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...

Take Aromatherapy on Vacation, Travels and Holidays!

As we approach mid-May, thoughts for many people turn to vacations and holidays or exotic travel trips!  But it doesn't really matter how far you travel from home - it may be just a weekend break camping locally or a 5,000 mile trip to the other side of the world - aromatherapy can be a useful tool to have along for the ride!

Many essential oils used in aromatherapy can form the basis of an essential oil "first aid" kit for travel which can help with some of the familiar - and some unfamilar - problems which arise on vacations and holidays.  Here's a few common travel problems which aromatherapy can help with and a couple of suggested essential oils to take with you:

• travel sickness -peppermint and ginger essential oils
• jet lag - grapefruit, lemon and geranium essential oils
• mosquito bites and repellent - tea tree and geranium essential oils.

Its probably a good idea to take lavender essential oil too, as lavender oil is good for nausea, sun burn and upset stomachs.

As always, blend all essential oils in a lotion or carrier oil base before using, and reduce quantities for use with young children.

I also find that when I am traveling that it is useful to take along familiar lotions and potions such as my shampoo, soap and scent sprays which I make with essential oils.  Hotels often have "standard" soaps and lotions which may be irritating to the skin.  If you have room, it is also nice to take along some aromatherapy candles which set a pleasant ambience in a hotel room - or are useful insect repellents when camping (if you choose the right essential oil based candle!).

Based on my experience of traveling, I put together some basic aromatherapy lotions for the Sedona Aromatherapie store, with some aromatherapy travel kits - and travel sized aromatherapy candles.  Visit the travel section in the Sedona Aromatherapie web store to learn more.

In the meantime, happy traveling!  And watch for more aromatherapy travel tips throughout the summer, as I come across them!

Aromatherapy Connections on the World Wide Web

I recently did a post, Using the Internet as an Aromatherapy Resource, as a way of accessing aromatherapy information, research and studies online.  However, I also thought it was worth mentioning the value of the internet and the world wide web as a networking tool for aromatherapists.  Where it was once only possible to connect locally with like-minded aromatherapists, it is now possible to connect with aromatherapists from all around the world and to share information - all without living your home in many instances!  It doesn't matter if you are in Australia, up a mountain in Europe, or on the beach, if you can get an internet connection, you can connect with aromatherapists from all around the world!

Social networking sites such as Face Book and My Space, and the micro networking site, Twitter, have contriibuted greatly to the ease in which aromatherapists can share information.  Learn about the different ways aromatherapy is used, and the different rules and regulations of different countries, by simply joining up with one of these networking tools.  I currently have aromatherapy connections in Australia, across the U.S. and Canada, the U.K. and other parts of Europe simply through social networking on these social media web sites.

Although not as common or as popular as social networking, there are a few online aromatherapy forums, usually aimed at the beginner or hobbyist, through which you can connect with others in aromatherapy too.  It is advisable to check the validity of information exchanged on these forums, but I have also picked up some useful tips and information, in addition to contributing my own experiences on these forums.

Most reputable aromatherapy organizations usually have a web site and/or a social networking page too, so you can often find links to aromatherapy articles and studies by signing up for these web sites or checking them regularly.

Of course, nothing replaces the face-to-face contact and interaction with other aromatherapists, but the world wide web has presented me with opportunities I would not have had in the past - and makes me feel less alone in the world with some much needed support from other aromatherapists!

If you would like to connect with me on the internet:

Twitter - follow me @girlychat
Face Book - Sharon Falsetto (personal page) - please send me a friend request and add a comment or too about aromatherapy, as I don't automatically accept all friend requests, if I don't "know" you!
Face Book Business Pages - Sedona Aromatherapie, Chocolate Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Wedding.

Aromatherapy and Cancer

Does aromatherapy help with cancer?  Although, science is still out on this one, I have used aromatherapy to help clients who were recovering from cancer.  That's not to say aromatherapy CURES cancer - it is not a claim a reputable aromatherapist would ever make, but it can help with some of the side effects of cancer, such as pain, nausea and stress.

