NAHA Blog

Political Anxiety by Talley Sjoberg-Varney, NAHA International Director for Central Asia

2026-03-11T18:29:00+00:00

Have you ever noticed a physical reaction while watching the news, a tightening in your chest or a dull ache in your stomach that arrives before you have even fully processed the story? Many people find themselves avoiding certain family members, bracing for uncomfortable conversations, or feeling a sudden surge of tension when politics enters the room. These reactions are increasingly common, and they are not imagined. As a mental health practitioner and clinical aromatherapist with nearly two decades of experience, I had rarely encountered the phrase political anxiety until recent years. Now, it appears regularly in my clinical work, in conversations within my community, and in my own lived experience. While political anxiety is not a formal diagnosis, it reflects a very real nervous system response to prolonged exposure to political events that feel threatening, unjust, or deeply personal. Political anxiety is not limited to bodily sensations alone. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we relate to our loved ones and colleagues, and how safe or grounded we feel in our broader social and cultural context. It often carries a weight that feels different from more familiar forms of anxiety.

Aromatherapy Considerations for Burn-Related Skin Support: A Practitioner Perspective By: Daria Rios

2026-02-19T20:01:00+00:00

Burns are among the most common household injuries - nearly everyone has experienced at least one. Whether from cooking accidents, hot beverages, or summer sun exposure, understanding how to support the healing process safely can be valuable for aromatherapy practitioners and families alike.

Leading the Future of Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing — through Collaboration | By Valerie Cooksley

2026-01-21T18:18:00+00:00

“Recognizing that nurse-aromatherapists needed their own professional space — distinct from general aromatherapy organizations — Valerie Cooksley initiated and facilitated the first Nurse-Aromatherapist Collaborative/NAC gathering at the 2025 October NAHA Conference in Tampa Florida, where ten nurses came together across two lunch meetings to share their shared purpose and passion.”

Trauma Healing with Grass Essential Oils - Dr. Elizabeth Guthrie

2025-12-30T18:22:00+00:00

Learn more about healing trauma with grass essential oils in this blog from Dr. Elizabeth Guthrie

Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) By Rehne Burge, PCA, NAHA Director for Louisiana

2025-11-26T18:27:00+00:00

Learn more about Java Citronella with this blog from Rehne Burge

Measuring to Improve: Assessment Tools in Clinical Aromatherapy By Jose Rivas, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist

2025-08-29T21:02:00+00:00

Useful blog about measuring for success in aromatherapy!

Garden Aromatherapy: Green Herbs and Their Impact on Emotional Balance

2025-07-02T16:30:00+00:00

Unlock the power of Green Herbs with this NAHA Blog

NAHA Spring Blends: Contributed by NAHA Directors

2025-06-12T15:50:00+00:00

Check out these creative spring blends contributed to the NAHA journal by our wonderful directors!

Bright-eyed Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) by Sharon Falsetto Chapman

2025-04-29T21:15:00+00:00

Jump into this Springtime blog from NAHA Board member Sharon Falsetto Chapman

Exploring the Wisdom of Spanish Sage: By Tricia Ambroziak

2025-03-24T19:41:00+00:00

Check out this Spring Blog exploring the power of Spanish Sage!

NAHA Winter Blends - Contributed by NAHA Directors

2025-02-13T21:04:00+00:00

Check out these custom winter blends!

Making a Piñon Pinecone Wreath with Kathy Sadowski

2025-01-02T17:41:00+00:00

Learn how to make a Santa Fe style Pinon Pinecone Wreath in this blog from Kathy Sadowski

Seed Essential Oils to Navigate the Autumn Season

2024-11-26T16:39:00+00:00

Check out this NAHA Blog to learn more about seed oils for the Holiday Season!

Exploring Chewsticks and Herbal Mouthwashes - NAHA Blog

2024-10-16T17:56:00+00:00

Aromatherapy options for your dental health!

NAHA Summer Blends - Contributed by NAHA Directors

2024-09-09T17:10:00+00:00

Check out the Summer Aromatherapy Blends submitted by our NAHA Directors!

Build Your Own Fibonacci Spiral Garden with Kathy Sadowski

2024-08-01T17:13:00+00:00

Jump into this blog and begin to learn what you need to know to establish your own Fibonacci Spiral Garden!

NAHA Spring Blends - Recipes Contributed by NAHA Directors

2024-07-01T19:38:00+00:00

Check out these vibrant spring blends from NAHA Directors

Amazing Mint and its Interesting Evolution - Dr. DorothyBelle Poli

2024-05-24T17:17:00+00:00

Check out this months Blog from Dr. DB Poli

The Toucan Green Skills Initiative

2024-04-17T17:23:00+00:00

Join Dr. Ablard & Adler Paredes in the Toucan Green Skills Initiative!

