Making Sense of Scents – Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Some lavender from my garden in 2019

This post is (a typed version of) a Power Point Presentation I’d written several years ago. I created it as an introduction to Essential Oils, at a workshop I’d offered to a group here in Haliburton, Ontario.

Much of this presentation concerns the proper use of these chemicals, (because that’s what they are). They can have serious adverse affects on your health if used improperly.

The best practices of aromatherapy, with respect to essential oils should include knowledge and common sense.

Though not the ‘miracle cure-all’ some might want us to believe, and actually classified as a pseudoscience, aromatherapy may be useful to induce relaxation, but there is not sufficient evidence to state essential oils effectively treat any condition! However, I feel aromatherapy can be a wonderful addition to in our feelings of well-being when you take into consideration the science behind the sense of smell.

Unfortunately, there’s much misinformation on the internet about essential oils, and claims by individual users and cosmetic manufacturers in general who make blatantly outrageous statements about what their products can do.

The fact is, there are no facts on any healing properties with essential oils.

There is no scientific or fact-based evidence to conclude that they reduce inflammation, fight infections, reduce wrinkles, or any other claim out there.

The information below is an attempt to help people stay safe. It’s to filter through some of the misrepresentations & unethical claims in a world that’s inundated with advertising and consumerism.


Making Sense of Scents – An introduction to essential oils

What is aromatherapy?

  • Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine.
  • “Aromatherapy” is an all-inclusive term, covering cosmetic, psychological, and medicinal effects
  • Plant materials & aromatic plant oils are used for the purpose of altering one’s mood, cognitive, psychological or physical well being.
  • Research has shown that aromatherapy may be effective in treating anxiety & depression through the use of scent by stimulating nerves linked to parts of the brain that control our emotions.

The smell from a flower stimulates the olfactory bulb.  Olfaction is a part of the nose and brain associated with this, and it forms our sense of smell.

There’s a whole science behind it. Just think of the feeling you get from smelling an old-fashioned rose, a bunch of lavender, or fresh baked cookies!

Memory of Things Past… Smell and memory

Our sense of smell is closely linked with memory, more so than any of our other senses.

Cream scones

As I wrote previously a post about baking my mom’s scone recipe, and how their aroma took me back to her kitchen, scent can evoke particular memories; for example the scent of a flower in bloom can conjure vivid recollections of a positive childhood memory.

  • So, scent can act as a trigger that recalls long-forgotten events or experiences.
  • Scent, (known as odor information), is stored in our long-term memory banks. Whether it’s flowers, perfume or food, scent has strong connections to our emotional memories!

To be sure, the perfume and cosmetics industry have built themselves around this information!


Relationship between scent, pheromones & sexual response

On a personal level, smell is extremely important when it comes to an attraction between two people.

Take a gander at your partner! Looks may have been part of that initial attraction, but research has shown that our body odor, produced by the genes which make up our immune system, is a big part of the reason why we subconsciously choose our better half!

History of Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

Egyptians preparing lily perfume, 4th century BC – Public Domain

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic, spiritual, hygienic & ritualistic purposes for at least six thousand years. Ancient civilizations, including India, China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome used them in their cosmetics, perfumes and drugs.

  • Essential oils were commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, ritualistic & religious purposes.
  • In fact, to “anoint” (Latin, inunctus “to smear with oil”) means making a person sacred and serve a higher spiritual purpose.
  • E.O.s have been found in Egyptian tombs and they’ve been referenced often in the bible.

What are Essential Oils?

These oils are “Essential” in the sense that they contain the “essence of” a particular plant’s fragrance, and any of that plant’s characteristics from which it is derived.

  • Essential oils are potent
  • One drop of an essential oil is equivalent to 25-75 cups of the herbal tea of the same plant. (This varies according to the plant) This is where caution and common sense come in handy!

How are essential oils made?

These are three of the most popular methods.

  • Steam Distillation: Plants are steamed under pressure. Oil is extracted and the remaining steam forms a hydrosol = floral waters
  • Cold-Pressing: Used for citrus essential oils. Citrus rinds are mashed in water. The oil released is separated from the pulpy water & collected as an essential oil.
  • CO2: Liquid CO2 is combined with plant matter, then the CO2 is turned back into a gas, leaving the plant matter and essential oil behind. This is the preferred method of extraction for many manufacturers.

My List of Essential Oil Best Practices

Know your source!

