Category Archives: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

Embracing The Energy Of Spring And The Air Element With Essential Oils

Posted on by Fehmida
20
Mar

The wisdom of the ancients is fascinating. How they saw the world not just in physical terms but as an interplay of elements, each with its own energy and essence. The Four classical Elements ‘Earth, Water, Air, and Fire’, are fundamental forces that represent different aspects of nature, energy, and the human experience. Elements are the raw primary substance of everything that exists in the universe. Their intermixture creates different forms in nature, and are one of the underlying principles in Greek and Unani medicine, forming the basis of their medical and philosophical traditions. These systems view health as a balance between these elements within the body. In modern science the four elements align with the four states of matter:  solid (earth), liquid (water), gas (air), and plasma (fire).

Spring Is The Daughter Of The ‘Air’ Element

The Spring season is classically associated with the qualities of warmth and moisture, is closely connected to the Air element in both Greek/Unani Medicine and other holistic traditions due to its characteristics, and the changes it brings in nature. The Air element represents qualities such as lightness, movement, freshness, joy, and fluidity, all of which are mirrored in the season of Spring.
Spring is a time of bloom and rebirth. When the earth awakens, plants begin to grow, and the air becomes lighter and restoring. This revitalising change is associated with the Air element’s ability to refresh, cleanse, awaken and nurture  the environment.
The Air element is defined by movement and circulation. In Spring, winds are more frequent, and air flows through the atmosphere, promoting change and growth. Similarly, the body experiences an increased circulation of blood, oxygen, and vital energies. Air stimulates mental clarity and the release of toxins, similar to how the Spring season clears away the stagnancy of winter.
Just as the weather becomes lighter and warmer in Spring, the Air element is characterised by lightness, which promotes mental clarity, creativity, and vitality. People tend to feel more energetic and mentally sharper in Spring, a natural reflection of the Air element’s influence on mental stimulation.

As we welcome the vibrant energy of Spring and embrace the Air element, essential oils can be a perfect way to support the mental clarity, creativity, and renewal that this season brings. They can help clear stagnant energy, boost our mood, and energise us for new beginnings ahead.

Some Essential Oils To Incorporate Into Your Spring Ritual, To Correspond With The Air Element

I like to use essential oils to align myself with the energy of the seasons, and Spring is no exception. The scents can lift mood, clear the mind, and help you feel more connected to the world around. Here are some of my favourite and very accessible and inexpensive oils:

Peppermint
Peppermint is a cooling, energising, and stimulating oil that reflects the refreshing and invigorating qualities of the Air element. It helps to clear mental fog and enhances focus and alertness, perfect for spring when we want to jump into action and start afresh.
It helps improve mental clarity, stimulates creativity, and provides a sense of refreshment and invigoration. It also clears the airways and promotes easier breathing, which aligns with the Air element.

Lavender
Lavender is a balancing and calming essential oil that helps promote mental clarity and emotional balance. It can soothe restlessness, which is common in Spring as the energy of the Air element can sometimes flare up anxiety or agitation. It helps to reduce stress, clear the mind, and promote restful sleep -important for staying grounded as you move through the energetic season of change.

Lemon
Lemon oil always makes me think of sunshine streaming through my window on a bright Spring morning. Its essential oil embodies the fresh, bright, and uplifting qualities of Spring and the Air element. It brings a sense of cleansing and purification, helping to clear the mental clutter and boost your mood.
Known for its detoxifying properties, lemon oil promotes mental clarity, improves focus, and encourages a positive mindset. It’s perfect for the mental rejuvenation we often crave as the season shifts.

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is cleansing and purifying, making it an excellent choice for supporting the Air element in spring. It can help clear congestion in the respiratory system and invigorate the mind by promoting deep, refreshing breaths. It has a strong menthol scent that opens the airways, clears the mind, and refreshes the environment. It can be especially helpful for spring allergies and sinus issues that may arise during the season.

Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus oil that captures the light and uplifting essence of spring. It balances the emotional and mental energy, creating a sense of joy and optimism, which is perfect for the season of growth and change.
It helps to reduce anxiety, boost mood, and bring a sense of mental clarity. It can also have a soothing effect, making it ideal for times when the Air element’s energy may feel overwhelming.

