aromatherapy at Nature's Gift

"Yardley" Lavender?

2012-02-27T21:25:00.000-06:00

Was reading an article about industrial uses of essential oils, and came across the following, which fascinated me:

",,,in 1620, an Englishman, named Yardley, obtained a concession from King Charles I to manufacture soap for the London area. Details of this event are sparse, other than the high fee paid by Yardley for this privilege. Importantly, however, Yardley's soap was perfumed with English lavender, which remains the Yardley trademark today, and it was probably the first case of use of an essential oil as a fragrance in large-scale soap production."1

I just remember loving English Lavender soap, years ago, before I ever knew what an essential oil was...and buying it whenever I could find it in my travels. Some got used, some got stashed in bureau drawers to scent the contents. No wonder I love our English Lavender essential oil...it's a "memory of days gone by" If you, too, are or were a lover of Yardley's English Lavender soap, we have the secret!

(I also wondered why their labels read "since 1770" if they received the concession in 1620? The Yardley website has a timeline explaining that. )

1. Industrial Uses of Essential Oils, W. S. Brud in "Handbook of Essential Oils Science, Technology, and Applications" Ed. by K. Husnu CanBaser and Gerhard Buchbauer, CRC Press, 2010.

Out of Season - Gifts - and Gratitude

2012-02-27T20:11:00.001-06:00


Out of season - but delightful!

Every year, early in December, we receive an Amarylis plant from a wonderful client in a state east of us. We watch it grow tall, and sometime during the last week of December we are graced by its stunning blooms. After they fade we store it away in the dark, following directions, in hopes that it might bloom next year. Often, it does.

Our plants need a calendar this year. Both our small Christmas Cactus, and the peppermint stick Amaryllis from Christmas past have chosen to bloom this week. Out of season delights!

Today we had yet another cause for gratitude. Two weeks ago, when I blogged about our new Indonesian Sandalwood I mentioned not having any of our aged Mysore Sandalwood to compare it to. My memory said it was close, but I couldn't compare it.

Some of our clients have been with Nature's Gift since the 90's, when we first went online. Some of them purchased our Mysore Sandalwood in the late 90's when we offered it. One of them, Susan, from Carbondale IL, sent us a small vial of 1999 Mysore Sandalwood. The postman delivered it this morning. What a glorious start to my week!

What a gift!!! This oil is truly priceless. I don't know how much Susan has, but if she isn't using and enjoying it on a daily basis, it should be locked in a safe deposit box. It is that valuable.

And what makes it an even better gift - we all agree that yes, our Indonesian Sandalwood is so very close aromatically to this aged treasure. I'm glad that my memory served me so well. But even gladder for the clients who reach out and "give back."

A friend talks about a speaker who, in the middle of her talk, looked around the room and said "isn't it grand to be us!"

Today I echo that unknown speaker. It is TRULY grand to be us!!!

Indonesian Sandalwood

2012-02-10T21:45:00.001-06:00

I never knew Sandalwood trees grew in Indonesia, nor that Sandalwood Essential Oil was distilled there.

It is. And apparently if you know the right people, essential oil distilled from roots and heartwood.

A month or more I was sent a wee sample, and it was love at first sniff. Deep and mysterious. So much Sandalwood these days is sweet and smooth but light. This is deep, mysterious, evocative, the ultimate masculine oil.

In the early '90's, when we could still procure Mysore Sandalwood with some confidence that it was "the real thing" a friend in the industry sent me a dram of Mysore Sandalwood distilled in 1942. It was magnificent. Deep, mysterious, magical. Amazing stuff. That small sample has, forever after, been the benchmark to which I compared all other Sandalwood specimens. Some I received measured up. Our almost legendary Tamil 2002; the Tamil 2006 was not close, but obviously from the same family.

This amazing new Indonesian oil is if not a direct decendant, then a very close cousin of that so well aged Mysore, close to 70 years old.

I have read that Indonesia was the origin of the Sandalwood trees grown in India for the past 2000 years, that they originated in Timor, and were taken to India in hopes that they would flourish. How did I not learn this years ago? How did I never experience Sandalwood from Timor, from Eastern Indonesia? I've led a deprived life!

The Indonesian Government/Forest Service is responsible for the islands' Sandalwood trees. The people of Timor believe that those who cut the Sandalwood tree illegally will not have a peaceful life. We hope that these measures will be sufficient to preserve these beautiful trees, and prevent the poaching and black market activities that have made true Mysore Sandalwood unavailable.

Santalum album Hydrodistilled from roots and heartwood in Spring, 2011. What this amazing oil will mature into remains to be seen. It may be the aromatic investment of a lifetime. Coming soon to a website near you. (We have to pour and label it first.)

Vitex Essential Oil: For Women Only

2012-02-08T09:08:00.005-06:00

by Christi R. Pugh
for Nature's Gift Inc.

Menstrual irregularities are often a source of great frustration for women, & the choices available for treatment are not always the most desirable. An interesting “women’s” oil available for use in aromatherapy is Vitex agnus castus from the leaves and/or berries of the Vitex Tree, also known as Chaste Tree or Chasteberry of the Verbenaceae family of plants native to the Mediterranean.

For many years the herb has been used mainly as a tincture with success but more recently, the essential oil has been studied for its reported ability to balance estrogen-progesterone in females: those having menstrual difficulties such as PMS or those experiencing menopausal symptoms. Vitex is a key component of our Passages blend of essential oils.

It is particularly helpful where an overabundance of estrogen is present, it seems, helping alleviate painful periods & PMS symptoms such as severe cramping, hormonal headaches and/or hot flashes & night sweats for those experience menopause or perimenopause. The oil may be used stand alone via inhalation from the bottle or an inhaler or in a low dilution in a lotion or crème, & some have experimented with internal use of one drop a day which so far has shown no adverse results, according to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Medical Aromatherapy. (If you use Vitex internally the gentler Vitex Leaf is a better choice than the Berry, we believe.) We also offer Vitex Hydrosol (floral water) which the distiller recommends at one half teaspoon per day in a bottle of water, eventually increasing intake to up to one tablespoon per day as needed.

Not for use by men, pregnant women, or by those taking birth control pills. For individuals on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a recalibration of dosage might be necessary once you begin using Vitex. As with any essential oil, please keep pertinent safety concerns, cautions, & warnings in mind before use.

For more information on other blends & oils recommended for women see http://www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapy_women.htm.

Valentine's Rose Layer Cake

2012-01-31T18:25:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Recipe - Rose Cake

my mother's old Hot Milk Sponge Cake recipe, with a very special touch

Butter and flour a 9 inch round cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2 Eggs

1 teaspoon Vanilla Beat together until eggs are light, fluffy and thick.

1 Drop Pure Rose Otto

Beat in 1 Cup Sugar beat until smooth.

Sift together:

1 Cup Flour

1 Teaspoon Baking Powder

1 dash salt

Stir into the egg mixture. Will be VERY thick.

Heat until the butter melts:

1/2 cup milk

1 Tablespoon butter

Add the hot milk mixture to the batter, stir it QUICKLY together, (work fast here, because the hot milk will start the baking powder rising before the cake is in the pan.) Stir together quickly, pour into prepared pan and into the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the cake tests done.

Cool upside down on a rack.

split the cooled cake in half to make two layers. Fill with either Raspberry Jam or,

if you are among the really lucky ones who have some, with some Rose Petal Jam. (Trust me, the Raspberry is wonderful in it!) Sift some confectioners sugar over the top.

and...another recipe... if you are a white wine lover, add a teaspoon of our Rose Hydrosol

to a glass of chilled dry white wine, for a romantic dinner a deux.

Exploring the Benefits of Saro Essential Oil, new research

2012-01-26T18:46:00.000-06:00

By Christi R. Pugh

For Nature’s Gift

I confess I’ve been fascinated with Saro Essential Oil (Cinnamosma fragrans Baillon) since Marge decided to make it available alongside our wide range of oils. Being a newer EO, not much was generally known about it & we as always err on the side of caution. However, we’ve been working hard to (finally!) get our hands on more research as well as experimenting with it at home and are finding the possible uses for it are quite extensive and exciting!

Saro is another gift from plant rich Madagascar which is also the country of origin for the powerful antivirals, Ravensara & Ravintsara. We found recent research particularly interesting citing its effectiveness for minor infections and in preventing recurrence both as an antibacterial and antiviral and further as an immune builder. Purported to be antimicrobial, recent research specifically found “the oil could have activities against” bacterial strains such as: e. coli (urinary tract infections, meningitis), dysentery and food borne illnesses (food poisoning), candida albicans (vaginal mycosis, skin infections), certain types of gastrointestinal toxicity, Klebsiella pneumoniae (chronic pulmonary disease, rhinoscleroma), as well as streptococcus pneumoniae (skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, pericarditis), vaginal infections, and the list goes on & on.

There is speculation the antimicrobial activities uncovered during research could be due to the high content of 1,8 cineole combined with a-pinene, as both are expectorant and mucolytic. Saro has been found to be nontoxic and nonirritating for human use, making it an oil to go to for general overall usage for a variety of issues from the antimicrobial standpoint to usage in massage as a relaxant & anti-inflammatory. Research indicates although it is generally a safe oil, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or lactating women or young children. (We did not see any reason for this warning!) Additionally, some say any 1,8 cineole oil should be avoided by those with epilepsy or seizure disorder.

A variety of promising applications include: antiviral, antibacterial, antimycosis, antiparasitic, analgesic, immune building, and antispasmodic among others with a specific notion of use in the gynecological field to combat HPV, yeast infections, certain venereal diseases, & herpes simplex; for respiratory issues, and pain relief for achy muscles.

Research is ongoing into this fascinating essential oil but given what we know so far, it seems to be an important oil to have on hand with its powerful germ killing potential. I’ve been reaching for it at home instead of Tea Tree over the past few months and find it less medicinal and much more pleasant in aroma. Saro is an essential oil which may prove to be extremely beneficial over time and an effective “go to” oil for a number of ailments.

Read more about Saro Essential Oil on our website at www.naturesgift.com .

(Post script from Marge - recently one of our staffers was laid low by a brief bout a nasty intestinal "thing." I am thinking that if is MY intestinal thing, a drop or two of Saro oil in a spoonful of honey might be something I would consider.)

Ringing in the ears - Tinnitus

2012-01-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

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Ringing Ear (Tinnitus) Relief

By Liana Carbón, PhD

Tinnitus is noise or ringing in the ears. The Mayo Clinic suggests that it is a common problem, affecting about 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus isn't a condition itself — it's a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or a circulatory system disorder. It involves the annoying sensation of hearing sound when no external sound is present.

A number of health conditions can cause or worsen Tinnitus. In many cases, an exact cause is never found. According to the Mayo Clinic, a common cause of Tinnitus is inner ear cell damage. Tiny, delicate hairs in your inner ear move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. This triggers ear cells to release an electrical signal through a nerve from your ear (auditory nerve) to your brain. Your brain interprets these signals as sound. If the hairs inside your inner ear are bent or broken, they can "leak" random electrical impulses to your brain, causing Tinnitus.

Other causes of Tinnitus include other ear problems, chronic health conditions, and injuries or conditions that affect your auditory nerves or the hearing center in your brain. Allopathic treatments and drugs include removing ear wax, identifying any possible vascular conditions and treating them, or possibly changing a medication one may be on which may appear to be the cause of the Tinnitus. While drugs themselves cannot cure Tinnitus, they may help reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Often patients with Tinnitus are told to adjust their lifestyle, which may make the symptoms less bothersome. Stress seems to be one of the worse culprits in exacerbating Tinnitus. Finding ways to manage one’s stress, whether through meditation, exercise, relaxation therapy or other means, often provides some relief.

Reducing one’s alcohol intake will also help enormously. Alcohol increases the force of blood by dilating the blood vessels, causing greater blood flow, especially in the inner ear area.

While some alternative healing methods have been partially successful in relieving the physical distress of Tinnitus, one which has begun to yield good results is essential oil therapy.

When the aroma of essential oils enters the nose, it immediately stimulates the olfactory nerves. This then alerts or signals the Limbic system ((the control mechanism in your brain for emotions and memory). This sets in motion a series of neuro-chemical signals and response mechanisms that create a natural healing response within the body.

Many essential oils contain healing properties that address the body, mind and spirit. They assist in natural pain relief, are anti- inflammatory, reduce stress and anxiety, support the circulatory system and assist the endocrine system. It is important to choose therapeutic grade essential oils. When working with essentials oils, it is often more effective to create a synergistic blend that will work more efficiently than a single essential oil might. There are several options for creating synergistic blends that will work for Ringing Ear, or Tinnitus.

Four oils that are particularly helpful are Cypress, Juniper, Lavender and Helichrysum.

The first three essential oils help strengthen and revive the body. In addition, they are powerful decongestants in that they relieve or reduce congestion, vasoconstrictors that stimulate blood circulation, detoxifiers, and sedatives that calm and soothe nerves.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil is distilled from the needles and cones of the evergreen Cypress tree located in the Mediterranean. It has a distinctly clean, fresh, woody aroma that has a hint of spice. Cypress oil stimulates blood circulation and at the same time calms the nervous system. Because it has powerful astringent properties, Cypress is an effective tonic for the circulatory and nervous systems. In addition, it also relieves conditions associated with congestion of lymph or blood circulation, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and sinusitis. It is a potent vasoconstrictor and antispasmodic.

Juniperberry (Juniperis communis) has a resinous aroma with woody undertones similar to pine, but more peppery and hot. Juniper is a powerful detoxifier and an excellent blood cleanser. It is said that it helps excrete uric acid crystals, thus promoting the release of excess toxins from the body.

Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) has a distinctly sweet floral-spice aroma that's a little woody. It is a decongestant and stimulates cellular repair and regeneration. Lavender also has sedative and relaxing actions, which soothe, tranquilize and calm nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations.

Helichrysum (italicum, spp serotinum) is often known as Everlasting or Immortelle essential oil, sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. There are over 600 species of Helichrysum, but it is the Italicum species that has many therapeutic benefits. It is known for its ability to regenerate nerves, improve skin conditions, and reduce inflammation while speeding healing. It heals physical and emotional scarring, opens the heart, connects body and spirit, and opens human beings to spiritual life.

Synergistic Blend Preparation

To a 1-oz bottle, add equal parts of the Cypress, Juniper and Lavender. Begin with 15 drops of each oil. Once I have the three oils in the bottle, I then add 5 drops of Helichrysum. Blend well by rolling gently between your palms. In another 1-0z bottle, add a total of 15 drops of the synergistic essential blend. To that add your favorite carrier oil. I tend to use either Fractionated Coconut oil, which I find less greasy, or Jojoba Oil. Shake well. Allow the new synergistic blend (the essential oil blend plus the carrier oil) to blend for at least 24 hours, or longer if you can. Keep out of the light and store in a dark, cool spot.

Application Methods

Dispense 1-3 drops of your essential oil blend for Tinnitus into the palm of your hand, and inhale deeply. Apply to the back and front of your ear lobe and the back of your neck on the affected side(s). First massage each ear lobe, then behind the ears. Always move either in an up and down movement, or in a circular movement. Do not apply pressure, simply gently massage the oil blend into the suggested area. In the front of your ear there is a small pointed “bump,” called that tragus, that is in front of the auditory canal, the opening to your ear. Massage gently directly in front of that in an up and down movement.

Then from under the ear lobe, gently massage down and under the jaw line. The oils will enter the neurovascular gateways located in these areas to effectively trigger your relaxation and healing response.

* DO NOT put the oil in your ears! *

Other options include applying 1 drop of the synergistic essential oil blend on a cotton ball, then place it carefully in the opening of the ear canal. Leave it there overnight. Remove and discard the cotton ball in the morning and gently clean the ear with a warm washcloth. Do NOT place oils directly in the ear canal.

Another application method involves using only Helichrysum essential oil. It is recommended that you use the Helichrysum without diluting it in a carrier oil. However if you feel more comfortable diluting it, make a 10% solution with Jojoba oil. Apply 1 – 2 drops to the area in front of the auditory canal, the opening to the ear canal. Use your fingertip or a cotton swab.

Be very careful not to put the oil inside the ear canal, or to swab anywhere other than in front of the ear. Once you have applied the Helichrysum, gently grasp the ear lobe, and firmly but gently pull in a circular motion. Do this 10 times. This will allow the oil to be absorbed and will increase circulation in the ear canal. Continue by gently stretching and massaging the ear lobe, and directly behind the ear lobe.

The following lymphatic drainage massage will reduce swelling and reduce the pain that often comes with Tinnitus. Choose either the synergistic blend or the Helichrysum neat. With your fingertips, add 1-3 drops on the ear lobe and behind the ear. Begin by gently massaging the ear lobe, gently stretching it downward and out. Continue massaging behind the ear lobe. Be sure to spend several minutes doing this preliminary massage technique.

Then begin to use a technique called “milking” that will increase lymph drainage in the neck and throat. This will help reduce the swelling that often comes with Tinnitus.

Just behind your ear there is a slight indentation, just under the ear and behind the jawbone. Place your finger there. In long, gentle but firm strokes, rub your finger downward under the jawbone all the way to your collarbone. There is a natural groove that your finger will fall into naturally. Repeat this motion 10 times. If you should find that your finger is begin to meet resistance, that is, not sliding down the throat smoothly and easily, apply 1 or 2 more drops of the synergistic blend or the Helichrysum, whichever you have been using. Once the fluids that are trapped in the tissues of the Eustachian tubes and inner ear are drawn into the lymphatic system and the swelling has subsided, the Tinnitus will be relieved.

For maximum effect, begin the massage with the synergistic blend, then complete the milking technique using the Helichrysum.

While these procedures will not completely eliminate the Tinnitus, they will provide relief from the pain and the noise. The most important aspect to any holistic treatment is to be patient. Because essential oils are generally so gentle, you can safely repeat the procedures every few hours. Just remember to be patient and be persistent! Allow the oils to work their magic!

Would you like to receive Dr. Carbón's bi-weekly newsletter filled with tips on using essential oils, working with energy healing protocols, and other useful life tips? Visit her at http://www.shamanicwisdom.com to get started today!

From Dr. Liana Carbón, The Mystical Shaman * Liana@shamanicwisdom.com

Dr. Liana Carbón is a certified Master Practitioner in Energy Medicine and Luminous Healing, Shamanic Spirit Coach, Author, Teacher and Spiritual Director with a private healing practice in San Diego, CA. She received certification as an Aromatherapist from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, and has been using essential oils in her healing practice for over 15 years. She teaches online and in-person classes in Aromatherapy and other energy medicine. Liana has presented at the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists’ conventions, and is a member of Alliance of International Aromatherapists.

NOTE: I love the information that Dr. Carbón has shared and so appreciate her generosity in sharing it! I have to take issue with one point. In my experience and in all my research I have never found any indication that Helichrysum italicuum is more effective used neat or undiluted. Even Dr. Schnaubelt, of the Pacific Institute recommends using it in dilutions as low as 1%, stating that for most of its intended purposes it is equally effective in a 1% dilution. Because of my personal experience with sensitization as a result of unwise use of undiluted essential oils, I cringe when I see neat usage recommended. I would hate to see someone become sensitized to such a miraculously healing oil as Helichrysum. If it were MY tinnitus, I would follow the protocols suggested above, but I would be very sure to dilute the helichrysum before using. Marge Clark, Nature's Gift.

Facial Oils - Fixed oils

2012-01-02T11:52:00.000-06:00

We've packaged our fixed/facial/carrier oils in Cobalt PET bottles for as long as I can remember. Recently we sourced some really *pretty* treatment pumps that are only long enough for our one ounce bottles. Beverly suggested that they might look better on clear, rather than the normal cobalt. So we tried some.

I had forgotten how lovely some of our facial oils are, until we arrayed them in a rainbow. From left to right: White Camellia Oil, Argan Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Calendula Infused Oil, Red Raspberry Seed oil, St. John's Wort Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, and, in our traditional cobalt bottles, both our traditional and our new golden Tamanu - Calophyllum Inophyllum.

