An Aromatic Life

Aromatherapy and Grieving

Written by: Marika Fleri

 

Especially dedicated to close friends who lost someone dear throughout the past year and to my Daddy Anthony Balzan who still lives in me and my children.

 

 

Grief, a single word:  A short word to describe an abyss of emotions.

A deep excruciating pain, deep in the pit of your stomach.

A void deep inside that nothing can seem to fill up.

A general sense of lethargy and apathy.

Going to sleep hoping that when we wake up, this would have just been a really bad dream.

Yes, loosing someone dear to us can conjure all these emotions and much, much more. Text books tell us that grieving is a process. What is sure about all this is that the grieving process is a very personal thing and no one will go through the process in the same way. There is no time frame for grieving and it won’t ever be over in my opinion. Emotions may change but it will never be over.

I lost my dad 18 years ago. I might be ok most days, but I might hear a song, smell something and I am suddenly transported to that awful day, and the feelings are raw, still very strong and  no amount of years has or will ever changed that.

The death of someone close to us imposes change.  Change in itself instills a kind of fear. Being imposed on us the fear sometimes feels insurmountable.

I am deeply sorry. I do not have a magic wand to remove all this and bring things to the way they were before. And believe me I have searched and searched for ways and means and short cuts to numb the pain and fear. They do not exist.

But throughout the years I have learned of ways to deal with the situation and manage my pain and fear.

Here are some things that I have found helpful through this journey.

 

First couple of days – Shock and Denial

You are still numb with shock and nothing seems real. You feel as though you are on a still point and the world is revolving around you, going about its usual stuff, buzzing with excitement when all you want to do is sleep, sleep and sleep.

Do not expect too much of yourself. It is ok to feel anything you are feeling. Get rid of your pride and accept all the help that you are offered.

Try to take care of yourself as much as you can or else let somebody take care of you. That includes eating , not forgetting to take any usual medications that you have to take daily, keeping yourself hydrated and if possible have an aromatherapy bath using  the following blend:

In a teaspoon vegetable oil add:

3 drops sandalwood

2 drops Melissa

2 drops Frankincense

Add to your bath water. Disperse well before entering.
You can also add these oils to an aromatherapy diffuser.

For any of you who are visiting friends who have just lost a loved one a huge hug is a must. It’s something that they will never forget. Sometimes less is said the better. We may have all the good intentions in the world but your friend or relative is very fragile at the moment, so some words might do more harm than good.


2nd Phase – Guilt and Anger

When the shock and numbness go away the pain feels sometimes unbearable and we may sometimes also start to feel guilty about something related to the person we lost. I used to feel guilty that I had not taken a First Aid course and so I could not administer proper CPR to my Dad. I would also feel guilty that I did not say I love you often enough. I would also feel guilty and selfish that one of the first things that I thought about when I realized that Daddy was no more was think about what would happen to our family structure that included my mum, 15 year old me and my nine year old sister. Would mum manage to take care of us on her own?, would we have to sell the house?, would the income my mum had be enough to support all of us.

I would also feel very angry at times with Dad for giving up on us and leaving us so soon.

Everything you are feeling is ok. I apologize for repeating this. But I know I needed this reassurance loads of times.

Talk about what you are feeling. If you do not feel comfortable to talk to other family members or friends seek help.  One thing that really helped me during this stage was writing down a journal of what I was feeling. I could write anything and I really and truly poured my heart down in the book. It took me quite a long time to write and it was painful but necessary. I kept it for a long time in my bedside drawer until I felt ready to let it go. When I was ready I took it out, went out to the garden and burnt it. It was hugely therapeutic.

An essential oil blend that can help during this stage is:

3 drops lavender

2 drops chamomile roman

2 drops jasmine

Can be used in a bath, in a diffuser or in a personal aromatherapy inhaler.

 

3rd Phase – Depression

When the anger seems to subside a feeling of apathy, depression and helplessness emerges. This was the most difficult time for me. By now I had realized that my Papi will not be coming back. I realized that I had to start living life without him and I did not like the picture. But rebelling was of no use so depression seeped in.