  • Buy from a reputable retailer, online or off!
  • Reputable companies properly label, bottle & package oils for sale & shipment.
  • Avoid : “fragrance oil”, “nature identical oil” & “perfume oil” – Not pure & very likely synthetic
  • Avoid vendors who are vague, fly by night, or seem to know very little about their products.
  • Ask questions: Test their knowledge

Safe handling of oils

  • Always read & follow all label cautions and warnings
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets
  • NEVER use on babies
  • NEVER use on cats (will cause liver damage if ingested. Cats will lick it off themselves)
  • Do not ingest essential oils – NEVER take them internally
  • Keep away from flame, heat and ignition sources – essential oils are flammable
  • Use latex gloves and protective glasses when handling essential oils.
  • Keep essential oils out of eyes, ears, nose, mouth or any body opening

Safe storage

  • Store Oils in Glass bottles away from direct sunlightAmber & cobalt glass are equally effective for blocking out damaging sunlight.
  • Keep Bottle Caps TightOxygen is the enemy to oils.
  • Store them in a Dry, Cool Location
  • Keep a Record of the Date Purchased and Expected Shelf Life of Each Oil
  • Remember That Oils are Flammable (hence the dry cool location).
  • Keep Oils Away from Children & pets (I can’t stress this enough

Possible reactions – Safety first!

  • PHOTOSENSITIVITY – Some essential oils are photosensitive. These essential oils are sensitive to sunlight. When they’re are applied to the skin they can cause a rash or burn when it’s exposed to sunlight.
  • If you’re going to use them, it’s advisable to avoid sun exposure for 24 – 48 hrs after use.

Examples:  Citrus e.o. especially -> Ginger, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Bergamot, Lime, Cumin & more…

  • ALLERGIES – People with skin allergies should do a test before extensive topical use of any oil.
  • Eyes & Ears – All essential oils need to be kept away from here!
  • Avoid prolonged use of the same essential oils which may lead to skin sensitivity and future allergic reactions

Who shouldn’t use essential oils?

  • People with sensitive skin, epilepsy, heart or kidney problems.
  • Cancer patients or those with other serious medical conditions/treatments.
  • Use only with the advice of a physician or licensed medical professional
  • Pregnant women, or those breastfeeding should avoid using essential oils, and many herbs altogether.
  • Babies, young children, and pets.

Don’t believe everything you read. (Even from me!)

Hype, Marketing, and Misleading information

  • Always do some research first. When I’m looking into any topic, I locate information from at least 3 sources, and not from some no name website like mine, but from well known medical institutions or universities.

Pleasant odors can be enjoyable and may enhance people’s efforts to relax. However I say again, there is no factual evidence that aromatherapy products provide any of the (sometimes extreme) health benefits sometimes claimed by some proponents and manufacturers.

Essential oils can be considered Snake Oil

False claims abound! Somethings in life never change, and the essential oil industry is no different. Remember that old adages: -> If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

For example:

Claims have been made by companies who have in the past promoted their e.o. products as a cure for these:

  • Cancer, Ebola, Alzheimer’s, erectile dysfunction, Aids & more!

This is completely unethical, and in some cases illegal, which led to the FDA sending them all warning letters.

These companies include some of the biggest names in the essential oil business. If you’d like to search for some of them, here is a great place to start. A link to very public information on the FDA’s website

My point is, be a skeptic, (Caveat Emptor) because:

  1. There are international standards from country to country, but there is no governmental body anywhere in the world who legally regulates the grading of essential oils. 
  2. Avoid suppliers who promote their essential oils as Therapeutic grade or ‘Aromatherapy grade‘. Purely done for packaging and marketing purposes, as (above) there is so such categorizing of essential oils.
  3. In a world of plagued with consumerism & mass marketing, education and common sense are the best ways consumers can protect themselves against false, or dare I say, trumped up claims.

Use Carrier Oils – Always dilute!

  • Carrier oils are pressed from plants, fruits and nuts. (Olive & avocado oils are my favourite).
  • Essential oils need to be diluted in these vegetable oil bases because they decrease the volatility of an essential oil
  • Carrier oils also offer better skin absorption

 Recommended vegetable oils for dillution include:

  • Olive, Avocado, Safflower, Argan, Hazelnut, Grape seed, Sunflower seed, Evening primrose, Borage seed, Jojoba, Coconut oil  & more… They’re the oils we use for cooking!
  • Carrier oils should be stored away from heat & light to ensure freshness.
  • The addition of Rosemary Oleoresin Extract is the best way to extend shelf life of a botanical oil, along with Vitamin E, which is an excellent anti-oxidant.
  • Make small batches – they can be used within a shorter time frame which means less chance of rancidity.

