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Exotic Essential Oils: Part One

Exotic essential oils are unique, rare and sometimes expensive. With these essential oils, price can be indicative of quality. They may be grown, and produced in faraway eastern countries, such as India. Each one has a special application.

            The essential oil of Cardamom, Elettaria cardamom, has been steam distilled from dried seed since the sixteenth century. It has been used in ancient Ajurvedic and Chinese medicine. Oriental perfumes utilitize its spicy aroma and floral undertones. Cardamom combines with other exotic essential oils such as Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang. As a restorative essential oil, Cardamom is calming to the nervous system. Cardamom is native to India.  Dilute 2 drops of Cardamom in 2 ounces of carrier oil for a relaxing message.

            My first exposure to Cardamom was grinding the seeds with coffee beans to detoxify any components of the coffee as it was brewed. When studying with a Brahman priest about Ajurvedic Indian healing, I learned of Cardamom’s healing effect for respiratory and digestive ailments.

            In aromatherapy the sweet, woodsy scent of Cardamom makes an excellent massage treatment for digestive complaints. The essential oil alleviates spasms, nausea, flatulence, colic and slow digestion. Most important, Cardamom helps anorexics by increasing digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Cardamom also has aphrodisiac properties.  Two drops diluted in 2 ounces of carrier oil and applied to the abdomen and pelvis to treat impotence.

            Cinnamon, Cinnamon zeylanicum, is steam distilled from leaves and very strengthening. I use it to strengthen the circulatory system of clients and to balance high and low blood sugar. Cold feet and arthritis, which worsens in cold, damp weather is helped by this essential oil. It can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied to limbs and especially the lower back for relief of arthritis and coldness. This East Indian spice also aids impotence, by massaging a dilution on the lower back and abdomen.

Dilute 1 drop in 2 ounces of carrier oil for impotence.

            Coriander, Coriandrum sativum is a far eastern spice used since ancient Egyptian times for digestive disorders to relieve sprains, muscular pain and stiffness. The seeds crushed and steam distilled to produce a sweet and spicy aroma. Mohammed is said to believe Coriander can heal everything except aging. I use the essential oil in hair care products and special blends to increase hair growth. Ancients used the essential oil in a dilution or as a vapor to reduce body odor and increase libido, in that order.

Dilute 2 drops of Coriander in 2 ounces of carrier oil.

            Clove, Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata, is a pain reliever. It is best known to relieve toothache and abscess. Two drops of essential oil are diluted in 2 ounces of carrier oil, and applied with a cotton ball on the tooth. I also use it for arthritic and muscular pain, diluted in a carrier oil. To relieve headaches, dilute 2 drops of each clove, rosemary, and lavender essential oils in a compress or 3 ounces carrier oil dilution. Apply it to the forehead or back of the neck. Look for essential oil distilled form the buds for best results.

            Immortelle, Helichrysum angustifolium, is a Mediterranean herb with a curry scent and flavor. The essential oil is steam distilled from fresh, golden flower buds and has a red color. It is anti-inflammatory for skin disorders and treats acne, eczema, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic skin problems. Immortelle, otherwise known as curry, is diluted in a carrier oil or non-paraben cream base, 2 drops in 2 ounces of oil or cream. Combined with aloe or St. John’s wort oil, immortelle treats sunburn and may prevent sunburn. Dilute 2 drops in 2 ounces of carrier oil. I prefer jojoba oil. Curry has naturalized in many sunny, drier climates, including my gardens in north central Texas. When using Immortelle, be sure to purchase a non-solvent variety. It should be steam distilled or an effleurage made with vegetable glycerin for medicinal purposes.

            Jasmine, Jasmine sambac, originated in east India. The white flower produces a most romantic fragrance at night. It is known in India as “queen of the night”. The heady fragrance can quickly change a mood from darkness to inspiration. It excites sensuality as an excellent aphrodisiac.  The person wearing jasmine essential oil appears more attractive and self-confidant. Spiritually, the aroma increases intuitive awareness and produces encephalin, a neurotransmitter in the brain creating feelings of light- hearted euphoria. The pleasure center compounds in the brain are analgesic, reducing pain, fear, and paranoia. Pure jasmine essential oil is dark, reddish mahogany color. The odor is so strong it is undesirable until diluted. Jasmine actually smells better diluted in light carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil. One drop in 2 ounces of carrier oil yields a sweeter, less pungent smell with superior healing quantities. As a perfume, or cologne, jasmine is unequaled. Add two drops of Jasmine in 1 dram of distilled water

containing 5 drops of grain alcohol.