Rosemary
Rosemary is often associated with mental stimulation and focus, making it the perfect essential oil to use in Spring, a time when our minds are waking up and seeking clarity. It promotes clear thinking, memory, and alertness. It’s invigorating and can help boost concentration, alleviate mental fatigue, and improve overall cognitive function. It’s also great for lifting the mood during the energetic shifts of spring, and also known for energetic clearing.

Geranium
Geranium has a balancing and uplifting effect, and its sweet floral scent aligns with the beauty and renewal of spring. It supports emotional well being and offers mental clarity while easing any anxiety or emotional unrest that may arise with the changing seasons.

How To Use These Essential Oils To Harmonise With Spring’s Energy

Diffuser: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil(s) to a diffuser and fill your space with a refreshing, uplifting aroma.

Topical Anointment: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and apply to your pulse points, neck, or chest focusing on intention. For respiratory support, apply to the chest or back of the neck.

Bath: Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or geranium to a carrier oil in a warm bath to enhance relaxation and detoxification.

Inhalation: Inhale directly from the bottle or place a drop on a tissue or cotton ball and keep it with you for a refreshing and energising boost throughout the day. Or simply apply a drop to your palms, rub them together, and inhale to invoke a sense of connection. As you breathe, take a moment to connect with the season of Spring, and reflect on the energetic properties of the Air element.

Spring is a season of transformation, a time to declutter, and let go of what no longer serves you, and step into new possibilities. The Air element reminds me to stay open, to move freely, and to embrace change with a sense of lightness and curiosity. Use these oils to align yourself with the freshness, clarity, and creative flow of Spring, and think of the Air element as a guide into the season of transformation, growth, and new beginnings.

 

Image: An illustration from the Tacuinum Sanitatis. Depicting an image of the season of Spring. ‘Taqwīm aṣ‑Ṣiḥḥa’ is originally an 11th-century Arab medical health treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad.

 

Aromatherapy, News

Sacred Bath Rituals

Posted on by Fehmida

For centuries Sacred Bath rituals have signified a sacred and spiritual act, rooted in the belief that water not only purifies and cleanses, but also, heal, and connects the mind body and spirit.
Bath and water rituals have been practiced in numerous cultures around the world.
Historically civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians used water for spiritual and physical purification. Ritual baths were part of preparations for religious ceremonies, involving the use of oils and herbs.
In Ancient Greeks baths were integral to daily life, serving not just hygienic but also social and spiritual purposes. Hippocrates prescribed baths as medicine of the body and the spirit. Unani medicine traditions also prescribe herbal baths as a regimental therapy.

Indian, Turkish, Japanese, African, Indigenous peoples of America and many more cultures practice the tradition of sacred baths, which can be a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience, combining elements of mindfulness, to purify and soothe the soul and increase health and vitality. Spiritual practices of ablution and cleansing are also found in Islam with its ritual cleansing before prayer known as wudhu. In Judaism there is the practice of Mikveh, the ritual immersion in water to achieve purity, and in Christianity the practice of Baptism.

The sacred bath ritual can be a personal journey to re connect with the subconscious aspects of yourself and your life, fostering greater clarity and a sense of completeness.

Reverence for water

Water is the essence of life as we know, it was the first home within the womb, and connected to every life form. With regards to the four classical elements of Water, Air, Fire and Earth, water is associated with emotions, fluidity, and the ability to listen and hold memory. As a shape shifter water can change  from liquid to gas to solid, it moulds and hold and accepts various shapes without permanency. Unani philosophers also describe the character of water as nurturing, calm, accepting, intuitive, and feminine.

Suggestions for creating a calming sacred bath ritual:

a) Cleanse the space by tidying up your bathroom to create a quiet and disorder-free environment.
b) Using aromatherapy candles, or dim lights can create a calming atmosphere, but is optional.