How to Label Aromatherapy Products for Success

2024-03-11T18:55:00+00:00

Raise your hand if you ever made a bad labeling decision. For those who cannot see me (Kayla), my hand is raised high. Oh boy, have I made some bad labeling decisions over the years! Some of those mistakes were from skimping on costs and other times from not speaking up when it just didn’t seem right.

Inner Teachings from Essential Oil-Bearing Plants

2024-02-09T18:34:00+00:00

Approaching the ‘inner teachings’ of aromatic and medicinal plants rests on the experience of four core dimensions of being through which we are able to perceive their ‘powers’ and ‘virtues’ — perceptible via the senses in the first instance through their ‘signatum’, or unique ‘signature’, in the alchemical language of the philosopher, physician and alchemist-distiller Paracelsus..

Where Scent Meets Art: A Forest Bath in an Urban Gallery

2023-03-02T18:54:00+00:00

Walking in the woods has long been considered...

The Scent of Opulence

2022-08-10T19:37:00+00:00

What is it about luxury perfumes that links them with wealth, prestige, royalty, celebrity, or power?

A Photo Essay from Egypt NAHA-EBERS Aromatherapy Study Tour 2021

2022-02-15T18:50:00+00:00

Egypt was like nothing I have ever experienced before...

Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) and Coffee (Coffea arabica) for Winter Skin

2022-02-14T20:19:00+00:00

With the onset of winter, the assault of dry air, cold temperatures, wind, and chapping can be a challenge for the skin. Extreme dryness hurts! The skin pulls tightly and can burn and flake. A fatty, occlusive layer will help to keep the skin protected and prevent loss of moisture from the cells. Over the thousands of years of civilization, humans have used all kinds of animal and plant fats to protect the skin and nourish their bodies. Bear fat, seal blubber, tallow and lard, coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil, olive (Olea europaea) oil, and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil; all have the same ancient uses and applications, and their use depends on geography and climate.

When Egypt Calls

2022-02-14T19:19:00+00:00

“If you drink from the Nile, you will always return to Egypt.” Herodotus. It has been two years since we have been to Egypt. The airport was bustling, as we made our first meeting before boarding, getting to know our travel buddies before the trip started. It was amazing meeting new friends as well as old friends. Jamie and Justin Lynch were coming back for the third year! The flight was smooth yet long, 11 hours straight flying to Egypt from New York. But we had a lot of leg room, good entertainment, and tasty food.

Prevalence of endocrine disorders among children exposed to Lavender and Tea Tree Essential Oils

2021-12-01T18:18:00+00:00

NAHA was proud to collaborate with Franklin Health’s nonprofit center to conduct a study which confirmed that lavender and tea tree oils are unrelated to endocrine disruption and are safe to use in children’s products. “This study was the first and only to scientifically evaluate these claims, and included over 550 children” (Franklin). Scientific research is a critical tool that allows us to better understand the safety and efficacy of essential oils. NAHA is committed to furthering essential oil research and will continue supporting relevant research projects. The next collaborative study will focus on clary sage and pregnancy. I’d like to personally extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful NAHA members who make studies like these possible through your support! Annette Davis, NAHA President

Pollution and Pollinators

2021-11-12T17:21:00+00:00

In the spring edition of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal 2021.1, my article “The Making of Bee Bread,” highlighted the science behind why pollination is really plant sex. Plants have adapted over millions of years to find the perfect recipe to attract their reproductive aid, their pollinators, by their means of communicating through a blend of odoriferous compounds. The perfect recipe often comprises of hundreds of compounds. “Rose (Rosa [×] damascena) flowers contain over 300 essential oil compounds that contribute to the attraction of pollinators.”[1] The “recipe” greatly affects success in pollination. “1,8-Cineole, present in 60% of the scents of orchids analysed by Dodson et al., 8 was found to attract the greatest number of pollinator bees (70%). In comparison, eugenol, methyl salicylate and methyl cinnamate attract fewer species.”[2] This intimate relationship between pollinator and plant relies heavily on specific formulations and can easily be disrupted by varying factors and leads to many questions. Have you ever wondered if pollution affect our pollinators?

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): More Than Just a Weed

2021-10-15T19:35:00+00:00

Dandelion, from the genus Taraxacum, is a perennial flowering plant from the family Asteraceae. It is native to Eurasia and North America. The two most common species are Taraxacum officinale and Taraxacum erythrospermum, which were introduced from Europe, and now grow wild. They are edible from root to tip. The common English name is derived from French: Dent-de-lion, or “lion’s tooth.”[1]

Importance of Aromatherapy Education

2021-09-15T19:15:00+00:00

If you want to learn something, you study it. Aromatherapy is no exception! To be considered competent and respected as a professional, take the steps with a professionally recognized school. The more you study aromatherapy, the more you will realize that educating yourself is a continual process. Since my first introduction to aromatherapy in 1994, it has taken me on extensive study and exploration. As the years have progressed, I am amazed at the continual updates and research available. Over the years, the practice of aromatherapy has significantly advanced. It has adopted more research and a holistic approach encompassing integrating a person’s health, both mentally and physically, using various applications and healing methods.

