skin clean, velvety soft, and lightly scented.

See Quinessence Luxury Fennel & Anise Cleansing Bar

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2012

The vast majority of petitgrain essential oil on the market is extracted from Citrus aurantium subsp. amara and is usually identified by its country of origin, for example petitgrain Paraguay or petitgrain Haiti etc. Paraguay is by far the largest producer of petitgrain essential oil and this is the material that is available most commonly from aromatherapy suppliers.

Other than in Paraguay, bitter orange trees are cultivated for the production of petitgrain essential oil in Algeria, Egypt, France, Guinea, Haiti, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia.

The French connection

French petitgrain was at one time referred to as ‘Petitgrain le bigaradier’, which is a French expression for the ‘bitter orange petitgrain’, but this term has now been largely replaced with the anglicized version, ‘bigarade’. And strictly speaking, only the essential oil extracted from the true bitter orange tree and not any of its sub-species or hybrids should be given the prestigious title of ‘petitgrain bigarade’.

In reality, this particular oil is produced in quite limited quantities in Southern France, or from the original French variety cultivated currently in North Africa, Egypt, Italy or Spain. Many suppliers in the aromatherapy market mistakenly call their petitgrain ‘bigarade’ in the same way that others describe their standard geranium as ‘rose geranium’, which is also a very particular variety.

The leaves and twigs of several other citrus species are used to extract a ‘petitgrain’ oil, although these are not commonly found in aromatherapy; lemon petitgrain (Citrus limonum), mandarin petitgrain (Citrus reticulata) and bergamot petitgrain (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) are all commercially produced for other industries.

Also of interest is a relatively uncommon essential oil known as ‘petitgrain bigarade sur fleurs d’oranger’, (or ‘petitgrain sur fleur’ for short) which is a co-distillation of the leaves, petioles, twigs and also the flowers of Citrus aurantium. This essential oil has a more floral aroma than regular petitgrain due to the presence of the orange blossom flowers in the distillation process. These are the same flowers of course that are used to produce neroli essential oil, so you can imagine the contribution they make to the oils aroma.

General description

The bitter orange tree is a small evergreen that reaches a height of about 3 metres (10ft) in cultivation, but may attain up to 6 metres (20ft) when growing in the wild. It has a smooth brown trunk with stout branches, and when compared to the sweet orange tree (Citrus dulcis) it has a tighter crown of leaves and more erect stature. The twigs are flexible with rather blunt thorns, and leaves are broad-ovate, glossy and highly aromatic.

Attractive white flowers consisting of 5 petals and 24 yellow stamens begin to open around April or May and are of course the source material for neroli oil. The golden-yellow sour fruits are round or oval with a thick, heavily pitted skin that yields bitter orange oil by cold expression. The green twigs contain a significant amount of essential oil and it is these, along with the aromatic leaves that are used as the source material for petitgrain essential oil.

Traditional uses

Citrus auranium is quite possibly the most prolific of all oil-producing trees, providing us with therapeutic essential oils from the fruit, flowers and leaves. And long before the process of distillation had been invented, civilizations around the world were already exploiting the wide range of healing properties yielded from the bark, leaves, flowers, peel and juice of the fruit in folk medicine.

In central and south America, China, Haiti, Italy and Mexico decoctions of the leaves were taken internally for their sudorific, antispasmodic, antiemetic, stimulant, stomachic, tonic effects. Conditions treated included colds, flu, fever, diarrhoea, digestive spasm and indigestion, hemorrhages, infant colic, nausea and vomiting and skin blemishes.

Harvesting and extraction

Trees are pruned every 9 months to maintain optimum foliage, and although harvesting can be at any time, in practice it is usually driven by demand for the essential oil.

Extraction is by steam distillation using crude but effective stills which produce a pale yellow oil with a wonderful fresh, dry, leafy-citrus fragrance with sweet herbaceous and woody back-notes. Petitgrain bigarade is slightly more floral with reduced woody notes and more reminiscent of neroli, but less sophisticated.

Uses in aromatherapy

Petitgrain essential oil is surprisingly versatile, and like several other oils it has the ability to both relax and uplift at the same time. In common with neroli, it has an affinity with the skin, helping with acne, pimples and blemishes, balancing over-active sebaceous glands, reducing spider veins, and acting as an all round tonic to the complexion. And all at a much lower price!