I had to seek professional help at this stage and my physiologist helped me put things in perspective and also helped me to deal with these overwhelming feelings. Never be ashamed to ask for help. You are not weak when you seek help. It takes a strong individual to accept that he needs help.

Try to make sure that you are taking care of your physical health, Take stock of your nutrition and try to exercise more, preferably outside. Long walks used to be part of my daily routine and they really helped.

Wear bright colored clothes were possible. I had the tendency to wear black clothes which reflected my mood and state of mind. This was actually the first tip my psychologist gave me and although it may seem trivial it really makes a difference.

Pamper yourself once in a while. It’s ok, you deserve it.

An essential oil blend that can help during this stage is:

3 drops Mandarin essential oil

2 drops Lavender essential oil

2 drops clary sage essential oil

Can be used in a bath, in a diffuser or in a personal aromatherapy inhaler.

 

4th Phase- Acceptance

This is the stage I had been striving and hoping to reach all along. It might come after a couple of months, it might take years. After 18 years I sometimes feel that I have not reached this stage at all.

I try to remember all that I have been through and what helped me overcome certain thoughts and feelings, how I dealt with it all throughout the years and apply them as needed.

Day by Day

Night by night

An essential oil blend that can help during this stage is:

3 drops Lavender essential oil

2 drops Marjoram essential oil

2 drops Jatamansi/Spikenard essential oil

Can be used in a bath, in a diffuser or in a personal aromatherapy inhaler.

 

Each day is different, I am still learning and I will continue to learn till the day I die. The most precious lesson I have learned throughout this process is that you can never say I love You often enough to your loved ones. Tomorrow might be too late.

 
Marika Fleri
Aroma Treasures
Email: marikafleri@ymail.com

http://www.aromatreasuresmalta.com/

NEW PROGRAM: Dynamic Organic Body Care Products

Dynamic Organic Body Care Products
Utilizing the power of herbs and essential oils: An online program

AVAILABLE JUNE 15, 2012

 

Module One
Understanding the skin

  •  In-depth coverage of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
  • The psychology of the skin
  • Maintaining the health of the Skin

Module Two
The Base Ingredients

  • Essential oils including safety issues
  • Herbal oils
  • Vegetable oils
  • Hydrosols
  • Honey
  • Other plant material: herbs, dried fruit peels, etc.

Module Three
Product Formulation

Formulation Tools
_____  Equipment needs
_____  Measurement conversion charts: grams, ounces, milliliters, etc.
_____  Dilution chart for essential oils

Products
Each product section includes:

_____  Ingredient Supplies list
_____  Directions on how to make with photos &/or webinars &/or video

  • Cleansers and Toners
  • Creams and lotions
  • Emulsifiers, Preservatives and Antioxidants
  • Body butters and balms
  • Gel based products
  • Clays
  • Facial and Body Exfolliants: includes Sugar and Salt scrubs
  • Bath products: Herb tea bath, milk, honey, etc.

Module Four
Good Manufacturing Practices and Labeling requirements

 

Module Five
Formulating for Common Skin Disorders

Including how to support the skin barrier function.

Module Six
Formulating based on skin types

  • Western skin types
  • Ayurveda and the skin

Module Seven
Formulating seasonal care products

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

References: Suppliers

Throughout the program will be many recipes and ideas for products!

 

About the program:

About the Course:

The program will be released on June 15th, 2012.  It is open registration throughout the year. This is a self paced course. You will be provided with lifetime access to the course upon registration. There is no time limit although we recommend you complete the program within one year.

Students will be able to:

  • Effectively and thoroughly explain the anatomy and physiology of the skin.
  • Design and create a range of herbal and aromatic skincare products.
  • Address a number of common skin care disorders with aromatherapeutic and herbal products.
  • Implement Good Manufacturing Practices and proper labeling of products.
  • Design and create skin care products based upon seasonal variations.
  • List and describe the therapeutic benefits of a wide range of essential oils and base materials for the skin.
  • And Much much more!