The Nuances of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)

2021-03-31T19:15:00+00:00

As a familiar ingredient of pumpkin-spice lattes and seasonal pumpkin pies, nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) has a bit of a perceived reputation as a “fun spice!” Yet, therapeutically, and aromatically, there are a lot more in-depth nuances to this well-loved winter spice. Nutmeg has traditionally been used for digestive complaints and pain. As an essential oil, nutmeg lends warmth to a perfume blend with cooling citrus notes, such as lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and pink grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi), combining the sweetness of all the ingredients. As a tropical native, nutmeg is not well used by western herbalists but it does have some redeeming properties as a plant which might encourage you to grow it in your garden if you are well placed to do so. Nutmeg doesn’t come without cautions for use in aromatherapy, so make sure you are familiar with this unconventional spice before using it.

The Truth about Hand Sanitizers

2020-11-26T22:03:00+00:00

In March 2020, the pandemic called coronavirus (COVID-19) triggered a rush on hand sanitizers. Consumers and businesses alike rapidly jumped on the DIY hand sanitizer bandwagon. Unsafe and inaccurate DIY recipes swept social media. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers, “FDA recommends that consumers do not make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective, and there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer. The agency lacks verifiable information on the methods being used to prepare hand sanitizer at home and whether they are safe for use on human skin”1

Bodymind Connection: Psychoneuroendoimmunology

2020-11-18T21:35:00+00:00

Many things can happen in our lives to disrupt our emotional balance and create thoughts and feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety. Psychoneuroendoimmunology (PNI) is the study of the mind's effect on health and resistance to disease. PNI researchers have studied how emotions and thoughts impact the brain, hormones, nervous system, and the immune system's ability to protect.

Crazy for Catnip: Catnip Profile

2020-09-11T16:50:00+00:00

A perennial plant that thrives during spring into mid-autumn. Catnip plants are drought tolerant (and require good drainage to avoid getting soggy roots). Nepeta species love sunshine, but can also do well in mild shaded areas as long as the plant has access to sunlight for at least six or more hours. Catnip is considered to be an invasion plant and since it is part of the Lamiaceae botanical family-as are mint plants, be sure to map out where you’d like for the catnip to grown (in a separate garden, pots, or larger raised beds secured with wooden boards, etc.) to ensure it doesn’t take over too much garden space-unless, of course, if that is your intention (or, should I say, your cat’s intention!), to have a specific catnip garden just for your cats! (See bottom section for photos on ideas to start your own catnip garden).

Pomegrante Seed Oil

2020-07-16T21:07:00+00:00

As mentioned, pomegranate (Punica granatum) was thought to be one of the first plants cultivated for its beneficial properties. Traditionally the leaves, seeds, juice, flowers, bark and roots were all used for their various effects, of which some of the most important are lowering fever, treating diabetes, diarrhea and ulcers, as well as stopping bleeding and acting as a blood tonic.¹³

Fennel: A Versatile Powerhouse of Nutrition

2020-06-11T03:04:00+00:00

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial herb that is highly aromatic. It has been described as having the flavor of black licorice, or anise (Pimpinella anisum), but many find it to be much milder, which makes it suitable for a variety of applications. There are three different plant parts that are used in cooking: The seeds, the stalk/bulb, and the fronds.

Herbal Salves for Aromatherapy

2020-04-16T19:10:00+00:00

These oil-rich salves are used to nourish and protect skin. They lock moisture in, keeping skin soft and smooth throughout the seasons. Salves can be made as thick as a bar of soap. A salve will remain in a solid state at room temperature, only melting with body heat when rubbed on the skin. Salves are gaining popularity due to the possibility of being low or zero waste products.

A Note On Elderberry & Cytokine Storm

2020-03-20T13:20:00+00:00

There is actually literature which shows that some of the compounds found in elderberry can be helpful against prior Coronaviruses. These compounds do not function as simple immune boosters, but rather complex structures that may aid in reducing the replication of the virus (at least based on prior data with prior Coronaviruses).

The Difference between Resins and Gums for Aromatherapy Use

2020-02-10T23:49:00+00:00

The resin and gum symbolize the life force that oozes out from a tree’s bark or stems. This article discusses those resins and gums, answering the question: What is the difference between resins and gums? Further, the following terms are reviewed in detail: Gum resin, sap, and resinoids. The amazing aromas that can be found in resins and gum resins are a true delight. However, there are several species that produce aromatic resins that have become threatened. As a professional aromatherapist and an “impactful consumer,” it is important to be aware of unsustainable essential oil species.