Aromatherapists also use petitgrain essential oil for asthma, anxiety, colic, depression, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, fluid retention, greasy skin, headaches and migraine, hay fever, insomnia, mature skin, nausea, nervous exhaustion and stress. As stated, it is a surprisingly versatile essential oil and represents excellent value for money.

Petitgrain oil adds its own unique aromatic and therapeutic qualities wherever you use it, and it is a great middle note for blending. Try it with basil, benzoin, bergamot, clary sage, cypress, geranium, lavender, lemon, lime, linaloe wood, mandarin, neroli, orange sweet, palmarosa, rosemary, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

See Quinessence Petitgrain Essential Oil

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008.

Aromatherapy is a perfect example of this. Even though a particular essential oil may be precisely what is required to treat a physical condition, clients in a clinic will often object during a treatment if they do not like the aroma of the oil. The knowledge that smells can have a powerful effect on the mind has been known since ancient times. Precisely how this comes about however, is still not fully understood despite a vast amount of modern research.

How does the sense of smell work?

Have you ever wondered how the nose distinguishes between the delicious aroma of cooking food and the danger signals of something burning? The process of smelling is called olfaction and is incredibly complicated, taking place in several areas of the brain including the limbic system which itself has approximately 34 structures and 53 pathways. The limbic system is linked to the perception of odour, sensations of pleasure and pain, emotions like rage, fear, sadness and sexual feelings.

When we sniff to distinguish a particular odour, molecules emitting from the substance travel through the air and enter the nose. There are 50 million smell receptors located at the top of the nasal cavity occupying an area the size of a small postage stamp. These slender nerve receptors are called ‘cilia’ and are connected to an organ called the olfactory bulb (bulbus olfactorius), which in turn is connected directly to the brain.

The science bit

On the surface of each cilia lies a 1,000 different types of sensors known as odorant receptors. Each of these receptors can recognise multiple odorants, and a single odorant can be recognized by multiple receptors. Odorants are simply the molecules that we and animals perceive as odours, and different odours are identified by different combinations of receptors. This is how only 1,000 types of sensors are able to identify up to 10,000 different odours.

Each receptor is used over and over to define different odours, just like letters are used over and over again to spell different words. This ingenious system greatly reduces the number of sensors (letters) needed to code for smells (words). The way that different and overlapping combinations of letters can spell ‘red,’ ‘read,’ or ‘reed,’ similar combinations of sensors can identify for example, neroli, jasmine, or rose.

When an odour molecule has penetrated into the receptor there is an effect on the nerve cell belonging to this cilium. This nerve now sends a signal to the olfactory bulb which is a major structure in the limbic system and is where the olfactory impressions are first processed. From there, nerve cell responses are sent in the olfactory stalk to the limbic system. These receptor cells are in effect, an extension of the brain into the outside world!

Despite all the continual research it is still not known exactly how the brain converts these odour molecules into the smell that we perceive. However, scientists have determined that the human brain can easily identify subtle differences between thousands of odours which proves that the sense of smell is one of the most remarkable assets of the human body.

Sixth sense

Researchers at Harvard University believe that the remnant of an organ located in the human nose was once responsible for detecting chemical signals given off by other humans. However, this sixth sense used by our distant ancestors is no longer present in modern humans since it was lost due to the effects of genetic mutation.

Located just behind our nostrils are two tiny pits known as the Vomeronasal organ (VNO), but this organ no longer appears to function in humans. For a period of time during the development of an embryo the VNO exists with pits and tubes together with nerve endings which connect to the brain. However, several weeks later the organ ceases developing and begins to deteriorate.

Fake desire

In animals, the organ contains nerves that respond to chemicals called pheromones that are secreted by many other animals. In many creatures, pheromones trigger a variety of instinctive behaviours such as aggression and mating. However, whether or not humans have the ability to detect pheromones is still hotly debated by scientists.

Professor Catherine Dulac at Harvard University’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology believes that humans no longer have this ability, ‘It’s lost to evolution, – even apes and gorillas, our evolutionary first cousins, no longer rely on it to find mates.’, she claims. So much for those expensive perfumes claiming to contain human pheromones that will attract the perfect partner!