Program will include:

  • Text
  • Webinars
  • Videos
  • and other visual and auditory aids
  • Student forum to interact with other students and instructor.
  • Recommended Suppliers list.

Certification Program

Tuition:  $425. discounted until June 15th thereafter $550.
Hours:  100 hours
CE hours for massage therapists.

To receive certification, you will need to:

  • Complete all lessons and experiential work.
  • Successfully pass final exam. (70% or higher)
  • Submit 7 case studies for review.

Register for early bird discount!

Register TODAY

$425.00


Preparing Tinctures: A simple method

The Basics of Making Tinctures

Every year we make up a batch or two of the herbs which grow around us and herbs we have planted in the garden.  Last year we made tinctures of Melissa, Boneset, German chamomile, Passion flower, Thyme and Calendula.  This picture was taken last year when we completed our tincture making. We have used most of them up throughout the year and are now preparing some new tinctures.

I love the calendula tincture for a variety of product making from scrubs to wound sprayers.  We used Boneset and Thyme during the winter months for flu and to support the immune system.  And I love passion flower, melissa, motherwort and German chamomile for a whole array of emotional and physical experiences/conditions that arise in my life.

Our tinctures from last year.

This is my second year with motherwort.  She loves to expand and is quite happy if she even has a little bit of soil from which to grow forth. She is soft yet has an edge here or there, she can be sharp and quick. I have a wonderful ally in motherwort. She soothes my spirit, my heart,  and calms my mood swings during menstrual cycle. To learn more about motherwort, visit: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Motherwort.htm

Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca

Tincture making: Folk Method

Making tinctures is fun, easy, and empowering. Tinctures can be used internally and externally, depending on the plant and purpose of application.  When making tinctures you can use fresh or dried herb.  Here is a simple folk method for making a herbal tincture.

With Fresh Herbs:

  • Gather plant material after morning dew has dried.
  • You can either finely chop the herb or place the herb in a vitamix to release its juice.
  • Fill your jar with plant material – gently pressing down but not too much as you want the alcohol to be able to move around the plant material.
  • Pour vodka, brandy or everclear over the herbs. Be sure to cover completely.
  • Cover the jar with a lid and shake. The herb should be able to freely move with the alcohol.
  • Label jar with plant name, where you harvested it, alcohol used, and date.
  • Store jar in a cool place for at least one month.
  • To decant: place cheesecloth in a potato presser or herbal press and press out the liquid. Compost the plant material (marc) after pressing.
  • Let tincture sit over night and then you can either carefully pour into another clean jar leaving behind any residue that has collected at the bottom of the jar or run the tincture through an organic coffee filter.
  • Be sure to label jar with name, alcohol content, date of extraction.
  • Store tincture in clean glass jar.
  • Use as needed or indicated or desired.

You can watch Learning Herbs video on making Tinctures.

 

Standard Tincture Ratios

You can also make herbal tinctures according to a standard ratio. This ratio is made up of two parts: the herb and the menstruum (alcohol, glycerin).

Fresh plant material: typically a 1:2 to 1:1 ratio (this means 1 part plant material weighed in grams to 2 parts menstruum measured in milliliters)

For example: If I have 200 grams of fresh plant material then I will need 400 milliliters of menstruum (alcohol in this case)
Dried plant material: typically a 1:5 ration

Menstruum: You can use Everclear, Brandy or a good vodka.  Organic, if possible.

 

Step One: Gather plant material

Our motherwort harvest

Step Two: Remove leaves and flowers.

Leaves and flowers in bowl.

 

Step Three:  Weigh in grams  (For this we had 200 grams)

Weighing motherwort

Step Four: Measure alcohol in mls.  We had 200 grams of motherwort so a 1:2 dilution would mean we need 400mls of everclear.

400ml Everclear

 

Step Five:  You can either cut the motherwort with a sharp knife as fine as possible or you can place plant material and alcohol in a vitamix.  Once in Vitamix, gently pulse while gently pushing down on the plant material. With a bit of patience and stirring, the herb becomes well mixed with the alcohol.  (It does not need to be super fine.)