Prepare the Bath with any one, or all of these below, there are no hard and fast rules. I gathered what I had in the garden, rose petals, cedar leaves, rosemary and sage. Also Amethyst and clear crystals that I already had.
c) Salts such as Himalayan pink salt, or Epsom Salts to help to relax muscles, increase circulation, and reduce any inflammation.
d) Essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, lemon balm, chamomile, and orange can be used, or use your intuition to choose an oil. Please note, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier before adding to the bath water.
e) Herbs, plants and flowers can be dried, such as lavender, rose petals or chamomile. Alternatively go to the garden or green area and intentionally gather a few sprigs or flower heads of the plants that speak to you.
f) Place crystals like amethyst or rose quartz in the bath to elevate the vibrations further.
While immersing yourself in the water, you can choose to make an intention. Invite within, the stillness, and the quiet to promote a sense of peace. Focus on the sensations of the essence and the character of the water element, as well as your chosen oils, and the plants or flowers. Trust your intuition and let yourself be centered and allow your thoughts to be open to messages or ideas that come to mind without judgement. Visualise the water as a conduit to absorb the energy from the plant and oils, to reflect, and to renew and nourish the soul, and wash away any negative thoughts that may arise.
You can also journal your experiences, write down any insights, or if you notice any shifts in the mind or body.

Aromatherapy, herbal medicine, News

New! Dream Pillows

Posted on by Fehmida

I have wanted to make these for a while, with the Lavender, Rose and Mugwort I have in the garden every year. These handcrafted dream pillows are made with herbs that are intuitively gathered, wild-crafted and selected for aiding and enhancing sleep. Choose from:
– simple lavender for it calming effects.
– a restful blend made with lavender, chamomile and hops to aid sleep.
– a mugwort and rosemary blend for enhancing and recalling dreams, and faciltating lucid dreams.
– a mugwort and herbs blend (rose, lavender, chamomile, mugwort and hops) for enhancing and facilitating lucid dreams and aiding sleep.

The mugwort and lavender have been infused with the full moon. According to Unani/Greek medicine, the moon has cooling and moistening qualities.

These Dream Pillows are so gentle and a natural method of using herbs in a traditional way to help with dream and sleep. 

mugwort and herbs lucid dream pillow
Lavender dream pillow
mugwort and rosemary
restful sleep dream pillow
mugwort and rosemary dream pillow
Lavender dream pillow
Aromatherapy, herbal medicine, News

New Essential Oil Blends

Posted on by Fehmida
essential oil roller blends
25
Jul

New essential oil roller blends that I have been working on! A range of beautiful therapeutic aromatics, diluted in golden jojoba oil. Essential oils not only work on a physiological level but they also have a subtle element that works on the human consciousness. Indeed throughout history aromatic botanicals have been used across many cultures and civilisations for healing the mind, the body and the soul, each of which are intrinsically linked. These six new blends have been carefully and mindfully chosen for their therapeutic, as well as subtle vibrational properties.

happy essential oil

Aromatherapy, herbal medicine, News

Aromatherapy Smelling Salts

Posted on by Fehmida
breathe aromatherapy smelling salts
20
Sep

New in the shop! These aromatherapy smelling salts are made with pink Himalayan rock salt and a synergistic blend of essential oils to enhance health and wellbeing, and aid common ailments.

Aromatic essential oils have been used for thousands of years as a remedy to enrich health, and has the ability of affect mood and atmosphere. Smelling salts have been used since Roman times as mentioned by Pliny the Elder, and were also popular in the 13th Century, frequently used to trigger consciousness and prevent fainting spells. Similarly, smelling salts are used today by athletes, to enhance their performance.

We have combined these two medicinal tools to create essential oil smelling salts in a handy amber glass apothecary bottle for convenient use. Ideal for the home, your desk at work, or when travelling. These contain NO ammonia and are a simple way to utilise the benefits of aromatherapy.

aromatherapy smelling salts

nausea aromatherapy smelling salts

aromatherapy smelling salts

aromatherapy smelling salts
stress aromatherapy smelling salts

Aromatherapy, News

Enfleurage Pomade

Posted on by Fehmida
rose enfluerage
29
Jul

This is simplified version of ‘enfleurage’ a beautiful age old technique of extracting essential oil from delicate flowers. Historically this method originated in 18th century France, by perfumers who were looking at different ways to capture the scent of flowers. Similar methods of extracting scent from fat and oils were also popular in antiquity, in ancient Egypt and the Near East.