Spend, spend, spend

Research conducted by scientists and universities around the world is continually investigating the way that odours influence our emotions. Unsurprisingly, very little is ever heard about the results of such research because the knowledge gained will be put to use in some revolutionary new application or product. Certainly, already some of the information discovered has been quietly put to use in our daily lives, even though we are probably not consciously aware of it.

For example, specially formulated aromas are already being released in some supermarkets and stores to encourage customers to spend more money, and in factories and office environments aromas are released to help staff work more efficiently and productively. It’s hard to imagine what will be next, but whatever it may be, it is extremely unlikely we will be told in advance of its release to market.

Aroma affects your mood

Research has established that essential oils have an influence on the Limbic System in the brain which brings about changes in the brains chemistry, and this in turn can influence our emotions. Precisely which emotion is evoked when experiencing a fragrance will of course depend on the natural chemistry of the particular oil concerned.

Scientists now believe that all of our emotions are the result of neurochemicals such as noradrenaline and serotonin being released into the bloodstream, and mood swings are thought to be a result of these influences, particularly when they are in the extreme. Given these facts it’s not hard to see how essential oils can help balance and influence our moods.

Learn more about how essential oils influence our moods.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2007.

But to achieve this you do need to make global changes, not just improve your diet or exercise a little more. The real secret to enjoying a healthy and happy life is in achieving and maintaining a state of balance between your body and mind. It has been written many times before, but only when we have achieved equilibrium between mind, body and spirit can we really experience total health and wellbeing.

Shape up and eat smart

Of course, exercise is an essential part of all this because it helps to tone the body, keep hearts and lungs healthy, and assists detoxification. Exercise can be anything such as aerobics or circuit training through to just gentle walking, – simply pick your favourite activity and set aside time and commit yourself to devoting a half-hour per day towards getting your body back into shape.

Eating right is the next essential step to maintaining a well-balanced life; our bodies need the right amount of vitamins, nutrients and minerals to work at its best. Making changes to our diet is easy, – simply keep away from fast foods which contain a lot of saturated fats and sugar and start including more whole grains, chicken, fish, plenty of green vegetables and try to eat fresh fruit instead of juice when available.

Avoid the stress

Reducing the amount of stress we have in our life plays an important part in how we are able to cope with it. Stress damages both body and mind and has been linked with ‘burnout’, fatigue, sleep problems, depression and is known to lower our immune system. Learning techniques to cope with stress and worry are essential to keeping yourself balanced and full of energy.

As well as aromatherapy, there are many techniques such as simple breathing exercises which can be done anywhere at anytime, meditation, or yoga which is a full system for relaxation and de-stressing. There are lot’s of books, eBooks, DVD’s and CD’s available on the subject, or there are courses you can attend.

Lastly, but by no means the least important, is keeping life fun by doing something each day that you enjoy and leaves you feeling relaxed and happy. You are not being selfish by taking time out each day just for yourself, this time is essential and it is just as important as exercising, eating right and reducing stress.

Spend this time with a hobby or pastime that you enjoy, sitting quietly and reading, taking a relaxing aromatherapy bath while listening to your favorite music, or spending quality time with your family or friends. It can be anything as long as it’s something you like and enjoy doing.

12 Tips For Better Health

The biggest step towards better health is admitting the fact that you actually need to make some improvements. Here are some tips to help you become fitter and healthier;-

• Make it a life goal to obtain a healthier more positive outlook on life which will undoubtedly lead to a healthier you. If you are determined to reach a better state of health, making it a reality will be so much easier. Believe in yourself since a positive attitude does bring results.

• Support your new way of thinking by learning everything you can about ways of reaching better health and living a healthier lifestyle. You can use the internet, books, eBooks, DVD’s, clubs, gyms and support groups to your benefit, knowing all you can about healthy living gives you a great base to work from.

• Replace old food with your new healthier choice and don’t forget to purchase any small appliances such as blenders and food weighing scales which will support your healthier food choices.

• Reorganize your kitchen cabinets, cupboards and refrigerator to ensure that there are no reminders of your old habits, and lots of signs showing you the things that will help you in your new lifestyle.

• Get a large planner calendar, pin it up in your kitchen and mark the day when you choose to begin your new lifestyle and stick to it – no matter what.

• From day one keep a journal, this can either be a traditional one or use your computer. You should include all thoughts and feelings about your new ways along with all the changes you see about yourself. This is essential so you can look back and see the positive changes you have achieved due to your new attitude.

