Bitter Sweet

Orange oil offers both bitter and sweet aromas in several products.

The orange tree, Citrus aurantium, produces orange essential oil expressed from the skin; Neroli distilled from orange blossoms; orange flower absolute extracted from solvents; Petitgrain, distilled from twigs and leaves; and blood orange, pressed from the rind of the red flesh variety. Orange flower absolute and blood orange are especially used for perfumery and their intense fragrant scents. They are very expensive. Orange essential oil is inexpensive and used in the aromatherapy pharmaceutical, and culinary industries.

The bitter orange tree was introduced from China to southern Europe in the early 1500’s. However, the most coveted bitter orange essential oil comes from Sicily. The tree was brought to Sicily by Arabs, who built irrigation systems to cultivate the trees in the rich, volcanic soil. The aroma of the essential oil is superior to sweet orange essential oil. In perfumery, bitter orange essential oil is preferred for its light floral aroma that floats as a top note in a blend. Sweet orange oil is enjoyed by children, and used extensively in aroma blends.

Orange essential oil is produced by extraction. The skin is pressed, also known as cold pressed, squeezing the oil glands of the skin to produce a watery mixture containing essential oil. This is separated. The oil rises and the water is poured out of the bottom of a separator, leaving the essential oil. Preferred oil is expressed form organically grown fruit. It is a great oil to use in aromatherapy, even as a beginner. A few drops in a blend add warmth and harmonizes aromas.

The effect of orange oil is uplifting and joyous. All of the essential oils produced from Citrus aurantium have antidepressant qualities. The scent of orange can reduce stress related illness, such as headaches and digestive complaints. It blends well with most essential oils in a blend.

Orange is also used to reduce rapid heartbeat.

Stress Headache

In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add:

5 drops Roman chamomile

3 drops lavender absolute*

2 drops Orange

Cap tightly in a dark, glass bottle. Massage back of the neck, and forehead as needed with blend.

A note about absolutes: Absolutes are made from flowers too delicate for distillation. The plant material is washed in a solvent, usually hexane, until the solvent completely penetrates the plant mixture. The extraction pulls out essential oil, wax, chlorophyll, and resinous material. Next, the extracted material is placed in another container and gently heated to vaporize the solvent, leaving a concrete or resinous material. A concrete may be used in perfumery and aromatherapy. The aroma is subtly different from an absolute.

To make an absolute, the concrete is soaked in pure alcohol. This separates the absolute from the waxy concrete. The alcohol is gently heated, and the alcohol evaporates, leaving pure absolute. Absolutes are highly fragrant, and have much longer staying power in an aroma. Essential oils lift quickly. Their aromas do not hold nearly as long as a concrete or absolute. The most common absolutes are Jasmine and rose. Many other aromatic plants are also available as concretes and absolutes. Absolutes are completely soluble in pure alcohol. Concretes are not totally soluble in alcohol, and are used in making solid perfumes.

AN HERB TO REMEMBER           

            Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is the herb of festivities.  Historically, rosemary was used by Egyptians for ritual cleansing, healing and spiritual treatment.  Other cultures used rosemary at births, weddings, processions and deaths to celebrate every cycle of life.  It remains an herb of friendship and love.  Rosemary was even used to attract friendly ghosts.

            The essential oil of rosemary strengthens the physical body, clears the head and unblocks unresolved emotions.  An essential oil blend moves, drives and clears energy.  Its action is warming, especially increasing circulation and reducing high blood sugar in diabetics.  Rosemary blends with a wide variety of essential oils affecting many conditions and diseases.  The high odor intensity does not make it useful in perfumery.  However, if the aroma is appealing, it can be combined with synergistic essential oils into a favorite blend. Rosemary does not blend well with lavender aromatically.  They tend to cancel each other’s scent.  Also, rosemary is not recommended in high doses for pregnant women or epileptics.  Children do not respond to the pine scent of rosemary.  It may encourage over activity.  A small amount infused into a room may aid concentration.  Use cautiously.  One drop may be sufficient.