Perhaps we should all start this new year off by pampering our skin with some special facial oils?

I wish we could package our essential oils in clear glass so you could see their colors as well.

A reminder - the *best* reference for fixed oils that we have seen is Liquid Sunshine, by Jan Kusmirek. We thought it important enough as a reference that we imported it from the United Kingdom for your convenience.

Sara's Sanctuary - and recipe

2011-12-29T18:11:00.000-06:00

Most of you know my friend Sara Holmes, of Botanical Healing Arts and Sara's Sanctuary, at Lake Sara in Effingham IL. She has contributed to this blog, and to our newsletters. This week she was interviewed by a local TV show twice, and I thought you might enjoy seeing it. I've been longing to be able to spend a weekend retreat at Sara's Sanctuary. After watching the video, I'm looking for ways to get to Illinois!

This first video is shot at the sanctuary and describes its surroundings and what you might experience on a weekend retreat.

In the second video, shot in the studio, Sara shares a recipe for relaxing bath salts. One of the reasons she is such a great teacher is that she explains why each ingredient is important; why she chooses Epsom Salts instead of plain sea salt, for example. Pay special attention to the small blue essential oil bottles and the Bail Jar in the video...our clients will recognize them. I love seeing our products used!

What really delights me, though, is seeing someone who has contributed so much to the art of Aromatherapy, who has worked tirelessly to educate and to heal receiving some publicity.

If you are in South/Central Illinois, I'd suggest that you contact Sara at her website, above, and plan a relaxing weekend retreat!

Bed Sores - prevention and care

2011-12-29T17:16:00.000-06:00

Another article by our friend and client Lisa Browder. Lisa is a clinical aromatherapist in hospice. She is the Nevada Director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and has been a speaker at conferences for the National Hospice & Palliative Care Association, California Hospice and Palliative Care Association and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control.

Decubitus ulcers, also known as “pressure sores” or “bed sores,” are a constant concern in both hospice and nursing homes. They occur when there is pressure on the skin that covers any bony prominence, and that not only includes common areas like the sacrum, coccyx and spine, but also elbows, heels, knees, hips, shoulders – even backs of ears and the bridge of the nose where an oxygen mask might be sitting.

Preventing their development is clearly the goal but that can be devilishly difficult since it takes as little as two hours for a bed sore to develop. And when the body’s capacity to heal has begun to diminish - meaning the heart is no longer strong enough to pump an adequate amount of blood (and thus nourishing red blood cells) to the damaged skin to help with wound healing and tissue reparation - it may not be possible to prevent a progression to a Stage IV decubitus ulcer. That doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to help.

Stage I pressure sores are characterized by a redness that doesn’t blanch when touched and this is the point when frequent repositioning of the patient may be most helpful. It’s also a good time to use a combination of skin replenishing fixed oils like Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum), Argan (Argana spinosa), Avocado (Persea Americana Miller), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Blackcurrant Seed (Ribes nigrum) and/or Macadamia Nut (Macadamia ternifolia). Add a combination of anti-inflammatory and cell regenerative essential oils like Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), German Chamomile (Matricaria reticulata), Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) and/or Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum). Massage ever so gently into the skin and leave the area uncovered.

A Stage II bed sore may have an angry purple color, indicating a deep tissue injury. It may either start to show a slight cratering or appear like a surface scrape. Cratering is exactly what you’d think: it’s a sunken area that’s wider at the top of the wound and circles downward, eventually revealing fatty tissue and even bone. Continue to work with your anti-inflammatory and cell regenerative essential oils but consider adding something antibacterial – the most popular being Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It has a good track record in hospitals and hospice and has been shown to be effective in treating osteomyelitis and infected chronic wounds (Halcon, et al; American Journal of Infection Control, 2004). I would consider shifting your application to the periphery of the wound because what you don’t want to happen at this stage is for the top to cover over but have the wound continue to grow underneath. Nurses refer to this as an unstageable wound because they’re unable to gauge the depth and extent of the tissue damage and if there’s a thin layer on top but infection underneath, it can have severe consequences. Their protocol from this Stage onward will include keeping the pressure sore well and tightly covered.

With Stage III decubitus ulcers, the wound has a distinct cratering effect that reveals subcutaneous fatty tissues. A wound at this stage is well on its way to being irreparable and my focus shifts to infection and odor control. The most virulent bug to avoid is Staphylococcus aureus and there are many effective essential oils to consider using. I would forego the fixed oils for the Stage III and IV decubitus ulcers and use pure essential oils either around the perimeter of the wound prior to dressing or include them on the dressing itself. Since the dressing must be airtight, nurses don’t want anything oily near the edges of the bandaging. Although the phenols and ketones are anti-infectious, you must always be mindful of the elderly or terminal patient’s fragile skin in order to avoid irritation at the application site or cause burning in an open wound. I have found that many of our hospice patients experience a heightened effect to essential oils that I would not ordinarily think twice about using (and not just for wound care). I would, therefore, use monoterpinols like Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and/or Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) with something soothing like Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia) and maybe a touch of something for odor control like Peppermint (Mentha x piperita).

If, however, the patient is otherwise relatively healthy, you may be able to continue to address tissue reparation. As an example, the husband of one of our volunteers had a decubitus ulcer on his back that, due to his diabetes, wasn’t healing and had shown total resistance to traditional pharmaceuticals. His wife described it as being the size of a fifty-cent piece. For three years, he had endured a weekly debridement of the dead tissue and his wife had changed his dressing every night.

I had her apply Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) around the perimeter of the wound at each dressing change for a week, stop applying it for a week and then resume this routine. After she reported that the tissue appeared to be healing (and that means not becoming covered over but healing from the bottom of the wound upward), I added Everlasting (Helichrysum italicum) and had her repeat the week-on, week-off regimen. About two months later, she reported that the wound was dime-sized, the skin was significantly less inflamed and the depth of the wound was much shallower. Last week, she reported that the doctor had removed the final dressing from the completely healed wound and her husband was able to go swimming for the first time in years. The thing to keep in mind with this anecdotal study is that the patient was not elderly or terminal and his body still had the capacity to aid in the healing process. Additionally, he was being seen regularly by a physician to be sure the wound was healing properly.

Stage IV decubitus ulcers often “tunnel” all the way to the bone and may have an odor that is unpleasant due to the continual sloughing of dead tissue. The odor is sometimes more debilitating to the patient than the wound itself. He/she is aware of the foul smell and notices when visitors begin to taper off or family begins to comment. It can quickly become a source of stress and severe depression. There are some interesting studies on the positive effects of essential oils in alleviating the odor and of the dramatic effect to a patient’s emotional state. One German study combined clindamycin and chlorophyll (their standard pharmaceuticals for Stage IV pressure sores) with a mixture of Eucalyptus, Tea Tree and Grapefruit essential oils (specific species not identified) and found that the smell associated with necrotic tissue completely dissipated in 2-3 days of treatment (Warnke, P.H., et al; Cancer, 2004). These results would be a tremendous benefit to our hospice patients and I hope to pursue my own study in 2012 on the effects of essential oils on the odor associated with decubitus ulcers and thus the patient’s frame of mind.

Olfaction linked to early dementia diagnosis?

2011-12-11T20:46:00.000-06:00

A guest blog article from my dear friend Sara Holmes regarding some research she has been involved with:

Reflecting on the busy and interesting year of 2011, I am grateful for many

new aromatic endeavors as a professional certified and registered aromatherapist.

One of the most interesting and productive efforts this year was working in conjunction with the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois, and Dr. William Gingold.

Dr. Gingold is a true visionary in advancing the health and wellness of the senior population. He is currently the Director of Family Medicine Research and Aging at the University of Illinois. I have been fortunate to prepare and deliver aromatic inhalers that are being used in testing with The Henning’s Smell Prism involved in research being used to determine whether assessing the effectiveness of the olfactory sense of seniors may offer early warning signs that could possibly lead to earlier detection of dementia diseases such as Alzheimers. There are currently 5.4 million people living with Alzheimers disease and by 2050 there will be 60 million! (www.alzheimers.org ).

With the support and help of Marge Clark, Sylla Sheppard Hanger, and Kelly Holland Azzaro we determined essential and natural oils appropriate for the odor domains required to work in conjunction with the Hennings Smell Prism. The odor

domains required: flowery, fruity, spicy, resinous, foul and burnt odors. Marge was a great help in providing me with birch tar samples for our burnt odor and it was a perfect choice!

The other odor domains were much easier to select. Those of you who work with essential oils know that we have volumes of flowery, fruity, resinous, and spicy odors to choose from and so these choices were not as challenging. When I last saw Dr. Gingold in October he said, “ the aromatic inhalers were lasting longer than anticipated and that the research was going well”. I look forward to participating in this research as it continues and anticipate that this new information could profoundly change the way many dementia related health issues are diagnosed. It makes perfect sense that the olfactory receptors which are high inside the nasal cavity with as many as 10,000,000 cells and are responsible for relaying important messages to the brain could be a significant piece of the dementia puzzle. Exciting opportunities like this offer tremendous satisfaction in the field of Aromatherapy, which most people incorrectly associate with just perfume and pleasant odors.

Another blessing this year was the opportunity to meet and chat with Cynthia Loving of Loving Scents. I met with Cynthia at this years Alliance of International Aromatherapist Convention in Minneapolis, MN. Cynthia has a long history of working with essential oils and Alzheimers. This meeting gave us the opportunity to brainstorm on some ideas for what we thought might be opportunities for further research in this field. Although we have had busy schedules this year, we have had a few conversations that lead me to believe that the future for aromatherapy research in the field of Alzheimers and dementia has great potential for success and benefits for the many patients and families who are suffering.

So my prayer for 2012 would be that through the use of clinical aromatherapy that all aromatherapists may be involved in moving aromatherapy forward into more health, research and educational venues that will bless our planet, our people and all living things. “ Be the change you wish to see in the world” ghandi

Thanks and Blessings, Sara

Sara Holmes BS RA LMT NCTMB

www.botanicalhealingarts.com

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-11T16:35:00.000-06:00

I miss having a fresh Christmas tree. But I am past the point in my life when I can deal with putting up and taking down (let alone purchasing and bringing home) one of the fresh cut Christmas trees that gave me so many years of pleasure. So for several years I've had a "fake tree." For so many years, that my tree was one that needed every branch painstakingly inserted in the center pole, at great cost to scratched skin and pinched fingers.

This year I decided to splurge on a NEW tree. And it is a beauty. a 7 1/2 foot Virgin Pine. (What on EARTH is a Virgin Pine? I don't know either. But it's lovely. And has its own lights. Even nicer. LESS work for me.)

It's been a joy decorating it, with carols playing in the background, deciding which ornaments go where, remembering the sources of so many of the ornaments, or the story behind them. This is the wee gingham-covered cotton ball wreath that Jezebel would NOT leave on the tree. She spent the whole week before Christmas tugging until she removed it, and then hiding it from me.

Some of those ornaments are over 40 years old, and I treasure them. But something is missing. No matter how lovely, *no* artificial tree is going to fill my home with the aroma of a fresh cut Fir, or Pine, or Spruce!

Thank heavens for the essential oils - especially the conifer (needle) oils. I've always filled my house with them at this time of year. But this year I found an even simpler way to make the tree smell "right." If you will look very closely near the white ball with the green bow painted on it.. slightly to the right and below it....picture 5 o'clock... you'll see one of our wee clay pot diffusers. Normally I keep one in my car, with Fresh Aire in it. This one has Balsam Fir. I used one with the glazed bottom in case it might drip on the "foliage"...and removed the cork so that the oils could fill the room. It's hidden deep in the branches, near the trunk, and not far from a light, which warms and diffuses the oil.

*THE* answer to an artificial tree. At least, for me it is.

Book Report - for the Cat Owner

2011-12-03T19:59:00.000-06:00

Whole Health for Happy Cats - A guide to keeping your cat naturally healthy, happy and well fed.

A client mentioned this book, said that she found us through a mention, and because I always buy a copy of any book that mentions Nature's Gift as a source, I ordered it from Amazon, even though there are no longer any cats in my household.

Now, you must remember, I have always been a dog person, always had dogs in my family, and was never a cat lover. Until, during a time of great change in my life, a wee black kitten, too young to be away from her Momma, showed up on our patio. My daughter took her in and shortly thereafter, delivered her to my apartment. Jezebel shared my life from 1989 until 2005. I wish, when we brought her home, we had a copy of this wonderful book.

Remember, I'm used to raising dogs... a bowl of dry food, lots of fresh water, toys to chase, and they were happy.

I thought "add a litter box to that" and that was all she needed.

Years after she left us I found this wonderful little book, and learned all the other things that would have made her life better. My *first* reason for reading the book was to make very sure that the author didn't recommend using essential oils with your feline family, since cats can not metabolize them. Safety check over. She gives good advice.

What she does suggest are nutritional guidelines, ranging from a totally raw diet (best for your cat, but not everyone has time) all the way to commercial cat foods, along with natural herbal supplements which can increase your cat's well being.

Two chapters cover both home care for minor ailments and the times that you must get your baby to the vet as quickly as possible. That chapter also gives some hints on finding a veterinarian who will be at least amenable to holistic animal care, and guidelines about vaccinations, spaying/neutering, what tests are necessary. The final chapter includes a guide to help you understand cat behaviour. (Among the suggestions for helping cope with mood swings and behaviour triggered by emotional problems are a list of hydrosols for different emotional states! YES!)

The book closes with a long list of resources. We are honored to be included.

Black Pepper Oil and Circulation

2011-11-28T17:25:00.000-06:00

First, a personal anecdote. Years ago, when Nature's Gift was just me, I had an order for two small bottles of Black Pepper Essential Oil. I was working in the back room/work room, pipetting the oils into the 5 or 15 ml bottles, sealing, labeling, etc.   When the task was finished, I came back into the family room and was told "You're running a fever!" "No I'm not, don't be silly!" "Well, go look in the mirror...you're all flushed."

And I was.

That was my first experience with the circulatory effects of Black Pepper Essential Oil. I later learned that Black Pepper is a capillary expander, thus increasing circulation in the extremities, and, indirectly, lowering blood pressure. (More blood in the extremities = slightly less in the heart, I'm told.)   I know that inhaling Black Pepper eo on a tissue or in an inhaler can warm up frigid fingers and toes.   I had been told that inhaling the essential oil would make it easier for a technician to draw blood. I keep meaning to test this one out, since I have very difficult veins... they are hard to see, and they roll. No fun for the nurse or technician, and definitely no fun for me!

During Dr. Jane Buckle's presentation at the recent AIA conference, she discussed a case study done in a phlebotomy lab, with patients with a history of problems accessing their veins.

A 20% Piper Nigrum dilution was used, applied to the skin 10 minutes prior the the attempt to draw blood.

There were three different "grades of difficulty" used to evaluate the patients:

No vein visible or palpable
Vein visible but not palpable
Vein visible and palpable.

It was a small study, only 10 participants, but of the 10, 2 went from no vein visible to vein fully visible and palpable, while 8 went from "vein visible but not palpable."

Now this is a much stronger dilution of Black Pepper than we normally suggest using, but it would be applied only to the area where the blood will be drawn. I would love to see a follow up study using either an inhaler, or a lower dilution. I'm also thinking that if I am ever again hospitalized, I hope I have a roller bottle of diluted Black Pepper with me!

At any rate, if you, like me, have "bad veins" this might save you a lot of pain and frustration.

Mimi's Scented Garden

2011-11-27T21:03:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for a way to introduce your children or grandchildren to the joys of aromatics, my friend Sara Holmes has written just the book.

A delightful way to introduce children to the scented aromatics, herbs and flowers, and the oils they give us.

Four children visit their Mimi's aromatic garden, learning the names, aromas and tastes of their chosen herbs. Sara introduces several simple crafts which elementary school aged children should be able to create with some adult involvement.

(Remember, if the project involves using the essential oils, it is essential that an adult supervise!)

This is a delightful little book that can start a child on a lifelong journey, learning about the world of healing plants.

Available from Sara Holmes at Botanical Healing Arts.

An Every Day Retreat

2011-11-26T21:13:00.000-06:00

I don't often copy other people's articles, but I think so many of us can benefit from this:

Used with permission from Sharon Roemmel. Align and Thrive, the monthly ezine of her Practically Enlightened Business, connects business owners with practical solutions that engage their wholeness.For more info go to www.PracticallyEnlightenedBusiness.com

Finding retreat

If you're like most of the people I talk with your life is full. To the top. You might even call it overwhelming.
A retreat sounds wonderful. Time to relax, pamper yourself, sit with your feet up...
But even the idea of creating a retreat may sound stressful. Even if money's not an issue, you still have to make time to find a place. Then you need to block out time in your schedule to be away from work.

Every day retreat

What if you just can't see getting away for a week or even a weekend? Are you doomed to a life of drudgery? Don't despair. You can retreat everyday.
Several years ago I worked with a busy doctor. In addition to her practice she was a single mom to two bright and busy teenage girls. That's a full plate. She knew she needed to reduce her stress. She needed more breathing room.
It wasn't that she never found time for retreat. She found weekend time to head to the coast and went to Italy for a couple of weeks. But her day-to-day life was intense enough that she knew she needed something more integrated with the rest of her life. What she was doing felt like getting a big glass of water and then expecting that to quench her thirst for a month.
So we looked at her life to discover ways she could add a bit of retreat into each day. She turned her request for rest into a win-win. When she invited female clients to take a deep breath and bring their arms overhead in preparation for their breast exam, she mirrored the request. She paused from doing and inhaled deeply. This way she got a mini-retreat multiple times a day.
Another woman I worked with incorporated a breathing practice into her daily commute. She had ten minutes between the time she dropped her daughter off at school and the time she started her workday. Those ten minutes helped renew her every morning.

Adding Your Pause

How can you add in a pause?

Feel like you'd benefit from an integrated refresh pause?
1.     First look for something you do everyday. Maybe it's answering the phone, driving your car, or checking your schedule.
2.     Next pair a pause with that activity. It could be focused attention on your breath, a moment of mindfulness, a prayer, a chant, a gratitude.
3.     Repeat. The renewal comes from the regular pairing of these activities. Commit to this new habit for the rest of the year and notice if you feel less like a desperate animal waiting to be let out of a cage

More on MRSA

2011-11-08T19:05:00.000-06:00

At the recent AIA conference, Dr. Jane Buckle, one of the two keynote speakers, presented several case studies demonstrating common issues in healthcare and ways that our precious essential oils could be helpful.

One group of case studies revolved around MRSA. Several studies showed mixed results. (It's important to remember that even when we don't get the results we had hoped for and/or predicted, the studies are still important. We need to know what doesn't work, as well as what does.)

First case study used Tea Tree, Eucalyptus Globulous and Lavender, both individually and blended. The results? The tea tree and the mixture showed no growth after 24 hours; the Eucalyptus showed slowed growth, and the Lavender slightly slower growth. However, after 48 hours, the tea tree and the blend still showed no growth, while the Lavender and the Eucalyptus showed noticeable growth.   My notes indicate that the combination of the three oils was more effective than the Tea Tree oil alone.

Another study showed the use of tea tree oil in treating abcessed wounds. Undiluted tea tree oil was applied to the wound dressings (*not directly to the open wound*). Within 24 hours there was a significant difference in healing in the wounds with the tea tree in the dressing.

Another case study (this one I loved!) showed the use of "a tea tree/lavender body wash" in addition to conventional antibiotics. Every patient recovered completely with no further outbreaks.

The last MRSA case study concerned patients with either End Stage Renal Disease or Diabetes with MRSA infected wounds. In this case, a 15% dilution of TeaTree oil in Aloe Vera Gel was applied directly to the wounds.   The results were so effective so quickly that all the wounds (the "control" subjects) were also switched to the Tea Tree/Aloe treatment.