• Positive thoughts and affirmations are a necessity because they will give you confidence at the beginning, and will continue to support you through the more difficult tough times which may occur during your progress.

• Remember, along with improving your diet you should also make changes to the amount of exercise you do per day. Whilst good healthy food is essential, exercise is also just as important to help ward off the onset of diseases such as heart disease, as well as helping us to tone up our body, lose a few pounds – or simply keep weight from piling on.

• Give up any bad habits such as smoking or excessive drinking, because you will never reach your optimal level of health while you are puffing away on cigarettes or drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis.

• Make sure that you get the recommended 5 portions of fruit and veggies per day on your new regime; fruit and veggies are packed full of essential vitamins.

• Cut out excess salt, sugar and fatty foods from your diet, this will effectively lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Eliminate as much stress from your lifestyle as you possibly can. There are several ways to do this, and one of them is sure to be suitable for your personal circumstances. However, few of these methods offer the vast range of health benefits that aromatherapy does.

Choose any of the essential oils listed in the sidebar to lower your stress levels, and for a really effective result blend 3 or 4 of them together. Basil essential oil is really useful with stress because it has a cephalic action that works to refocus and sharpen the mind when you get in a headspin.

Geranium essential oil helps to balance the emotions, whereas neroli, rose otto, clary sage, sandalwood and ylang ylang essential oils can really help to calm you down. If you lack confidence in yourself, include jasmine in your blends since this can be surprisingly beneficial.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009.

Vetiveria zizanoides is a dense, erect, clumping perennial grass that grows throughout tropical regions. When growing in the wild, the straight-stemmed, robust leaves easily reach a height of 2 or 3 metres (6ft 6ins – 9ft 9ins) and the plant readily adapts to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions.

In northern India wild vetiver bears purplish or grey-green spikelets which usually grow in pairs, but in southern India and most other countries the non-flowering type is cultivated for the essential oil. Unusually, this plant has a root structure that penetrates down vertically rather than spreading horizontally like most grasses.

Originally native to India, vetiver is now cultivated for the extraction of essential oil in Angola, Argentina, Brazil, China, Haiti, Japan, Java and the island of Réunion. Very little oil is exported from India due to the high demand within the country where it is used extensively for incense, soaps and toiletries etc.

Traditional uses

Since ancient times in India, the versatile qualities of vetiver roots have been employed in a diverse range of household applications, and this practice is still expanding today. Dried roots are woven into sandals, mats, screens, window blinds, hand fans and ornamental baskets, plus aromatic sachets are used to fragrance bed linen and clothing garments.

Vetiver has been used since time immemorial in Ayurvedic medicine where it is considered to be antitoxic, astringent, bitter and cooling, and was used for bilious fevers and sweats, blood diseases, foul breath, headaches, infections, urinary ulcers, an antidote to poisoning as well as to strengthen the central nervous system and overcome depression, insomnia, anxiety and stress.

According to ancient inscriptions, infused vetiver was used as a perfume by royalty, and the essential oil is still included in an estimated 30% of high-quality modern perfumes to create oriental notes and to act as a fixative.

Harvesting and extraction

Prior to harvesting, the aerial parts of the plant are cut off and collected or sometimes burned back, and then the roots can be lifted either mechanically, or manually using a type of long-handled spade to pry the fibrous roots from the ground. The earth is removed from the roots and they are left to dry for a few days before being washed and cut up, and then distilled on site or transported to the distillery.

Extraction of vetiver essential oil is by steam or water distillation and yields a golden brown to dark brown viscous oil with a rich, sweet, woody-earthy aroma with peppery overtones. The fragrance of vetiver oil is complex and varies tremendously according to the climate and soil it is grown in, the age of the roots, plus the expertise and method used to extract the oil. The essential oil produced in Réunion is known as vetiver Bourbon and is considered the very finest but commands a higher price.

Uses in aromatherapy

In India vetiver essential oil is known as the ‘Oil of Tranquillity’ due to its relaxing, calming properties on the mind, but it is also strengthening, nurturing and revitalizing to the body. It strengthens connective tissue, restores balance to hormonal and emotional conditions, and regenerates both mind and body.

