Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea, the term for painful periods, is derived from the Greek words dys (difficult, painful, or abnormal), meno (month), and rrhea (flow). Cathleen Morrow and Betsy Naumburg, authors of the excellent chapter “Dysmenorrhea” in Women’s HealthPrimary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, offer a thorough introduction to the topic. Primary dysmenorrhea is a gynecological condition…
Essential Oil Allies: German Chamomile
German chamomile essential oil is distilled from the flowers of Matricaria recutita and often grown and distilled for its essential oil in Hungary as well as other parts of Eastern Europe, North America and Australia. Native to temperate parts of Eurasia, M. recutita best expresses itself when grown in this type of terroir (see chemistry…
Essential Oil Allies: Rhododendron
About Rhododendron Essential Oil: Rhododendron essential oil is obtained via steam or hydro distillation from the aerial parts of Rhododendron anthopogon; its leathery leaves being the most aromatic part of the plant. Also called “Sunpati” in its native Nepal, this short, evergreen shrublet is categorized into the Ericaceae family-which includes azalea, bog Labrador tea, blueberry,…
Hierarchy of Evidence in Essential Oil and Aromatherapy Research
by: Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist and Aromatherapist In medical research, as interpreted by evidence-based healthcare practices, there is recognition of the fact that not all types of research are of equal value in regards to informing therapeutic opinions or making clinical decisions.1 Arguably the same is true for essential oil and Aromatherapy…
Essential Oil Allies: Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang (pronounced ē-ˌläŋ-ˈē-ˌläŋ) essential oil is distilled from the flowers of the fast-growing evergreen tree, Cananga odorata f. genuine, of the custard apple family (Annonaceae). Originating in the Indo-Malayan region, the French brought the tree to the Reunion Islands, Comoros, and Madagascar where it is mainly grown and distilled for its essential oil. The…
Do I need to use a preservative in my aromatherapy product?
Let’s talk aromatherapy and preservatives Preservatives and aromatherapy body care products seems to be one of the hot topics in the aromatherapy community these days and one that deserves a bit more exploration. Firstly, it may be beneficial to reflect upon the origins of ‘holistic aromatherapy’. Holistic aromatherapy was, and is, a practitioner-based and client-focused…