I love case studies! Dr. Buckle's dream is to have an online database where case studies may be collected and compiled.   The healers working with essential oils in their practices will probably never have the funding to do the huge research projects that big Pharma puts together. However bit by bit, we can add to the body of knowledge. And perhaps we can use some of the experiences shared in case studies in our own self care.

Aromatherapy vs MRSA

2011-11-06T17:13:00.002-06:00

Because of my own "near death experience" from having MRSA in my bloodstream, I've been eager to find ways that the general public can protect themselves against these potentially deadly strains of Staph.

In 2006, Debi Rodriguez, one of Jane Buckle's instructors, and a nurse/researcher at St. Clare's Hospital in Wisconsin contacted us about doing some research to see if topical blends of Lavender and Tea Tree oils could indeed kill MRSA. The answer was a resounding yes, in the laboratory. We tested a wide range of dilutions, in soap and in aloe vera, and when Debi was satisfied, our MERCY line of products was launched.

Almost two years ago St. Clare's published this article describing the sorts of success Debi has had with the MERCY product line.

We've not had the opportunity to do clinical testing to establish the effectiveness of these products; if we *did* do the testing then the government would probably insist that we were selling drugs, not cleansers and skincare products, so it is probably just as well. In the five years since we've made the MERCY products available we've had amazing feedback, some of which has been shared in this blog and in our newsletter. We know MERCY can make a difference in people's lives.

Fast forward. In the Spring of 2009, Maggie Tisserand contacted us with information about some of the testing that had been done on her new essential oil blend, named "Benchmark Thyme" - a blend of several different cultivars, designed to give the gentleness of Thyme Linalol, with the antibacterial effectiveness of Tea Tree oil. At that time, Maggie told us of research indicating that Benchmark Thyme was more effective than Tea Tree oil at killing the bacteria causing MRSA. But we could not see the research; she was keeping it for her book.

I was frustrated, and a bit skeptical, but we brought in our first couple of kilos of Benchmark Thyme. Some clinicians started working with it, and reported successful results, but with the known efficacy of our MERCY products, we saw no need to change any formulas. For quite a long time, Nature's Gift was the only North American source for the oil.

We waited, impatiently, for the book to arrive. This summer, we received our review copy of the book, and a handful of others to share with those who might be best able to use the information. Is it any surprise that my first copy went to Debi Rodriguez?

The book does, indeed, show that Benchmark Thyme has a faster "kill rate" than does Tea Tree Oil. More than that it gives both the health care professional and the layman good solid *valuable* information on how to protect themselves against this "superbug."

I remember after my hospitalization with MRSA my doctor prescribing an antibacterial ointment to be put in my nostrils, to lower the bacterial count. Maggie suggests using any one of several antibacterial essential oils, Benchmark Thyme, of course, being one of them, but others - Manuka, Fragonia, Tea Tree, Clary Sage - also being effective. A 1% dilution, in Jojoba, applied with a cotton swab nightly can "decolonize" the nostrils, a common place that MRSA hides. As time allows, I will repost more of Maggie's suggestions. If you can't (or shouldn't) wait, please order the book from her at the link below.

With the increasing incidents of "community based" MRSA (as opposed to MRSA caught in a hospital) it become more and more important that we take responsibility for our own wellbeing, and be proactive against this major threat. Maggie gives suggestions for defending our selves, with formulas for "aromatic waters" to gargle and wash wounds, blends and dilutions for both washing and treating broken skin to prevent infection, methods to keep our environment safe, concerns about pets, infants, the elderly. This appears to be a valuable handbook.

Personally, I've been excited to read the alternative treatments suggested. Because of my wellknown allergy/sensitivity to Lavender essential oil, I can't use our MERCY line of products; so finding other suggestions has been a gift. More important though, the MERCY products have a stronger dilution of the essential oil blend than I am comfortable having people use on a daily basis. If, by working with the Benchmark Thyme, or with some of the other suggested essential oils, we can come up with an equally effective blend in lower dilutions; or even just blends that are as effective using different oils, so that people can 'trade off' occassionally - this would be a good thing.

I've sent the book to Debi. I've sent some Benchmark Thyme to Debi. Now we wait for her to go into the lab and see what happens.

Maggie Tisserand's book, Aromatherapy vs MRSA, is available directly from Maggie at this link. We contemplated bringing the book in but given the cost of shipping, the disastrous exchange rates, it will be just as effective for our clients and friends to order direct from the UK.

POPLAR BALSAM

2011-11-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

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Populus balsamifera Organically distilled from the sticky springtime buds of the Balsam Poplar Tree, by a gifted Canadian Distiller.

There is a story behind our acquiring this rare and precious oil. We were attending a "preconference" workshop at the recent AIA conference. Rhiannon Harris spent a day on clinical skincare - "Maintaining Skin Integrity"...this was not a "pretty" workshop, she was presenting important clinical work.   At one point she was discussing the thinning of the skin brought on by advanced age, or the over use of some Rx medications, and the skin tears and bruising that can result. She discussed a list of better known oils frequently recommended for treating fragile,friable skin, and passed around a sample of something new to most of us in the room.

Before the vial even reached me, the clinicians in the room were asking en masse "Marge, do you have this?, Marge, can you get this?"

I had never HEARD of Poplar Balsam Essential Oil. I knew that some rare herbalists produce an infused oil, that is hard to find and to be treasured. I had never experienced it.    The essential oil was stunning. Breathtaking. Deeply balsamic, winey, sweetly resinous, with a deep sweetness at the heart - it stirs the soul. It does not NEED to be healing, it just needs to be breathed.

At the first break I ran for my room and laptop, checked with the best Canadian Distiller I know, and found this treasurer. I went back to the workshop announcing that I had sourced it, and would be importing it. I had *not* checked the price.
It arrived this week. A small amount, rare and to be treasured.   Aromatically, it is breathtaking. It is is one of the rare oils that can speak to my soul. To me it feels masculine in essence, I love it beside our sweeter Copaiba Balsam. The soft sweetness of the Copaiba enwraps and dances with the integrity of the Poplar. Amazing.
But it is FAR too rare and precious to be used for scent alone.

There is little published information about this rare oil. My old (in need of updating!) copy of the Aromatherapy Database ignores it. "Aromadermatology" doesn't refer to it. Burfield's Aromatics...nothing. Guenther...nothing.    So..what I have learned is anecdotal. There is far too little published about this glorious oil.

As I said, Rhiannon highly recommended it for skin healing and wound healing. She also discussed its use as an anti-histamine and as an alternative to German Chamomile when preferred, since both are high in alpha bisabol.   She also recommends it for wound healing, as mentioned earlier for bruises and skin tears. Blending with helichrysum and yarrow oils can give amazing results for healing scars.
It is both antispasmodic and analgesic, a recommended pain reliever for injuries, sore muscles, rheumatism and arthritis.
The buds themselves, infused in oil, have been used by North American healers for millennium to ease pain, and heal damaged skin. It is not always safe to assume the same uses for the distilled oil as for the infused herb, but the producer swears this oils is amazingly effective.

Dr. Joie Power recommends Balsam Poplar essential oil for bruises, sprains/strains, sore muscles and injuries to the skin. Balsam Poplar essential oil is also antispasmodic and has an analgesic effect,and reduces tension. One of Balsam Poplar essential oil's most noted effects is for reducing scaring and for wound healing. For use in treating injuries and for treating rheumatism and arthritis, blend Balsam Poplar essential oil with German Chamomile and Helichrysum essential oils. "

Emotionally I would venture that the oil would be comforting and strengthening... a help in time of trouble.

I've seen recommendations that it blends well with all of the 'blue' oils, with Helichrysum for healing purposes, of course. I think it would give a lovely depth and structure to any floral.
Recommended shelf life of this base note oil is said to be up to 10 years with proper storage. I suspect that, like Myrrh and some other balsamic oils, if left unsealed the volatiles will evaporate and leave you a bottle of rock hard resin.

When I come up for air, it will be available both undiluted, in all three retail sizes, and in a 10% dilution in Fractionated coconut oil. I bought a small vial of the 10% dilution home to play with. It is...exquisite. Watch for our November Specials page. If I ever get it written, this lovely healing Balsam will be included.

Guest Post: Hospice and Stress

2011-10-30T20:17:00.003-05:00

One of the gifts of gatherings like the recent AIA conference is the opportunity not only to LEARN from all those who so generously share their work and their wisdom, but also the chance to finally put faces with the names we've dealt with for years. One such example is an old online friend, Lisa Browder.

Lisa is one of several friends who has agreed to occasionally contribute to our blog. I always ask our guest bloggers to share information that will give us all something to 'take home'...ideas for using these oils in our own lives. Her first article just arrived in my inbox:

STRESS

Although aromatherapy in hospice (which is where I work) is a specialized field, it doesn’t require a knowledge of medicine to be able to make a difference for those you love. A common denominator in virtually every disease process is stress. I have watched it exacerbate symptoms and even prevent powerful pharmaceuticals from working effectively. Stress is a term we’re all familiar with and it’s an easy one for you to address with your own friends and family (whether or not they’re suffering from a disease).

Here’s what happens: When we’re stressed our “emergency system,” the sympathetic nervous system, responds by throwing the body into “fight or flight” mode. It accelerates the heart, constricts blood vessels, causes sweat and adrenal glands to secrete more abundantly, slows the processes of the salivary and digestive glands and causes the entire digestive tract to grow sluggish.

Those are great responses to an emergency situation. However, if the stress persists and the parasympathetic nervous system is unable to bring the body back into a balanced state, the results can be devastating.

Let’s look at how stress might affect something like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The patient experiences extreme stress over the difficulty he’s having breathing. Even though doctors are able to stabilize the breathing, he remains stressed because he’s afraid it will happen again. In response to that fear, the sympathetic nervous system remains in fight or flight mode and the parasympathetic nervous system is unable to restore balance. The body’s emergency measures start to become liabilities as they linger on and on.

The accelerated heart rate and constricted blood vessels raise the risk of stroke; overactive sweat and adrenal glands keep him uncomfortable and awake at night, causing insomnia; slower salivary processes make him continually thirsty; and a sluggish digestive tract causes constipation and thus extreme discomfort – all of this on top of the diagnosed disease.

It’s easy to see the enormous benefits of controlling disease-related stress. There are many beneficial essential oils for stress and in his book The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia lists the following essential oils: Basil, Bergamot, Roman and German Chamomile, Virginian and Atlas Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine absolute, Lavender, Lemon, Sweet Marjoram, May Chang, Neroli, Melissa, Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Rose Otto and absolute, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.

In the hospice where I work, I use creams, inhalers and bedside nebulizers (depending on the patient’s level of consciousness and ability to participate) and often combine the creams with modalities like massage or reflexology to produce positive, relaxing results. One of my favorite blends is simple and affordable: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata). Marge has a great selection from which to choose and offers valuable (and often personal) information on each of the essential oils so be sure to browse her site.

Lisa is a clinical aromatherapist in hospice. She is the Nevada Director for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and has been a speaker at conferences for the National Hospice & Palliative Care Association, California Hospice and Palliative Care Association and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control. (She's shown here with Asher, but no Bio is available for him.) I was thrilled when Lisa first started placing orders with Nature's Gift. For personal reasons, hospices are a cause dear to my heart, and it gives me joy when we are able to participate in their mission.

I thank Lisa for the kind words about our oils...and I'm going to send her a small bottle of our Cape Chamomile Oil. It's a new, and relatively unknown oil from South Africa, and for me, it is the ultimate stress reliever. I can't wait until she has the chance to experience it.

Where's Judy???

2011-10-27T14:08:00.000-05:00

Around noon the office phone rings. Caller ID shows "Out of Area". Voice on the other end has a heavy accent, from a country that has received a LOT of outsourcing over the past few years.

"Is Marge Clark there?" "This is Marge, how may I help you?" "I am Mr. Smith with the FBI, is this Marge Clark at Nature's Gift Incorporated?" "Mr. Smith who did you say you were with?" "The Federal Bureau of Investigation." "I don't think so, click."

To the best of my knowledge, the FBI hasn't started outsourcing.

Ring again. "Out of Area". Different voice, name accent. "Is Mr. Marg Clark There?" "There's no Mr. Clark here." Click.

Ring again. Third voice, different accent. "This is Dr. Clayton from The New York City Hospital." "Will you people PLEASE go away and stop harrassing me." At which point he yelled at me, how DARE I doubt that he was who he said he was, and he needed to talk to Mr. Marg Clark about a very important matter. Not only is there no "Mr. Marg Clark" here, but there's no "The New York City Hospital" there. Click

I kept waiting for one of them to say "This is Judy" re the wonderfully funny AND true to life credit card commercial.

Outsourcing marketing calls is truly not a good idea.

"Floral Waters?"

2011-10-24T13:02:00.001-05:00

Once again, I am reminded that the term "Floral Water" can mean anything under the sun.

Just received a marketing email from an aromatherapy and fragrance supplier from whom we have occassionally bought packaging materials.

HUGE attractive display ad raving about their "fresh floral waters." I was intrigued. Some hydrosols we had not encountered.  Most of you know I *do* love our hydrosols.

Most of you also know that a Hydrosol/ Hydrolat is "the other distillate".... it comes from the still along with the precious essential oils we make available.  A true hydrosol contains all the water soluble plant chemicals released during the distillation process. It will contain traces of the essential oil, and a different chemical balance than that found in the essential oil.

This company offered a long list of floral waters. I was excited. Then I dug deeper and read further.

"Our floral waters are a mixture of distilled water and fragrant essential oils and absolutes. A versatile addition to any beauty routine, each of these Floral Waters can be added to the manufacturing process in place of normal water, used as a deodorant, facial spritzer, for direct application to the skin, as a cooling agent, in saunas, in hair care applications, as a fragrance or for massage. As you can see, Floral Waters are incredibly versatile!...from the most trusted name in Aromatherapy"

Really?

I got very curious. Wanted to know how the essential oil is dispersed in the distilled water, since normally the eo will float on top of the water. They give an MSDS and C of A. I looked at the ingredients listed in the Certificate of Analysis:

"Purified Water >30 – 100 %

Vegetable Glycerin >1 - 3%
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Caster Oil >1 - 3%

(Steam) Essential Oil >0.1 – 0.3%

Potassium Sorbate >0.1 – 0.3%

Citric Acid >0.1 – 0.3%

Dimethicone Defoamer"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooookay.. Dimethicone Defoamer?

Folks, I absolutely guarantee that NONE of our hydrosols contain vegetable glycerine, castor oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, OR... "Dimethicone"

So much for natural products.

PostPartum Depression

2011-10-06T09:54:00.000-05:00

The "takeaway" from last weekend's conference that leaps out at me was research presented by a friend and client, Pam Conrad RN, BSN, PGd, CCAP. I am not going into the specific details of her study and of the statistical results that followed; the basic bottom line was that Pam found that a very mild blend of Rose Oil and Lavender Oil had a significant effect on reducing serious cases of Postpartum Depression.

The women in the control group had been wrestling with the depression for various lengths of time. All were involved in support groups and other forms of help, but still suffering.

A simple blend of Rose and Lavender (because Rose is so overpowering, I would use perhaps three parts lavender to one part rose oil) added to an unscented lotion, or just sniffed from an inhaler made an amazing difference in the emotional wellbeing of almost all the participants.

I remember when my second son was borne. We were in Germany; an army officer's family. There was a mail strike going on, so no letters, cards or packages from home, the boys' dad was gone much more than he was home. I remember thinking "I have this beautiful little boy and no one even cares." I also remembering trying to find a way to pack up my two boys and escape to the States. Sheer unalloyed misery. Forty odd years ago we didn't know about postpartum depression, and I certainly knew nothing about the healing powers of these wonderful oils. But today we know.

If I were to blend this for a friend I would use a weak dilution...not more than 2% at the very most. (A 2% dilution would be 12 drops of the blended essential oils to one fluid ounce of lotion or massage oil.) Perhaps adding 48 drops (or two mls) of the blended oils to a four ounce bottle of our Silken Skin Lotion would work nicely.

Postpartum depression is an insidious disease. So many of us feel guilt and shame - this should be one of the happiest times of our lives, what's wrong with us that we are miserable? We have the power to bring an end to that misery...what a gift. Thank you Pam for conceiving of the study and carrying out the work, and sharing your results so that other women may benefit!

AIA Conference

2011-10-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

For the last week, Christi, Jim and the rest have been very competently running the show without me. I had the great gift of being able to attend the Alliance of International Aromatherapist's conference in Minnetonka. I've been emailing various presenters asking for permission to share some of what they shared with us, but so far have not heard back.

Most of you know that Christi recently completed the aromatherapy course offered by Laraine Kyle Pounds at the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy. I was privileged to spend a lot of time with Laraine at the conference.

She is such a wealth of knowledge!

I wish I hadn't left my camera in the room for most of the conference. My first night there I had dinner with Jane Buckle, and throughout the conference got to meet and spend time with so many of her instructors that we've worked with for years, but never had met face to face! Hugs and laughter and "we have to test that"... Debi Rodriguez was the genius behind our MERCY line of products. We sat and brainstormed other oils to try and other blends, to see if we can find milder, gentler dilutions that will be as effective. When the dust settles lots of samples will be headed her way for plating.

During the last session, Sara Holmes made an impassioned plea for support for the United Aromatherapy Effort. We've supported the UAE for years, and some of you have, as well. One idea that came out of the AIA conference was that perhaps some state or regional leaders could step forward to help Sylla and Geraldine with their organizing and fund raising activities. There are a lot of skills that could be used in furthering their efforts. Please contact the UAE through their website if you are willing to volunteer. That's Sara, with outgoing president Lora Cantele in the background.

Probably the best part of the conference, for me, was the chance to sit and socialize and talk shop with old and new friends. No one here in Nashville does what we do, and I don't have the chance to talk about healing and the oils and all the passion we feel very often, so getting to share experiences...good and bad...is a gift. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were filled with laughter and hugs as old friends reconnected, and we finally were able to put faces to the names we've seen onscreen for years. An after lunch grouping with Nancy and Dr. Raphael D'Angelo, Cynthia Loving (from North Carolina...a new friend and sister I'd not met yet), Sara again, and me.

As to why I'm not yet back in the office... on the way to Baggage Claim in Nashville's airport someone cut in front of me dragging a long train of luggage. I was looking up, not down. It's amazing how fragile toes can be, even when properly shod. EXPERIENCE to share. an ounce of our Arnica Infused oil, with about 1 to 1.5 mls Corsican Helichrysum added does wonders to ease the pain of a broken bone. So far it has NOT done much for the bruising and swelling, unfortunately. Yes, we had it Xrayed, yes it is broken.

No I've not yet made an appointment with an Orthopedic doctor. I keep being told I should Meanwhile, the Arnica and Heli make it easy to cope with (unless I try to walk too much, then I remember it's broken.)

It's been 10 years.

2011-09-06T16:40:00.001-05:00

Last year on September 11th, I blogged about the events of that day in 2001, what was happening here, at Nature's Gift on that day, who gathered beneath my roof to pray and to cry.

Today I'm thinking about the after effects. Because it is what we do, we were drawn to create a blend, to try to ease some of the grieving that we knew would follow. So our Solace synergy and anointing oil was created. While we women worked on that, using all our skill, knowledge, intuition and love, Rick felt drawn to create a blend for Spiritual Courage... I found the initial attempt...labeled The Lion... with reference to The Wizard of Oz. We tinkered a bit...and Valour was borne.

Creating them wasn't enough. We needed to get them into the hands of those who were most affected by the events of that terrible morning.

This is the newsletter that I sent out later in September:

Our hearts reach out to the families of those lost in the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon. It's impossible for us to imagine what you must be going through. I know some of our readers had friends and loved ones among the victims, and among the lost heroes who tried to save them. We have spend a lot of time during the past two weeks praying that you be comforted, and that our children...all the children...of the world be kept safe.