Blending Information – a guideline

Oils are diluted in a carrier oil for use in massage oils, along with diffusers, atomizers, & humidifiers for aromatherapy. (Along with using them in my products for scent, I like to heat oil in a diffuser over a candle, or smudge with them and burn them as incense).

  • 1% dilution: approximately 6 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil
  • 2% dilution: approximately 12 drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil
  • 3% dilution? There is no need for this much.
  • Remember: Less is more with any essential oil.

Aromatherapy is so much more than essential oils

Follow your nose! There are other ways to experience aromatherapy:

  • Fresh cut flowers from your garden or local florist
  • Drink herbal tea – Mint or chamomile from your garden!
  • Pot Pourri – Dried flower petals, herbs & spices
  • Scented candles (non paraffin wax)
  • Herbal and floral infused vegetable oils – Easy to DIY at home
  • Floral waters – Some of these hydrosols like rosewater are great for use in some recipes
  • Drawer sachets & pillows – Always at hand. Dried lavender is great for sleeping
  • Smudging with herbs
  • Simmering ingredients on the stove – citrus, apple, spices, all generally found in most kitchens.
  • Scented soaps & skincare
  • Do some baking

Favourite scents

Did you know?

Vanilla still ranks as the most beloved scent & flavour in the world, according to statistics.

Some of my favourite aroma blends

  • Orange, clove & cardamom
  • Lemon & mint
  • Lavender & sage
  • Rosemary & Bergamot
  • Lemongrass & Tea tree
  • Ginger & lemon

My Blending Categories

  • Floral blends with spicy, citrus, and woodsy
  • Woodsy blends well with all categories
  • Spicy and oriental oils blend with floral, oriental, and citrus.
  • Minty oils blend with citrus, woodsy, herbaceous, and earthy

I hope this helps anyone who is interested in practicing aromatherapy and the use of essential oils.

Have fun, stay safe, and stop to smell the roses once in a while! ~ Karen

Sharing an elderberry syrup elixir recipe, and DIY kits too!

It’s that time of year, again… Cold and flu season.

We often feel run down around the holidays, which makes us more susceptible to these kinds of viruses. But, many people are turning towards older herbal remedies, especially elderberries, (Sambucus nigra).

The use of elderberries has gained in popularity. With some scientific testing to back it up, elderberries can offer relief from coughs, colds, & even the flu when made into a syrup elixir. Also known for their immune boosting properties, elderberries are rich in antioxidants, and a source of Vitamin C.

It’s one of the best alternatives to big-pharma products, some of which may contain additives that people don’t want to give themselves or their family members. A must-have in many people’s natural cold and flu cabinets, (aka fridge in this case!).

I take a spoonful (a day) at the sign of an oncoming cold, or if I feel run down, or have been around someone else who feels sick. For the past 3 years, (knock on wood!), my elderberry syrup has kept these kinds of viruses at bay.

That’s why I’d like to share our new DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit! Now, anyone can create this lovely, useful herbal alternative.

Available here, at my -> Etsy Shop

This kit includes all the ingredients you need to create your own syrup, plus. easy-to-follow directions, & recipes, & a drawstring bag. .📨 

All you need to have on hand is some honey (or maple syrup), to create a batch of elderberry syrup that will last most of the winter, if kept in the fridge. (Approximately 32 oz, or 1 quart.)

The labelled & organic ingredients include:

× Elderberries
× Elderberry flowers
× Ginger
× Echinacea Root
(Spices) × Cardamom× Cloves × Cinnamon Bark × Star Anise × Eleuthero Root

🙌 Here’s my recipe! (Feel free to share)

  1. Place elderberries, water, herbs and spices in sauce pan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 45 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for an hour.
  4. Using cheesecloth, (or a very fine mesh sieve), strain the mixture.
  5. Transfer your batch in to a jar and stir in 1 cup of honey, (or maple syrup if you so desire).
  6. Keep it in the fridge, sealed for up to 3-4 weeks.

Be well my friends!

~ Karen

P.S. View more of our DIY Kits -> HERE.

Thank you!