Elder (Sambucus nigra) in Aromatherapy

2020-01-27T22:35:00+00:00

In herbalism, elderberry syrup has always been a popular remedy for use with colds and flu during the colder months, and elder tea is a welcome drink for sniffles and aches. But although elder is a time-honored herbal remedy, it can be adapted for today’s aromatherapy practice in other ways, beyond that of traditional essential oil use. For example, both a hydrosol and infused oil are made from the extracts of the elder tree. Elderberry infused honey can be added to aromatherapy skincare products. My recipes for all of these uses are included here for you to try!

Chamomile (German) Profile

2019-09-16T19:52:00+00:00

Having horses for much of my life, I’m never without both German and Roman Chamomile essential oil and hydrosols. These are my go-to botanicals for aromatic first aid and wound cleaning/healing. I worked with a horse that came from a rescue situation. His hooves had been badly neglected and stunk so bad you could smell them feet away. The new caregivers tried everything and they were having good results with their farrier getting the hooves back into shape; however, the lingering bacterial and fungal mess was still a problem. The horse was also very tender-footed due to the lack of care and sensitive to touch of his body and hooves.

Cool as a Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

2019-07-30T23:57:00+00:00

Cucumber, although treated as a vegetable, is a type of botanical berry or pepo and is comprised mostly of water, about 95%, along with 2 to 3% of the daily value of numerous vitamins and minerals, and a notable amount of Vitamin K at 16% of the daily value.4,5

Aromatherapy and the Beehive

2019-05-01T18:52:00+00:00

Plant–pollinator interactions are determined through floral scents and reward components by floral chemistry. Plants release organic volatile compounds which are secondary metabolites. These fragrant compounds are then often extracted and used in aromatherapy as essential oils. The purpose of these compounds serves multiple purposes for the plant, but flowers use them to entice pollinators for reproduction.

Rose and Pain Reduction

2019-03-19T18:01:00+00:00

Are you surprised that the aroma of rose has been found, in multiple human studies, to show some relief from pain? As a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), my initial thought in choosing essential oils or herbs to reduce physical discomfort is to focus on those oils or herbs which have demonstrated an analgesic effect on local pain nerve nociceptors topically, such as

Seasonal Aromatherapy

2018-12-07T18:46:00+00:00

Whether you're spending the holiday season traveling or nesting here are some tips to help keep your immune system and spirit merry and bright. Check out these seasonal recipes!

The Treasures of Tahiti

2018-09-25T00:07:00+00:00

I had been dreaming of going to Tahiti for as long as I can remember.

Echinacea

2018-04-26T16:21:00+00:00

Echinacea is a flower that has long caught my eye in the aromatic garden, partly because it is such a beautiful flower to photograph, but also because it is such a useful flower to have around for apothecary purposes

Lavender & Tea Tree Oils Cannot Be Linked To Prepubertal Gynecomastia

2018-03-27T17:16:00+00:00

In January, 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study by Henley et al linking lavender and/or tea tree oil to prepubertal gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) in boys.

Essential Oils for the Thanksgiving Celebration

2017-11-07T17:50:41+00:00

Essential Oils for the Thanksgiving Celebration

Aromatherapy for Seasonal Allergies in Children

2017-11-07T16:57:24+00:00

Aromatherapy for Seasonal Allergies in Children

NAHA Beyond Aromatics® II The World of Aromatherapy V111 Conference

2017-11-02T19:16:00+00:00

NAHA Beyond Aromatics® II The World of Aromatherapy VIII Conference

The Nasal Inhaler: Aromatherapy’s Unsung Hero

2017-02-10T20:48:26+00:00

One of the most unique features of aromatherapy as an herbal healing modality is the variety of applications. Of these, it is the aromatherapy inhalation application, the nasal inhaler, that is extremely effective, truly aromatherapy’s unsung hero. And, here is why…

Connecting with Natural Plant Intelligence

2017-01-25T21:18:20+00:00

Most of us think of plants as being silent and simple. They make food from sunshine, photosynthesize, and in turn feed animals and humans. However, in nature plants are very complex and are not as sedentary or solidarity as we imagine.

There and Back Again: Turmeric by Roxana Villa

2017-01-18T03:19:10+00:00

In December of 2009 my daughter suggested we watch Julie and Julia, a film inspired by a blog writer named Julie Powell who decided to make 524 recipes in 365 days from Julia Childs' landmark cookbook. My daughter was correct; I enjoyed the film on many levels, so much so that on the first day of the new decade (January 1, 2010) I began a weekly blogging event called Perfume Illuminated with my friend Beth Schreibman Gehring.