First, I'd like to share some blends. We had sent some Rosa Alba to one friend who I knew had family members lost, because years ago another friend wrote of taking some Rosa Alba to the funeral of a beloved teacher... and said that "it comforted many hearts." So we sent what comfort we could.

And I thought of blends, for comforting the grief that so many are experiencing. Anne went to the blending table, and came up with the following formula:

SOLACE

10 drops Cypress - for strength
10 drops Frankincense Sacra - for the Spirit
3 drops Rosa Alba - for Comfort
1 drop Helichrysum - for healing scars and bruises
1 drop Melissa - for the promise of Joy

it's a beautiful blend. The rose will become stronger with time, as it is, it's balanced. woodsy, with the softness and strength of the White Rose.

We are NOT offering this blend for sale...at least not right now. That feels like profiting from the disaster that struck so many. But we want to make it available to those whom it might help.

The only way we can think to do that is to send a wee bottle, in a skin-safe 5% dilution, upon request, to any address in Southern New York State, Western Connecticut, Northern New Jersey, or Washington DC. We will send it upon request, while the pre-bottled supply lasts. (approximately 100 bottles.)

Please send Email and use SOLACE as the subject matter. Just put the recipients name and address in the body of your message. We'll send it out. If you feel it should go to an address not covered by the above, just write and explain to me. I hate to limit what we are sending...but for obvious reasons we have to...and I want it to go where it's needed.

And it did. The requests came in. We sent to firefighters who had survived, but watched their friends fall. We sent to families of the fallen. We heard from friends and families of those who had been on those illfated airplanes.

A year later, when Cancer claimed our Rick, with so little warning, we sent small bottles of his Valour anointing oil to those who remembered him.

Why am I writing all this tonight? Because this September it feels appropriate to make our Solace and Valour blends available again; but the time broadcasting them to any and all has passed. We are going to offer them at our normal wholesale pricing on the September specials page when it is finally written and online, and I am concerned, once again, that people may think that we are trying to profit from that terrible memory.

We are not...we want to make them available and this seems to be the best way.

Lessening Painful Periods via Aromatherapy: A blend for women

2011-08-05T14:04:00.005-05:00

By Christi R. Pugh for Nature’s Gift

One of the most challenging & enjoyable requirements of my coursework for aromatherapy certification with The Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy has been the casework/research studies which must be completed regularly. Over the course of a year some twenty must be submitted & I found it interesting to come up with blends for various issues, some emotional, others physical. One of the challenges later in the course was blending for multiple issues, seeking common oils to address up to three issues.

A friend in her early 40s came to me complaining of very painful periods. She had been to see her gynecologist and had tests run which showed nothing out of the ordinary but she knew her periods were much heavier & more painful than usual & that it was ongoing over several months. She asked me to formulate a blend to help with the pain and the cramps, and I also wanted to address the regulation of menstrual flow.

The blend I came up with is a 10% dilution of 1 oz using Evening Primrose as the carrier oil because it is so good for women’s issues including regulation of menstrual flow, & 60 total drops of essential oils:

-Lavandin Grosso Essential Oil, 20 drops (spasm/cramps, pain relief, regulates flow, inflammation)

-Steam Distilled German Chamomile, 20 drops (spasms/cramps, regulates flow, inflammation)

-Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, 10 drops (spasms/cramps, pain relief-analgesic)

-Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil, 10 drops (antispasmodic/cramps, regulates flow, slightly sedative)

I need to mention my client cannot use any over the counter pain relievers like naproxen sodium or acetaminophen due to an unusual allergy, so she was desperate and dependent upon the blend to offer as much relief as possible. Also, she does not care for Clary Sage, Vitex or Rose Oils, so while they are often cited for women’s blends, I felt it best not to use them since she dislikes them so much. If cramps are a real issue & the client can tolerate Clary Sage, it is one of the best oils to use in conjunction with Sweet Marjoram for cramps that accompany menstruation.

Application is skin-safe as a rub on the abdomen, belly, and/or lower back. It is stored in a Pet plastic cobalt bottle with disc lid for ease of use.

I am happy to report the blend has helped lessen the pain & ease some of her symptoms, particularly on the first day of her period which is usually the worst day for her, and can even affect her ability to go to work. She is now using it regularly during her menstrual cycle & while she is still having harder periods than usual, she is seeing marked relief. Note that she is also addressing the issue via other holistic means. The blend is meant to be used at the time of menstruation while other modalities may be used every day to address the issue long-term.

Congratulations!

2011-08-01T14:38:00.000-05:00

I want to congratulate Christi! For almost a year she has been studying with Laraine Kyle Pounds, of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy in Boulder. The course has been very extensive and challenging. I've been impressed by its scope. Her case studies were innovative and creative. (I was one of them, she came up with a marvelous blend of oils I'd not have thought of for my COPD.)

Her research study, Intentional Aromatherapy: Reclaiming the Ancient Art of Anointing, is, I think, worth of publication.

Just today she heard back about her exam...the final step, and she ACED it!!!

Bravo!!!

(We are considering using one of her case study blends as a new product when we catch our breath.)

Aromatherapy for Dogs....

2011-07-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

We subscribe to "The Whole Dog Journal" since upon occasion they have listed us as a source (and many of us are dog owners!) It is a wonderful reference for holistic care for your canine fur-kids. The article below just hit my inbox, and since it shows a use for Lavender Essential Oil (and diffusers) that I had not thought of, thought it worth sharing.

How to Calm an Aggressive Dog

There are a host of other things you can do to lower general stress in your dogs' environment.

If you've ever had a massage, you know how calming touch can be. Dogs aren't that different from us; you can calm and soothe your dog with physical touch, both through canine massage and TTouch. Combine your calming touch sessions with aromatherapy, by using a therapeutic-quality lavender essential oil in an electric nebulizing diffuser in the room while you massage your dog. Then you can build your dog's "ahhh" association with the lavender scent to help him be calm in more stressful environments, by putting a few drops of essential oil on a bandana that you tie around his neck or on the bedding in his crate.

For more details and advice on modifying dog aggression, purchase Whole Dog Journal's ebook, Approaches to Modifying Dog Aggression.

Not mentioned in the article...you may see a full range of different types of aromatherapy diffusers, both nebulizing and other types, on our accessories page.

Creating a Multi-Use Personal Shower Gel

2011-07-11T12:39:00.009-05:00

By Christi Pugh for Nature’s Gift

I love finding new uses for our products! Recently, I made a germ killing hand soap for my bathroom using our Benchmark Thyme, Tea Tree, and Lavender Mailette. Marge suggested I try our unscented shower gel as a base rather than liquid castile this time to see how it would work as a hand soap. It lathers up much more than the castile soap and I’ve been happy with the results.

Now don’t ask me why, but I reached over from the tub one day and used it for shaving my legs. It was a great spur of the moment decision because two days later my legs still felt soft and smooth. Who knew?

If you were using it specifically for shaving, maybe some of the softening oils like one of the Chamomiles might be better suited. I was just using what I had made up. But I do like the idea of an antibacterial in it either way (like Tea Tree) in case of an accidental cut or something.

All you need is 4 oz of unscented shower gel, a blue cobalt massage bottle with treatment pump, and essential oils of your choice. Shake it gently before using to distribute the oils evenly throughout. A 3-5% dilution should be skin safe.

You could use any essential oils you like to make a scented shower gel from our unscented base. It is truly subjective.

Oh, and Marge reminded me that a client uses our Rose Shower Gel in the tub, pouring a little under the faucet while she is filling it and raves about how wonderful it is!

Taking the sting out of Summer fun

2011-06-21T11:02:00.003-05:00

by Christi R. Pugh, for Nature's Gift

Summer is here and so are the stinging and biting insects. I love the outdoors, especially taking walks by the lake with my two dogs, but wearing shorts or capris in the heat can be a nuisance when the bugs begin to bite.

Up to this point, mosquitoes have been very light this year in Middle Tennessee, some speculate due to the thirteen year cicada brood that just finished its cycle here. However, they are now out in full force, and I was caught outside without applying my handy Skeeter Beater in advance, and got several bites on my legs and knees.

Just a few weeks ago, I prepared an anti-sting/itch blend to keep in the refrigerator for summer use, after researching some of the best essential oil choices for this purpose mainly focusing on antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory oils. The blend I came up with is 1 oz total in St. John’s Wort infused oil for the carrier oil, a 10% dilution, using 60 total drops of these essential oils: Cajeput, Blue Cypress, Lavandin Grosso, and Lemongrass. I used the St. John’s Wort because it is a good pain reliever, but if you prefer, aloe vera gel would also be a good choice since it is so cooling in the summer heat. I evenly distributed the 60 drops at 15 apiece for each essential oil to make the blend which I keep in a cobalt pet plastic 1 oz bottle with disc lid.

It came in handy last night because one of the bites was the itching and burning kind, right on my kneecap. Ouch! I applied the blend and felt relief within about 10 minutes. It is still a bit red this morning but no more itch or sting!

You can also use this blend on wasp or what we in the South call “sweat bee” stings. Cajeput is known for being one of the best essential oils to help with fire ant bites. Both Blue Cypress and Cajeput can also be of assistance if you experience an allergic or histamine reaction to a bite or sting. The Lavandin and Lemongrass are effective pain killers and anti-inflammatories, as well. Definitely easy to blend and great to have nearby when summer pests attack!

To read more about these and other essential oils visit www.naturesgift.com.

More Government interference

2011-06-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

Most of you know we make available several CO2 extracts. One of our most successful, in terms of making a difference, has been our organic Pomegranate CO2. I am not providing a link to our online description of it nor am I going to talk about the successes that have been reported to us. Why not? Because I am a bit afraid to.

Last week we emailed the producer a fairly large order for several products, including more Pomegranate. He wrote back that they could ship the rest of our order, but at that time, could not ship the organic Pomegranate. NOT because they were out of stock; they had plenty. But because one of our government agencies was forbidding import of the product "due to medicinal claims on the product specification." The producer stated what the product COULD do, and cited research to prove it. And because his GERMAN website made statements about what this product can do, we are denied the right to import it.

In the past this same government agency has forced us to remove or censor blog posts, and content on our website, including statements by happy clients, answers to client questions, and just sharing of experience. Now they are also performing de facto censorship of company websites that are not even in this country.

It becomes more and more difficult to share what we know is true about the products we seek out and make available. It would appear that the mantra of this all powerful agency is "Nothing natural can possibly heal." Repeat after me: NOTHING natural can possibly heal. Nothing NATURAL can possibly heal. Nothing natural can POSSIBLY heal. Nothing natural can possibly HEAL.

Has anyone here experienced recalls of essential oils and other extracts because of damage done to unwitting consumers? No...that only applies to Rx drugs. But nothing natural can possibly heal.

Jojoba Shortage

2011-06-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

For a few months now we've been reading about a world wide Jojoba shortage. I regret that I rather acted like the proverbial ostrich with my head in the sand. One authoritative source indicated that the shortage should be over by the first of the year, and I knew we had enough of our Organic Golden Jojoba to last past then, so I did not further stock up when it was available.

The source indicating that the shortage would be over around the first of the year was not taking into consideration the hard frost that hit the Argentian crop last winter (Argentina's summer) and killed the new growth just as the buds were setting fruit.

The Israeli crop has been devastated by a drought, as has the Sonoran Desert, source of the Mexican and US crop.

The result of all these weather related disasters is that our producer of North American Organic Jojoba is sold out. Period. We could have bought some organic Israeli product, but the cost would have been three times what we are used to paying, and I am not confident with the importer. SO, for the time being we will be offering a certified non-sprayed Jojoba. The land where it was grown is either in transition to organic status, but not there yet, or non-organic fertilizers may have been used there in the past two or three years. It is produced by the producer we have dealt with for several years, and I am quite comfortable with the quality.

However, for those of you who really really really want to buy only the organic product, we have a very few retail bottles left in stock. You may order them here. The little bit not already poured into retail sizes is being saved for some of our products that have 100% organic ingredients.

Input regarding Kindle, please.

2011-06-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

I'm seeking some advice regarding the 2nd edition of my book, Essential Oils and Aromatics, from those of you who have read it, or those of you who use Kindle.

The distributor is sold out, Amazon and the other major outlets are sold out, the distributor says they have backorders for the book. The publisher refuses to even discuss a second printing. (Since the publisher also refuses to discuss total books sold, royalties due me contractually, etc., I wouldn't trust him to print another run anyway.)

I am contemplating "self publishing" a second edition, as well as putting the file together for Kindle. I'm thinking that there might be some advantages to having it in an Ebook format, since it would be so easy to search for something. (My Kindle is only a week old, so I am far from an expert on its use!)

At any rate - I can put the documentation file that I used when writing it together for Kindle. And that same file would be the basis of the second edition. But I have some decisions to make, and would love input.

If you have the first edition (and a lot of you do!) are there areas that you feel I should have covered that were omitted? I know we have learned of a lot of new fixed oils and essential oils in the five years since it was originally written, so adding them is an obvious choice. But are there areas that I skipped that should be included?

Also...if you are a KINDLE reader. What I have so far is a text file. Because all I've read so far on my Kindle were books that I wanted and couldn't find locally, and it was faster to download than to order from Amazon. All novels; straight text. The question now is, with a Kindle book, should I include graphics? Photographs similar to those in the book. (The publisher retained copyright to the graphics, but I think most came from IStockPhoto and this time *I* would get to choose them!)

Two questions then: What should be added to the book and whether a Kindle edition should be illustrated.

thank you!

Appalling advice!

2011-05-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

I happened upon a forum apparently devoted to one of the newer MLM companies in our industry...the one who has trademarked the phrase "certified therapeutic grade" but never managed to explain certified by whom.

At any rate, a parent wrote in describing her five year old child's pet allergies and the problems he has sleeping due to congestion. She had tried "putting lavender, lemon and peppermint in a gelcap" but "he couldn't get it down". Since he couldn't swallow it, she's contemplating having him drink it, with her fingers crossed.

Yes, crossing her fingers seems really appropriate. Why she would administer those three oils internally for a respiratory allergy is puzzling to me. Administering them to a five year old borders on child abuse, in my humble opinion. She is VERY fortunate that her child is not one of my grandbabies.

Other members of the forum have suggested diffusing the oils, or applying them to the soles of his feet.

Now, seems to me that a child with allergies would be a PRIME candidate for sensitization, so applying the oils, undiluted, would not be advisable. Others on the forum are, thank goodness, discussing diffusing various blends. (One actually sounded effective for respiratory problems, the other sounds like a powerful germ killer and I'm not sure how it will help with a child's allergies.)

No one, of course, recommended the use of blue tansy oil... probably the most effective anti-allergen of all the essential oils, but I guess this MLM doesn't offer it.

Those Aluminum Cannisters

2011-05-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

For the last couple of years we have gradually been transitioning to aluminum cannisters, rather than amber glass, for our bulk essential oil sales.

Recently we've received some negative feedback from people having difficulty opening the canisters. I can WELL understand and sympathize. I remember the first few times I received bulk oils in these aluminum canisters, with plastic inserts (that I couldn't budge) covered with white plastic caps (that I couldn't remove.)

However, after receiving 10 kilos of an imported lavender delivered in a soaked cardboard box, with melted and dissolved packing peanuts, the entire package bagged in a black plastic trash bag, I learned to appreciate the sturdiness and unbreakability of these aluminum canisters.

Glass is fragile; this is the bottom line. And shipping highly volatile chemicals in glass is at the very least irresponsible. I know of NO international supplier who ships in glass. Every oil we import comes in these aluminum canisters (in various sizes.)

I asked "T", our production manager, to take some shots of Vannessa and her opening a recent arrival, and asked that they describe the process they use.

First of all, although the plastic "plug" has a loop that you would think would help in removing...IGNORE the plastic loop. I guarantee if you try to remove a new lid by pulling on the loop, all you will accomplish is pulling the loop off the plug. Promise! T and Vannessa totally ignore the plastic loop, reach for a pair of trusty pliers, and lift as shown:

You can see Vannessa easing the plug out of the bottle in these shots.

However, Vanessa and T are young and strong. If, by any chance, you are neither, or if you are troubled by arthritis, or for some other reason have trouble grasping the plug with your pliers, there is another solution.

A Screwdriver is NOT just for drinking. When I can't grasp the plastic plug with my pliers, I take a screwdriver, and work it around bottle top, putting enough pressure to gently raise the plug. In theory it's possible to totally remove the top just by levering it with the screwdriver, but that takes forever. I loosen it up just enough to get a firm grip with the pliers.

THEN I grasp with the pliers, as shown above, and:
SUCCESS!

Please do NOT attempt to store your precious oil in the cannister with the plastic plug removed. YES it is a tight fit to remove and replace (it does grow easier and softer over time.) It is also an integral part of the seal. If you only use the white outer cap your canister will NOT be sealed and the oils WILL spill. Or be degraded by coming in contact with the air.

These canisters are more difficult to work with than amber bottles. We agree. But the advantages of safety are why they have become industry standard, and why we have adopted them. Hope this explanation makes it a bit easier for you to use them.

Organic Dry Shampoo

2011-04-15T12:13:00.003-05:00

A few years ago I noticed I was beginning to experience hair loss at a fairly rapid rate. Pretty scary to one who is already noticing several other signs of aging and the vulnerability of self esteem that can accompany this time of life. I began to research hair loss and the effects of aging on hair and scalp.

As you might imagine I have gradually altered my hair care regimen to better suit the needs of my aging hair. Nature's Gift carries a product we call Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil. You can read all about it on our site. Marge suggested I try it, which I did, and can tell you now that my hair loss has diminished. Another thing I've found is that I shouldn't wash my hair everyday. It not only makes my hair look dull, it makes it drier and weakens the hair shaft as well. Not washing daily was a hard one for me as my hair tends to get flat and look oily at the roots if I don't.

I love hats, but they don't look good on me. I love scarves, but I'm not so great at tying them in the exotic styles I see some women wearing. So what am I to do on the 'bad hair days'?

Dry shampoo!

Today I found a wonderful recipe in one of my fave magazines, 'Ready Made", and I'd like to share it here with you. Any of the ingredients can be found on line, or at your local health food store, and of course, you'll find any number of tantalizing aromas to scent it with at www.naturesgift.com.

Materials

2 Tbl Organic Arrowroot Powder
2 Tbl Kaolin Clay
1 Tsp Organic Horsetail Powder
6 drops Essential Oil of choice (more or less depending on the oil and your preference)

Tools

2 Mixing Bowls
1 Sieve
1 Whisk
2 Spoons, one large + one small
1Tablespoon
1Teaspoon
One Empty Spice Jar

In a glass mixing bowl add the arrowroot powder, the kaolin clay and the horsetail powder. Whisk the powders together until they are well blended.

Next, slowly drip 6 drops of essential oil into your powder and whisk again. The oil will not blend into the powder on it's own so don't be discouraged by any lumping.

Gently scoop your powder mixture into a sieve positioned over an empty mixing bowl. Sift the powder into the bowl until only small, dust covered clumps are left.

Take a large spoon and gently press these clumps through the sieve. Scrape to and fro and continue to press to get all of the oils through. Tap the sieve against the palm of your hand to knock any remaining clumps into the bowl.

Whisk the powder again, make sure all of the oil is distributed evenly.

Take a small spoon and gently spoon your powder into an empty spice jar, cap with a shaker top, label and store.

***

I think this sounds like a wonderful idea. If any of you try it I'd love to hear your feedback, and when I get around to it, you will certainly hear mine. Have fun!

Bumps and Bruises

2011-02-22T09:48:00.000-06:00

One of my best friends totalled her car Sunday, and is very lucky to be alive. I was called by the ER nurse around 11:15 Sunday morning and raced to the ER. I got to be the "responsible adult" signing all the forms and paperwork.

Gwen has a broken wrist (her right one, and she's right handed), a broken nose, a really DEEP gash over her eye that required shaving her eyebrow and a LOT of stitches, and bruises and pain in places she didn't know existed. When the airbags deployed, although they undoubtedly saved her life, they did a fair amount of damage on their own.