Pouring alcohol over plant material in vitamix.

Plant and everclear combined.

Step Six:  Pour mixture into a sterilized canning jar or other jar. Push down the plant material so a bit of alcohol sits on the top. If this is not possible, wait until the following day and shake jar then using a chop stick or glass rod, gently stir the mix. Top of with alcohol (everclear, in this case) and recap.

Pouring mix into jar

Step Seven:  Create label with the following information:  Fresh motherwort and Everclear 75.5% alcohol.   1:2      May 5, 2012 You may also want to write where the plant material was obtained. E.g. Home garden, Wild crafted along the Snohomish river etc.

Mix in clean glass canning jar.

Jar awaiting label!

 

After I made Motherwort tincture, I made up a small batch of German chamomile from fresh flowers. Mmmmm.

German chamomile fresh flowers for tincture

Recommended books to have:

I love both of these books but if I were to have only one reference I would order “Making Plant Medicine” with Richo Cech.

• Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech

• The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook by James Green


The Beauty of Simple Aryuvedic Practices to enhance your vitality (ojas) and to serve as steps to aging with grace and beauty.

by Jade Shutes

Over the last few months I have begun to incorporate some of the teaching I received over the last two years from Arjun Das and Melanie Sachs. Although I have been practicing all of these techniques, it has only be recently that I made a commitment to daily practice.  It has now been one month!!!

I found that beginning with some simple additions first (tongue scraping and oil pulling) and then adding to this (abhyanga) after a few weeks of settling into a new routine has been most helpful.

The first two things I added into my morning ritual, so to speak, included: Kavala gandusha (mouth/digestive care) also known as oil pulling and Jiva sodhana (tongue cleaning). Upon awakening I immediately scrap my tongue and then move right into oil pulling.

Tongue Cleaning (Jiva sodhana)

The information in this section is from Taking Care of your Senses by Melanie Sachs. It is used with permission.

The Charaka Samhita says, “The dirt which is collected at the root of the tongue creates obstructions in respiration and produces a foul smell, hence one should scrape the tongue.”

The white film on the top of the tongue means there are millions of bacteria living there and this bacteria likes to live at the back of the tongue. The practice of scraping the tongue removes the white color waste products from the surface of the tongue, and enhances the functioning of the taste buds.

Tongue scraping can:

  • Reduce halitosis (bad breath)
  • Provide a clean environment for good dental hygiene
  • Revitalize throat
  • Relieve/remove frequent sore throat
  • and much more!

How to scrape the tongue:
Tongue scraper or Cleaner tongue scrapers are usually made from gold (vata), silver (pitta), copper (kapha), tin, brass and stainless steel (tridoshic).  You can get a tongue scraper from a natural food store or from Banyan Herbs.

Stick out your tongue. Take the two ends of the tongue scraper in your hand, and reach the arch of it to the back of your tongue. Scrap forward several times, rinsing the white mucus off the scraper between scrapings. Rinse out them mouth once you are done.

After I am done with tongue scraping I then move onto oil pulling.

 

Oil Pulling

The Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita has reference to Kavala gandusha or Kavala graha as produces in oil pulling therapy practiced in ancient India. Kavala refers to that which is related to the oral cavity and gandusha is a gargle. Kavala graha is a medicine that can be held in the oral cavity. In this case.

The technique known as oil pulling or oil swishing assists in the process of pulling out oral toxins. Just as the skin excretes body waste and toxins, the tongue eliminates toxins and harmful microbes from the body.

Ayurvedic science maps the tongue with organ-locations. Different sections of the tongue are connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleens, liver, heart, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon, and spine. Oil pulling eliminates toxins from the whole body through the tongue.

I do my oil pulling after I have scraped my tongue and while I am preparing coffee for my partner before he goes to work. I also take my dog outside for his morning outing.  This is about 15-20 minutes. Then I spit out the oil, swish warm water around my mouth, brush my teeth and then drink a cup of warm water. And voila, I am ready to begin my day.

