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: Valerian
Valerian essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the roots and rhizomes of the perennial herb Valeriana officinalis. The resulting essential oil is an amber-brown that gets darker with age. It is often grown and distilled for its essence in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia and China. The plant is classified as one of…
Essential Oil Allies: Goldenrod
Goldenrod essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of Solidago canadensis of the Asteraceae family. As the specific epithet (canadensis) indicates this gem is native to North America and often grown and distilled in Canada for its essence. S. canadensis is one of over 100 species of Solidago1 and may be identified by…
Essential Oil Allies: Carrot Seed
Carrot seed essential oil is distilled from the dried seed of Daucus carota subsp. carota which is commonly known as wild carrot, bird’s nest or “Queen Anne’s Lace.” It is grown and distilled for its seeds in France, Holland, and Hungary. Sometimes classified as a noxious weed by some states in North America1, it has…
Essential Oil Allies: Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the flowering tops of “wild bergamot” (aka “wild beebalm”). Early American settlers called M. fistulosa “Wild bergamot” as they found the plant’s aroma reminiscent of Citrus bergamia. This plant, however, should not be mistaken for the citrus fruit “Citrus bergamia,” the photo-toxic botanical used to flavor…
Essential Oils to Celebrate Summer Solstice
Summer solstice or midsummer, also known as Litha in pagan culture, is the time of year when Earth’s axis is most aligned with the sun, blessing us with the year’s longest day and shortest night. It is also a perfect time to celebrate fertility and abundance, to experience our full potential, unlock our creative flow,…