Harnessing the Soul of Jasmine with Roxana Villa

2015-08-19T13:31:49+00:00

As I sit here and write this article the jasmine sambac (Jasminum sambac) plants outside my studio window have just started their bloom cycle, slightly earlier than last year. For me this means that each evening or early morning until sometime in November I will be harvesting these little scented wonders and placing them into a mason jar filled with 190 proof, organic grape alcohol or a bed of fat. These are ancient processes, known as tincturing and a modern type of enfleurage.

A Spring Detox for Your Home!

2015-03-04T14:08:09+00:00

A Spring Detox for Your Home!

Roots: A Year with Morphology~ Using Plant-based Origins to Inspire Aromatic Blending

2015-01-05T13:45:21+00:00

In the spring edition of the Aromatherapy Journal I introduced you to the theme of Morphology: an approach to blending based upon the part of a plant from which the aromatic substance is extracted, and the meaning prescribed to that plant part. In that edition I discussed seeds, and then covered flowers in the summer edition, and wood in the autumn edition. For the winter edition I will discuss Roots.

Attentive and Calm: Herbs, Food and Lifestyle Therapies for Creating Mental Clarity

2014-12-06T22:00:24+00:00

Herbalist Juliet Blankespoor shares her insights on how to utilize herbs, food and lifestyle therapies to support attentiveness, ability to focus and calmness.

The Aroma of Choice: Health Freedom and Aromatherapy

2014-06-06T22:20:40+00:00

The Aroma of Choice: Health Freedom and Aromatherapy - Understanding how Health Freedom acts affect aromatherapy practitioners.

Making and Using Flower Essences

2014-03-05T16:26:18+00:00

Learn how to make Flowers Essences

World of Aromatherapy VII Conference

2014-01-02T16:34:39+00:00

Beyond Aromatics Conference and Wellness Exhibit

Peppermint Safety Info

2013-12-23T20:18:00+00:00

NAHA Safety Note for Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) Essential Oil

Aromatherapy and the Art of Language

2013-12-21T12:35:17+00:00

Aromatherapy and the Art of Language

Winter Recipes from NAHA Directors

2013-11-25T15:26:01+00:00

Explore recipes for the winter months

Aromatherapy for Puberty and Adolescence

2013-10-04T10:52:58+00:00

Aromatherapy for Puberty and Adolescence

Autumn’s Bountiful Pharmacy

2013-08-24T12:06:49+00:00

Nutrition in the Autumn.

Lavender & Tea Tree Oils As Potential Endocrine Disruptors

2013-07-24T01:40:00+00:00

Does tea tree and lavender cause breast growth in young boys?

Frankincense Fears Largely Unfounded

2013-07-08T11:14:27+00:00

Are Frankincense fears largely unfounded? Learn more from Katharine Koeppen.

The Language of Nature in Summer

2013-06-25T13:01:11+00:00

Ayurveda: The Language of Nature in Summer

NAHA’s World of Aromatherapy VII Conference and Trade Show 2014

2013-06-13T03:34:50+00:00

NAHA's World of Aromatherapy VII International Conference and Trade Show 2014

Interview with Aromatherapist Mindy Green

2013-05-23T18:07:17+00:00

In this issue, I introduce you to Mindy Green, an active educator and consultant in the aromatherapy and herbology field. I would personally like to thank Mindy for taking the time to answer the questions put to her in this interview, and hope that you, the reader, can draw both knowledge and inspiration from Mindy's answers!

Mentoring in Natural Therapies

2013-04-01T17:54:38+00:00

Before doing formal studies in mentoring, my limited experience of being mentored had me believe that it was a concept framed around the classical mentor – mentee relationship (MacCallum, 2007, p.134). That is, an informal arrangement between someone who is (usually) older and more knowledgeable (the mentor) and someone wishing to benefit from all that the mentor has to offer. This person is referred to as the mentee or protégé...

In Memoriam: Trudy Welker

2013-01-19T12:28:48+00:00

Many members may have known the Certified Aromatherapist and aromatherapy pioneer, Trudy Welker from Northbrook, Il. Trudy, 79, passed away in her sleep on November 8, 2012. Her dedication in introducing many uses of essential oils for long term care ran deep. She developed aromatherapy programs in Illinois, Washington, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Massachusetts. She also took courses on plants and herbs in England at Cambridge University. One of her…

Hospital Pediatrics

2012-11-14T17:40:32+00:00

Hospice Pediatrics: I'll be honest - pediatric care makes me a little nervous. Most of the available literature on pediatrics deals with common childhood issues. Although other hospices are using essential oils effectively for symptom management with their pediatric patients, there is no information-sharing network to allow us to work together, or even to know that others doing similar work exist. So I use the available literature on aromatherapy and childcare and then apply my own sleuthing technique: I quiz the nurses for relevant information on symptoms and their likely causes, determine whether it is an acute issue or an ongoing challenge, sort through essential oils that would be helpful, eliminate the ones I think might be too strong for the child's age and/or disease process, figure out what delivery method would be most effective and vary the dilution rate as necessary.

