Aromatherapy Blogs and Garden Blogs

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic practice and use of essential oils.  As essential oils are naturally extracted from a variety of scented plants, aromatherapists should have a good knowledge of botany and the chemistry of essential oils, to understand how essential oils work and in order to be able to identify a pure essential oil from a synthetically substituted essential oil.

Where possible, I try to establish links with other quality aromatherapy blogs and websites on the web.  But, as aromatherapy is so closely linked to botany, and therefore to the garden world, it would also be beneficial to establish links with garden blogs and garden websites - predominately those with a scented theme!

If you are a gardener, who has an interest in scented plants, and have a relevant garden blog or website, please contact me to discuss exchanging links!  I really think it would be beneficial to the both of us!

The Historical Use of Medicinal Lavender

Lavender has been used for thousands of years by different ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Romans.  It appears that the medicinal value of lavender was discovered early on in time and its popularity doesn't seem to have waned over the years at all.  Lavender is probably one of the most familiar essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Lavender is also one of the most gentle essential oils, due to its chemical make-up, and is therefore suitable for the treatment of a wide number of health problems; as the saying goes:

"if in doubt, use lavender!"

For more information on how lavender was used medicinally in history, read:

Medicinal Uses of Lavender in History

Aromatherapy Networks: Are They Are a Support or Threat to Your Aromatherapy Business?

This past week, I've been reading a lot about "writer's envy" on the writers' networks and blogs.  And I thought this concept could in fact apply to almost anything - including the aromatherapy world.  If you are a practising aromatherapist, you will know that it can be a bit of a lonely road.  So social networks, such as facebook and twitter, plus aromatherapy forums, can not only help to keep you in touch with the outside world - but connect you with other aromatherapists in your fields.

However, not only do these social networks enable you to network with other aromatherapists, they also give you an insight into how and what other aromatherapists are doing.  Are they more successful than you?  And if so, do you find this a threat or an inspiration?

I network with other aromatherapists from around the world, so I don't consider anybody an "immediate" threat - after all, how can an aromatherapist who lives in Australia, England or even the other side of the United States be a siginificant "threat" to my aromatherapy business?  And even if I make a local contact, isn't it better to have some support in your field?  Different people have different ideas and ways of viewing things, so its quite likely that another aromatherapist is not going to be offering the "exact" same services and products as you.

Personally, I am thankful for my social network of both writers and aromatherapists who help keep me "sane" and understand what I do on a daily basis.  Although family and friends are supportive, unless they have a real passion and interest in your particular line of work, it can be difficult for them to fully understand and appreciate your skills.

My social network of aromatherapists has put me in touch with more experienced aromatherapists and kept me in touch with past contacts who I believe I can learn much more from in my work.  Ideas and inspiration come from a number of places, so you never know who might be that next important aromatherapy "connection" in your life.  I am sure that without my social network, I woudn't be where I am today and looking forward to the future with new ideas and plans for my aromatherapy business :)

If you want to network with me you can find me on facebook or follow me on twitter @girlychat.  I hope to see you there for some aromatherapy support and inspiration! :)

Different Varieties of Lavender

I think that it is safe to say that lavender is one of the most favorite essential oils in aromatherapy.  It is simple to use and can be used by nearly everyone.  Lavender essential oil also has a number of therapeutic properties.  However, did you know that there are about 39 species of lavender, some of which are suitable for therapeutic use and some of which are not.  In addition, some varieties are also called by the name of the country from which they are produced, adding to further confusion!  Lavender is simply not just lavender :)

If you want to learn a little more about the different varieties of lavender and their uses read:

Different Types of Lavender

Aromatherapy Wedding Bouquets

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of 42nd U.S. president Bill Clinton, got married over the weekend to Marc Mezvinsky.  At Chelsea's request, the wedding invite list did not include a long list of celebrities and well known people - but was kept mainly to close family and actual friends.  However, I was more interested in Chelsea Clinton's wedding bouquet than anything else!

Some of you may know that I also have a web store called Aromatherapy Wedding.  It was inspired by my experience of working as a wedding hair assistant last summer - and because Sedona is a huge wedding destination.  My object was to bring some aromatherapy and fragrance into the life of brides as they began their new journey :)  However, many brides subconsciously choose to have aromatherapy in their wedding through their choice of wedding bouquets.  Fragrant flowers are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and include:

• roses
• gardenia
• lilies
• lily-of-the-valley
• hyancinth
• hydrangeas.