            Previously, rosemary has been featured to improve hair growth, balancing combination skin and reducing acne.  Its refreshing scent enhances short term memory and increases endorphins.  Medicinally, rosemary is one of the best herbs to enhance circulation.  Many problems may resolve, including sciatic pain, gout, muscular and rheumatic pain. Arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular problems respond well to rosemary massage oils.  Warm compresses may be applied to the right side to reduce hepatic and gallbladder problems. Cirrhosis or hardening of the liver has also responded over time to daily or weekly compresses.  Since it also stimulates the central nervous system, rosemary benefits those who have lost some of their smell, speech and eyesight.  I highly recommend a rosemary facial sprit, or shampoo to increase energy in the morning and reduce the use of caffeine.  I have used it to reduce vertigo in clients, lethargy and even partial paralysis.

            Gastrointestinal problems can be aided with a rosemary bath or blend.  Symptoms include diarrhea, colitis and colic.  Rosemary’s antiseptic and antispasmodic properties enhance bile flow and reduce digestive complaints.  It especially helps a “nervous, anxious” stomach.                         

Love Notes - Solid Fragrances

Joyful   The most fragrant scent of Orange Blossom combines with the herbaceous aroma of lavender and labdanun to produce the most anti-depressant, euphoric and uplifting perfume. The experience is warm, deep and soothing; a gentle and erotic blend.

Sensual   Intriguing and sultry, this blend appeals to both sexes of all ages. Provencal Lavender, Clary Sage, Jasmine and Bois de Rose are captured and slowly released by a touch of Patchouli; a powerful aphrodisiac. The aroma builds stamina, strength and patience to achieve the highest goals. This blend also encourages rehabilitation from chronic pain from injury and debilitating illness. It has a building affect after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The aroma also helps treat male impotence and low libido, stress headaches and muscle tension. Use this blend in times of crisis, pressure at home or at work. A relaxing layer of essences makes this a great blend for workaholics and ‘Supermoms.’ note: Bois de Rose is not a rose or a rose scent.

Serene Spirit   A soothing, centering, grounding and meditative blend also aiding focus and attention. The resins of Vetiver and Rockrose reinforce innate strength and promote stability. The addition of Sandalwood and Frankincense enhance intuition, guidance and clarity; a calming blend for busy minds. This is a great antidote for scattered energy. A hint of Chamomile will relax the body while the refreshing light lemon scent of Litsea Cubeba enhances concentration. The blend also aids memory, learning skills requiring mental and physical tasks, repetitive tasks, writing skills and meditation.

Custom blends are available from a wide range of natural perfumery absolutes, concretes and essential oil to accent your chemistry and create a ravishing scent and precious memory.

For more information, contact Dr. Judy Griffin at petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com or call her at

How Many Petite Fleur Essences May Be Worn?

As many as 7 to 10 essences or combinations may be worn daily. They can be applied in one minute intervals. 

I suggest Energy to be applied in the daytime.  to be applied in the daytime. 

Toxic Thyroid is best utilized in the morning and at lunch at the nape of the neck and throat. 

Deep Sleep is best applied at bedtime and throughout the night, (or the time of day when you sleep,) to assure restful sleep. 

UTI should be worn at night and bedtime, especially if awakened during the night to void. Weight is best applied before meals on the nape of the neck and throat.

Cravings can be applied when cravings occur and throughout the day and evening. For nighttime carbohydrate cravings, apply it 3x at night. 

It is safe to use the Petites more often when needed. They facilitate your body’s ability to heal itself and will work on your body’s timing. Single Petites can also be worn every minute, 7 to 10 times daily, singly or after a combination. The Petites bring out your inner beauty, latent talents and innate ability to accomplish your greatest achievements. The Petites are not drugs, and may be worn by those taking medications and supplements. 