*** Please note:
× These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

× Please review this product’s ingredients before use to determine if you have an allergy, if you’re pregnant, or breastfeeding. ***Always consult a physician if unsure.

Some virtues, folklore, and use of lemon balm and mint

If you grow lemon balm in the garden, also known simply as balm or sweet balm, you’re likely aware of this Mint family member’s many virtues.

Introduced from Europe, this perennial herb has erect square stems and stands about two feet tall. The whole plant is covered with a soft down, and if the foliage is touched, even as soon as it’s just emerging from the earth in spring, it offers an abundance of that sweet lemon fragrance it’s famous for.

The flowers, insignificant looking really to us humans, are a magnet for bees, so in that respect, not insignificant at all! The Latin name, ‘Melissa officinalis’ comes from the Greek word ‘Melissa‘, which translated literally means ‘bee‘.

According to folklore, apiarists of old would rub the leaves of lemon balm inside older hives, inducing new swarms to remain and take them over.

Lemon balm thrives in poor soil, (I can account for that), and thrives in both sun or shade.

In fact, thrive is an understatement. Like any mint, it is an aggressive and prolific plant. It will take over the whole garden and your lawn if you let it. I suggest planting any in a big pot, then sinking it in to the ground if you don’t want its thick runner roots to escape.

I can’t lecture anyone about that because it did escape in my garden. Now I have to keep it (somewhat) contained by mowing parts of it down, (which likely helps it spread), but that lemon scent wafting through the air as I cut the lawn smells divine!

This herb makes a lovely tea. Hot or cold, it can be used to flavour lemonade. Mixed with Chamomile, lemon thyme, and lemon balm, this soothing tea tastes wonderful. It can be very relaxing if one is feeling stressed. Adding a little honey will sweeten the mix, too.

It must be said however, if one is on any thyroid medication, lemon balm may interfere with thyroid hormone-replacement therapy. It’s best avoided in this case, and I hasten to add, always check with a doctor, pharmacist, or certified herbalist first.

According to Mrs. Grieve, lemon balm as a drink induces a mild persperation, makes a pleasant, cooling tea for feverish patients, and, if used with salt, can be used to ease gout.

As most lemon flavours go, it’s especially nice with fish and pork. It also adds a light flavour to stews and soups. I’ve been drying this and many herbs, for a long time. Mixing them together with sea salt is an easy way to create a rub for meat, poultry, or in a salad. Steeping mints and lemon balm in vinegar, then straining is an easy way to create an herbal flavour to be used on salads, or in other culinary recipes. If you don’t like the flavour, it makes a nice hair rinse, leaving your locks shiny and healthy looking! Just don’t get any in your eyes. It will sting!

I harvest my lemon balm in the morning after the dew has evaporated, but before the high sun of the day. Use it fresh if you can, because that’s when most herbs are most potent in flavour, aroma, and qualities. Otherwise, it’s easily dried and if you harvest it before it flowers, but do leave some behind to encourage bees in the garden. Hung upside in small bunches to dry, it only takes a few days to do this, and when it’s crispy, break it all up and keep it in a jar for future use.

With regards to folklore, and in addition to Lavender, Mandrake, Deadly Nightshade, Cardamom, Plantain, Juniper, Saffron, and a host of other plants, the mint family members, including lemon balm, are considered Witches plants.

The sacred knowledge of these plants in particular were given by the Greek goddess Hecate to her daughters, Circe and Medea, and were considered consecrated herbs by this mythical trio.

According to Culpeper, ‘It is an herb of Jupiter, and under Cancer, and strengthens nature much in all its actions. Let a syrup made of the juice of it and sugar be kept in every gentlewoman’s house, to relieve the weak stomachs and sick bodies of their poor sickly neighbours: as also the herb kept dry in the house, that so with other convenient simples, you may make it into an electuary with honey.’

Flower language in folklore tells us that Lemon balm and the mint family equates with wisdom, virtue, and abundance. Customary in medieval times, peasants would ‘strew the churches with Mint or other herbs and flowers’ at funerals as a devotion to the Virgin Mary, where a poem from this custom illustrates it well

“Thou knave, but for thee ere this time of day
My lady’s fair pew had be streed full gay
With Primroses, Cowslips, and Violets sweet,
With Mints, and Marygold and Marjoram meet,
Which now lyeth uncleanly, and all among of thee.”

In the Abruzzi region of Italy, women who chanced upon sweet balm or mint would pick and bruise a leaf between their fingers as insurance for the day of their death, and that ‘Jesus Christ would assist them into Heaven.’