Chelsea Clinton's wedding bouquet was a simple, white ball of gardenia flowers - and apparently, "organic" and "natural" were of considerable importance to Chelsea in planning her wedding.

So, if you are getting married in the near future, or know someone who is, take the time to decide not just what color you want to add into your wedding - but what message you want the day to convey through the fragrance of your wedding bouquet too! Fragrances form memories that stay with us for a lifetime..... :)

Can You Use All Essential Oils Produced by Fragrant Plants in Aromatherapy?

Many plants produce essential oils.  However, some plants produce a limited amount of essential oil, or it takes a large amount of plant matter to produce just one drop of essential oil; rose is a good example of this scenario. According to Shirley Price, in Aromatherapy Workbook, there are over 200 plants that produce an essential oil.  However, there are actually only 21 plant families which produce enough essential oil, free from toxicity, that are safe to use for pure aromatherapy work.

If you have access to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, by Julia Lawless, you will see that Lawless profiles over 160 essential oils.  However, if you read the descriptions of each essential oil carefully you will further see that some essential oils do not have a use in aromatherapy.  Many are used in the fragrance and perfumery industry, where the purity and healing powers are not as vital to use - and many more still can be extremely toxic in any situation.

So, the answer to the question, "Can you use all essential oils produced by fragrant plants in aromatherapy?" is no.  Although many essential oils have many therapeutic properties that can be used in aromatherapy, there are those that are best avoided too - for several reasons :)

For further information read my article:

Essential Oils Not Suitable for Aromatherapy Use

A Lifetime of Aromatherapy Learning

In case you haven't read my previous posts, I recently created a new web site called Aromatherapy Library.  My idea for Aromatherapy Library is to provide a "hub" of all my aromatherapy articles that I have written for various other web sites and magazines, as people frequently ask me if I have written anything on a particular subject.  This way, I can direct them to the one web site, instead of trying to reach into the far depths of my brain and remember when/where/if I wrote a particular aromatherapy article!  Although I have a relatively good memory, in my opinion :) , I must have written in excess of 700 articles, blog posts and web site pages (not all on aromatherapy but a wide range of subjects) in the past couple of years, a number which is forever increasing, so even my memory isn't that good!

However, in the process of building my new Aromatherapy Library web site, I decided to amend and re-write my original aromatherapy articles, with a link back to the original place it was published.  Therefore, I find that I am "re-learning" or "re-discovering" some facts about aromatherapy once again!

In addition, I plan to start some advanced aromatherapy studies at the end of the year, if all falls into place (fingers crossed), so I will be learning some new aromatherapy information too!  It just made me realize that you can never have enough facts and information about aromatherapy, however much you think you know!  Its a bit like life I suppose - a continuous learning curve....  :) :)

So, although I hope to provide a wide array of aromatherapy information through my blog, articles and web sites, I still challenge you to go out there and read as many aromatherapy books, articles and other information as you can!  And if you come across something that's simply too good not to share, please let me know.... :)

Essential Oils in Aromatherapy for Women

Some esential oils are specifically useful for the many problems women are plagued with.  From teenage skin problems, to PMS, to pregnancy and the menopause, women endure a number of problems in life that are accompanied by several unwanted symptoms.  So, its nice to know that certain essential oils will help with some of those problems!  Although many essential oils can be used in aromatherapy to help women's problems, these are some of the most popular oils in my experience....

To find out read:

Five Popular Essential Oils in Aromatherapy for Women

Insects, Bugs and Ant Bite Treatment With Aromatherapy

A month or so ago, I posted about my deck problem with ants and the use of peppermint oil to deter them.  As "bug season" seems to be in full swing here in Arizona, I had another experience yesterday with the insect variety, this time with fire ants.  Fire ants, although small, bite big.  I couldn't believe the size of the bite that came up from such a small insect!  However, as soon as it happened, even before the bite began to show, I slapped on some tea tree and geranium essential oil, in a white lotion base, and the swelling/bite was reduced and relieved in a matter of minutes.  I continued to apply the lotion throughout the day and although the bites are still there (yes, they got me more than once before I realized what was happening!), the use of aromatherapy in this instance certainly helped!

I have used a combination of tea tree and geranium essential oil in a white lotion base previously, specifically to treat:

•  mosquito bites/repellant
• other bug bites
• heat rash.

I've also used it on my niece (who was about three years old at the time) with success - unfortunately, she is also prone to being a prime attraction where insects and bugs are concerned!  Just remember to reduce the quantity of essential oils used for a young child and do a patch test first, if possible.

And good luck with the insects this summer! :)

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