There are many essential oils which can help in pain management in diseases such as cancer; essential oils such as lavender, roman chamomile and frankincense are known for their analgesic properties.  In addition, essential oils such as lemon, ginger and peppermint can help with nausea and stress relieving essential oils include lavender, rose and geranium.

Aromatherapy is cited as a "support" therapy for cancer, that is it is used to help deal with the side effects associated with cancer.  The use of aromatherapy with cancer should be used with the knowledge of a doctor to make sure it doesnot interact or contradict any other forms of treatments of medication which the patient may be undertaking.  Some clinical studies, according to the National Institute of Cancer, show that aromatherapy helps improve the quality of life for cancer patients, at whatever stage of the disease they may be at.

Always check with a qualified professional before using aromatherapy with a cancer patient, as each person is different and there may be additional contraindications to take into account, in addition to the usual warnings associated with some essential oils and with certain conditions.

However, used correctly and wisely, I believe that aromatherapy is a useful tool to help the quality of life in cancer patients.

For further information consult:

•  The National Institute of Cancer
• Cancer Research U.K.

Aromatherapy, Massage or Aromatology?

Aromatherapy is a term which is often misused and misunderstood; aromatherapy is a collective term, in some instances, used to describe anything from a massage to perfume.  So its no surprise that people are sometimes confused when confronted with aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy can, in fact, be used cosmetically, clininally and medicinally, in addition to massage.

Although aromatherapy is basically the use of essential oils, it is the different ways in which those essential oils are used - and the distinction from fragrance oils - which needs further clarification and definition.  If you though aromatherapy was "just a pretty smell" or "just a massage" read on to learn more about the:

Types of Aromatherapy Treatments and Practices...

Aromatherapy Glossary - An Introduction to Common Aromatherapy Words

When I first started studying aromatherapy, some of the words used to describe essential oils, not to mention some of the more "exotic" essential oils which I had never heard of, often confused me.  What exactly was "adulterated", "cardomon", "cicatrisant", "phototoxic", "synthetic" and "volatile"?

Just a few years ago the world wide web as we know it today was not as evolved - facebook, believe it or not, didn't exist until just a few years ago!  Although I did some research on the internet for my aromatherapy studies, I relied more on actual books for reference.  However, sometimes it would have been nice to find a source where I could go to look something up.  A bit like using the dictionary when you are unsure of a word....

...and so evolved Aromatherapy Glossary, my latest aromatherapy web site!  However, this is purely an information web site, unlike my other aromatherapy web stores and you can simply visit the web site, look up "citratrisant" for example, and go away with the information.  If you want more information about me or my work, there are links to all of my other web sites and some of the aromatherapy words in the aromatherapy glossary link through to a more in-depth article.  I would also encourage you to reference other sources for information, as an aromatherapy student.  However, I do believe Aromatherapy Glossary is a good starting point for many - and will truly help you make "scents of aromatherapy words"! :)

Visit Aromatherapy Glossary to learn more...

Scientific Research Confirms Essential Oils Are an Alternative to Antibiotics

Aromatherapy students have always known the power of essential oils, yet those unfamiliar with the use of essential oils, often dismiss the "real" power of what essential oils can do.  Science is constantly testing essential oils and verifiable research goes a long way to helping essential oils become recognized as more than "just a pretty smell."

Science Daily reports that Professor Yiannis Samaras and Dr Effima Eriotou of the Greek Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands recently presented research at the Society for General Microbiology's spring conference in Edinburgh, Scotland which proved the efffectiveness of some antibacterial essential oils in fighting certain "superbugs".

Thyme and cinnamon essential oils were found to be effective against several strains of bacteria in tests carried out.  Professor Samaras said:

" Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective treatment option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimise the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging."

Anti-bacterial essential oils include tea tree, thyme, cinnamon, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint and black pepper.  Research such as this can only help strengthen the campaign to get essential oils accepted for use into medical settings.  Many scientific studies have been conducted over the years on essential oils - and perhaps slowly the medical profession is truly starting to realize the potential of essential oils...

