Aromatherapy For Dummies - A Review

Years ago when I first became interested in aromatherapy while searching for an 'answer' ('An 'answer' to what?' you ask? I don't know and I'm still searching! ;-D) I came upon this book at the library.

Aromatherapy For Dummies is a great place for the interested to start.

It takes away the mysticism of aromatherapy and makes it real without delving into too much and bogging you down. It gives you the basics, and then some, in a light yet informative way.

Aromatherapy For Dummies also provides the reader with easy to follow recipes and tips on safety, not to mention an appendix that can get you headed in the right direction if you decide you are still interested once you reach the end of this great book!

Definitely worthy of a place on your shelf!

How To Choose An Aromatherapist

As more people become aware of Aromatherapy the question of how to choose an Aromatherapist arises.

Unfortunately, there are many people out there flinging essential oils out willy-nilly with no training or thought. As a trained professional, its a little scary!

So, first and foremost, an Aromatherapist should be educated in the field of Aromatherapy. I received my Aromatherapy education and training from Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta under the tutelage of Professional Aromatherapist and Registered Massage Therapist, Jean Channon-Simpson. An Aromatherapist educated in the field of Aromatherapy will make all the difference in your treatment and how you feel afterwards.

Secondly, you should feel absolutely comfortable with this person; this may take some investigation, but it is absolutely important that you feel at ease discussing problems and concerns with the person you choose to be your Aromatherapist. You are the client and customer, it is your money being spent and you deserve to know a few things about the Aromatherapist you choose. Call and discuss aspects that are important to you.

The Aromatherapist should be courteous and caring, in person and on the phone. A treatment should start with a short intake form and interview where you will be asked about your health, physically and mentally, as well as what your goal is for that particular session.

After choosing your Aromatherapist, all there is left for you to do is to enjoy your treatment!

Sometimes all you need is a little Lavender...

There are four essential oils that can be used neat on the skin without being blended in a carrier such as lotion before application, they are: ravintsara, roman chamomile, tea tree, and LAVENDER!

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has been used for thousands of years beginning with the Ancient Egyptians and Romans who used it in their bath water; the word lavender comes from the Roman ‘lavera’ which means 'to wash'.

Lavender essential oil is known as the 'mother' oil and is cultivated in France, China, England, Tasmania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Croatia. Lavender is a bushy plant that can reach heights of three to four feet; the leaves are spiked, green-grey; the flowers can be a variety of shades of mauve to violet-lavender and are packed around a single stem. The method in which lavender essential oil is extracted is through steam distillation of the flowering tops. It has a fresh, floral scent, it is clear to pale yellow in colour, has a watery consistency, and has a middle perfume note. It blends harmoniously with all other essential oils, absolutes and essences because it is a natural balancer.

Lavender essential oil is treasured for use on cuts, burns, dermatitis, eczema, sunburn and insect bites; for rheumatism, arthritis, inflammation, tension, spasms and dysmenorrhoea; for headaches and migraines, insomnia, anxiety, panic, hysteria, fatigue, and nervousness. It is said, ‘when in doubt, use lavender’ and it is known to soother the inner child. Every household should have lavender essential on hand in their First Aid Kit because of its fabulous properties and because it can be used safely on children when diluted in a carrier like unscented lotion. In Jeanne Rose’s Herbs and Things: A Compendium of Practical and Exotic Love she writes:

‘The buds [Lavender], mixed with marjoram, clove, carnation, betony and rose leaves and worn around the neck in a bag will cure headache.’

One more interesting note to remember about lavender essential oil, it is said to be an antidote for the bite of the funnel web and black widow spiders as well as viper and adder snakes.

Lavender Essential Oil can be used as an inhalant, can be burned in an essential oil burner, or up to eight drops can be added to your bath water.

Mom's Time

Since giving birth to my second baboonsky almost 3 months ago, I have found myself wondering 'What was I complaining about when I only had one kidlet? I had TONS of time!' ;-) Not so now.

But I still try to find time for myself once a week where I'm not doing something for someone else, like laundry, grocery shopping or reading 'Purple Eyes' for the umpteenth time! Usually I simply have a bit of a mini-spa experience in the bathroom, pruning what needs to be pruned. ;-)

Today I'm going to share one of my favourite recipes! I call it 'Mommy Tree'.

Mommy Tree Scrub

1/2 Cup Oatmeal
1/2 Cup Skinned Almonds
1 Tbsp Jojoba Oil
1 drop Neroli Essential Oil
2 drops Petitgrain Essential Oil
3 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil



In a blender grind oatmeal and almonds as finely as possible. Add the essential oils and mix thoroughly breaking up any clumps. Then mix in oil to develop a paste, adding more oil if necessary.

Rub the paste all over your body starting at your feet and working your way up using gentle circular motions.

Rinse well either in a warm bath or a warm shower.

Neroli, orange and petitgrain essential oils all come from the same tree - the orange tree. These essential oils were used in combination to help you feel ‘whole’ again. Neroli has a calming, almost euphoric effect; orange has an uplifting, anti-depressant effect; and petitgrain has the ability to calm anger and stress.

Your skin will thank you, and so will you mind and spirit!

Holiday Over, Back To Work

Just a quick post to say sorry to all you readers out there for not posting recently...the Holiday Season does that to me...makes me a slacker! ;-)

Not to worry though! It is back to work for me and new post will be coming your way very soon!