Some of these attributes make it a great essential oil to use in skincare, but its powerful aroma can easily dominate a blend if you add too much, so use it judiciously. If you still find the aroma of this oil too strong in your blends, use equal proportions of sandalwood with it to create a softer, warmer base note and a highly beneficial, moisturising action.

Essential oil of vetiver also helps to balance overactive sebaceous glands which makes it perfect for drying very oily skin and acne, plus it encourages the production of sebum for dry and mature skin. It also has an impressive healing and rejuvenating action that can be put to good use with wounds, irritated skin, wrinkles and stretch marks. Used in massage it brings relief to arthritis, rheumatism and muscular aches and pains.

Vetiver essential oil is excellent for long term, deep-seated anxiety, depression and stress related conditions. It brings stability and strength to those who feel damaged by life’s circumstances and adversities, acting as a ‘grounding’ agent to the weary soul. This oil has the ability to focus the mind and elicit concentration where endurance is required. Personally, I would be totally lost without it!

Vetiver essential oil blends well with benzoin, bergamot, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, lemon, linaloe wood, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008.

What causes insomnia?

There are several reasons why you might suffer from insomnia but perhaps the leading cause of insomnia in today’s world is stress. Stress often leads to depression and anxiety, also conditions that keep you lying awake at night. Whatever the cause of your insomnia, the results are the same; you feel tired, suffer from a foggy brain, have reduced ability to cope with your day-to-day routine, develop anxiety attacks and, in more serious scenarios, depression.

Natural aids, such as relaxing essential oils, are a great alternative to more traditional sleeping pills that often leave you sluggish and hungover in the morning. Using aromatherapy treatments at bedtime can often help you overcome periods of insomnia in your life. There are several essential oils that are helpful with insomnia; here are some of the most popular ones;-

Lavender Essential Oil

True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an effective essential oil to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Lavender essential oil is predominately made up of alcohols and esters and has several therapeutic properties, but is most commonly associated with relaxation. True lavender is the most popular choice of lavender available but be aware that there are other species, such as spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) and the hybrid lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) that have very similar properties, but are not as sedating as is true lavender.

Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is another popular choice of essential oil for insomnia. There are a few species of chamomile, but Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis AKA Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil is the most effective one to use for insomnia. Roman chamomile is an ancient herb which has therapeutic properties that include sedative and relaxing properties. It is recommended for the treatment of insomnia, stress and nervous tension, so is a good choice to help you to relax and prepare for sleep. Combine Roman chamomile essential oil with true lavender essential oil for a more powerful treatment.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Again, you need to choose the right type of marjoram oil for insomnia as there are several plants/oils that go by the name of ‘marjoram’. Sweet marjoram (Origanum marjorana) essential oil is the only one recommended for helping with insomnia because it has a calming and sedating action on the nervous system which helps to lower blood pressure, ease nervous tension and hyperactivity, and soothe loneliness, grief and rejection – all of which can exacerbate insomnia.

Like lavender, sweet marjoram essential oil combines together with the previous oils to produce a highly effective synergistic blend for insomnia. These three essential oils can be blended in different proportions to suite your personal fragrance preferences, but however you blend them you should certainly feel the benefit of a better nights sleep.

Other Essential Oils

You can also use essential oils such as neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), rose (Rosa damascena), sandalwood (Santalum album), clary sage (Salvia sclaria), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis or V. fauriei) for insomnia. These essential oils all have relaxing and/or sedative properties and can be combined together to produce an effective synergistic blend.

In fact, any essential oil that has sedative or relaxing qualities may be used to help bring relief to insomnia. If you know the underlying cause for your insomnia, for example if you are suffering from depression, you might find that there are additional essential oils that you can combine in a blend with the oils suggested; for example, combine bergamot (Citrus bergamia) or sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) in a depression-related insomnia blend since they have an uplifting effect on the emotional system.

How to use essential oils for insomnia

You can use all of these essential oils in a number of ways to help you deal with insomnia. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add some suitable essential oils to a warm bath before you go to bed. Make sure your bath is not too hot and add just 6 to 8 drops in total of your chosen essential oils to the bath water. You can also add a suitable essential oil to a blend in a bubble bath or bath oil.

• Add suitable essential oils to an aromatherapy diffuser just before you go to bed; you can use either an electric diffuser or a candle aromatherapy diffuser. Just remember to use the usual cautions and don’t leave a candle diffuser burning all night. This is a good method for helping a child fall naturally to sleep because the essential oil used may become associated with bed time and be a familiar comfort.

