Fragrant Trees of Australia

Australia is home to a number of fragrant trees that have been used medicinally both by Aboriginal people and, more recently, as essential oils in aromatherapy.  Scented trees of Australia, such as tea tree, eucalyptus and niaouli, are well known for their antiseptic and anti-viral properties.  Like many other essential oils which possess similar properties, these particular essential oils all belong to the same botanical family too - the Myrataceae plant family.

To learn more about the fragrant trees of Australia and some of the essential oils which they produce read:

Medicinal Use of Scented Trees Native to Australia

Growing Lavender in Arizona

I posted on June 1, 2010 about Lavender in the Arizona Mountains and Red Rock Farms.  Unfortunately, as seems to have been the way for me this year, my plans to visit Red Rock Farms during the lavender festival did not happen as planned.  Although frustrating, all is not lost.  It is possible to visit throughout the rest of the year and I already have some thoughts on how to utilize lavender in my own back yard.

Our property consists of just over an acre of land here in Sedona.  Most of that, is "au naturelle" landscaping - you get the picture :)  However, landscaping with lavender, even here in Arizona, is possible.  Imagine awakening to the fragrance of lavender each day (when in bloom) - and as a base for an aromatherapy business, what could be more fitting?

Several years ago, a few vineyards started to spring up around Sedona.  California is probably more noted for its wine than Arizona but now the vineyard business in Sedona seems to be taking off.  So, perhaps lavender in Sedona, as oppose to lavender in Provence, is also a contender!  At the moment, I'm just thinking of landscaping but who know where that may lead to? :)

Watch this space over the coming year for an update on my lavender landscaping!

Aromatherapy Library: A Resource for Aromatherapists

A couple of months ago I launched a new aromatherapy web site called Aromatherapy Glossary, an introduction to familiar words used in aromatherapy.  As a follow-on from that web site, I have just launched Aromatherapy Library which will be an eventual round-up of all my aromatherapy articles that I have written in the past couple of years, in addition to being a resource and starting point for further information for aromatherapists.  The web site is new, with only a few articles posted as present - but it is a long work-in-progress, so check back often for new articles and updates!

In the meantime, take your first look at:

Aromatherapy Library .....

Scented Grasses in Aromatherapy

There are several scented grasses that are used in aromatherapy.  The most common use of scented grasses is as an insect repellent and citronella is probably one of the more popular scented grasses for the summer time control of mosquitoes and other insects.  However, other scented grasses, such as palmarosa and lemongrass have additional aromatherapy uses, in addition to having a long use in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine.

To learn more, read the full article:

Scented Grasses with Medicinal Properties

Different Types of Orange Essential Oil in Aromatherapy

Orange essential oil can be confusing.  As some of the varieties of orange oil come from the same botanical tree, even the Latin name can be confusing.  So you need to know both the Latin name and the part of the plant the orange oil is extracted from to know exactly which type of orange oil you are dealing with!

To learn more about sweet orange essential oil, bitter orange essential oil, petitgrain essential oil and orange blossom essential read:

Orange Essential Oil for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Update for 2010

As we are nearly half way through 2010 and its also a year since I started my aromatherapy blog, I thought it was time to give an update on my aromatherapy plans.  Those of you who have been following my aromatherapy blog in the past year may remember that back in December 2009 I talked about starting aromatherapy classes in 2010.

Unfortunately, my plans for that have been set back a little, partly due to personal reasons and health.  Although this has been a little frustrating for me, it has given me time to think out more clearly what I want to achieve with regard to aromatherapy teaching classes. For the remainder of 2010, I intend to concentrate on writing as much as I can about aromatherapy. I write aromatherapy articles for both LiveStrong.com and Suite 101, in addition to this aromatherapy blog.  I am also working on aromatherapy information web sites in order to accumulate a lot of my aromatherapy writing in one place.  My first aromatherapy information web site was Aromatherapy Glossary, and I have another one pending.

Of course, I continue to practice aromatherapy through Sedona Aromatherapie, Aromatherapy Wedding and Chocolate Aromatherapy.  I am hoping that 2011 will allow me to move ahead with my aromatherapy teaching plans as I have some creative ideas on how to do that here in Arizona!  So, all I can say, is watch this space - and in the meantime, enjoy my aromatherapy articles :)

Aromatherapy Blogs I Read

I started writing Aromatherapy Notes one year ago, in June 2009.  When I first started my aromatherapy blog, I knew little about writing a blog and had only been writing online for about a year before that.  In the past year, I've diversified my writing into other areas, and other publications, in addition to writing several new aromatherapy web sites of my own.

However, aromatherapy remains my first passion and I love to write about it! My plans for my aromatherapy business are a continual work-in-progress, but writing seems to be a natural part of it now, as I love to be able to pass that knowledge and information onto other people.  In the future, I hope to be able to expand that knowledge and learning process by eventually holding aromatherapy classes of my own here on our property in Sedona, Arizona.

In the course of research, I've come across other aromatherapy blogs, from which I've learned something too!  So, for now, here's some more aromatherapy information in the form of the aromatherapy blogs I read and follow:

• The Aromahead Blog 
• Heather Scent Aromatherapy
• The Fragrant Muse
• Aromatique Essential's Blog
• Creations from Eden.

If you have an aromatherapy blog and would like to exchange links with me, please drop me a line!

