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Patricia Brooks
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Patricia Brooks is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aromatherapy Thymes magazine. Aromatherapy Thymes is the premier publication dedicated to bringing its readers current information on the aromatherapy industry and the practical use of essential oils. It was named one of the 30 notable launches of 2007 by Mr. Magazine Samir Husni, the ‘leading’ authority on magazines.
In the past Patricia was the health and beauty editor at a local Los Angeles entertainment publication and has written for several website and corporate companies. Her passion for aromatherapy led her to start Aromatherapy Thymes magazine.
Patricia is a leading advocate in the aromatherapy industry for the use of unaltered essential oils. She continues to champion the small farmers and local distributors of essential oils.
www.aromatherapythymes.com |
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| Aromatherapy – healing through our sense of smell |
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Aromatherapy – healing through our sense of smell – is one of nature’s many gifts. Whether that gift comes from rose petals, peppermint leaves or juniper berries, we are all touched, in some way, by the quiet fingerprint of plants.
Essential oils are volatile oils that have been distilled from plants. When properly used in aromatherapy, they can help to promote and maintain physical and emotional health.
In fact, such is their positive potency that the name ‘essential’ is derived from the Latin word ‘quintessential’ – meaning the fifth element – which was the vital element the alchemist sought to change base metals into gold.
Essential oils have been used since antiquity. The ancient Egyptians used them for religious, cosmetic and medicinal purposes; they are an integral part of Indian Ayurvedic medicine; and the father of medicine, Hippocrates, used them widely in his teachings.
Essential oils are found in different parts of the plant:
- Flowering tops e.g. lavender, chamomile
- Grass e.g. lemongrass, palmarosa
- Leaves e.g. peppermint, cinnamon
- Peel e.g. lemon, bergamot, orange
- Seed e.g. cardamom, fennel
- Twig e.g. cypress, tea tree, eucalyptus
- Wood e.g. rosewood, cedarwood
- Gum e.g. frankincense
They do not need to pass through the digestive system and instead can enter through the skin by massage oils and body products, or into the body by various methods of inhalation or vaporizers.
Essential oils interact with the body in three distinct ways:
- Pharmacological chemical change (through the blood stream);
- Physiological change (affects the systems of the body);
- Psychological change (inhaled and a response is generated by the aroma).
Given that it takes
in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only four or five teaspoonfuls of oil, the chemical complexity and high concentration of essential oils makes every drop valuable and powerful. Once you understand the principles of essential oils, you will want them in your
life forever.
| The term ‘aromatherapy’ literally means healing through the sense of smell. In 1928 famed French chemist René M. Gattefosse was credited with turning this wonderful ancient art of healing into the science of aromatherapy we practice today. After a laboratory accident where Gattefosse severely burned his hands, he serendipitously discovered that lavender accelerated the healing process and that no scarring remained. With this insight and motivation he applied his findings of additional oils to wounded soldiers during World War I with outstanding success. We collectively owe him our thanks, respect and appreciation. |
Here are some essential oils and their associated health benefits:
Rose - the fragrance enlivens the connection between our physical and spiritual identity. Rose is useful for constipation, and is beneficial for all skin types, especially aging skin.
Vanilla - is earthy and sensual, and very unique in character. It stabilizes emotions and is supportive for calming and relaxing conditions of exhaustion and anxiety.
Lavender - because of its sweet aroma, relaxant and anti-microbial properties holistic enthusiasts consider it to be the most versatile essential oil. A calming oil which treats insomnia and headaches, lavender is also renowned for its ability to hasten the healing of wounds.
Orange - plays a key role in uplifting the emotions and providing mental clarity. Traditionally, the overall effect is calming, and not stimulating. Orange stimulates the digestive system and is effective for constipation and is prized for culinary, cosmetics and medicinal use.
Eucalyptus - is one of the most well known essential oils. With metropolitan air quality declining, this environmental air purifier should be in widespread use. Its anti-infectious and wound healing properties make it a must-have household item.
Spearmint - uplifting to the senses and has a variety of culinary uses. Reports are abundant on its properties to improve digestion, to reduce minor headaches and it also acts as a stimulant when fatigue sets in.
Thyme - is best known as a powerful antiseptic and for its great value to help with concentration. Can be used externally or internally to combat bacteria and to fight against sore throats and coughs. Thyme should be handled with care to prevent skin irritation, and should always be one of your reliable remedies.
Bergamot calabrian* - with a somewhat sweet and spicy aroma this oil is favored in teas and perfumery. It plays a role in improving stress, anxiety and conditions such as halitosis. As an antiseptic it has proved effective in the treatment of skin care.
*Avoid direct sunlight after use because of its phototoxicity properties.
Chamomile - has a radiant blue hue that is hypnotizing, with a sweet-fruity
fragrance. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties are ideal for physical therapy and athletes. Applied externally it alleviates irritated skin
and is key in relieving insomnia.
As with all essential oils read precautions for: phototoxicity, pregnancy and other external or internal uses. |
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