            The cost of pure jasmine essential oil is also unequaled. One thousand pounds of the small, white flowers yield a pound of essential oil. The blooms must be harvested at night or before sunrise. Approximately, 3 million will produce a pound of essential oil. The cost of one pound of essential oil is more than $5,000 dollars. Synthetic chemically created jasmine scent is about $5.00. Jasmine oil is produced by solvent extraction. The solvents are evaporated. However, even tiny amounts of residue are toxic. Therefore, it is best to know the source producer of this essential oil to guarantee purity. Only the liquid is recommended for aromatherapy. Any sweet perfume-smelling essential oil of jasmine is a fake. If the price seems too good to be true, save your money. Cheap imitations can irritate nasal mucosa and cause redness and irritation to the skin.

            Sambac Jasmine essential oil is an aphrodisiac, like so many other exotic essential oils. The Queen of the night excites sensuality and reduces tension or irritability incompatible for lovers. The chemical constitution of Jasmine allows the oil to be easily absorbed into the skin, stimulating the pleasure center of the brain. One drop of Jasmine diluted in 1 dram of jojoba oil can be applied to the neck near the carotid artery. This will travel directly to the brain to create the mood for love. If pregnancy soon follows, Jasmine can also be used for supporting childbirth. Jasmine is a uterine tonic. A dilution of 2 drops of Jasmine in 3 ounces of carrier oil can be managed to relieve back pain and muscle cramps. Jasmine can also reduce tension to support lactation. It has not been detected in breast milk. The essential oil of Jasmine is very effective in greater dilutions. In India, the blossoms are believed to emit moonlight from its blossoms. The fragrance is believed to be magical and ethereal. Use Jasmine wisely and allow it to open your heart.

To be continued…..

The Power of Scent

Aromatherapy is the use of organic essenential oils, derived from aromatic plants, to catalyze inherent health and well being, sexual attraction, beauty and creativity.

The power of scent begins when the chemical components of an odor created from volatile fragrant molecules, is transformed into nerve impulses.  This information is pulsed to the limbic olfactory brain via the olfactory bulb.  The limbic brain stores the scent as a memory.  This aroma memory is stored where the core of sexuality, attraction, repulsion, moods, motivation and creativity resides.  Here, the power of scent directly affects the neurotransmitters that reduce pain, increase energy and alertness, help us relax and motivate sense of well being and will to live.  Only unfamiliar or offensive odors pass through the cerebral cortex first.  The limbic olfactory brain developed first when the sense of smell was paramount to survival.  The neurotransmitters that stimulate and inspire the cortical, thought producing brain, originated the limbic brain as aromas.

Everything organic and alive has a unique odor.  Every illness has a unique odor.  As individuals, each of us acquires a unique scent in the womb we carry throughout life.  This can be catalyzed and modified by essential oils, affecting our moods, immunity, stress management, circulation and lymphatic drainage. 

Essential oils have been successfully used in healing for over 5,000 years.  Until recently, no one understood why.  In the 1920’s and 30’s, two Italian scientists, Dr. Cayola and Dr. Garri, conducted the first scientific experiments on the effect of essential oils on the nervous system.  Calming or stimulating effects were measured in the breathing frequency, blood pressure and circulation.  Their testing also confirmed the ability of essential oils to destroy bacteria.  During this time, a professor at the University of Milan treated anxiety and depressive disorders using essential oil combinations.  In 1937, the French chemist, Gattefosse’ published the first book on aromatherapy, describing medicinal and cosmetic applications.  Since then, many methods and applications have been used to directly affect brain chemistry in less than 1/100^th of a second, changing psychological, hormonal, pain, stress, memory, and sleep disorders.

Applied to the skin, essential oils pass through connective and lymphatic tissues into the circulatory system, affecting detoxification and immunity.  The skin is the largest immune organ, detoxifying more environmental toxins and chemicals than the liver, while protecting against bacterial and viral invasion.  Essential oils help balance helper and suppressor immune responses in the skin, reduce or retard bacteria and viral growth, and protect the skin through hydration, softening and preserving the epithelial tissues.  Essential oils are more active and potent than any preservative used commercially.  Their anti-aging properties are most effectively used in cosmetic and skincare.