Combating Flus and Blues with Aromatherapy

2012-10-17T20:37:31+00:00

Combating Flus and Blues with Aromatherapy: FALL is here! Along with the change of season, for some Fall also brings colds, flus, and emotional stresses. Living a healthy, natural life today can be an overwhelming challenge. Schedules are stretched to the maximum, eating habits are poor and often eating happens on the run, environmental toxins are everywhere, and stress levels are at an all time high. All of these factors can impair our immune system. When the immune system is weak, the body becomes vulnerable, creating an opening for viruses and bacteria to invade. Maintaining a strong healthy immune system is a vital element to achieve and retain good health.

September Article

2012-10-17T20:26:05+00:00

Aromatherapy Support for ADHD/ADD and Anxiety

By Haly JensenHof, BS, MA, LPC, RA

We know that ADHD/ADD has been diagnosed for decades; however, do we really understand these pervasive diagnoses? We know that ADHD is Attention Deficit with Hyperactive behavior, and that ADD is Attention Deficit on its own, but…

August Article

2012-08-18T15:04:10+00:00

Aromatherapy Support for Bronchial Asthma

By Dr. Vivian Lunny, MD, RA, MDMA, FIFA

Although spring is over and summer is here, there seems to be an increasing number of people developing bronchial asthma. This could be due to all the fires, humidity and extreme temperature changes which keep occurring worldwide.…

July Featured Article

2012-07-16T20:28:28+00:00

Essential Oils for Insomnia

By Dr. Joie Power, Ph.D.

Insomnia is a common problem among a wide range of patients, including elderly and hospitalized patients. Essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been shown in many studies to be effective in resolving insomnia.

A review of a sampling of these…

Growing Aromatic and Medicinal Herbs

2012-07-16T20:14:32+00:00

Growing aromatic and medicinal plants: There is a wide range of plants for your herb garden to consider for use in herbal infusions. It's important to remember that almost all herbs need a lot of sun, at least 6 hours a day, especially the ones that are high in volatile oils. They also prefer a well drained and somewhat sandy soil. Container gardening is an option if you have limited space.

May Featured Article

2012-06-16T15:45:26+00:00

Reformatting your Energetic Architecture using Essential Oils

By Mindy Green, MS, RA, RH (AHG)

Aromatic plants have been used throughout time in medicine, cosmetic care, spiritual practices and ritual ceremonies. For nearly a century, modern science has known that the chemical constituents found in essential oils have…

April Featured Article

2012-04-30T15:53:30+00:00

Celebrate Earth Day with this Kid-Friendly Project!

By Liz Fulcher, RA, CMT

April 22, 2012 is Earth Day and the perfect time to introduce children as young as three years of age to the concept of keeping our planet healthy. Letting them make something as simple, fun and safe as an organic cleaning scrub can be a fun…

March Featured Article

2012-03-24T14:36:35+00:00

Taking Care of Yourself with Aromatherapy as an Aromatherapist

By Sharon Falsetto, CA, BA (Hons)

Working as an aromatherapist is, to many, a dream job - being surrounded with scents and oils all day long and making lots of aromatherapy potions and lotions to make people feel better! What could be better? However, like…

Healing Hands-part of an aromatic tool kit

2012-02-28T18:31:37+00:00

As a professional practitioner who works with her hands on a daily basis to give holistic therapies (by way of aromatherapy, reflexology, Swedish, therapeutic, clinical, hot stone, acupressure, lymphatic, cranial sacral, Reiki, facial and scalp massage) for over twenty years, I sometimes take for granted how hard my hands really work for me and my clients. These hands of mine are strong yet soft to the touch from immersion in carrier oils and natural scrubs, sculpted from years of accurate work and aged like a fine wine, or better yet, a rich rose essential oil. My work seems to develop more each year as clients share how they benefit from the healing modality that massage and aromatherapy offers on many levels.

Warming for Winter January 2012

2012-01-27T20:49:37+00:00

Warming for Winter

December Article 2011

2011-12-08T21:48:49+00:00

Until my son came down with a prescription resistant case of ringworm, I had no idea what aromatherapy was or the power of using essential oils. In desperation, I made a trip down the book aisle of the local health food store that would forever change our family. Every book I opened recommended tea tree essential oil for ringworm. I invested in a 10 ml bottle of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) in hopes that just maybe aromatherapy would have some merit. Three days later the ringworm was gone and I was on the road that would eventually end with our family starting an aromatherapy based business and myself, becoming a Certified and Registered Aromatherapist. Now my medicine cabinet, beauty counter and bath products are filled with essential oils.