Why am I blogging about this? Because I came up with a new solution to treat the miscellaneous aches, pains, bruises and stiffness. She thinks she may have some broken ribs, her right ankle and knee are stiff and sore, etc.

The morning after the accident, when heading for her house, I stopped and picked up a 4 ounce bottle of our Arnica Infused oil. I poured out a spoonful or two to allow "headroom" and added a full 5 ml bottle of Corsican Helichrysum.

She is raving about the results. She says the combination is giving almost instant relief from the various aches and pains, and just wishes she could pour it inside the cast on her broken wrist!.

Needless to say, she will be using our Helichrysum in Rose Hip Seed Oil on the scar from that horrendous cut on her face. I hope to be able to post before and after pictures down the road a bit. This morning we are off to the tow in yard to salvage the personal items from her totalled Jeep Cherokee. It will be the first time we've seen the car, and, I suspect, will bring us both a LOT of gratitude.

Aroma Dreaming

2011-01-31T14:47:00.004-06:00

By Christi Pugh for Nature's Gift

A 2008 research study, “The Impact of Olfactory Stimulation on Dreams,” presented by German researchers at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Foundation’s Annual meeting in Chicago outlined the influence (what you) smell during sleep has on (your) dreams.

I’ve always been a regular dreamer, dreaming in color, & remembering my dreams quite well. I even keep a journal by my bedside to write down any significant dreams in the night or first thing in the morning & frequently work the dreams for meaning. (I would recommend Jeremy Taylor’s dream work books & website.)

However, recently I’m experiencing a new phenomenon in my dreams: specifically smelling & recalling the smells the next morning. A few months ago I kept smelling a delicious aroma in my dreams & I would walk around asking everyone, “What is that smell?” No one would answer, some would shake their heads, but I did not get an answer. Finally one night the answer came & instead of from others, it came to me. I shouted out to everyone in my dream, “It’s Osmanthus!”

The next day I came to work & ran to the bin for a sample of Osmanthus which I don’t recall smelling ever, unless it was initially when we brought it in. I inhaled & suddenly had a huge smile on my face. The only way I know to explain Osmanthus is a sweet happy candy-like aroma that reminds you of something lovely you know you’ve experienced before but can’t quite place just where or when! It is a magical delight & no wonder perfumer’s rave about it so much!

Last week I began dreaming of Rosewood Essential Oil. It was the loveliest Rosewood I’d ever experienced. Rosewood has always been a favorite but over the last year I’ve not used it as much due to exploring so many other oils. I believe the dream serves as a reminder to bring back one of the oils that has always been an important part of my life. What I am beginning to take away from these dreams is that perhaps these are the oils I need on some level at the particular time I am dreaming of them. (Note: Nature’s Gift Rosewood is grown on a plantation that reforests.)

Only in recent years have scientists begun to research olfactory function during sleep & I find it fascinating. Of course, my situation was almost a reversal because I was dreaming of essential oils, not necessarily being influenced by anything during sleep. Or was I? Most nights I do use my aromastone to help with sleep & the oils I use vary but nearly always include Lavandin, Fragonia, Green Mandarine, & Blue Tansy. I find the Fragonia & Green Mandarine to be very happy oils, both relaxing & uplifting at the same time.

Do you recall any pleasant or unpleasant smells from your dreams?

For more information about these essential oils & other aromatherapy products visit Nature's Gift.

The Gift of Happiness

2011-01-27T22:15:00.000-06:00

... or the happiness of gifting ?

Was watching Oprah a couple of days ago. The theme of her show was Happiness. Various authorities spoke about what it is, and what it is not, how to achieve it, how not to.

I was struck by one comment - that a gift of "stuff" can not bring happiness. It may bring pleasure, but the pleasure from even the most extravagant new "thing" wears off and disappears in a few months, while a gift of "experience" can last forever.

And I thought about all the memories from our trip to Colorado a couple of years ago - experiences that still make me smile two years later.

I started thinking about what we do here, and I realized that in so many cases, what we ship out every day truly are "experiences" rather than "things"...

True, they are packed in boxes and in bottles, jars, or atomizers, but you, the giver, can turn them from a "thing" to an experience.

Let someone enjoy the experience of a sensuous and soothing Bliss Bath, of a Destressing massage. Let those who walk into your office experience the uplifting and welcoming aroma of Blood Orange, or of our BurnOut synergy. They won't want to leave!

Give a little one the experience of conquering his or her fears with a spritz of "Monster Spray"...otherwise known as Lavender or Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, to banish the monsters under the bed or in the closet.

The proven links between aroma and memory guarantee that the aromatic experiences you create will be remembered long after the "products" are gone.

stress

2011-01-24T13:25:00.003-06:00

stress is a plague on us in the 21st century. it's a word i seldom heard when i was growing up, and didn't hear too often in my young adult years. but now...

i won't stress readers by reminding them how many times a day we all hear reference to the condition of stress, nor will i add to the already overwhelming stress caused by dealing with our own stress and hearing about the stress of everyone else on the planet.

are you stressed yet?

what i would like to do is share with you a most delightful method of de-stressing.

sunday afternoon i was feeling trapped inside my skin. it was one of those times when you have no list but need one. i had worn paths on my hardwood floors going from room to room with this or that intention and all i had to show for it were the paths. the clock was ticking and i had barely touched on.........

i needed a long hot shower. i know 'they' say hot water's a no-no because of the drying effects, but friends, sometimes only a hot shower will do. i always shower by candlelight, and with good music if possible, so i set the stage, disrobed and entered into a state of bliss.

relief was immediate as the water ran down from head to toe. my knotted muscles began to relax. i wasn't clenching my teeth or fists anymore.

after allowing myself to splurge for several minutes with my water supply i pulled out my body brush and did an overall scrub with jasmine scented shower gel. jasmine isn't for everyone, i realize. personally i love it in small 'doses', but on this afternoon it was just right. jasmine scented steam swirled 'round me as i gently shampooed. i finished with a lavender scented face wash and patted down with fresh warm towels. aaaahhhhhh.

noodle-like was my physical state as i applied my after shower spritz of cleo's toner and did a leisurely face massage with drops of cleo's serum. my mental and emotional state? well... as i got dressed i was floating. i felt pampered and cared for. i felt calm, relaxed and alive. and i felt there was no such thing as--well, you know the word.

no, this is not a new idea; not a modern day technique for relieving stress. just good old fashioned sensuality serving it's purpose.

don't forget to nourish your sensual self. it's more important now than ever.

Squalane & Moisturizing Dry Winter Skin

2011-01-12T13:40:00.007-06:00

By Christi Pugh for Nature's Gift

With nearly every U.S. state currently experiencing frigid temperatures & winter weather, there is an increased need for moisturizing the face, hands, feet, & other parts of the body.

“So what is the best moisturizer for winter skin?” we are often asked.

Truly it depends on the person as to which carrier oil you will respond best but we do recommend several, mainly found in our Dry Skin Sampler Pack, as well as our Shea Butter products, including Shea Souffle; Virgin Coconut Cream Oil, Cocoa Butter, & Baby Bottom Balm (in the winter we like to call it our Soothing Skin Balm!). While these products may be too heavy for warm weather usage (depending on if your climate is dry or humid), they can be perfect for driving away itchy, dry skin in the wintertime. (You may also be interested in our Cleo's Radiance Creme designed to moisturize mature skin.)

Working at Nature’s Gift, I’ve been fortunate enough to try most all of our carriers, & this winter my favorite is Squalane (Olea Europa). Squalane is an all vegetable product, extracted from Olive Oil. According to Marge’s description on the website, “…it not only moisturizes the skin, but also provides a barrier preventing transdermal water loss.” She goes on to say it should, “restore moisture & suppleness,” to the skin.

I don’t know why I waited so long to try it. Marge has been singing its praises for quite some time. It is clear & colorless, & can visibly make a difference overnight if you apply it to dry hands or little dry scaly spots at bedtime. It also has no real scent, so if you are using essential oils or other oils, it does not detract from them.

It may be used directly on the skin (avoid use if you have acne prone skin or extremely oily skin), at 5-10% dilution in your favorite moisturizer, blended with another carrier & essential oils, or in the making of a balm or salve.

For dry hands & feet a coating of Squalane underneath some of our Moisturizing Gloves & Booties could prove beneficial as well.

For more information about our wide selection of carrier oils, see www.naturesgift.com/aromatherapycar_or.htm.

For our Australian Friends...dealing with mold

2011-01-11T20:06:00.000-06:00

A Kangaroo trying to escape the
flood waters.

Just answered an urgent email from an old friend and client in Queensland. I am taking the liberty of quoting part of her message, because for obvious reasons, there was not time to ask and receive permission. (She's let me quote her often in the past.)

"Hi Natures gift team

You guys are holed up with snow, we are with water. There has been all sorts of tragic, horrific damage and loss of life in our region. Those of us who are not yet directly under water we’re watching our tv network which has 24/7 coverage.

The issue we are dealing with is mold. The air is sooo damp that mold is flying around and I’m conscious of the health issues this causes. Just wondering if you can let me/us know which essential oils are most effective in dealing with airborne mold (hoping to kill it before it settles) and also for the stuff that has settled and growing green fur shoes, clothes, bed linen, walls etc there’s also black spot type mold and I believe this is going to get worse over the coming months.

Please reply all as power supply to our office will be cut shortly and I’ll only have access to hotmail for the next little while."

I dashed off an answer immediately. For those who are threatened by mold, this is what I used during our flooding:

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) And Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) in approximately equal proportions. I diffused these 24/7 in an Amrita Nebulizing Diffuser. (Because I wanted to super saturate the building, I used a Professional Deluxe model.

We are used to seeing Chlorine Bleach recommended to remove mold and mildew. It is my understanding that bleach will remove the stains left by molds, but will not kill the mold itself and keep it from returning. I would wash washable surfaces with detergent and water with a good amount of the essential oil blend in the wash water, THEN think about wiping down with diluted Bleach. I would also wash all affected clothing, linens, etc. in hot (if possible) water with at the very least the Euc. Citriodora added.

Other essential oils said to be helpful against molds and spores (and other fungii) are Myrrh, Tagetes, Palma Rosa, Cedarwood, and Lavandin Super; but my personal experience has been with the two Australian oils listed above. One would hope that since both are grown and distilled in Australia they would be available in bulk at reasonable prices to the flood victims.

Stranded Wallaby

As I said earlier on Facebook, our thoughts and prayers are with the flood victims; having been through "the flood of the millenium" last Spring, we can empathize.

New Year's Eve - rites and rituals

2010-12-31T21:23:00.001-06:00

I had a lovely New Year's Eve Day... noontime met with some friends... afternoon with family (translate 'grandkids!)... early evening supper and celebration with friends, phone calls from distant family. But now it's evening and I'm home. By choice. Alone. Not necessarily by choice.
Tempted to just answer some email, play a game or three, curl up with a book. But this is the last night of what has been for me (and so many others) a difficult year. I have an need for rite and ritual to mark the end of the year, and to welcome in 2011.
For me, of course, rite and ritual must include my beloved aromatics.

This is MY New Year's Eve rite and ritual.. Hope others will share theirs.

First I cleaned out the fire place. Not just shovelled out last nite and last week's ashes, but swept it ... perhaps not spotless, but clean. And laid a fresh fire to be lit...next year. The ashes were carried outside. (I'll deal with them during daylight, but they are out of here.)

When I finish typing this, I'm going to burn some sage throughout the house, every room and closet. I'm grateful it's unseasonably warm outside...Doors can be open so the sage smoke can remove all the negativity that has accumulated in this house. If I had no dried sage, or couldn't smudge for some reason, I would spritz each room and area with white sage hydrosol. But tonight I burn the sage in a large sea shell, as I was taught.

After that... a cleansing bath. planning Dead Sea and Himalayan Salts, and white sage and sweetgrass hydrosols in the water.

(I had thought about our Detox Synergy, there is, after all, nothing more cleansing. But I don't WANT cleansing on a cellular level and the resulting sleep disruption tonight. So the sign and symbol of white sage and sweet grass will do nicely.)

After the bath... a pot of "Relax and Sleep Tea". and, hopefully, to sleep through my neighbors' fireworks and mother nature's fireworks that are slated in the earliest morning hours.

In the morning? the Aromalamp will have bright citrus and sparkling white fir to welcome the New Year with joy... and before my morning coffee the year will start with a "Cuppa Happy Tea"

that will be my New Year's Eve ritual this evening. What will be yours?

However you choose to celebrate this last night of 2010...be safe... and we will greet you next year!

Roast Roots

2010-12-23T13:10:00.000-06:00

Too many Christmas Cookies, too many rich Holiday foods, (and lots more to come) and I found myself craving something simple and plain and down to earth and nourishing.

Roast Roots are (is?) the answer.

How I did them this time (because it varies)

Peel all of these and cut in approximately 1 inch dice:

1/2 a butternut squash (if there were more than one of me, I'd use the whole one. As it is,I kept the 'round' hollow end to roast with some sausage in it another day.)
1 Large Sweet Potato
1 or 2 carrots (can substitute the prepared baby carrots. I did.
1 small white turnip
1 large parsnip, peeled
1 large sweet onion

2 small Russet potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters (leave them bigger because they cook faster.) Red potatoes or Yukon Golds, scrubbed instead of peeled night have been better, but I used what I had. I'm told others add a rutabaga (big fat yellow turnip) and/or some brussels sprouts. I've heard of celeriac, and even beets being used.

While you are peeling and chopping the veggies, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. I've seen recipes that say 375, but I was impatient. Pour a bit of Olive oil into a jelly roll pan, or the largest SHALLOW pan you have. You want to be able to spread these out. Put all the chopped veggies in a bowl, sprinkle lavishly with olive oil. Now you get your hands dirty...toss the vegetables so that everything is thoroughly coated with the Olive Oil. (It's good for your hands; this time of year they are probably dry anyway.) Pour into the oiled jelly roll pan, spread out. Sprinkle VERY generously with rosemary, a bit of thyme, some peeled whole garlic cloves would be good but I forgot them. Some fresh ground pepper, and they are ready for the oven. You can not use too much Rosemary or Thyme.

I gave them about 20 or 25 minutes, then turned and tossed them a bit. I added a very generous sprinkling of PANKO... Japanese Bread Crumbs. Donna Maria Cole Johnson shared THAT secret when she was roasting summer vegetables. Not essential, but good.

Obviously this isn't a recipe, but a throw together. But it's a great fast and easy lunch or supper. I will probably get about four meals out of the pan I just made, and will enjoy them immensely. By the time they are gone it will be time for Christmas dinner.

I've been told that a splash of balsamic vinegar makes them even better. I may try that with the leftovers. Or not.

Bon appetit!

Donations?

2010-12-21T15:58:00.000-06:00

Most of you know we earmark 2% of every Wednesday's orders to our charity of the quarter. Many of you have given generously over the years to help us support the chosen groups.

We've been donating to the Environmental Defense Fund for the past several months, as a response to the Gulf Oil disaster. However, the year is drawing to an end, and we need to choose another "worthy cause"

The criteria are simple. Whoever is chosen must rate very well on the various 'evaluation sites' that determine where the money actually goes. We want the funds to go to recipients, not to fund executive salaries. We normally use Charity Navigator, but there are others.

The Charity can not be simply local. (We broke this rule in April when middle TN was devastated by once in a millenium flooding, but as a rule we try to keep the cause either national or international.)

Our experience is that our clients are more apt to support charities that make life better for women or children, either in the US or, even better, internationally.

In the past, some of the most popular causes have been Women For Women, helping women in wartorn lands rebuild their lives and their communities, Mariska Hargitay's The Joyful Heart Foundation, helping victims of, and working to prevent, sexual assault

You may read more about these, and other causes you've helped us support at our Donations page.

Now the question is, as 2010 winds to a close, what should be our "cause of the quarter" to start 2011. Suggestions, please?

Holidays at Nature's Gift

2010-12-13T14:48:00.000-06:00

Mailing Deadlines:

According to the USPS website the deadline for domestic Priority Mail shipments to arrive by Christmas is Tuesday, Dec 21st. They say that Express Mail will arrive in time if shipped on Wednesday, the 22nd.
For our international clients, it is already too late to ship to Africa or Central and South America. For the rest of the world, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Rim, International Express Packages must be shipped by Thursday the 16th. We will ship Express Mail orders on the same business day if we have the orders early in our morning, no later than the following day received late in the day. Military Mail: the deadline for Priority Mail to every APO address has come and gone; however most of them will receive Express Mail Packages in time if shipped by the 18th.

FIFTEEN on the Fifteenth:

For our final celebration of 15 years on line, we will be offering 15% off all of our regularly discounted retail products on Wednesday, December 15th. Simply enter the promotional code fifteen at checkout, press apply, and you will see your discount reflected on screen. Please don't submit the order if you do not seen the discount, go back and apply it again. We will not be able to apply the discount retroactively. Nor will we be able to make any changes or additions to discounted orders. Fast buys, bulk orders, kits, special books, and any other product marked 'may not be discounted' will not be discounted. PLEASE allow us a few extra days to pack and ship orders from the sale; our hardworking elves can be deluged.

Holiday Closings:

Since the last day we can ship your Christmas orders is Wednesday the 21nd, Nature's Gift will be closed for Holiday Celebrations (and cookie baking!) on Thursday and Friday Dec 23rd and 24th. We will be in the office but closed for business the week between Christmas and New Years. Time for the annual inventory that always has me tearing my hair out. IF you have a true emergency and need a package expressed mailed that can not wait, contact us and we may be able to get it out for you early that week. Other than that, all orders from noon Dec 22nd will be held and shipped after New Year's Day.

12 Days of Christmas Gifting:

Every year, from Dec. 25th through the true 12th day of Christmas, January 5th, one order will be selected to receive a special gift. In the past we have given away signed copies of my book, Bliss Bath, Aromatherapy Jewelry, Skincare Products, a wide range of our most popular products. You can't win if you don't order. (Hint, the fewest orders are always placed on Dec. 25th, so the odds are best then.)

We may also be announcing some spur of the moment 12 day sales, so watch our Facebook Page and/or our Specials page.

Last minute gift ideas? Read here:

To all of our friends...we wish you a safe and blessed and joyfilled Holiday Season, and thank you for letting us continue to be of service to you.
See you next year!!!!

If it works - stop doing it!

2010-11-15T10:38:00.001-06:00

A recent comment from a client started me thinking...and with her permission I'm quoting the exchange.

Jane from Maryland had been a frequent client years ago.We'd not heard from her in perhaps a decade. She recently placed several orders, and commented about using the oils to combat the effects of stress.

In the course of our conversation she wrote:

Am so glad to brighten your week. As someone in business myself (I'm a nonprofit publisher), I know how much we all appreciate positive feedback.

I actually first became a Nature's Gift customer about 10 years ago when my kids were small, but then went back to a demanding job, caring for parents at end-of-life, and stress caught up with me. I've so enjoyed "coming back" to aromatherapy.

which led to a conversation about the subject of this post. We find things that work, that are nurturing and self-caring... and when life gets busier; we stop doing them.

I say "we" because Jane and I agree that we both have a tendency to do this, and I have many friends who will do the same thing.

Starting my day with a few minutes meditation really smoothed my morning. Of course now I hit the ground running and don't have time to 'sit and do nothing'...
I created our Bliss Bath to help me through a period of both grief and extreme stress. I used it almost every night. Today, a quick shower is all I will take time for.
A cup of Chamomile tea every evening really helps quiet the "todo list" running in my head and helps me sleep better (even with lavender or SleepEase in my Aromastone.) Of course I no longer take the time to steep it.
15 months ago my son and daughter in law gave me a gift certificate for a massage. The therapist is not nearby, but on the other side of Nashville. WELL worth the drive. Did I make the appointment and go down there?

These are some of the things that I have done in the past to take care of myself, and stopped doing. Jane in Maryland stopped using the precious oils that relieved her stress and refreshed her spirit.