Essential oils can enhance healing on multiple levels in the body and psyche without interfering with medications.  Within 2 to 3 hours after smelling or applying essential oil dilutions on the body, the volatile oil compounds are excreted through the breath and urine.  At least 80% of illness and disease can be positively corrected by proper essential oil usage, including obesity, a well known but little understood illness.  Aromatherapy is unique in that it catalyzes the body to heal itself resulting in little or no side effects.  Aromas coerce and train the body to respond positively to every challenge, utilizing all potentials to enhance healing.  As in other “natural” modalities, aromatherapy is safe when used correctly.  Therapeutic aromatic plants produce essential oils, usually through steam distillation and subsequent separation.  The concentration of volatile and other properties in essential oils is 100 times greater than the original plants.  Essential oils contain 50 to 500 other natural chemicals than the predominant scent.  One drop of an essential oil contains millions of microscopic molecules.  It requires several pounds of plant leaves and/ or flowers, such as in Province Lavender, to produce a teaspoon of pure essential oil.  Synthetic essential oils, or nature synthetic oils, are not therapeutic.  They are produced chemically in a lab and do not contain volatile oils which natural healing abilities.  In fact, the word essential oil is misleading.  These volatile oils, so sensitive to light heat, and air, only have an oily texture.  They are mostly hydrocarbons, made from hydrogen and oxygen, known as terpines.  Other properties may include alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, oxides, peroxides, lactones, acids and sometimes sulphur.  These are naturally occurring substances available in foods.  Essential oils are safe used topically in dilution.  They are not safe internally, even in dilution, and should never be ingested.  Essential oils are best stored in dark glass bottles, tightly sealed, away from heat and light.  Store them in a refrigerator or dark, cool closet.  Do not leave droppers with rubber bulb tops sealing essential oil containers.  The volatile oils lift, degrade and destroy the rubber.  Plastic insert caps are acceptable.  Opened bottles are best used within a year.  I will discuss safety issues with discussion of each essential oil.  Knowledge is power.

In my professional experience, using essential oils in hospitals and clinics, essential oil therapy is quick, effective and safe.  I have designed blends for bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients, used in totally sterile conditions longevity increased, medication usage decreased, as well as nausea, anxiety and pain levels.

Since then, I have designed blends for chemically dependents, chronic pain and sickle cell anemia, pulmonary, cardiac, immune deficiencies, most cancers, sleep disorders, ADD and ADHD, maternal and palliative care, inflammatory bowel disease, autism and the list continues as needs arise.

The applications of essential oils are topical and aromatic.  Next week, I will begin to discuss dilution and carrier oils.  Suggested recipes will included each week.

Until then, dilute 3 drops of your favorite essential oil in a cup of hot water as it diffuses in the room, notice how your body responds to the aroma.  Enjoy!

                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.

                The following blends feature rosemary for a variety of ailments.

Heart and Circulation blend In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                15 drops of Rosemary

                                  5 drops of Lemongrass

                                  5 drops of Angelica root

                                  2 drops of Cinnamon leaf

Bottle in dark glass with a tightly fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours before applying as massage oil on the chest, back and legs.  Use this blend for poor circulation, cold legs and feet, low blood pressure and as a heart tonic.

                Rosemary also increases blood to the brain.  As a stimulant for the nervous system, it can be used to improve memory, increase concentration and alertness.  It aids those who suffer from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, debility and related depression.  Weak and nervous people benefit the most from regular use.  Infuse rosemary essential oil into a room with a diffuser, or put a few drops in a bowl of hot water placed near the center of a room’s a blend for those who prefer to wear it.

Rosemary Restorative  In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  5 drops of Spearmint

                                  3 drops of Lemongrass

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage the neck, temples or forehead.  Avoid eye contact and use sparingly.

                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.  Rub the abdomen with the following blend to abate symptoms and increase immune power.

In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                15 drops of Rosemary (Spanish is stronger.  The whole plant is distilled)

                                  4 drops of Angelica Root

                                  6 drops of Marjoram, Marjorana hortensis (optional) for spasms

                                  5 drops of Pink Grapefruit

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage several drops onto the abdomen daily or as needed to abate symptoms.

                Rosemary is one of the main detoxifying oils enhancing lymphatic drainage throughout the body.  The abdomen is a major source of lymphatic tissue.  However, the lungs and upper respiratory system is another major source.  The following blend supports chronic lung and respiratory health.  Use it daily or as needed to abate symptoms.  In 1 ounce of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  3 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus citradora

                                  1 drop of Thyme

                                  2 drops of Cedarwood, especially if coughs or bronchitis occur.