Cardamom Essential Oil

Cardamom essential oil, sometimes known as cardamon essential oil, is one of the lesser known essential oils in aromatherapy.  However, cardamom is related to ginger essential oil and possesses some similiar properties.  Both the ancient Egyptians and the ancient Greeks used cardamom medicinally.  In addition, traditional Indian and Chinese Medicine have recognized the benefits of cardamom.

To learn more about cardamom essential oil and how to use it in aromatherapy read the full article:

Cardamom Essential Oil for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and Spas

Essential oils have a wide number of therapeutic properties which can be used to help heal a number of health problems.  Many spas through out the world are now beginning to realize the potential and benefits of using essential oils in aromatherapy spa treatments.  However, I sometimes get frustrated by the description of some of these "aromatherapy" spa treatments - particularly by the larger hotel chains.  I'm not always convinced that they know exactly the true potential of essential oils or are giving the "right" information to clients.

When I first moved to Sedona, Arizona I was excited by the possibilities of using aromatherapy in Sedona as it is well known for its world class spas and any number of "healing" therapies on offer.  However, therein lies the "problem".  So many people, and particularly a lot of the large hotel chains with their own spas, have jumped on the "healing therapies" band wagon that I feel aromatherapy is, in some ways, becoming "discredited" in Sedona because its just another one of those healing therapies designed to attract tourists to the area.  That's not to say that aromatherapy is "bad" in Sedona - but its a bit of an uphill battle to:

• get  people to understand it is more than "just a pretty smell"
• its not "just a massage"
• its not the same as fragrance oils (which have no therapeutic value, although they may smell nice).

The reason I felt compelled to make a post about this, is that I just read an article in local magazine about aromatherapy on offer at one of the local hotel chains.  I normally don't write posts along these lines, preferring to focus more on the positive things I have discovered/know about aromatherapy, but sometimes there is a need to point out a few misleading "beliefs" about aromatherapy. Extracts from the article which concerned/frustrated me read:

• "(aromatherapy)....sounding like another New Age come-on..."
• "almost every ancient culture has used aromatherapy" - a little misleading - ancient cultures may have used aromatic oils and plants, but not in the sense of aromatherapy as we know it today
• "apply oils on pulse points in the same way as you would perfume" - essential oils should never be used neat, unless under the specific guidance of an aromatherapist, or if you have aromatherapy knowledge of a particular oil, and even then some oils should NEVER be used in this way!
• "Pregnant women should stay away from peppermint and cinnamon oils." - and a number of other essential oils too, and the contraindications should be mentioned to go with that
• although, antibacterial effects of oils was mentioned briefly in the article, there was no specific guidelines as to how to use/mix essential oils with massage oils and the possible contraindications of some essential oils.

Although, I believe the article was written to both promote the hotel spa and, in some ways, to try to highlight the benefits of aromatherapy, I felt it lacked "professionalism."  I am all for promoting aromatherapy but sometimes mis-information can be as damaging as lack of information.  My hope for the future is that aromatherapy and the use of essential oils is understood more in the U.S. and is used in the way it is used in Europe - for true healing purposes!

As a footnote, I would like to add that I am aware that essential oils are used in some therapeutic settings in the U.S.  In addition, although I would like to practice aromatherapy more this way, I do sell aromatherapy gifts and blends through Sedona Aromatherapie, Chocolate Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Wedding as a way to try and reach people who are not familiar with aromatherapy and to inspire them to learn the true potential of essential oils!  I have just learned to adapt my ways of doing this, for the moment, given my specific location in Sedona!  Perhaps, in the future, essential oils and aromatherapy will become more common in Sedona for their medicinal and therapeutic value - outside of major hotel spas.....

To end on a positive note, Sedona is a wonderful place to experience aromatherapy - just choose your aromatherapist wisely and you will have a true aromatic experience :)

Please leave me a comment below, if you have any specific experiences/thoughts on the use of "Aromatherapy and Spas".