We are, of course, unique. No one else finds things that really do make their daily life more manageable; and then stop doing these same things. Right?

What has worked for you... and are you going to start doing it again?

Shingles, again

2010-10-25T21:46:00.000-05:00

Google Health defines Shingles so:

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.

They go on to describe the wide array of symptoms (almost all painful!) that occur with it, and say that it is normally a self limiting illness, but usually treated with oral antiviral drugs.

I've never suffered from Shingles, for which fact I am well and truly grateful.

Now...according to the law of the land, I am not allowed to make any statement that any product of ours can affect the course of a disease, or could possibly " cure, mitigate, treat or prevent" disease.

I believe I can still quote Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, who writes in Medical aromatherapy: healing with essential oils that a dilution of Ravensara essential oil in a base of Calophyllum inophyllum (Foraha or Tamanu) can treat Shingles effectively.
And Dr. Jane Buckle writes of the use of Ravensara in Calophyllum to treat Shingles, and, in fact, any sort of Herpes outbreak. She writes in Clinical Aromatherapy "the most successful essential oil Ihave used has been Ravensara Aromatica. "

Len Price, in Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage writes of Calophyllum (which he calls Tamanu "a combination of tamanu vegetable oil and Ravensara aromatica essential oil has been used successfully as a treatment for Shingles."

What triggered this rash of quoting? An email received this week from Dusti Martin in Longbow TX. Dusti has been a client since before my oldest records, I think I made my first major error on one of her orders... received an order from a Dusty Miller and Dusti Martin on the same day...and switched the contents. Dusti obviously forgave me, because she's been ordering from us ever since. At any rate, she wrote Oct. 11:

I can really use your help with my new ailment! Oct. 2 I felt "odd" in that I had a mild headache, felt weak for no reason I could think of, and the skin on the right of my torso was very sensitive to touch. Wednesday night I discovered bumps on my right back waist (and they are multiplying and roaming along my right front). I consulted WebMD for shingles and that was what I had. On Thursday I saw my doctor who confirmed my hunch. She prescribed an antiviral med to take 3 x daily for 7 days. She also prescribed med for pain for when the blisters are gone.

Long story short, I have no Calophyllum and none of your Ravensara Aromatica. I do have a 5ml? bottle! Can you help me out here not only with the carrier and oil, but also number of drops of Ravensara in the Calophyllum? Massage directly on the bumps? Apply how often? Sorry to be such a novice but this is my first excursion into medical application.

I'm trying to get to where it's comfortable enough to wear jeans by next Sunday. Our choir begins rehearsals for the Christmas Concert and I really want to participate!

We immediately shipped her both Calophyllum and ravensara. Yesterday (12 days later) she wrote:

Hi All,

Three weeks ago I was developing a case of shingles, only didn't yet know why I was feeling "odd". My doctor prescribed an antiviral medication which I took the requisite seven days. In the meantime, I contacted Marge after looking up the article regarding shingles on your web page. I ordered the Calophyllum and Ravensara and added the entire bottle of Ravensara to Calophyllum, per suggestion. That was on October 15. By the 17th, I was able to fairly comfortably wear jeans to choir practice in the evening. That in itself was amazing! I've applied my "Wonder Serum" daily, several times a day this past week and I cannot describe adequately the improvement in the way I feel! The extreme skin sensitivity is almost gone. The spots/bumps are drying up and going away. I am finally able to wear clothing with a waistband and am NOT in pain! I can drive and not cringe with every bump or hole in the roadway. I knew this solution would be helpful but I
had no idea just how much or how quickly it would bring welcome relief :)

Thanks so much,

When I wrote asking her to share, she replied:

Yes, PLEASE share it. It's been a blessing, this "Wonder Serum", and it can help others IF they know about it!

We've written about this blend for Shingles before. In December 2001, our newsletter contained the following thank you:

Beth Werner's husband John managed to contract a case of Shingles...

Nasty, PAINFUL stuff. Beth had us shoot some callophyllum innophyllum and some ravensara her way. This is John's Emailed message the day after he received it:

Marge,

The stuff Beth ordered for treating my shingles arrived today, and she whipped up a batch. I put it on before laying down for a nap at 4:00 and popped a Co-Tylenol. It was the best few hours of sleep I have had in a week. When I woke up, the angry red color of the shingles had noticeably subsided. The swelling in my eye lid was also greatly reduced. (My wife says I have an eye again.) Even Beth is amazed at how well it worked.

Thanks,

- John

In October, 2002 From Juliana Lipe, in Shreveport:

Hi Marge,

Just wanted to give you some feedback on the Ravensara oil that I recently purchased for a friend with shingles. I did a 10% dilution in Calophyllum for her and she told me today that, in her words, "it healed me!" She said that it relieved the itching and healed the lesions that had plagued her for weeks. Another wonderful EO success!! Thanks again for your help!

Juliana

And some of you remember Courtney raving about her mother's finally believing that what we make available WORKS when, after dealing with a Shingles outbreak for almost a month she finally agreed to try "some of your snake oil."... the next morning she was singing our praises.

Over the years we've had requests to offer this combination 'preblended', and always refused. We finally decided that when someone is absolutely miserable and in pain they don't need to be measuring and blending. It seems an act of mercy to make the combination available preblended and ready to order. So we are. Our description of Ravensara now gives a description of both the undiluted oil, and the Calophyllum dilution. I hope the information given will be helpful to some of you.

Creating a New Blend for Sleep & Relaxation

2010-10-04T13:47:00.012-05:00

By Christi R. Pugh
for Nature's Gift

One of the most frequent inquiries we receive concerns using essential oils for insomnia & of course we always first recommend our Sleep Ease Synergy comprised of Lavandin Super, Roman Chamomile, Green Mandarine, & Sweet Marjoram. This blend proves effective for many clients & we continue to receive lots of positive feedback.

Marge often mentions "taking a break" from certain oils so they don't lose their effectiveness & that includes synergistic blends such as Sleep Ease. A friend who has chronic sleep problems used it with success but the sleep issues began recurring after a period of time, so I decided to work on another sleep blend as a case study for the certificate course I am taking at the Integrative Institute of Aromatherapy founded & led by Laraine Kyle & Valerie Cooksley.

Having heard about the relaxation benefits of Fragonia™ essential oil, I began thinking about formulating an anti-anxiety, sleep, and/or relaxation blend featuring it. The oils I selected for the blend all have calming & sedating properties: Lavender Mailette (angustifolia), Green Mandarine (citrus reticulata), & aforementioned Fragonia™. The aroma is quite lovely & soothing to this nose, with the Lavender & Fragonia fluttering underneath the surface of the Green Mandarine.

After distributing small 2 ml bottles of the blend to my friend for the study as well as coworkers, friends, & family; I began getting feedback about the sleep benefits & without fail the blend enhanced the ability to fall & stay asleep. I can personally attest to it as well. It was diffused in a variety of ways, but mainly as a few drops in an aromastone near the bedside, or a few drops on a tissue placed inside the pillowcase.

We've been calling it, "RELAX."

For a 5 ml blend you will need:
-1 5 ml glass cobalt bottle
-Disposable pipettes for blending
Use:
-50% Green Mandarine (150 drops or 2 ml)
-25% Fragonia™ (75 drops or 1 ml)
-25% Lavender Mailette (75 drops or 1 ml)
Optional: Small 2 ml amber bottles to share with friends.

We don't recommend driving a car or operating machinery when using this blend, as it so relaxing. If you are searching for something to alternate with Sleep Ease or interested in trying a blend featuring Fragonia™Essential Oil, this would be a great option.

An Aromatherapy Party

2010-09-30T14:42:00.000-05:00

My friend (and client) Angela Eaton recently mentioned that she was planning an "Aromatherapy Party" for some friends. I asked her to share about it with all of us, and bless her dear heart, she has!

Hello, fellow Aromatherapy Enthusiasts!

I recently mentioned an aromatherapy party I planned to Marge, and she asked that I write it up in a blog post so that other folks could hear about it.

I have been into aromatherapy for about six years. I’m not certified as an aromatherapist, but it has crossed my mind. I’ve made room sprays and massage oils for friends over the years, keeping a close eye on safety information. My friends loved them all, but never quite got into aromatherapy themselves. I wanted to share my hobby in a way that would let them play, too, so I invited them all for an Aromatherapy Party.

At about five weeks I sent out an email with the invitation and three possible dates; whichever date had the most respondents would be our party date.

About a month before the party, I decided what we would make, and I tried to do it in a way that wouldn’t break the bank. I had already decided to keep the party small for cost (I invited eleven, and after sickness and a family emergency, we ended up with 8) and for making it easy to help people with info about the oils (safety information, their effects, etc.) I looked at my kit and realized that I really only had three oils that I would think of for a perfume oil—rose, sandalwood, and jasmine sambac. I don’t buy sandalwood anymore to keep from contributing to global demand for sandalwood, and the other oils didn’t give my friends much choice, plus they’re the most expensive oils in my collection, and perfume oils take a lot of drops. So perfume oils were out.

I had plenty of oils, however, for a nice room spray, bath salts, and a massage oil (tangerine, blood orange, clary sage, peppermint, bergamot, chamomile, geranium, black spruce, four kinds of frankincense, three lavenders, etc., plus dozens of samples). In all, I have thirty oils, but I would be comfortable having a party with a minimum of ten. Then, I ordered the rest of what I needed. I ordered the bottles I needed from specialtybottle.com, which has great prices and a ton of selection. I had purchased from them before and bought 1 ounce spray bottles, but I thought they were 2 ounces, so that’s what I bought for the party. If I were to do it again, I’d keep the room sprays at 2 ounces, but I’d make the massage oils an ounce so that people would be sure to use it all. I had not quite enough fractionated coconut oil for each person, so I ordered more of that, and I added grapeseed oil because one of my friends has a terrible nut allergy.

Two days before the party I bought supplies for a cheese tray, paper plates, napkins, spoons, paper bags, and Epsom salts. I also bought fun fruity sodas like guava, mandarin, and pineapple, which were a nice non-alcoholic option for the afternoon (one of the guests brought amaretto sours).

The morning of the party, at each place at the table, I set:

· A paper plate with bath salts

· A spoon for mixing the salts and oils

· Latex gloves (no one ended up using them, but just in case)

· A notecard for writing down recipes

· A pen

· A 2-ounce bottle with a dropper, filled with either fractionated coconut or grapeseed oil

· A 2-ounce spray bottle filled with water (I used our filtered tap water. Technically, I know I should have used distilled, but I told them to just stop using the spray if it grew any mold, plus I knew from making them previously that they tended to use the sprays up quickly.)

· A paper bag filled with two cups of Epsom salt (years ago I had purchased little metal containers for bath salts before I realized that you need two cups for a proper bath, so we put the scented salts in the little container and supplemented with unscented salts in the paper bag)

· A printout of dilution ratios, figured for the 2-ounce containers (the bath salts can take X drops, etc.)

In the middle of the table were mint julep cups with scent strips and pipettes. I also had cute Japanese paper and packing tape to make labels for the items. I decorated with irises and the plates and napkins were purple to match.

The party was set from 1-4 on our back patio. A party like this could be done inside, but outside with maximum ventilation was best. As everyone arrived, they set their appetizers and desserts on our dining room table to go with my cheese and fruit tray. We ate and chatted for about an hour.

We went outside to the aromatherapy table and I explained what items were at their place setting. Then I opened my kit and started handing oils around, explaining that some were acceptable only for room sprays (the citruses), some for massage and bath salts. I showed them how to use a scent strip, and how you could create a blend using scent strips (one drop per strip, then mixing and matching) before you committed to a blend.

Then we handed around all of the oils and smelled them. My girlfriends were a little hesitant to actually start mixing the oils into their carriers and salts, but I encouraged them and they got started. They asked questions about different properties, and we mixed for about an hour and a half. It was great fun to share concoctions.

When things were starting to wind down, I went and got a few of my favorite aromatherapy books, and they got a real kick out of the Gabriel Mojay’s book. The extremely specific blends for certain maladies were useful and amusing, and a few friends made more blends based on the book.

We wrapped up around four. Everyone said they had a marvelous time and asked if we could have another party, maybe one where we made cleaning products. I said maybe I’d make it their Christmas gift.

I hope this inspires you to have your own aromatherapy party!

~Angela E.

My comments - what an absolutely GREAT idea!!!

Thank you so much for sharing it with us all, Angela!!!

Caring for the Care Givers

2010-09-17T15:08:00.000-05:00

Friends we've not met yet... Laura is one of them. We have been corresponding since at least 1998...she's been using our oils, and sharing her life and the healing work she does with us. Laura is a massage therapist and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner...a form of acupressure and energy work. And a Rose Lover. When we first met she was living and working in Virginia...but like most transplanted New Englanders, she got home sick and found her way back to Eastern Massachusetts.

Over the years she has probably bought some of every Rose specimen we've offered. One of her first purchases was some Rose Absolute, back in the 90's...she loved it. I remember when we were able to find some Rosa Alba in 2005 - Laura was the first to order. A true Rose lover.

This week she seized the opportunity on the 15th to order a Rose Quartz Amulet for herself, and commented with the order: "Hi Marge! It's apple picking time up here in New England!

I also want you to know that my patients are benefitting from my use of your wonderful oils. I felt that I needed the rose quartz to extend the healing to myself. Love to you!"

I was struck by the 'extend the healing to myself"... Laura is a healer by nature, and currently working in a Hospice...emotionally very draining work. We chatted some about Autumn in New England, and she added the comment "Really looking forward to my rose quartz--I have used rose oil for so long as a way to care for my heart, and I think the rose quartz will add something special."

And I've been pondering ever since the need for the healers and care givers to give themselves the care and nurturing that they give their patients.

And thinking how Rose is the oil for healing women's hearts, and spirits....and those who believe in the healing powers of gemstones say that Rose Quartz is the heart healer.

One strong suggestion, tho....if you are planning on putting a few drops of your favorite Rose in a Rose Quartz amulet...do not use Rose Absolute. Unlike distilled Rose Otto or Rosa Alba, Rose Absolute is deep rusty orange. My pale pink Rose Quartz amulet has a permanent orange stain at the base. Quartz, unlike some other crystals, is absorbent.

Laura's Rose Amulet is en route by now...as I sit here writing, I wish I had thought to include a packet or two of our Rose Bliss Bath...my favorite heart and soul healer.

Sept 11, 2001

2010-09-11T19:56:00.000-05:00

Just listened to Alan Jackson's "where were you when the world stopped turning" and was thinking of that awful morning. Nature's Gift still ran out of this little house...we were waiting for folks to show up for work. Albert was home, still recuperating from the first round of Cancer. He was watching TV in the family room/computer room... I was putting more coffee on, in the kitchen... "come here...a plane just hit the World Trade Center"... I went in and saw the coverage on NBC... Rick got off the bus in front of my house just after the second plane hit... We circled the TV... Wolfie pulled into the drive just before the Pentagon crash... we sat in a tight circle, in front of the tv...not able to believe what we were watching. I was at the computer...someone in New York... Mynou? was posting what was going on in her neighborhood... I remember calling RoseAnn...

We called Annie, to see if she wanted to come over...no she wanted to be alone. My daughter called..she and Steph wanted a prayer circle, could they come over at lunch and pray with us all.

I called both my sons. Both far from danger...but I think every parent needed to reach out to their children that morning.

Jen and Steph arrived, with some friends and coworkers...we left the TV 'cause not everyone could fit in this room... sat in a circle on the living room floor, held hands, prayed and cried. Prayers for those trapped in the buildings, those on the planes, the heroes trying to save lives, the families, just now learning that they had lost loved ones. Prayers for our country, for courage and strength, and wisdom.

How ironic that the two men who shared that awful day with us, Rick, my oldest employee, and my Albert were both fated to leave us before a year was out.

And today in the midsouth men who call themselves Christians are talking of continuing the hatred that caused that terrible day.

I don't understand that kind of hatred. I don't know of anyone who does.

I started this blog article with a link to a song... here's another one... Let There Be Peace On Earth.

A Mercury Retrograde to Remember (Forget?)

2010-09-09T12:27:00.003-05:00

by Christi Pugh for Nature's Gift

We try not to get too excited over mercury retrograde around here, usually duly noting it, mentally preparing, & then having a laugh or a grumble depending on the circumstances which arise. I say “usually” because this mercury retrograde has been anything but usual. Normally speaking you expect a few mechanical and/or technical glitches, grit your teeth, and move on.

From our experience this go around (it ends on September 12^th), interpersonal communication seems to be most impacted. We love our clients and are always happy to share information or point someone in the right direction, however, the calls we’ve gotten this past week have been nonsensical in the “Who’s on First,” routine, sense of the word. I suspect if it weren’t so frustrating we could/would find it comical.

I sent an email to Marge & T venting my frustration after what felt like the millionth crazy call:

“Dear God:

Please let this mercury retrograde come to an end. I am very tired of stupid questions.

As in, "how do I know your Helichrysum you say is from Corsica & certified organic on the website, really is? How do I know it is what you say it is & also that it is not old or something else?"

Lord, please, please, stop these communications snafus. If I've ever wanted a Mercury retrograde to end, this is the one. Thank you for your attention to this matter. That is all.

Christi”

Then there was the local woman who wanted to start her own aromatherapy business & after emailing a lengthy probing note, also asked Marge out to lunch to “pick her brain.” Marge politely declined via email, shared some resources that would be helpful, & gave requested input to questions she had asked. Initially, the woman responded thanking Marge. Hours later she responded again, in a rage, basically calling Marge a “know it all & unfriendly.” I couldn’t help but think: how ironic that an individual who comes to someone asking for their expertise & advice, would turn around and call that same person a “know it all,” just because she doesn’t like the answers received from the inquiry. (or perhaps was just upset that Marge turned her down for lunch.)

You see what I mean. This mercury retrograde is just a bit crazy…and I am not even sharing the half of it. It almost makes one afraid to answer the telephone.

Okay, one more: this morning someone called saying we sent their order to the wrong address. I wanted to make it right & was mortified. Then they told me that they forgot to change it to their new address when they submitted the order…but it was our fault for shipping it to the old address, anyway. Huh? How could we know their new address if they never shared it with us?

Again, I reiterate my plea to the heavens. Let the retrograde be done & gone, at least until December 10^th, when it makes its next unwelcome appearance. Then feel free to remind me again, “Who’s on first?”

"What can I bring????" - fast & easy recipes.

2010-09-06T15:54:00.001-05:00

This Labor Day I've been invited to two picnic/cookouts. One near noon, with my children and grands, one early this evening with another big group. The problem is that I have been going straight out all weekend. No time to cook, shop, etc.

Dessert is easy. I count on my well worn copy of The Cake Doctor. (Yes, I can bake some wonderful cakes from scratch. Just ask my children. I baked both of my daughter's wedding cakes. But that takes time and energy that I sometimes lack. So I count on recipes from The Cake Doctor and folks think I have done it all from scratch.) My big KitchenAid stand mixer will hold TWO batches of cake mix with all the add ins... so last night after I came home, two fancied up sheet cakes went in the oven. A quick pineapple/coconut glaze, and dessert was ready.

This morning I needed two Salads... time for my trusty "Instant Calico Pasta"... A secret a friend who was a caterer in a past life shared. The part that takes the longest is boiling the water.

Have on hand:

1 Box Salad pasta: rotini, Bow Ties, your choice
1 bag/package Frozen Mixed Italian Vegetables (The brand I buy has carrots, zucchini, Italian flat green beans, cauliflower, I forget what else.)
A amall bag of frozen mixed color sweet peppers and onions is nice to have, but not essential.
Some sort of liquid Salad dressing. Could be French or Italian, but those are more equally recognized, and the goal is to have people think you slaved. I like Store Brand "Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette" but a "Roasted Red Pepper with Parmesan" has worked well.