How to do ‘oil-pulling’:

  • Take approximately 1 tablespoon to 1 ounce of sesame or sunflower oil. I like to use sesame oil.  Place the oil in your mouth and pull and swirl the oil in your mouth through your teeth for 10-20 minutes. Gargle the mouth with the oil without swallowing it in a controlled swirling manner.

When the viscosity of the oil decreases due to its uniform mixing with the saliva of the mouth, be ready to spit it out. As you salivate the oil quickly feels more like water. The oil mixture should appear milky white. It it is yellow it indicates insufficient swishing.

  • Rinse your mouth out with warm water. and finally, Brush your teeth!
  • Once complete with this, drink a cup of warm water to support a healthy digestive fire ‘agni’.

Benefits:

  • Get rid of bad breath
  • Bowel movements improve
  • Mitigates headaches, bronchitis, tooth pain, root canal, thrombosis, eczema, ulcers, intestinal disease, heart and kidney disease, and womens health issues.

NOTE: In the beginning you will notice certain symptoms like headache, excessive drowsiness, feverishness, runny nose, stomach ache, etc. Do not stop, it is an indication that the oil pulling is working.

Within two weeks of oil pulling you will notice an improvement in your strength and vitality. You will feel refreshed and will sleep calmly. Aches and pains will disappear from the body.

I highly recommend committing to adding these into your mornings for at least a month.  I have noticed a definite improvement in my energy levels and an overall better sense of taste.  I have also noticed that my receding gums are improving.  Something I have been working on for a while now.

I am now in the process of adding daily abhyanga into my mornings.  We have just added a post on Self abhyanga by Rhada Crawley.

We would love to hear about your experiences. Please share!!! You can send your experiences to me at: jadeshutes@embarqmail.com  Thank you!

Om shante.

Abhyanga: The Art of Self Love through Massage

By Radha Crawley, LMT, Certified Ayurvedic Educator

 

 

 

 

 

The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.

  Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89

 

What is Abhyanga?

In Sankrit, the ancient, vibrational, written and sometimes spoken language from India, abhy means to rub and anga means limb, so together they make up the word massage.  Abhyanga is an anointing of the body with warm oil often infused with healing herbs and balancing essential oils.

In the West we are beginning to catch on to the importance of massage from a wellness and preventative health standpoint.

In Ayurveda the healing aspects of Abhyanga include relaxation of the muscles and calming of the nervous system as well as attention being paid to many subtle healing aspects that make it a holistic healing modality.

The act of anointing the body with warm, herbal oil is called snehana. The Sanskrit word sneha means oil and love.  The benefits of regular snehana invite the same qualities as being deeply loved, loving yourself and loving another: strength, stability, openness and warmth.

In the Charak Samhita, another ancient Ayurvedic text, abhyanga in the form of snehana is said to be like a pot smeared with oil and the impurities of vata, pitta, and kapha cannot stick to it. In the same way, if the body is properly oiled with abhyanga daily, impurities cannot penetrate and disease cannot develop.

The benefits of Abhyanga to different parts of the body are outlined in the Charaka Samhita as follows:

Abhyanga for the head: nourishes the hair, soothes the sense organs, provides for sound sleep, increases cheerfulness and happiness, and can relieve or prevent headaches, premature graying or balding of the hair.

Abhyanga for the body: nourishes the body, firms, nourishes and smoothes the skin, particularly beneficial for Vata disturbances, strengthens the body’s tolerance, increases longevity, prevents invasion by Vata, imparts firmness and strength to the limbs (body)

Abhyanga for the feet: nourishes the skin, prevents dryness/cracking of the soles of the feet, relieves fatigue and numbness of the feet, provides strength and firmness, pacifies Vata, supports clarity of vision, and improves tone and blood flow.

More benefits of Abhyanga as stated by the ancient Ayurvedic text, Astanga Hridaya:

  • Improves Sleep
  • Promotes sturdiness of the body
  • Promotes longevity
  • Nourishes the body
  • Promotes better eyesight
  • Prevents and corrects affliction of the nervous system
  • Overcomes fatigue
  • Prevents and corrects the aging process
  • Detoxification of the body

Abhyanga is best performed daily before bathing or showering.  After the warm oil is massaged into the skin, it is best to sit for 15-20 minutes in a warm room to allow the oil to penetrate deep into the tissues.