                                  1 drop of Pine

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap Allow to cure 3 hours.  Massage several drops on the upper back, and or the chest.  Avoid eye contact.

                Rosemary alleviates sore muscles, rheumatic pain, painful feet and accelerates healing from sports injuries.  This blend can also be used to reduce and regenerate paralyzed vocal chords and paralysis from surgery.  It is helpful for paralysis due to spinal chord injury when massaged onto the back, legs and arms.  Nature is a great healer.      In 2 ounces of carrier oil, add the following essential oils:

                                20 drops of Rosemary

                                10 drops of Peppermint

                                  4 drops of Juniper berries

                                  4 drops of Vetiver

                                  2 drops of Ginger root

                                  2 drops of Clove

                                  3 drops of Angelica root

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage affected areas daily or as needed.  Follow with a warm compress for extra comfort.

                Rosemary is well known as a remedy for headaches and migraines.  Multiple reasons for these problems make it difficult for 1 plant to be a cure all. Here’s a blend that helps many people who suffer from headaches.  Lavender can be added to reduce spasms.  The blend has a very medicinal scent.

Headache and Migraine Blend in 1 ounce of carrier oil add the following essential oils:

                                10 drops of Rosemary

                                  2 drops of Clove

                                10 drops of Roman Chamomile

                                  5 drops of Marjoram

                                  5 drops of Lavendula

                                  3 drops of Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis

                                  1 drop of Clary Sage absolute

Bottle in dark glass with a tight fitting screw cap.  Allow to cure 3 hours or overnight.  Massage gently onto the base of the neck, sides of the neck and temples or forehead.  A cool compress on the forehead or base of the neck may help.  Avoid triggers such as orange, chocolate, alcohol, cheese and inhalants used in commercial and home repair.

My son is 10 years old.  He has been suffering with Crohn's for over 2 years.  We did everything possible with diet and other therapies-without results.  My sister recommended your Petite Fleur essences so we could avoid immune suppressant drugs.  He missed school and was in pain all the time.  He could not eat without pain and suffering.

We began using your essences and had good results within 1 month.  The next month, we used his special blend, my son improved even more.  He's back in school for 3 months.  He feels like himself again and has no symptoms of inflammation for over 4 months.  We can travel again and look forward to each day.

At 40 years old, Evelyn was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and told she probably had it all of her life. Sarcoidosis is characterized by widespread granulomatous lesions that affect any organ or tissue. Evelyn’s affected her lungs, ovaries and previously lymph nodes. At the time we did a consult and special blend, she had several 1.7cm. Lesions in her lungs with concern for her heart’s health. 

A special blend Is 1 ounce, lasting several weeks. Within a few months of wearing her Petite fleur special blend, individualized for physical, mental and emotional  well being, Evelyn had a cat scan, there is no pulmonary nodules, embolism or edema, her lungs are clear of sarcoidosis as well as her heart and ovaries. Her lymph’s are normal and her blood pressure is normal. Her doctors took her off blood pressure medicine. 

The Petite Fleur essences and essential oil blends catalyze the body’s ability to heal. The body only knows how to heal and heals at its own pace. 

Claim your greatest health in a consult with Dr. Griffin and unique healing blend.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease of the connective tissue affecting the skin, nerves, joints, kidneys and mucosa. Symptoms and occurrence vary greatly. Intermittent fever, malaise, butterfly rash across the nose, joint pain and Raynaud’s are the most common symptoms. However, lupus can mimic many symptoms and diseases. Symptoms differ in many people.

The following symptoms are accompanies by Petite Fleur Aromahealthtexas suggestions:

1-Painful, swollen joints: No More Pain Lotion

2- Intermittent fever: Cold & Flu Petite Fleur , Elderberry herbal

3- Unusual hair loss, allopecia: Hair Growth aroma that heals, Rosemary Shampoo, More Hair Complete Conditioner

4- Raynaud’s (cold blue fingers/toes): Circulation Booster Body Lotion, Circulation, Circulate Aroma that Heals

5- Sensitivity to Sun: Environment, Protection Herbal AromaHealthTexas, Vitamin D3 1000, Lavender Lotion , Rose Gardenia Moisturizer Face Cream , Rose Nectar Moisturizing Spray 

6- Extreme Fatigue: Fatigue, Energy

7- Swollen Glands and/or Fever: Cold & Flu Petite Fleur, Elderberry herbal, Echinacea Petite Fleur Herbal, Thyme Petite Fleur Herbal