• Add a suitable essential oil to a massage oil and persuade your partner to give you a mini-massage just before bedtime. The act of massage naturally helps your body to relax and “switch off” from the day’s routines.

• Add a suitable essential oil blend to a spritzer and spray a small quantity of it onto your pillow just before you go to sleep; using a water-based spritzer, instead of applying an essential oil directly to your pillow, will not stain or mark your bed linen. This a great way to incorporate aromatherapy into your bedtime routine and prepare yourself for sleep!

Be sure to take a good look at your life to see if there are any underlying causes that may be creating deep-seated anxiety or stress, and tackle these issues to also help eradicate your insomnia. Using essential oils and aromatherapy as part of your bedtime routine will help you to relax and prepare for sleep – and leave you better equipped for the next day’s challenges.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008. Written by Geoff Lyth

On a physical level, spring is the traditional season for rejuvenating and cleansing because as the seasons change, so do our bodies requirements. In fact many people visit their acupuncturist four times per year, in accordance with the four seasons in order to balance the seasonal energy changes. The importance and benefits of preparation, in readiness for the growth of all things both spiritual and material has been understood for aeons.

Closer to nature

These seasonal cycles are very important to our holistic health, and if we harmonise our bodies with them we can benefit tremendously. Essential oils can be used effectively to help renew vitality, restore the balance to your body’s efficiency, and bring us closer to nature. Springtime is the perfect time of year to make this alignment.

Surrounding yourself with revitalising aromas is one of the fastest ways of boosting your energy levels, and it is so easy to do since all you need is an aromatherapy burner of some kind. It does not matter what type you use, the results are the same – you will quickly feel energised and in a brighter mood. And living a positive, happy, optimistic life is so much better for your health because holding a positive outlook actually protects you from the stresses of life.

Stress has been identified as a primary cause of heart disease, so anything that you can do to reduce stress will benefit your health tremendously. Relaxing essential oils can help directly with this, but energising and revitalising oils can help too because they energise and lift your mood in the same way that taking a walk outside in nature can. Using essential oils around the home is a great alternative if you are unable to get outdoors right now.

Revive and refresh

The aroma of pine or silver fir essential oil conjures up images of green forests with clean fresh air, so it will come as no surprise that these are both excellent oils to use to energise you and invoke the feeling of spring.

A few drops in a vaporiser refreshes the air around you and is highly invigorating when you are suffering from the late winter blues. Grapefruit is another reviving essential oil that is guaranteed to pep you up at any time and it blends easily with many other essential oils.

For a thoroughly enlivening experience, add 2 drops of pine or silver fir, 2 drops of grapefruit and 1 drop of litsea cubeba essential oils to your vaporiser and you will soon start to feel refreshed and more alive.

Substitute the litsea cubeba with basil and the fragrance begins to develop a real ‘springtime’ feel which is perfect for this time of year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the proportions of each essential oil, since this is how you learn to produce a nice balanced blend.

Other energising essential oils that you can use to awaken your senses include; bergamot, eucalyptus citriodora, juniper berry, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, rosemary and spearmint.

Of course all of these oils can be used in the bath or in a massage if you prefer, but don’t use more than 2 drops of peppermint in a bath since it can irritate the skin. Be sure to use a bath dispersant to distribute the oils evenly and agitate the water properly before stepping in.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2009.

The ‘Rotunda Ceramic Burner’ features a timeless, spherical design with a complementary two-tone colour combination that will look fabulous absolutely anywhere in your home. This attractive hand-made burner also features a one-piece design which means you won’t have to worry about dropping the lid on the floor either!

Because they are hand-made, the dual colour effect varies with each burner which adds to their charm since no two are alike. A burner with individuality rather than a ‘produced by a factory mold’ is a request we often get from burner lovers.

Simply add your favourite Essential Oil, Mood Enhancer or Synergy, light the tealight, make yourself comfortable, and prepare to relax in waves of beautiful aroma. Supplied complete with a Tealight candle and instructions for use.

If you prefer a more traditional style of vaporiser, the Quinessence Rotunda Ceramic Burner could have been made just for you. And best of all, the price is good too!

See Quinessence Rotunda Ceramic Burner

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2012