Discover the Anxiety-Busting Power of Aromatherapy

2011-11-05T19:58:26+00:00

Aromatherapy for Anxiety: Change...it's everywhere! And if you are reading these words, then most likely you have experienced some sort of change during your lifetime. During times of change, anxiety levels rise. But you will be happy to know that you have an ally when it comes to working through anxiety and that ally is Aromatherapy! Aromatherapy is a wonderful healing tool to help relieve anxiety. How do I know? Because I have experienced these healing benefits first hand in my own journey with anxiety.

Repel Bugs not Humans

2011-11-05T19:47:51+00:00

Learn how to create effective mosquito repellents.

Five Element Aromatherapy

2011-09-13T18:22:26+00:00

Five Element Aromatherapy: The human relationship to the cycles of the day, seasons and moon were of vital interest to traditional Chinese healers and, through this, the "five element theory" became a fundamental part of traditional healing and a way of life. These five elements were associated with the equinoxes and solstices to help farmers plan ahead and organize their agricultural cycles. The calendar was arranged by naming the elements: wood for the spring equinox, fire for the summer solstice, metal for the autumn equinox and water for the winter solstice. The fifth element, earth, was at the centre of the calendar to signify Indian Summer and the transition time between all the seasons.

Aromatic First Aid

2011-08-09T21:04:16+00:00

Aromatic First Aid: Summertime for many equates to enjoying the hot seasonal days gardening, hiking, camping, traveling, vacationing at the beach, and participating in extra sports activities. Still, spending more time outside in the summer heat makes one prone to dry skin, excessive sun exposure, dehydration, and more cuts, scrapes and rashes compared to any other time of year. It has been established that what is applied to the skin is as significant as what is placed in our bodies by way of food and nutrition making it all the more essential to create better choices for your first response treatment of minor skin conditions. In addition, avoiding skin sensitizing and potentially harmful chemicals, such as petroleum-based compounds and costly pharmaceuticals, makes it equally important to use natural alternatives for the health conscious.

Detoxifying with Essential Oils

2011-07-25T18:45:58+00:00

Detoxifying with essential oils: Open an alternative health magazine, read the signs in the windows of a spa or health food store, check out the website of your local health practice - chances are you'll see "Detoxifying" treatments offered - from foot baths, to FAR infrared saunas, to cleansing diets and aromatherapy massage. Every culture features traditional practices that help our human bodies detoxify - sweat lodges and saunas, cleansing fasts and herbal teas, hot springs and mud baths. These traditions accelerate the ways our bodies already work to detoxify. We continuously eliminate toxins through our digestive, urinary, integumentary (skin), circulatory, respiratory, and lymphatic systems. Traditional detoxification treatments are designed to enhance these built-in mechanisms. And it seems that human beings have always sought out and devised ways to cleanse the body of unwanted by products of foods, especially cooked and smoked foods, the remnants of stress and fatigue, occasional encounters with natural toxins (forest fires? volcanic eruptions? radioactive meteorites?) and sporadic bouts of deliberate intoxication (fermented beverages, kava kava, yohimbe, peyote, marijuana, etc.).

Neroli Sweet Sunlight

2011-06-10T17:50:20+00:00

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is the fragrance of orange trees blossoming under the Moroccan and Tunisian sun. It is the fragrance that greets farmers as they begin another spring day of harvesting, gently plucking the tiny golden gems that shine from inside green citrus foliage. Many factors will influence the quality of the neroli oil: each blossom must be plucked when it is just starting to open; the buds must be gathered only on warm sunny days; the flowers cannot be bruised; leaflets and petioles must not be included. By the end of the day, the clothing and weather-aged hands of the dark-skinned harvesters will be saturated with an intoxicating aroma desired by queens and empresses, sheiks and maharajas.

Celestial Aromatherapy

2011-05-19T01:57:36+00:00

Celestial Aromatherapy: One of the first things I encountered on my personal journey into the field of holistic health was astrology. That may seem like a strange statement but actually, it is not a big leap from astrology to health matters and, in fact, there is a whole branch of this art called Medical Astrology. When astrology crossed my path in NYC in the late 1970's I quickly realized that because the birth chart could indicate health and the root of medical conditions, my clients would want to have some idea of what to do with the information I conveyed. Certain clients would have Aquarius on the 6th house cusp or some other indication indicating the need for more unusual forms of healthcare to solve their problems. I decided to become familiar with alternatives (Aquarius is on my own 6th house of health) and this lead me from nutrition to massage and that was how aromatherapy came into my life.

Spring Renewal

2011-05-19T01:42:38+00:00

Spring Renewal: Just like spring cleaning our homes, our skin can benefit from exfoliation as we transition from the cold drying winter months to springtime. Pollution, smoke, dryness, UV rays, stress and more are the factors that accelerate the aging process for both men and women. The benefits of exfoliation will be noticeable right away and should be part of your daily or weekly facial/body cleansing routine.