Tried and Tested: Peppermint Oil and Ants

In case there was any doubt as to the validity of the use of peppermint oil in deterring ants, I had first hand experience in the matter this week.  A number of ants decided that it was a good idea to hang out on my deck.  I didn't exactly share their belief - so set about putting down a few drops of peppermint oil in their vicinity.  It was amazing how quickly they dispersed themselves - and, to date, they haven't yet returned.  In addition, it was a safer route to go than toxic chemicals, as my dog particularly likes to laze on the deck in the sun of an afternoon :)

However, I would advise using slightly less peppermint oil than I did.  In my enthusiasm, I went slightly overboard to the point that I now have a very minty fragranced deck! :)

Different Types of Mint Oil in Aromatherapy

"Mint oil" is a broad term used to describe a number of different mint oils used in aromatherapy.  As mint oils generally contain a high level of menthol content, which can cause some adverse reactions depending on the situation, it is advisable to "get to know your mint oil" before attempting to use it.

Mint oils often encountered in aromatherapy use include peppermint, spearmint and cornmint oils.

To learn more read:

Mint Essential Oil for Aromatherapy

Lavender in the Arizona Mountains...

It doesn't seem like the words "lavender" and "Arizona" should go together in the same sentence - yet Arizona has one of the largest lavender farms in the Western hemisphere, rivaling those lavender fields in Provence, France!  Red Rock Ranch and Farm is located at an elevation of 6,100 feet in the White Mountains of Arizona, a couple of hours drive from where I live here in Sedona.  Sedona itself is located at an elevation of 4,500 feet - not the "traditional" low desert landscape often associated with Arizona and found in the southern part of the state in Phoenix.

Red Rock Farm states that they have over 45,000 lavender plants on a 130 acre ranch.  Between June 24 and July 3, Red Rock Farm is holding its 7th Annual Lavender Festival.  Throughout the lavender festival it is possible to tour the farm, see lavender oil distilled and see culinary demonstrations with lavender too.  It is something which is already scheduled on my calendar, so watch out for my thoughts and review of our trip there some time in July!  I am sure I will come away with some more knowledge, thoughts and inspiration in how to use lavender, particularly in relation to aromatherapy....  :)

For more information on lavender:

The Lavender Essential Oils

Ways to Use Essential Oils in Aromatherapy

I have found that even though some people are aware of essential oils and their use in aromatherapy, many do not realize the vast number of ways essential oils can be used in aromatherapy.  I am constantly thinking of creative and innovative ways to market aromatherapy here in the U.S. and have discovered that aromatherapy can, in fact, be incorporated into many areas of your life!

Apart from the usual aromatherapy lotions and oils, aromatherapy comes in the form of candles, bath oils, shampoos and natural perfumes.  Essential oils can also be used to clean your home.  And don't forget weddings and travel too!

To learn more read:

Different Ways of Using Essential Oils in Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy Awareness Week

Aromatherapy Awareness Week is recognized both in the U.K. and Australia, albeit at different times of the year, but as far as I am aware there is no such event in the U.S.  In 2010, the U.K. marks Aromatherapy Awareness Week between June 7th and June 13th while Australia marks Aromatherapy Awareness Week between October 6th and October 13th.

My only reasoning for the lack of such an event in the U.S. is because both the U.K. and Australia are at similar "stages" in the progress of the recognition of aromatherapy as a valid therapy whereas the U.S. is, to some extent, still trying to "catch up".

Aromatherapy Awareness Week basically increases the awareness of aromatherapy to the public and demonstrates ways in which aromatherapy is used.  Personally, if such an event existed in the U.S. I would be all for it because since moving to the U.S. from the U.K. I have found that aromatherapy means different things to different people and a lot of people are still trying to understand the true power, potential and validity of aromatherapy, particularly in health care settings.

If you practice aromatherapy in the U.S. what do you think of the idea of an Aromatherapy Awareness Week?  Do you think it would benefit you - and more importantly aromatherapy - or do you think it would simply be a distraction from the practice of aromatherapy?

Let me know your thoughts by posting a comment below! :)

U.K. Hospital Offers New Mothers Aromatherapy for Labor Pain

Its something those trained in aromatherapy have always known - but actually seeing aromatherapy in practice in health care was a rare event until recent years.  In the U.K. that is.  I am not so sure that aromatherapy is used as widely in the U.S. in true health care as in the U.K., partly because of the complicated issues surrounding health care insurance.

However, health care in the U.K. is set up slightly differently and the National Health Service (NHS) is starting to incorporate aromatherapy use into more "serious" medical practices.  BBC Bristol reports that expectant mothers under North Bristol NHS Trust, at Southmead hospital and at Cossham Birth Centre (from Fall 2011), are receiving aromatherapy treatments for labor pain, anxiety, muscle pain and pregnancy related sickness from trained midwives.

Some of the essential oils that are offered by North Bristol NHS Trust trained midwives include:

• frankincense - to calm
• lavender - for anxiety and insomnia
• peppermint - for nausea
• clary sage - to ease labor pain
• bergamot - to strengthen immune system.

These essential oils are used under the guidance of midwives who have completed aromatherapy training.  It appears that the U.K. medical service is finally recognizing aromatherapy for its true healing practices - and there will be a new generation of babies who enter this world to the aromatic fragrance of essential oils! :)

For more information on the useof aromatherapy and essential oils in pregnancy read:

Essential Oils for Pregnancy

Follow Up: Essential Oils for Travel

My post on Monday May 10, 2010, Take Aromatherapy on Vacation, Travels and Holidays, inspired my latest article!

If you want to know more about which essential oils to use for:

• travel sickness
• jet lag
• stomach upsets
• sun burn
• insect bites

read Essential Oils in Aromatherapy for Travel and learn why peppermint, ginger and lavender essential oils are invaluable to take on vacation - no matter where in the world you are traveling...