Essential Oils...

The importance of essential oils for therapeutic purposes cannot be overstated. Throughout history essential oils have been used to treat many diseases and conditions, emotional and physical.

Aromatherapy is the term for an ancient and holistic system of healing that employs the aromatic or volatile or ethereal oils extracted from the leaves or flowers of plants, shrubs, trees and of late members of the fungi kingdom.

The organization and classification of essential oils is somewhat complex. Therapeutic effect varies depending on the region the plant is grown in, as well as harvesting and processing methods. The same species of lavender grown near the ocean will have a different chemotype (chemical properties) of lavender grown inland. Havesting can also account for higher, lower, or altogether different chemical components, depending on the cycle of the plant, as well, studies have shown that mechanical harvesting methods yield lower, less quality levels of the therapeutic compounds (Schnaubelt, 1986). Most hear only of the standard of quality associated with the final product - pure, natural and complete or genuine and authentic. For the consumer it is most important to understand the difference between genuine and authentic and pure, natural and complete when choosing an essential oil.

The industry standard for genuine and authentic is very high and most essential oils on the market do not meet this standard because the cost of harvesting and processing is prohibitive. Genuine and authentic essential oils are processed with minimal heat, as well, the plant material is fully processed to "maximum authenticity" (Schnaubelt, 1986). Genuine and authentic oils are of the highest therapeutic efficacy and are not necessary for everyday use in cosmetic, body, bath and massage products. Genuine and authentic oils with this designation have not been redistilled. This category received increased interest and support several decades ago in France due to the official recognition of aromatherapy for medical use permitting French Insurance co's to reimburse patients for aromatherapy treatment (Schnaubelt, 1986)!

Essential oils that are 100% pure and natural are perfectly adequet for everyday use. Pure, natural and complete essential oils are unadulterated and contain no synthetic chemicals. They may be redistilled which in many cases does not exclude them from therapeutic action.

The aromatic or ethereal oils have been used for the prevention of disease and to treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries in many countries and cultures worldwide.

The following list is general guideline that may assist you in selecting products with essential oils for bath or massage.  

Essential oils from roots and barks – Angelica, cinnamon, ginger, sandalwood.
Essential oils distilled from roots have been shown to strengthen the nervous system.                               

Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils Used in Our Products.

Bergamot orange Citrus auranth. ssp bergamia (Italy)
Common Uses: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, anthilmintic, calmative

Carrot seed Daucus carota (France)
Common Uses: Convalensce, immune support, skin care.

Chamomile Ormenis mixta (Morroco)
Common Uses: Only recently has this essential oil come into use for its therapeutic action on the skin.

Eucalyptus E. globulus (Australia)
Common Uses: Antibacterial, respiratory infections. Eucalyptus is one of the many essential oils that are antibacterial. Even at low concentrations, essential oils like eucalyptus, composed of terpenoid compounds, dissolve in the membrane systems (cell wall) of bacteria. Consequently, the bacteria inhibit oxygen intake and the production of ATP. For this reason, bacteria cells have not been able to develop resistance to essential oils like that of typical antibiotics.

There are at least five species of eucalyptus. Common uses for all five include: Diseases of the respiratory tract, cough, asthma, pneumonia. Diseases of the urinary tract, infections, cystitis, and diabetes. Fever, rheumatism, neuralgia, migraine, parasites, general debility. Sores, burns, lice repellent.

Everlast Helichrysum italicum (France)
Common Uses: Facilitates in the healing of wounds through promoting new cell formation. Everlast is gaining increased recognition for its ability help prevent the formation of scar tissue.

Geranium Pelargonium asperum (Madagascar)
Common Uses: Antifungal. Adrenal stimulant. Skin care.

Hyssop H. officinialis (France)
Common Uses: Generally stimulating. External-Eczema, sores, bruises. Internal-Bronchial complaints, rheumatism, urinary tract infections. Flatulence, hypertension, hypotension. Bruises.

Lavender Lavendula vera (France, England, Yugoslavia)
Common Uses: Antiseptic, infections, rheumatism, depression, fevers. Excellent as a bath oil for fatique, depression, bronchial complaints.

Marjoram Origanum marjorana (France and Germany)
Common Uses: Rheumatic conditions, neuralgia, head colds, has a sedative effect and is used for nervous depression and instability. Antispasmodic, digestive aide.

Orange Citrus sinensis (California, USA)
Common Uses: Insomnia, chronic diarrhea, anti-spasmodic. Nervine

Palmorosa Cymbopogon martini (India)
Common Uses: Wounds, skincare, balancing, calming. Strengthening while calming a time honored Ayurvedic and Oriental medicine for balancing heart, clearing heat and strengthening skin.

Patchouli Pogostemon patchouli (Indonesia)
Common Uses: Sedative, aphrodisiac. Calming and regenerative at the same time. Skincare uses range from exzema and psoriasis to balancing dry or oily skin.

Peppermint Mentha piperita (U.S. Europe)
Common Uses: Analgesic, headache, migraine, repellent, bronchial disorders, intestinal parasites, impotence, liver complaints, hyper-acidity, and indigestion.

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (Morocco)
Common Uses: Rheumatism, muscular pain and stiffness, general fatigue, weakness, lice, scabies, parasites, vertigo, flatulence, colitis, asthma, bronchial conditions, and disorders of the liver.

Ylang ylang Cananga odorata (Comores)
Common Uses: Sedative, antiseptic, aphrodisiac.

Tips for massage practitioners:  Massage practitioners are often asking us what is the best way to deal with oil stains on sheets. We have found that ‘Dawn’ dish detergent works very well. A drop of it applied to the oil spot directly before washing takes it right out. However, never wash in hot water as heat sets the oil. Also, it’s far better to air dry the sheets as opposed to drying since this will also tend to set any oil residue left in the sheets.