Using Flower Essences with Essential Oils

2011-03-13T21:36:05+00:00

Using Flower Essences with Essential Oils: The basic difference is that essential oils are derived from the actual plant material, i.e., flowers, leaves, seeds, roots and bark by distillation or with citrus oils by cold expression method. These methods are used to create the essential oil found in colored bottles used in different aromatherapy applications. Flower Essences, on the other hand, are prepared by infusing the energy of the actual plant material into pure spring water preserved with brandy or an organic vegetable glycerin via the action of sun or moon light. The flower essences can be taken internally, either under the tongue or in water. They can also be applied topically or mixed with a lotion, as in the Bach 'Rescue' cream. Another difference between flower essences and essential oils is that flower essences do not posses the actual scent of the plant.

Brief History of Hydrosols

2011-02-20T19:50:58+00:00

Brief History of Hydrosols: When discussing hydrosols, many of my students don't realize that the distillate waters (hydrosols) predate essential oils by hundreds if not thousands of years. There is evidence of distillation as long as 5000 years ago. It is not clear whether they were distilling alcohol that early, though there is some evidence that the Chinese had spirits many, many hundreds of years ago. It is more likely these ancients were distilling for the herbal waters. One very old description is of a crude distillation that involved a pot of water filled with cedar and water with lamb's wool stretched over the top to catch the rising vapors. The wool was periodically wrung out and collected resulting in an early distillate water.

Essential Oils for Acute Bronchitis

2011-01-06T15:13:34+00:00

Essential oils for acute bronchitis: I pride myself on having consistent robust health since I haven't had anything more serious than a pesky cold or tummy ache in over 10 years. I'm just never sick. I attribute this to working with essential oils every day, washing my hands frequently and generally being a pretty happy soul. Well, in mid-October, I fell hard. Out of the blue I began to ache in my joints and mostly everywhere, making me wonder if I'd been hit by a truck in my sleep. This fun was followed by three days with a fever of 102 which morphed into a cough the likes of which I've never known. My husband, James, insisted I see our family doc or he would bind my hands and feet and take me himself. I broke down and saw Dr. Sally, who took one listen to my lungs and said, "Woah, girl, you've got acute

Anointing and Love

2010-12-05T21:11:02+00:00

Anointing and Love: Anointing with essential oils has been used in ritual and ceremony for thousands of years, with one of the most widely known rites being the art of perfuming as an attractant for love. While most everyone today is familiar with the use of perfume and cologne as a tool for attracting a mate, most people don't know that essential oils were the original form of perfume. The word perfume comes from the Latin phrase "per" meaning through, and "fumus" meaning smoke. The original form of perfume was actually incense and has been traced back over 4,000 years to the use by Mesopotamians, who used resins and woods to burn in their religious ceremonies. Often, they would soak the resins and woods in water and then anoint themselves by rubbing the fragrant water over their bodies.

Aromatherapy and Weight Control

2010-11-11T18:27:57+00:00

Aromatherapy and Weight Control: The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can be effective in supporting the weight loss process. Every diet and weight loss book, website and guru tries to offer something new to the debate about how to lose weight. The weight-loss industry is a fast-growing, multi-billion dollar industry and shows no sign of slowing down. For decades there has been an assortment of outlandish and unhealthy fad diets circulating - the Cabbage Soup Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, the Brussels Sprouts Diet, even the Tape Worm Diet - but the fact remains that the most sensible way to lose weight is to watch what you eat and get regular exercise.

The Pleasure Factor

2010-10-15T15:11:29+00:00

The Pleasure Factor: When good advice is not enough As a practitioner of several therapeutic modalities I am often asked by my clients to recommend a practice they can do on their own to maintain their sense of well-being between sessions or to manage various symptoms (mostly stress) during their hectic day. Being in constant search of such practices myself, I have learned first hand that the best and most effective practice is the one you will actually do! Over the years I have tried and failed to follow some great advice (like meditate and do yoga) and have discovered that all of the practices I actually do on a regular basis have one thing in common...pleasure!

Bedbugs and Dust mites

2010-10-03T20:18:34+00:00

Bedbugs and Dust Mites: When I was first introduced to aromatherapy, I studied every single aromatherapy book I could get my hands on at the public library. In one of those many books I stumbled upon information about bed bugs and dust mites. The entire topic caught my attention. First, because bugs are just gross, but also because of my dust allergies and skin sensitivities. One of the top selling products I created in our aromatherapy party plan business years ago was Bed Bug Spray. My recipe was super simple, but I couldn't make enough of it. Most people bought it because of the initial fear value of the possibility of creepy crawlies being in bed with you, but they continued buying it because it helped them sleep, reduced their allergies and they never got bed bug bites when they travelled.