8- Red Rashes, Mostly Facial: Comfrey Yarrow Healing Cream, Diuretic Herbal

9-Chest Pain with Deep Breathing: Decongest, Penta Petite Fleur

10-Swollen Legs: Circulation Booster Body Lotion

11-Swelling around the Eyes: Sweet Annie under Eye Cream

12-Low Blood Count: Echinacea Herbal, Echinacea Petite Fleur, Dianthus Petite Fleur Blend

13-Depression: SamE Petite Fleur Capsules, Red Rose Petite Fleur, Harmony Petite       Fleur, Relaxation, Deep Sleep Petite Fleur, Foti Herbal

14-Memory and Thinking: Clear Thinking, Melissa Herbal, Recall Memory, Learning Skills

15-Nephrytis, Kidney Toxicity: Dandelion, Detox Petite Fleur, Juniper Berry Herbal, Siberian Ginseng Herbal

16-Vasculitis, Inflammation of Blood Vessels: Vascular Herbal, Yarrow Petite Fleur, Lymph Flow Lotion

17-Blood Clot Risk: Dianthus Petite Fleur, Circulation Booster Body Lotion, Circulation Herbal

18-Pneumonia/leuritis: Cold & Flu Petite Fleur, Decongest, Strong Lung Herbal, Cough Herbal

19-Anemia: Dianthus Petite Fleur, Liver Herbal

20-Low White Cells: Gaillardia, Blue Aster Petite Fleur

21-nsomnia: Deep Sleep Petite Fleur

For an appointment with Dr. Griffin call 1-800-496-2125

For product information go to: www.aromahealthtexas.com

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited disease causing sickle shaped red blood cells, leading to a variety of acute and chronic conditions. One in 500 black children and one in 36,000 Hispanic children have sickle cell anemia.

Ischemia pain, caused by restricted blood flow, can be reduced by applying Circulation Booster lotion along with Manage Pain blend.

Increased infection may be helped by Cold/Flu blend and Decongest aromablend, which may also help lung pain. Antibiotics and related medicine are compatible with these products.

Necrosis of the hip and joints may be helped with No More Pain lotion applied 3 times daily.

Leg ulcers may be soothed with Comfrey Yarrow Healing Cream and Lavender Lotion.

Pulmonary hypertension is aided with Reduce Stress blend and Lymph Flow lotion.

 I use Reduce Stress daily.  I suffer from anxiety and irritable bowel.  I have improved so much that I am able to eat more foods, even cheese, and care for my husband and family.  I love the scent and wear Reduce Stress 2 to 3 times daily, depending on my stress levels.

Parkinson's disease results from low dopamine levels in the brain resulting in a chronic nervous system disease.  Symptoms include tremors, expressionless face, slow speech and muscular rigidity.  Exposure to a fungicide called Maneb and the herbicide Paraquat increased the risk of Parkinson's by 75%.  ADHD children and adults also have low dopamine levels. 

Energy therapeutic blend   raises low dopamine levels and immediately enhances stamina.  Apply or spray 3 xs daily. 

  Alert aroma blend immediately awakens the brain and energy levels.  Apply to the temples or base of the throat.   

 Circulation Body lotion reduces nerve tingling and muscle rigidity, massaged onto the limbs 3x daily.   

Aromatherapy for Sleep Disorders Due to Aging

By Dr. Judy Griffin

Aging causing yellowing and discoloration of the eyes reduces melatonin release and natural sleep cycles.* Deep Sleep aromatic blend applied before and at bedtime encourages restful, nurturing sleep. Discoloration of the eyes reduces absorption of blue ray light and subsequent release of melatonin.* Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone produced by the pineal gland.

Deep Sleep is a blend of essential oils and Petite Fleur Essences produced from organically grown plants, steam distilled in glass on site. No chemicals such as hexane are used to produce Deep Sleep. No side effects have been reported in over 20 years of clinical, hospital and private use. Deep Sleep is available in a liquid concentrate or spray to be applied topically. It will not interfere with medications. Deep Sleep can also help reduce nervousness, moodiness, stress; fear and irritability from poor sleep habits. The natural disinfectant properties of Deep Sleep enables it to be applied to any skin type. It is best worn on the nape of the neck and ear lobes on unbroken skin.

Reference: Sept 1, 2011, Sleep Journal, Line Kessel, M.D. PhD.

For more information, call Dr. Judy Griffin at 1-800-496-2125 or go to www.aromahealthtexas.com.