Gerarde stated about all mints, “It poured into the eares, taken inwardly against sea scorpions, serpents, and applied with salt, to the bitings of mad dogs.”

All very interesting! But, here’s hoping nobody’s path crosses with mad dogs, serpents or sea scopions.

Another suggestion, if like me, you grow way more herbs than you can possible use, and don’t like to see them go to waste, make some kindling bundles. These take no time to put together and are nothing more than dried herbs rolled into bundles and tied with raffia, used as kindling or fire starters. – Perfect for that cottage camp fire in summer, all you have to do is harvest some herbs, including mint, lavender, thyme, marjoram, etc., tie them together and use when you need them. They offer a lovely scent with which to light a fire, or, as an offering to the gods if you’re feeling particulary Witchy under a full moon.

With all of the information above, I may have either encouraged people to grow lemon balm and other mints, or totally scared them off! However, they are such useful herbs and I recommend anyone growing them in the garden.

As I sit here looking wistfully out the window, observing the three feet of snow still covering my yard, I’m actually looking forward to cutting the grass this year, and inhaling that lovely lemon scent.

 


References

  • The Herb Garden Guide – ERIC ED242477 – Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center
  • The American Herbalist Guild – Pub Med and additional resources
  • The healthy life beverage book – Knaggs, H. Valentine, University of Leeds. Library, 1911
    Publisher, London : C.W. Daniel
  • A Modern Herbal, by Mrs. M. Grieve, 1931
  • Nicholas Culpepper. The Complete Herbal at Project Gutenberg
  • Cyclopedia of practical floriculture, by Turner, Cordelia Harris, 1884
  • Herb magic, by United States Department of Agriculture. Radio Service, 1944
  • Plant lore, legends, and lyrics – by Folkard, Richard, 1884
  • The Herball, or, Generall historie of plantes /gathered by John Gerarde of London, master in chirurgerie. by Dodoens, Rembert,; Gerard, John,; John Norton.; Priest, Robert, 1597

Sweet Violets for #FloweringFriday

The sweet violet, aka: Viola odorata, is a non-native perennial from Europe. It’s a creeping evergreen with lovely heart-shaped leaves.

This dainty plant spreads via rhizomatic roots, and is one of the earliest blooms  to decorate our lawns and the edge of forests in early spring.

To use, crush viola leaves to make yourself a cup of tea!

Or, make a simple tincture by covering fresh viola flowers with at least 80 proof vodka. Macerate for a couple weeks.

I’ve read recipes where you can also add 2 ounces of grain alcohol in a mason jar to every one ounce of fresh violets.

Enjoy!

For more information on Violets visit: A Modern Herbal, by Mrs. M. Grieve.  

 

DIY Infused Calendula Oil – An at home apothecary skin care treatment to create for yourself!

Making your own Calendula infused oil is very easy to do!

calendula-oil-in-progress-wfsWinter especially saps the moisture out of our skin. Creating an oil from the petals of Calendula officinalis, otherwise known as pot marigold, is the perfect strategy when you want to combat the drying effects of this harsh season.  By following the steps below,  you can have your very own batch of skin care in no time at all!

Here is what you’ll need:

  • Dried, organic calendula flower petals
  • A carrier oil (I prefer Safflower oil, but Olive oil or Sunflower oil work well, too.)
  • A glass jar with lid. Make sure to clean it first!

infused-rose-calendula-oil-at-wall-flower-studioHere is how to do it:

  • Fill the jar about 2/3 full with the dried petals.
  • Next, slowly poured the oil over the petals, making sure they’re all submerged
  • Wait 4-6 weeks so all the goodness of the calendula is infused into the oil.
  • Store the jar in a warm dry spot for the infusion to occur. Before you know it, you’ll have your very own homemade infused Calendula oil, too.
  • Once the 4 weeks are up, strain the flowers out and there you have it… Your very own homemade Calendula oil.
  • Use the soaked flower petals as a foot scrub before discarding. Mix a handful of the petals with a cup of sea salt and scrub away.

calendula-wfs-fbCalendula oil is great to use after a bath or shower. It seeps in without feeling overly oily, making skin feel very soft and supple.

Apply it topically where needed.

I use it as a key ingredient in my lip balms, salves and other bath products.

*For more information on Calendula visit the: University of Maryland Medical Center

Feel free to get creative. Have fun and enjoy!