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water as long as the box says. Toss into your biggest drainer or colander. Add the FROZEN vegetables to the scalding hot pasta and toss like mad. The frozen veggies will cool the pasta; the steaming pasta will thaw and wilt the veggies, and voila...room temperature salad. Toss with a generous amount of your chosen dressing (nothing with a mayonnaise base, the glory of this is that it can sit, safely, at room temperature on a buffet or picnic table for several hours.)

If you have time you can add whatever other goodies seem appropriate... I halved some presliced turkey pepperoni, snipped some deli ham. If you have some sundried tomatoes, snip them and toss in. Olives would be good if you are an olive person. (I'm not!) The frozen slices of pepper were fairly long, so I snapped them in half or thirds before adding. The zucchini slices were huge, so I halved them. (A big heavy butchers knife will cut frozen vegetables nicely.) Coarsely grated or finely diced cheese is a great addition...I didn't have any, and no time to dice some.

For two HUGE bowls (two parties, remember?) I used one box of small Rotini, one box of Farfalle (bowtie noodles), two packages of mixed vegetables, one package of frozen peppers, and a full 16 oz bottle of salad dressing. (Had used less, but the batch at the first party was a tad dryer than I would have chosen, so when I came home, added more dressing to the second bowl.) Leftovers work well for lunch or dinner, although there are seldom any leftovers available.

And that's what I brought to the two Labor Day parties.

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite...

2010-09-02T12:20:00.005-05:00

by Christi Pugh
for Nature's Gift

Recent headlines about bed bug infestations across the country are hard to ignore. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl!

Luckily, no one at Nature’s Gift has encountered the problem so far. (Thankfully!) However, Marge considered staying at a hotel in Nashville for an upcoming conference & had second thoughts after word of a developing bed bug problem in the area. We also had an inquiry from a client about to go on vacation concerned about the possibility of encountering the little pests.

So what can you do to combat these critters when traveling or staying in hotels?

Essential oils recommended for combating insects include: Lemon Eucalyptus, Lemon Teatree, Cedarwood (we would use Atlas), Australian Blue Cypress, Patchouli, & Lavender Angustifolia. Some recommend Lemongrass, but the Lemon Eucalyptus or Lemon Teatree would likely be more effective. According to client feedback, our Skeeter Beater is an effective repellent for mosquitoes, fleas, biting flies, chiggers, etc. If I were in that situation, I would definitely reach for the Skeeter Beater.

Perhaps making a spritzer from the Skeeter Beater Synergy in a 4 oz PET Cobalt atomizer bottle to spray on the mattress, box springs, & bedding, is a thought. Marge also was thinking if she did stay in the hotel, she would wear the Skeeter Beater Gel in bed, to sleep. Lavender on a tissue in the pillow case could also be helpful for sleep & relaxation.

For the spritzer use 40 drops of the Skeeter Beater Synergy, a cap full or two of drugstore witch hazel, and about 4 oz of distilled water in an atomizer spray bottle. You will need to shake it up each time before use since the oil & water tend to separate.

If you do become prey for the unwelcome parasites & develop an itch from their bites, Cajeput Essential Oil is very effective for treating fire ant & other insect bites, so it would probably work well. I know someone in Delaware who recently encountered bed bugs while visiting a friend. She was itchy & miserable. She called & asked, “What do I have that I could use for it?” I said, “Do you have any Cajeput?” Thankfully, she did. She used it on the bites & it gave her relief.

Rather than using the Cajeput neat on the skin, try a 10% dilution in a carrier oil. Jojoba & Fractionated Coconut are both good choices as carrier oils, but I like to use Apricot Kernel as my carrier for bug bites since it absorbs so quickly, is safe on sensitive skin, & is helpful for inflamed skin. Use 60 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil to achieve the 10% dilution. (Quick reference dilution chart from the website) We’ve also gotten feedback that Helichrysum is soothing for bug bites, so that is another option. I personally prefer Cajeput because in my experience it almost always instantly stops the itching.

Here’s hoping you don’t encounter bed bugs during your travels. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to be prepared!

What we already knew.

2010-08-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

I love it when research comes out "proving" what we already know to be true.

For years I've been saying, on our website and in various forums, that Peppermint Essential Oil is stimulating, and that Ylangylang Essential Oil is relaxing.

I just recently came across some research on the cognitive effects of both essential oils, as well as their effects on mood. Unsurprisingly, the researchers found that the smell of peppermint enhanced memory, while Ylangylang impaired memory and seemed to slow mental processing. At the same time, tests of mood before and after the cognitive tests showed that subjectively, the peppermint increased alertness, while the ylangylang decreased awareness, but significantly increased calmness.

Not a surprise, but confirmation of what we already knew is always welcome!

The full paper is available at Pubmed as well as other online sources.

Text Book Time

2010-08-26T13:23:00.000-05:00

We just shipped another carton of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Sal Battaglia off to another college. It is amazing how many schools are using this guide as a textbook in their Aromatherapy, Natural health, or Spa courses. And we've had a flurry of orders from Amazon.com for it, as well. (People would be better off buying it directly from us; they would save money, but I guess folks just automatically go to Amazon to bookshop. I know I tend to.) Our price is higher on Amazon than on our website, but we are still the lowest price reseller there.) I don't see how people can be asking over $200 for a used copy!

We just placed a reorder from the Australian publisher today, and the decline of the dollar has done us in. The exchange rate when I last ordered was 78%...ie, One Australian Dollar cost roughly $0.78...Seventy Eight cents, American. Today, the exchange rate was 90%..an increase of 12% in our cost. For awhile we are going to hold the price steady; but if you are looking for a copy, I'd suggest ordering before my accountant sees the cost increase.

You can read my review of the contents at the link above. Martin Watt disliked it, if you google for book reviews; but a lot of others rave about it. Make very sure, if shopping elsewhere, that you are ordering the second edition. The first edition was quite a bit shorter, omitted several chapters. If they don't show a photograph of the cover, I would beware.

A Gift of Roses

2010-08-22T14:40:00.000-05:00

The distiller who sent us our new batch of Rosa Alba and Bulgarian Rose Absolute sent us another gift. A huge box of dried rose buds. (Actually, since he produces other organic oils and herbs, he sent several packets of different dried herbs. We fell in love with the perfection of the wee rosebuds, and ordered more. They arrived with the oils, but until the end of this week we didn't have time to even look at them. We still haven't decided what to do with them. Perhaps include a small sachet with our "Bouquet of Roses" sampler? Perhaps gift some lucky client with some? Perhaps add a sachet when someone invests in a LOT of Rose Oil. We shall see. In the meantime, they smell lovely.

Aromatherapy is Not for the Birds!

2010-08-09T11:30:00.003-05:00

By Christi Pugh for Nature's Gift

We had a question via email about using essential oils around birds & Marge deferred to me since I am the only bird owner at Nature’s Gift. The individual was thinking of using Peppermint Essential Oil in the bird cage which we would not ever recommend! (she was having a problem with ants in the bird cage)

Here’s my reply:

I would not use Peppermint Essential Oil anywhere NEAR your birds. (or mine!) Birds are very sensitive & can go into respiratory distress very quickly & die.

Some other ideas would be dried cut Peppermint Leaves or Peppermint tea bags in the bottom of the cage, underneath the grill but above the slide out tray. I personally use organic dry cut Eucalyptus Leaves (which the birds CAN eat) & Lavender buds in the bottom of my cage to deter mites, fleas, & other pests.

I cannot think of any essential oil I would feel safe about using on or around my parakeets. The threat of respiratory distress due to the potency of the oils is just too great. That said, I do use some hydrosols on them via a spritzer or atomizer. Hydrosols are much more benign & they love being spritzed with Roman or German Chamomile Hydrosol. Again, I don’t think I would use Peppermint Hydrosol, though.

As far as the ants go, I suspect your birds eat fresh fruit or maybe even some honey in their water? If so, that is what the ants are probably going for. In that case (and you may be doing this already), I would remove food cups & wash them at least daily with Dawn (or your favorite dish soap) & hot water, & remove any food scraps from the cage & wipe it down with dish soap & warm water and/or baking soda & warm water. I use an old toothbrush to clean crevices & other areas, & I would wipe down the area outside & around the cage & sweep & mop or vacuum the floor around the cage. I would do this every day.

Sometimes in hot weather, ants are drawn to water sources. Make sure the water cups are up very high in the cage as a deterrent.

Other than that, trying to locate the source where the ants are coming in to your house & treating it outside & at the point of entry would help. In that case, outside, Peppermint Essential Oil would be fine. In my house I place the oil on cotton balls around openings or inside my window frames. (places that can’t be accessed by my pets) I also use fresh garlic cloves in those areas which I was surprised to notice that this summer I’ve not had the ant problems of the past using both of those methods.

You might keep a small spray bottle filled with soapy water nearby to spray the ants if you see them headed that way.

Hope that helps!

The Explosion - or What the MSDS doesn't tell you.

2010-08-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

On Monday, June 13th, I was working at home, getting the shopping cart ready for our 15 on the 15th sale, when Christi called, to tell me that the Air Conditioning at work had gone out. T had already called a repair person. I suggested we have the crew finish the orders from the weekend and then we could close up early. We agreed there was no need for me to go in there. No HVAC repair possible until Tuesday afternoon.

About two hours after Christi's initial call, T, our production manager, called near hysteria. A full gallon bottle of Holy Basil essential oil (Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum) had exploded on the shelf.

Perhaps a brief explanation of our physical layout is appropriate. Picture two rectangles, one about 2 and a half times longer than it is wide, a bit over a thousand square feet. That is the production and storage area.
At one end, up a short flight of stairs is a smaller square, probably 400 square feet, divided in two. the half nearer the production area is our breakroom, kitchen and office supply storage, through a doorway is the office. Much more space than Christi and I need. The "upstairs" and "downstairs" have separate heating and cooling units. For reasons unknown, one of the quirks of the air circulation causes the aroma of any oils being poured downstairs to be much stronger in the office. We have an exhaust fan hanging over the pouring stations, but it really doesn't help. Christi and I will enjoy (or not) what is being poured that day.

Okay, with that mental image in your mind... Picture, against one wall of the production room, a set of metal shelves used for bulk storage. Gallon and half gallon amber glass jugs of non-perishable essential oils. (The perishable oils are stored under refrigeration; this is "cool room temperature" storage, under nitrogen.)

Two thoughts entered my mind, first, how to clean it up, and second, what about the other oils?. I told her to start blotting the spill up with paper towels, to wear gloves, and to UNSEAL every other bulk product, to prevent another bottle exploding. At that point, in all honesty, my main concern was protecting the rest of our inventory. I had never heard of a bottle exploding from heat, although it made logical sense, based on the laws of physics, that it could. I printed out a copy of the MSDS sheet for Holy Basil and headed for the office.

When I arrived at work, most of the bulk products had been cracked open. Because we didn't know how long the production area would be without air conditioning we started moving product into the walk-in cold room. Priorities were the most costly and/or the most fragile essential oils and blends first, when they were safely stored in the cold room. After all the bulk oils and blends were stored, we moved the remaining carrier oils, lotions and creams, some of the retail sizes, everything that we were concerned about degrading in extreme heat.

In moving some of the remaining bottles off the bulk storage shelf we found the bottoms covered with a white paste. The spilled Holy Basil had dissolved the paint on the shelves. Pause, put on Nitrile gloves. continue stashing products in the cold room or the (air conditioned) warehouse. At which point we discovered that Holy Basil essential oil will eat through Nitrile gloves. (Jim discovered that, as the only man available he was nominated to continue the cleanup.) After the shelves were emptied, the actual shelves were moved outside into the air to be dealt with later. He cleaned up all that was still damp and "wipeable" with towels. They also went outside in the trash. Having done all we knew to do at that point, we finished the orders that had been in process, got them to the post office, decided that no one but me would come in on Tuesday, and closed up shop.

On Tuesday I had someone come in to soap and water wash the floor and metal shelf framework, and the Air Conditioner Repair person came. On Wednesday reopened for business. Since the production area was once again at "cool room temperature" we spent the day moving bulk and retail product out of temporary cold storage and back to their normal spaces. Then we started packing orders from the sale on the 15th.

My primary concern at that point was the integrity of our inventory. Extremes of heat and cold can hasten the oxidation of essential oils, as well as the carriers we have, and I was worried about them. I contacted the two most knowledgeable chemists I know - Robert Tisserand and Tony Burfield, both of whom reassured me that no harm had been done. Robert was even gracious enough to let us quote him:

I don't think you need to be too concerned about quality degradation. In 48 hours or so, only so much oxidation can take place, and that's the only potential problem. Oxidation is a very slow process. I would guess that some of your oils might have lost a week or two of shelf life (out of 2-3 years or so) and I don't think you need to do any more than you are doing.

Essential oils are distilled at very hot temperatures of course, and moving from liquid phase to gas and back is not in itself damaging. The explosion was about vapor pressure building up, and is dramatic and traumatic. But it's no more than that - a build-up of pressure. Shame you lost all that beautiful oil!

Certainly you need to check each oil, but my guess is that they are all going to be fine! Basically, you're cleaning up a mess, and then things can settle back down.

That was a huge relief. but the mess was far from cleaned up.

Over the course of the next week or 10 days we experienced various repercussions. Remember I explained that the odd air circulation of our building intensified any aromas upstairs, in the office? The air intake for the "upstairs" air conditioner sits beside Christi's desk. Air flow tends to be circular - into the office from the break room, around the room past the front door, then past my desk, past Christi's desk and into the intake.

My computer desk sits perpendicular to that airflow. During the next two or three days I developed contact dermatitis on one side of my face and neck...where the air molecules touched my skin.

Over the course of the next week Christi became physically ill. She struggled on for a few days, took some time off, recuperated at home, became ill again immediately upon her return to the office.She experienced nausea, diarrhea, headache, then major major sinus pain and drainage from mucous membrane irritation, her gastric reflux was affected, she experienced extreme fatigue and skin irritation. She had been sensitized to clove oil years ago, and the Eugenol in the Holy Basil did her in.

T, downstairs, was moving the computer right next to the area of the spill, on her knees, unplugging cables. Mind you, the spill had been cleaned up days earlier; the floor scrubbed with soap and water, there was NO essential oil visible. She ended up having to use our emergency eyewash fountain for the first time ever. The fumes coming off the floor tiles in that corner were enough to burn her eyes.

At this point we did what we should have done the day of the spill; we called for help. And getting help was not as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of companies listed that claim to help with chemical spills (which is what we were dealing with.) I called. they asked me to fax them an MSDS of the product. I did so, along with a GCMS showing that the spill was 65% eugenol. In many cases, I never heard back.

        * First suggestion for your Emergency Plan: Have industrial cleanup numbers on hand. If possible interview them in advance to see who is willing to respond to something that is not a HUGE industrial spill, but none the less is a hazard.

Finally a local "Air Quality" engineer came to visit. He, at least, knew what an essential oil was, talked of VOC's and contamination. He gave us some concrete steps to take that we should have taken immediately. Vic McCauley, from Roscoe Brown, Inc. was the only source of guidance and advice we had.

       * Next suggestion for your plan:   Baking soda or Cat litter. LOTS of it. Buy it by 20 or 40 lb bags. Have at least one large bag on hand in your workroom or store room, and another in your blending room.

   1. Baking Soda or Cat Litter. both substances will absorb VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air. We should have dumped 40 pounds of cat litter on the spill the minute it happened. Lacking that, we should have spread large, open trays of either on every table in the building, and changed them daily. This is the single most important step that we could have taken.

2. We left EVERY fan in the building running 24/7, not just the exhaust fan over the pouring table (no where near the area of the spill.) but the bathroom exhaust fan, the ceiling fans that help rotate the air, ever fan in the building; and left one window cracked open to bring in fresh air. (Had the temperatures not been record-breaking hot, we'd have left doors open while we were here.)

3. We had already known that the exhaust fan we'd built in when we renovated this building was not very effective. We have installed an oxidizing air cleaner into the AC ducts in the production room. For three weeks we used a 'stand alone' oxidizing air purifier in the office area. And daily we filled cookie sheets with baking soda or cat litter, let them stand for 24 hours, and replaced them with fresh.

All of this helped. Christi was able to return to work, my skin was not getting any worse. But alone, they were not enough to clean the air in our building, because every surface had been saturated with volatile molecules of Eugenol.

Over the July 4th weekend, we had workmen come in. The "Industrial Strength Solvent Resistant" floor tile, permanently etched by the spilled essential oil was removed. The cement floor under the tile was sealed, prior to having new tiles put down. The two corner walls near the spill were painted with KILZ, to seal any absorbed essential oil, then repainted.

The metal shelf framework was scrubbed down with Acetone (this was Tony Burfield's recommended cleaner.) painted (again, with KILZ) to seal in any splashes of essential oil that did not successfully wash off. New wooden shelves were cut to fit and painted. In other words, every thing that had come in direct contact with the spilled oil was either removed or sealed.

That total renovation, plus the new air cleaners took the aromatic level down a few notches. We still smell Holy Basil when we enter the building, but it is gentler; no longer overwhelming. We can now also smell *other* aromatics, for the first time in weeks.
I don't know if the building will ever totally be cleared of the remaining traces. I know all the cardboard shipping boxes are delightfully aromatic now. We had to move all the bliss bath products out to the warehouse. Now that "the dust has settled' we can inspect them to see how much holy basil they've absorbed and decide whether to dispose of them, or let our clients buy them at clearance.

Too much Holy Basil smells like sweet Clove Bud oil, from the Eugenol. After a month or more of drying down and removal, we are discovering a delightfully gentle floral trace in the dry down. I don't remember experiencing that aspect in the past.

I think we can safely ensure that our building will never have a problem with insect infestations, and I dare any bacteria to try growing there.

I just love it

2010-06-08T23:57:00.001-05:00

A headline in a British paper last month: Aromatherapy "makes labour easier" http://tinyurl.com/28eb9l3. I love it when the press prints a story just stating what we've been saying for years.

Well, yes. Aromatherapy does, in fact, make labour easier. Trying to remember when I first wrote our page about "aromatic birthing" for the website. I know it's been a few years since we put together the two "aromatic birthing" kits. Nice to see public aknowledgement that these oils really do make the whole labor and delivery process easier and less stressful for the mom.

Keeping the Skeeters Away

2010-06-04T14:06:00.007-05:00

by Christi Pugh for Nature's Gift

For the time being it seems I’ve found a safer & more cost effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay in the nearest vicinity around my house…a spray of Lemon Eucalyptus in water & rubbing alcohol. Overall, Skeeter Beater is more effective, but for a large area, this can't be beat!

I have a huge old oak tree in my front yard which keeps it very shady & often damp, so this year in particular with the record rainfall/flooding, I’ve been more concerned than ever about the pesky creatures. Every couple of days I go out and spray around my doors/doorways and around the porch areas, steps, & greenery closest to the house. I’m in and out a lot with the dogs and in the past we’ve always been bombarded by mosquitoes on the porch but so far this season, it has not been a problem.

Of course we wear Skeeter Beater (I prefer the oil for the dogs) and have always spritzed a blend of the synergy and water on us as we came out for extra protection on our walks. Still the swarming mosquitoes were there in the porch area and we had to get through them to the sidewalk, which was a chore! (and kind of creepy, as I hate bugs!)

We know Lemon Tea Tree is also effective and both it and the Lemon Eucalyptus are two of the main components in our popular Skeeter Beater Blend. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), actually recommends Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil as an insect repellent.

For my concoction, I use a larger trigger spray bottle rather than an atomizer, just so I can more easily spray it outside and in larger areas. It is about 8 ounces size, I believe. (Our atomizers are 4 oz. Many trigger spray bottles are 16 & 24 oz.) Note also that I would not use a non Pet plastic bottle for use on skin.

I fill the bottle with water about one third full, add anywhere from 60-80 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus, pour in a few cap fulls of rubbing alcohol, fill it with water again, and shake it up. Note that I don’t fill the bottle all the way to the top so I have room to shake the ingredients. The Lemon Eucalyptus has a very strong aroma, so I started with a smaller amount of the oil, and it seems to be having the desired effect.

