Vanilla, the (really) early years It is the ancient Totonaco Indians of Mexico who were the first keepers of the secrets of vanilla. When they were defeated by the Aztecs, they were demanded to relinquish their exotic fruit of the Tlilxochitl vine, vanilla pods. When, in turn, the Aztecs were defeated by the conquering Spaniard, Hernando Cortez, he returned to Spain with the precious plunder - vanilla beans - which were combined with cacao to make an unusual and pleasing drink. For eighty years, this special beverage was only enjoyed by the nobility and the very rich. Then, in 1602, Hugh READ MORE
Blog
The Internal Use of Essential Oils: An exploration
The Internal Use of Essential Oils by Jade Shutes Over the years I have found the interest in the internal use of essential oils to be fascinating. While a couple of companies recommend the internal use of essential oils willy nilly without due consideration for safety, the aromatherapy industry at large simply states not to use essential oils internally. There are few articles within the industry that shed light on what the benefits and safety considerations should be when taking essential oils internally. Some simply imply that the internal use of essential oils is extremely dangerous READ MORE
What is a MSDS report and who needs them?
What is a MSDS report? A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, andspill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs. Who are they for? MSDS's are meant for: Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at work. Employers who READ MORE
Gattefosse – The Founding of Aromatherapy
Found some rather interesting footage about Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Here are three videos that outline Gattefosse's life and experience with aromatherapy. Fascinating. Enjoy. READ MORE
Cardamom: Queen of Spices
Cardamom: Queen of Spices Walk gently upon the earth Falling in love with Cardamom this Autumn Season! When I smell cardamom I feel transported to a place between heaven and earth where my feet touch the earth gently and my mind feels clear and light. It ignites a feeling of attraction, compassion, and kindness. There is a natural warming love which emanates from the self within and gently spreads its wings out to others. The way the cardamom pods grow close to the ground yet remain above it reminds me of being rooted yet not so securely that movement is not possible. The imagery also speaks READ MORE
Synergism in essential oils and aromatherapy
Many herbalists acknowledge that one of the main differences between whole herbs and traditional extracts on the one hand, versus individual vitamins, minerals, isolated phytochemicals, or conventional single - molecule drugs on the other hand, is the principle of synergy. Synergy can be defined in a number of ways, but the underlying idea is that complex interactions among the many constituents of an herb give rise to its unique characteristics, personality, and healing properties. To borrow a concept from physics, the very complexity of a living plant – which contains perhaps thousands of READ MORE
To Bee
One ingredient which is most plentiful in this fragrance is LOVE, I so adore the honey bee and everything about her. She is quite a magnificent creature. - Roxana Villa A few weeks ago Roxana Villa, botanical perfumer and visual artist, sent me a little package containing her new natural botanical perfume: To Bee. As I opened the package I felt an immediate attraction to its contents. The little light pink container with an embossed bee seal on the top inspired. Upon opening, my sense of smell was drawn into the warming, spicy, floral, beeswax, honey aroma. I entered into a world of READ MORE
Aromatic Medicine for Boils
A boil, also called a furuncle, is a painful inflamed swelling of a hair follicle that forms an abscess typically caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria although it can be caused by other bacteria or fungi found on the skin. It appears as a small rounded or conical nodule surrounded by redness (inflammation). As the boil progresses it gets a small localized pus pocket with a white center. For some pictures of boils: google! there's plenty. A boil is a deep-seated infection which involves the hair follicle and surrounding tissue (apparent from the redness/inflammation). Boils occur READ MORE
Plantain
Plantain is one of those abundant herbs that 'some' consider a weed and yet it appears all over our yards for incredibly beneficial purposes. I love seeing it (and using it) as it flourished all over our 'yard'. Here is a wonderful blog entry by Barbara DuTot of Wild Roots Herbal Learning Center. Plantain Love Summer is in full swing here in the Shuswap and the living is easy. Gardens are offering up a plethora of goodness - plump zucchinis, sweet onions, succulent chard, melt in your mouth strawberries and, as always, a bumper crop of weeds! And a good thing that is, I say. For among those READ MORE
Blending Insight: The Power of Intention
The Power and Importance of Intention One of the principles of dynamic aromatherapy (a term we have used for our teachings since 1991) is to effectively utilize mindfulness and intention. This blog posting is about intention (a future posting will be about mindfulness). Intention is a mental structure, which creates a pathway along which energy can move and illicit desired responses. Intention defines our movement within treatment, it allows for focus and concentration on goals. Intention is a guide and when properly utilized can add to the depth of healing. A few years ago a student of READ MORE