Depending on your current state of balance and the seasons you can choose the most balancing oil for you.

For Spring and Kapha (cold, and wet)  types:

Best oils to apply: organic sesame oil, jojoba, olive oil or safflower oil.  Essential oils can greatly enhance the emotional and spiritually balancing aspects of the abhyanga and so I highly recommend adding 1-4 of these to your base oil: tulsi, eucalyptus, frankincense, rosemary, sage, lemon, peppermint, pinion pine, juniper, and cinnamon.

For Winter, change of seasons and Vata (dry, cold, light) types:

Best oils to apply: organic sesame oil, olive oil, almond oil and essential oils of jatamansi, lavender, ylang ylang, geranium, cedarwood, tulsi, patchouli, myrrh, and cinnamon.

For Summer and Pitta (hot, inflamed, oily) types:

Best oils to apply: coconut oil, sunflower oil, neem oil, safflower oil, almond oil and essential oils of sandalwood, rose, lavender, jasmine, vetiver, sweet orange, lime, clary sage and geranium.

 

 

 

How to Perform an Abhyanga

Remember you are anointing your body with oil as a way of loving yourself and to increase your state of health in your mind, body and spirit. Take your time, be gentle and soft with yourself.

  1. Choose your base oil and essential oils.  Generally a safe proportion is 2 oz of base oil to 20-25 drops of essential oil.
  2. Heat up your massage oil. Warm the oil in its container in a sink full of warm water or a large Pyrex measuring cup filled with warm water.
  3. Begin by applying a small amount of oil to the top of your head. Massage the top of the head in a clockwise manner with the center of your palm.  This is the Maha (great) Marma point and regulates the amount of prana that moves throughout the body.
  4. Next apply oil to the entire body beginning with the neck and arms. Remember to do circular motions over the joints and long strokes on the limbs.
  5. Clockwise circular strokes will be performed around the breast area and on the abdominal area.
  6. Continue sequence to hips, buttocks, legs and ending on the feet.
  7. Let the oil soak in for 15-20 minutes for maximum benefit.
  8. Take a warm bath or shower. Use gentle soap (if any), it is good if a little oil remains on the skin.
  9. Repeat daily. 

 

Enjoy the benefits of daily Abhyanga!

Rahda

To learn more about Radha and her work, visit her website: http://www.samadhiayurveda.com/

Pelargonium finale

I just received the book “The Encyclopedia of Herbs” by Arthur Tucker and Thomas Debaggio.  Great book with lots of interesting information.

According to the authors and in agreement with Millers (see previous entry) writings:

The true P. graveolens is similar to P. radens but it is not now in general cultivation. They state that the plant sold as P. graveolens is actually ‘Graveolens’. A member of the ‘Graveolens’ hybrids (P. capitatum x P. radens or P. graveolens.  The older name that was once used is Pelagronium x asperum Willd. but close examination of Willdenow’s type specimen in Berlin reveals that the latter is a hybrid involving P. quercifolium or maybe P. panduriforme Eckl. & Zeyh.

Pelgonium ‘Graveolens’ have commonly be called ‘Old Fashioned Rose’, ‘Rose’.  This ‘Graveolens’ is what is raised commercially on the island of Reunion.

The general chemistry of the essential oil from P. ‘Graveolens’ include:
8-51% citronellol, 1-28% citronellyl formate, trace to 23% geraniol, trace to 18 percent b-caryophyllene, 0-6% linalol and 1-10% geranyl butyrate.  This agrees with research reports from Lawrence, 1989 and 1982, Jeon et al 2008 and Fayed S 2009.

So, I am feeling a bit more confident that I can assume when individuals are selling Pelargonium graveolens or Pelargonium x asperum they both are Pelargonium ‘Graveolens’ cultivars that offer a leafy-rosy-sweet-like aroma.

Thank you Tucker and Debaggio! Whew.