Please direct your questions to: petitefl@aromahealthtexas.com

For more information: www.aromahealthtexas.com

For consultation by phone or in person with Dr. Griffin call 1-800-496-2125

Healing waters are the steam condensation that carries essential oils in a distillation process. The water is distilled with all the properties of the plant and a tiny amount of essential oil.

Distillation is a process that has been used for at least five thousand years. Most essential oils are produced by distillation. The water separated from the essential oil is called a hydrolate. I refer to them as healing waters.

To distill is a time consuming process. When a plant produces the most essential oil, usually the spring and summer months, the leaves and or flowers are stripped from the stems, ground to a paste and combined with water.

Once blended, the plant material is poured into a glass-distilling container. The contents are boiled to soften the tissue and release the essential oil. The essential oil is carried by steam into a long condensing tube, surrounded by cold, flowing water. The cold water flowing inside the outer casing of the condensing tube cools the steam into a liquid. The water drips, carrying the essential oil, into a glass vessel. The oil floats on top of the healing water, or hydrolate. The essential oil is separated commercially by hexane most often. As a small grower I separate with glass and no chemicals. The water is now available as a healing agent in different ways than essential oils.

Healing Waters are most often used to moisturize the skin. They are very gentle to the skin tissue. When using healing waters as moisturizers, I like to recommend which ones are best for skin conditioners. I add a few drops of essential oils to add flavor to the Healing Waters I make. These are not distilled water with essential oils added. The waters are distilled from an aromatic plant, encompassing all the healing properties of the plant. They work best as a spray misted on the skin one to three times a daily.

Remember to add Healing Waters to footbaths and pleasure baths.  Keep a favorite Healing Water in the refrigerator to refresh your face with a fragrant mist after gardening or exercising. Use a favorite Healing Water to refresh your pillow case before resting.  Spray your favorite Healing Water in every room of the house as an air freshener.  Use a Healing Water spray to refresh the pet pillow.

 Spray Lemon Grass Healing Water to repel mosquitoes.

 Spray Basil Healing Water to repel flies.

 Spray Lemon Balm Healing Water in the room of an elderly person to calm him or her. It especially helps those with Alzheimer’s

Carrier Oils

 Essential oils are diluted in fatty oils, called carrier oils, for application. Direct application of essential oils, with few exceptions, is harmful to the skin. Unsaturated fatty oils support the healing process. They help the skin breathe, absorb vitamin D from sunlight and regulate temperature. Choose carrier oils that are cold pressed and unprocessed before expelling. The skin cannot utilize mineral oils. They are made from petroleum and block absorption. Choose oils for the skin that are edible. (Avoid canola oil.) These oils will enhance elasticity and soften the skin. They also provide nutrients, which can be utilized by the skin. Carrier oils are chemical compounds of glycerol and fatty acids.

 Carrier oils are best used for massage as essential oil dilutions for the face and skin. They are safe for babies as well as adults. To date, most commercial baby oils and lotions contain mineral oil and are not healthy for massage or dilutions. Choose a carrier oil that best suits the area of application, for example, jojoba oil is best used for facial applications. It absorbs rapidly without an oily residue. Jojoba oil is beneficial for all skin types. However, for burns and scrapes, St. John’s Wort or aloe gel is best for healing. The shelf life of carrier oils is 8 to 10 months.

 Sweet Almond Oil is the most popular and versatile carrier oil. It benefits every skin type, releasing the healing qualities of the essential oil or blend slowly through the skin. Almond oil is odorless and light in texture. As a cold pressed oil, it contains small amounts of vitamin A, E, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B12) and pyridoxal phosphate (B6.)

 Jojoba Oil is not oil but a liquid wax derived from the fruit of a Native American desert plant. Jojoba Oil has unique properties, of fat, fatty acid and alcohol, producing a natural emulsifier that does not oxidize or become rancid. As a cold pressed oil, jojoba’s anti-inflammatory properties heal many skin conditions. As an emulsifier, jojoba is beneficial in creams, shampoos and lotions. The Native Americans have used jojoba oil for eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin. It is easily absorbed. Jojoba contains vitamin E to soften the skin and provide PSPF 4 UV sun protection.

