How do you engage with a new oil? How do you get to know it? This may seem like an odd question, but if you think about it there are quite a number of interesting processes at work. The Experiential Approach Some years ago a friend of mine organised an evening presentation for me to give to a group of her colleagues and … [Read more...] about Aromatherapy — Art or Science?
Archive Newsletters
Essential Oils Connect Opposite Ends of Nature
I recently returned from an interesting and enjoyable International Seminar in Provence on Essential Oils, Ayurveda, and Marma Therapy hosted by my friend Malte Hozzel. The 8-day course was a feast of knowledge and inspiration with a heady mix of lectures, excursions, garden walks, delicious food, fine company, experience of the … [Read more...] about Essential Oils Connect Opposite Ends of Nature
Cistus (Rock Rose) Essential Oil: Potent for Wounds and Skin Care
It is always satisfying when you can match up a garden flower with an essential oil that you know. Cistus ladaniferus, also known as Rock Rose or Labdanum, is a small shrub that can be cultivated here in the UK but which grows wild in the mountainous regions of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. The plant produces a gum … [Read more...] about Cistus (Rock Rose) Essential Oil: Potent for Wounds and Skin Care
Holy Basil: The Holy Marriage of ‘Rambo and Mother Theresa’
We have often talked about how even a basic understanding of essential oil chemistry can help you decide how to use an essential oil. And I have emphasised that this understanding requires no understanding about (potentially confusing) diagrams of molecules. None whatsoever! If you are averse to chemistry just think of the names of … [Read more...] about Holy Basil: The Holy Marriage of ‘Rambo and Mother Theresa’
What’s the Best Essential Oil Diffuser?
Of all the ways to use essential oils, simply smelling them is in some ways the simplest and most direct, most immediate, and most efficient. But there are many types of aroma diffuser, so which is best? What follows are my personal impressions. ROOM DIFFUSERS Put simply, the purpose of a room diffuser is to deliver the … [Read more...] about What’s the Best Essential Oil Diffuser?
Balancing the cravings of the senses
In traditional cultures all five senses were considered more or less equally. The Romans were famous for their baths, massage and oils; and The Bible is full of stories of Jesus annointing his followers' heads and feet. Earlier than that, the ancient texts of Ayurveda prescribe 'abhyanga' (massage with oil) in many treatments and … [Read more...] about Balancing the cravings of the senses