You could also use the Skeeter Beater Synergy or add some Cedarwood Essential Oil to the Lemon Eucalyptus. This is a wonderful all natural way to repel unwanted critters this summer as a supplement to our Skeeter Beater products.

Memorial Weekend

2010-05-26T12:56:00.000-05:00

We've been busy playing catch up at Nature's Gift, recovering from the devastation of the flood, trying to create some order out of chaos. And I almost forgot that Memorial Day was coming.

But we want to pause in memory of those who have given all, and those who are at risk today.

A friend's son, Robby Fort, posted his tribute for Memorial Day weekend on YouTube, in honor of those who serve. We thought you might enjoy it.

Dr. Oz Strikes Again

2010-05-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

I guess we should be grateful to Dr. Oz for bringing essential oils to his audience. But the level of misinformation he gives out is appalling.

Three oils are featured in the above clip.

Manuka (leptospermon scoparium)... he demonstrates its NEAT use...slathered all over a woman's calf, to treat cuts, bruises, irritated skin. Well...I hope I've written enough about the dangers of using undiluted essential oils on broken skin that you all know better than that. He also stated that Manuka is related to Tea Tree, and that Captain Cook brought Manuka back to Europe after his voyages. Well, Tea tree is a melaleuca, not a leptospermon, and while Captain Cook may have brought the leaves back, he certainly did not learn about the essential oil from the New Zealand natives.

Lavender, for stress relief. We'll let that pass, although he did comment that it helped the libido. Have never heard of lavender as an aphrodisiac, but we won't quibble.

Peppermint, for indigestion, and for IBS. For indigestion, yes. For IBS? Sorry, but the research done on peppermint oil for irritable bowel system stresses the use of enteric coated capsules so that the peppermint oil will not affect the stomach but will pass directly through to the bowel before the capsule is dissolved. Hard to see how Peppermint oil in water could reach the bowel prior to the stomach acting on it.

I guess one out of three isn't bad. Dr. Oz has such a huge audience who take his every word for gospel truth. We appreciate his enthusiasm, but would really appreciate a bit of accuracy.

New oils.... ohboyohboyohboy

2010-05-10T18:47:00.000-05:00

My friend Laraine Kyle knows of our search for Pinion Pine essential oil to make available to you all. Two weeks ago she emailed me about a distiller she had talked to from the mountains of Northern Utah. She said she hadn't met him yet, nor sampled his oils, but she was impressed after talking to him. Of course I emailed immediately.

Today the samples arrived. Pinion Pine essential oil... clear and free and... absolutely wonderful. White Fir...Abies concolor... clean, the scent of the deep woods. Sagebrush... Artemesia tridentata. I wish you could have seen T and I... I think we both got high just off the scent strips. We are both in love with the two conifers. The Sagebrush was a surprise, much deeper and more earthy than the Owyhee we offer, and I'm not sure yet whether or not I like it. After all, I'm a Yankee lady, and don't know what the scent of sagebrush is. But I suspect our western friends will love it; and know that for ritual work it will be wonderful. Powerfully cleansing. (Laraine suggests that it might be helpful in treating parasites, as well.)

These amazing oils are from trees gathered high in the Utah mountains, near Grand Staircase National Monument and Bryce Canyon. The trees have either fallen naturally, or are scheduled for cutting for firebreaks or other conservation. The distiller does not use power tools in gathering the branches for his still; hand saws, not chain saws, no power chipper ... just man power. Nothing to disturb the pristine environment where they grow.

Supplies of these rare and precious oils are quite limited. We will bring in all that he is willing to ship us to make available for you. (The White Fir bows are not even wildcrafted; they are distilled from recycled Christmas Trees.) The Balsam Fir has always been "my" Christmas scent, since it is the Christmas tree of my Boston childhood. I think those born and raised in the Rockies may find this crystal clear White Fir oil the scent of Christmas past.

We are also bringing in supplies of the hydrosols, for emotional and ritual work. We can't wait for their arrival to make them available to you. Watch for the announcement in our newsletter and on our Facebook page.

We hope you will love them as much as we do! I'm diffusing a tiny bit in my workroom even as I type. The final touch to clear the lingering aromas from the recent flood, restoring both the air in this room, and my spirit as I type.

Flooding Devastation in Nashville, How You Can Help

2010-05-04T14:28:00.003-05:00

By Christi for Nature's Gift Staff

We are all still in shock at the images & events we’ve seen unfolding over the past several days as flood waters overtook our beloved city of Nashville, surrounding counties, & other parts of the state. This historic flooding is extremely saddening & unprecedented for our area—basically we received an entire summer’s worth of rain (13-18 inches) in about a 36 hour time frame catching everyone off guard & leaving motorists & home owners trapped & stranded.

Over fifty counties in Tennessee have been declared disaster areas & Nashville itself had to declare a state of emergency after torrential rains drove the Cumberland River to more than 50 feet & over its banks, while area rivers & creeks rose over and/or into homes, businesses, & iconic Nashville landmarks such as the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Opryland Hotel, & the TN Titans Stadium. The death toll continues to rise as the flood waters begin to subside. So far 10 deaths have been confirmed in Nashville with the number nearing 20 statewide.

Nature’s Gift closed on Monday after our Mayor asked us not to travel so emergency workers could continue their heroic rescue efforts. So many roads were closed in & around Nashville (many remain closed) that it was total gridlock. Even parts of the interstate system were submerged in water making travel to & from Middle Tennessee via car virtually impossible. Honestly, we needed the day off to try & absorb what is happening all around us & try to figure out what we could do to help our neighbors.

The good news for our immediate Nature’s Gift family is that none of our staff suffered any major loss of home or family. Marge has a bit of water to clean up in her family room & carpet to be replaced & a new house guest evacuated from a flooded apartment. T had a scare Saturday night when flood waters covered her front yard. Sharon’s neighborhood of Bellevue is still engulfed in several feet of water but luckily she sustained no damage to her home. Yorleny, Jim, & I had no real damage to speak of at our houses. As Jim said to me this morning, a real feat considering how spread out we all live across the Nashville area. We are all counting our blessings & filled with gratitude.

The President has said he will authorize FEMA funds for Nashville, which will allow the state & local government to access funds needed for our massive clean up & rebuilding projects. However, there are many families in need the majority without flood insurance who still need help, hundreds possibly thousands, whose homes have been devastated & escaped with only the clothes they were wearing when rescued. There is a tremendous need particularly in the interim for things like medicines, clothing, & transportation.

We have chosen to give to & make our Charity of the Quarter this quarter, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Tennessee Emergency Response Fund for Flood Relief. The emergency management agencies have endorsed this reputable nonprofit & I know they are responsible & will use the funds wisely & direct help to those individuals in most need.

We will have a link set up on our site for donations in the next day or so making it easy for you to donate anywhere from a dollar or more when you place an order. In the meantime you may donate directly. We never dreamed when our hearts were going out to Haiti in January, that our hometown of Nashville would be experiencing such devastation just a few months later.

Considering Aromatherapy Books

2010-04-28T12:53:00.005-05:00

By Christi

One of the most frequent questions we get is, “Which book would you most recommend?” My response is usually, “What is the purpose you are looking for?” The fact is, there are several great Aromatherapy books which focus on various uses for essential oils. (There are also some not so great ones out there!) Of course I am partial to Marge’s book Essential Oils & Aromatics for obvious reasons…however, it IS a great overall book to reach for.

Here’s a list to help sort them out:

Beginner’s Books

1) Marge’s Introduction to Aromatherapy Booklet (not quite a book but chock full of helpful information) with safety information, blending tips, and a few recipes. It travels easily in a purse or back pack & makes a great gift for those just starting out.

2) Marge’s Essential Oils & Aromatics, (also mentioned above), is a beautiful coffee table book as well as a practical guide to aromatherapy. It expands on information covered on the website & in the booklet.

Physical Uses of the Oils

1) Salvatore Battaglia’s Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, which I call my Aromatherapy “bible.” I find myself reaching for it daily for its wealth of
information about the oils & body systems. Yes, it is heavy & expensive, but
a worthwhile investment.

Spiritual & Emotional Uses

1) Gabriel Mojay’s Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit explores the Eastern side of uses for the oils, body balance, & energetics. I never tire of pulling this book out to read & always learn something new when I do so.

2) Robbi Zeck’s The Blossoming Heart deals with emotional & spiritual uses. It is thoughtful & thorough & a complete delight. It is one of the first aromatherapy books I ever owned & I still use it regularly, particularly if I am in a funk or a friend is going through something & needs guidance. We also offer a companion “Energetic Oils Kit,” on the site, covering the oils mentioned in the book.

Pet Care

1) A subject near & dear to my heart is pet care & Kristin Leigh Bell’s Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals is the book to consider. Kristin is an experienced aromatherapist & is extremely knowledgeable. If you have pets & use aromatherapy, it is a must-have. (Note: We do not sell this book, but you may click thru our Amazon link to purchase.)

For a complete listing of books we have available visit our books page or for other books we recommend, visit our book reviews.

Helichrysum Anecdotes

2010-04-19T12:03:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has read our website knows that I think Helichrysum italicuum, from Corsica, is the *most* healing of essential oils. Two recent anecdotes...one from a client, one my personal experience.

This weekend I received the following Email, and was given permission to share:

Hi!

Wanted to share a great story on Helichrysum 10% dilution!

I had some spider veins removed from my face recently. The doctor told

me I would be bruised and swollen for two to six weeks.

She gave me an ice pack to use right after the procedure, but when I

came home, I put on some of your Helichrysum 10% dilution.

I reapplied it that night and again the following night. (I have to

admit I really don't like the smell!). I never had any bruising at

all....just a tiny bit of swelling that was barely noticeable. It has

been several days now, and still not a hint of discoloration.

I had this same procedure done last year and was really bruised for at

least a week. Should have thought to use the Helichrysum then!

Thanks so much for being one of my favorite companies!!

Annette Kohn-Lau

I love it when we amaze the doctors!!!! And validation that our products really DO perform as expected is even better ;) Annette's email made my evening!

Now... my personal experience... I am either the luckiest or the clumsiest woman in Tennessee...possibly both!

I was trying on some new clothes from Coldwater Creek's Outlet. And I was just recovering from yet another respiratory ailment that had left me a bit weak and shaky. Somehow in trying on a new pair of jeans (Teal Blue and stunning!) I managed to 'off balance' myself and did a one point landing...to quote Forrest Gump, "on my left buttock." Because I was busy messing with the jeans, it was truly a one point landing, no way to break my fall. And remember, folks, my house is a "slab house"...sitting on a concrete slab. Carpeting with padding, but it's still concrete.

OUCH. I am truly blessed that I did *not* break a hip. My bone density is dangerously low; I can't take the drugs that can improve that condition, and my Doctor has repeatedly warned me that I'm at high risk for broken bones. So I was shaken, and grateful, and, after I picked myself (and those teal jeans) up off the floor, in a fair amount of pain. I knew nothing was broken, but suspect I bruised the bone. No bruise showing, but it HURT. Hurt to sit down, hurt to get up, hurt to move the wrong way. I drove to work (getting in and out of the car HURT.) Discovered that my office chair was not nearly as comfortable as the chair at my home office. Asked T to blend up one fl ounce of our Arnica Massage Oil with 3 ml of Helichrysum. A strong dilution, but this was a serious bruise.

Forgot to apply the blend later in the day, but when I woke in the night with pain every time I rolled over, I got up and applied it to the problem area. The pain relief of the blend, plus some SleepEase in my Aromastone, let me sleep soundly the rest of the night. The next morning I remembered to apply the blend before getting dressed. I may (or not) have used it that evening but am fairly sure I didn't use it any longer.

Results? Occasional pain for the next few days if I sat down or got up too abruptly, or moved just the wrong way. Absolutely NO exterior bruising.

Yes, the Arnica Massage oil, with helichrysum added, is now permanently part of my home first aid kit. And I am *much* more careful when trying on new clothes!

Cool Cucumber Hydrosol-A Natural Delight

2010-04-16T13:58:00.003-05:00

by Christi

My face feels so happy today! I treated it to Cucumber Hydrosol—battling a few dry patches with the changing seasons & red, itchy, allergy laden eyes.

The aroma is so lovely, like a freshly cut cucumber from the garden. Since it is all natural & certified organic, there is no fake/synthetic “melon” scent like those drugstore “cucumber” facial masks from the 1980’s. (remember those?) Icky…

I spot treated (dabbed) the dry areas with soaked cotton balls, as well as around my itchy eyes at 6:30 a.m. prior to putting on my foundation. I had no problems putting on my makeup a short time after using the hydrosol & nearly 8 hours later, my face still feels refreshed & comfortable as if I have had my own private spa treatment going on all day!

I’ve always used our Frankincense Hydrosol as a toner & for cooling down on hot summer days & it is an excellent choice, but now I’ve found another favorite in the Cucumber Hydrosol. It was new to us last summer & we quickly sold out. It is no wonder. Now that it is back in stock, I am so happy I’ve finally taken the time to try it. Cooling, toning, refreshing, soothing, natural...It is truly a delight!

Read more about our Cucumber Hydrosol here.

Tips on Growing Younger

2010-04-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

This just in from client Ellen Wood. It delighted us, we hope it will delight you, as well.

Scalp Stimulation, Anyone?

by Ellen Wood (www.growyoungguide.com) Keynote Speaker, Author, Columnist and Grow Young Guide

Oooooh. Aaaah. That feels soooooooo good.

Ever have someone wash your hair and massage your scalp? It feels so good, you’re glad your head is leaning back over the sink so you won’t drool on your chin.

It's a time for allowing your consciousness to go to scalp and just feel the pleasure. This is not a left-brain thinking/talking experience; it’s one of those right-brain feeling experiences.

Scalp massage has been used by many cultures throughout history to stimulate hair growth. I can’t vouch for that, but it does increase blood circulation, which is needed to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Of course, the top of your head is one of the most difficult places to get blood flowing since we usually just keep our head upright and let it sit there all day. Scalp massage is the best way to get blood circulating at the top of your head and help prevent hair loss (or perhaps even stimulate new hair growth, as some folks claim.)

Scalp massage has other benefits, too. When you massage your scalp (or better yet, have someone else do it for you), you activate neural pathways to the brain and stimulate dormant brain cells. Yes! We can increase our brain power without even struggling with Sudoku.

Here’s one way to massage your scalp: put some Stimulating Scalp Massage Oil on your scalp, then use the balls of your fingertips of both hands and rub in gentle, circular motions over one small area of your scalp while you count to five. Then, with your fingertips in the same place, rub in circular motions without moving your fingertips, allowing only your scalp to move while you count to five. Then move on to the next place on your scalp and continue until you’ve massaged your entire scalp.

Another method to use for stimulating your scalp is pulling your hair, usually before your shower and after dry brushing your skin. It takes just 15 to 20 seconds total, so try this (but get your doctor’s permission first): Bend at the waist and let your head fall forward. Keep your legs straight, feet hip-width apart. With each hand take a small bunch of your hair at the roots and gently yank 3 to 5 times rapidly. Then move to the next clusters of hair and continue that process until you’ve covered your whole head.

WARNING: The first time I did this was several years ago when I was in my late 60s. I was naked and when I bent over at the waist, I was unprepared for the shock of what my eyeballs were staring at. Not a pretty sight! I just hadn’t looked at myself naked in an upside-down position in a long time so I was caught by surprise. If my breasts were larger, they might have covered my belly, but I’m not sure I was ready for that picture either.

I am a proponent of loving yourself exactly as you are, so if you don’t like what you see when you bend at the waist and pull your hair, tell your belly and boobs you love them as they are and thank them for doing their job (and still being there) – or wear clothes.

Spring in Tennessee

2010-04-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

It's finally Springtime in middle Tennessee. I have to admit, Tennessee does Spring better than anywhere else I have lived. New England and New York excel in Autumn, the Pacific Northwest excels at Summer, but Tennessee OWNS Spring. Some shots from my yard, or my very brief commute to work:

A huge old apple tree stands by the walk from my door to my driveway.It yields no apples...just tiny little hard red things that look like rose hips. But standing under it, looking up at the March sky through the blossoms is a gift every morning and afternoon.

The young man who mowed my lawn also mowed the violets and dandelions. The dandelions will be back; not sure about the violets. (Violets thrive in the shade of the Apple tree.)

Bradford pears grow in stately rows almost everywhere:

Daffodils!!!!

And a neighbor's forsythia bush, flaunting its blooms in front of the ever present Bradford Pear:

Not everthing is gold...

The first dogwood -

and cherry trees are at their height.

And soon the Iris will be blooming.

We do Spring well, here.

What not to say...

2010-03-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

Had a perfect classic "what not to say to a customer" example early last week.

Had placed a fairly large order with a supplier, some items were urgently needed - a real rush. Others could wait a good while. We anticipated arrival on Wednesday of last week, and when they didn't arrive Wednesday a.m., emailed, asking for tracking. One project was on hold, waiting for a component. No reply to my email. Late that afternoon I emailed again. Received a reply, that the entire order was delayed waiting for their arrival of one small item, and would ship in a few days.

I wasn't pleased. Emailed back that, perhaps I had been spoiled by their otherwise exemplary customer service, but when an order is going to be delayed a week, I expected to be notified, and given my options. In this case i would have asked them to ship the bulk of the order asap, and backorder the delayed items. That would have been no problem, and I would have gladly paid the extra shipping charges. I need to note that my email was assertive, but not in any way inappropriate. I stated the fact that by failing to notify me of a delay, they had caused us several problems.

While I was out of the office, my production manager received a call from the business owner. "Marge must have been having a bad hair day."

She was so angry she ended up hanging up on the man. And I do not blame her.

Rule number one - when a customer voices displeasure with a mistake in your organization (and YES, we all make mistakes!) do NOT suggest that she is "having a bad hair day."

Reminder to me... some men are STILL male chauvinist pigs!

We love our clients!

2010-03-16T15:06:00.001-05:00

We love client feedback!

Some of it is wonderful. People will write about a difficult situation, we'll make a suggestion, and later receive wonderful feedback...that it helped immensely. We love the times that we know, all the way through, that we made a difference in people's lives.

And then there's the feedback and/or panicked questions that come, over and over again, because people don't read the information on the Site. At least once a week we'll get a "your German Chamomile is GREEN, and thick...it won't pour. It's supposed to be BLUE. Can you send me some German Chamomile, this has the wrong label." And I check the order, yes, sure enough, they ordered German Chamomile CO2 extracted...which is properly described on the website as thick, green, hard to work with, and SO much more healing than the distilled. But they didn't read. (I actually have a form letter for that one, it happens so often.)

And people will write that they LOVE a new absolute that they sampled. Or that they don't like the xxxx Floral Water that they ordered and it isn't nearly as good as YYY's Floral Water ... and I get to explain the difference between a true distilled hydrosol and a floral water. (Which is on the website, but who reads?)

And people share their lives, and their families' lives with us. The twin grandbabies in New Zealand who love Baby Bottom Balm. The baby who avoided ear surgery when mom started diffusing Eucalyptus Smithii in her room. The elderly woman, awaiting knee surgery, who was able to discontinue her pain meds because Miracle Oil helped so much.

Yes, we make a difference.

Sometimes, though, we get to laugh out loud. Last night was one of those nights. A client was placing an order, and left the following comment:

Special Instructions / Comments: Thank you for your thoughtful samples. My husband & I have been using Helichrysum to help with a scarring issue in his groin area - we added the black pepper thinking the warmth would also be beneficial for the healing. Then HEY! WooHoo! I noticed this increased desire... for both of us (We're in our mid-50s acting like maybe our 30s) and frankly, this has been really nice. OKayy! 'nuf said. :-)

I love doing what we do!!!! (And I'm especially grateful to clients who give us permission to share...with or without using their names!)