 Grape seed Oil is an odorless oil used for oily skin. It blends well with other carrier oils for massage.

 Coconut Oil is a rich solid massage oil that melts at 76 degrees. It is used to improve hydration and mature skin as a massage lotion and face cream. Melt the solid oil in a container by placing the container in a pan of hot water. As it softens, add essential oils and stir gently. refrigerate or allow to set at room temperature in a covered container prior to application.

 Olive Oil has disinfectant properties ideal for healing wounds. Historically, it has been used to reduce rheumatic and arthritic complaints. Olive oil conditions dry hair and skin. The oil is heavy and odorous. To avoid smelling like a salad, combine olive oil with a light oil such as almond or jojoba oil in a 50 percent dilution.

 Wheat Germ Oil is thick oil used for dry and aging skin. It is expressed from wheat kernels and is high in vitamins A, D, and E. The oil gets rancid when exposed to air. To prevent this, use 20 percent wheat germ oil and 80 percent vegetable oil, such as cold pressed sunflower, sweet almond or jojoba oil. (Do not use canola oil.) Refrigerate any extra wheat germ oil in a dark, glass bottle.   

Some carrier oils are herbal infusions in sunflower or olive oil. 

Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) relieves arthritic pain, bruising and scrapes. (See Comfrey Yarrow Healing Cream.)

 Aloe Vera Gel can also be used for essential oil dilution. Add 2 drops of grape seed oil to reduce oxidation. The gel helps heal burns and relieves eczema and psoriasis.

 Mineral oil and canola oil (most canola is genetically modified and it is suggested to avoid this oil,) are not recommended as carrier oils and should be avoided in aromatherapy.

The following are examples of carrier oils used in essential oil dilutions.

 Healing Oil for Dry, Damaged and Sensitive Skin

In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, add 4 drops of Rose Otto, 1 drop of Sandalwood and 7 drops of Lavender (Spike or Provence Lavender). Pour into a 1 ounce dark glass bottle and tightly cap. Allow to cure for 3 hours before applying to clean skin.

Sport Rub

In 6 ounces of Sweet Almond Oil (or St. John’s Wort herbal infusion), add 6 drops of Lemongrass, 10 drops of Eucalyptus and 1 drop of Ginger essential oil. Pour into a 6 ounce dark glass bottle and tightly cap. Allow to cure for 3 hours before applying to sore or tight muscles. Use only on unbroken skin.

Energy Booster

In 1 ounce of vegetable oil, add 6 drops of Peppermint and 4 drops of Lemongrass essential oils. Pour into a 1 ounce dark glass bottle and tightly cap. Allow to cure 3 hours. Apply 2 drops at the base of the throat and feel the energy rising.

Garden Companions and Recipes

Potatoes enjoy the company of garlic chives and onions. Their antioxidant properties are enhanced with butter substitutes made from lemongrass, lemon verbena and lemon thyme. Cook 1 T of each in 1 cup of cold pressed extra virgin olive oil or a vegetable oil (not canola). Simmer for 10 minutes. Cover and allow the herbs to infuse 5 more minutes off the burner. Strain and brush the vegetables for extra flavor.

Sage grows well near cabbage, kale, broccoli and Brussels’ sprouts. Flavor these vegetables with a sprinkle of fresh sage to enhance the anti-cancer properties of the cabbage family.

Rosemary grows well with many mints and herbs. It has anti-depressant, and immune enhancing qualities especially to help prevent cancer and allergies.  Combine 2 teaspoons of rosemary, 2 teaspoons of lemongrass and 1 teaspoon of marjoram and lime zest to flavor poultry. Rub it on before roasting or grilling and create a happy atmosphere for the family dinner.

Grow in Peace and enjoy every blessing.

Flowers that Heal has more information on aromatherapy and plants. 

Slice of Life Diet and Nutrition Handbook has more information on recipes and eating well.

For more information go to www.aromahealthtexas.com