Certain delicate flowers such as roses, tuberose, orange blossom, violets, lilacs and jasmine continue to release perfume after picking.  Fat has excellent absorption properties, therefore when they come in to contact with a fragrant flower, they readily absorbs the perfume that is released. Traditionally, the fat used in enfleurage comes from animals, and later this is combined with alcohol to further distill the fragrance. I am going to omit the alcohol process, and use coconut oil instead of animal fat. The fat containing the flower scent and oils is called an ‘enfleurage pomade’ this is what I will be making.

You will need:

2 glass dishes, one to fit on top of the other.

Fat – enough to cover about 2cm of one of the glass dishes. I’ve use coconut oil here.

Fragrant flowers – enough to lay on top of the fat.

The process:

+ Gently melt the coconut oil in a pot, but do not heat up. Pour the fat in to the glass dish and let it cool. Once cooled, score the fat in to a diamond pattern to help the fragrance of the flower absorb the fat.

+ Before adding the flower on to the fat, remove any foliage or stems from the flower. Place the flower face down on to the fat, making sure you cover it entirely with the floral matter. Gently press down. Place the second glass dish, or a cover on top. You can seal with tape or cling film to make sure it is completely covered, but I just like to place a cover or lid on top.

+ Leave in a cool dark place for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of bloom.  Now remove the old blooms and recharge with fresh ones. Repeat this process ideally, a minimum of 6 to 7 times and up to 30 times. The scent is stronger the more times you repeat this process.

+ You now have an elegant enfleurage pomade!

+ You can whip the scented ‘pomade’ up and put in to glass jars and use as required. Makes a wonderful balm for the skin and hair, or use as a base for making other beautifully scented products.

Aromatherapy, News, Perfume

Mitti Attar

Posted on by Fehmida

Mitti Attar is the Indian equivalent to ‘petrichor’ – the scent of the first rain. The term ‘Mitti’ means earth and ‘attar’ is the staple perfume of the Middle East and South East Asia which is usually a herbal or floral blend of concentrated oils in a base of sandalwood (Santalum album) oil. Mitti attar is the essential oil extracted from dry clay earth.

I first came across the term Mitti Attar a few years ago and asked my parents to bring some back from their annual trip to India, which they did. I received two different types, one in a lighter sandalwood oil and one in a darker sandalwood oil. Both smelt amazing, however I preferred the light oil version as the earthy rain smell was more distinct. Mitti attar is mainly made in Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Kannauj, known as the ‘perfume and essential oil capital of India.’

The process of attar making is centuries old. Archaeologists have excavated clay distillation pots dating back to the ancient Harappan civilization of the Indus Valley. These same process’s now capture the scent of rain. The method includes removing clay from topsoil and then baking it in a kiln. The baked clay is then immersed in water and goes through the traditional extraction method of hydro distillation, a process which extracts natural oils into water. The finished essence is usually blended with Sandalwood oil. The result is a captivatingly soothing and grounding aroma that is deeply connected to the earth. It really does smell like the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. It is said to have the therapeutic properties of healing and calming.

With the Mitti attar I received from my parents, and also finding a good supplier of the essence, I’ve been busy creating perfumes for the last few months, and these will be available in my shop very soon!

 

mitti attar



 

Aromatherapy, herbal medicine, historical herbs

The black cumin seed or “Nigella Sativa” ancient cures

Posted on by Fehmida
08
Aug

An article By Veronica Parkes

Said to Cure Everything but Death, These Seeds are an Ancient Miracle Cure

The black cumin seed or “Nigella Sativa” has been revered as a miracle cure for a vast amount of illnesses and ailments throughout the ages and across many cultures. The plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has been used as medicine predominantly by Muslim cultures. However, the plant dates back past the rise of Islam and was used by other non-Muslim cultures.

The earliest written record of the plant being used as a medical treatment dates back to the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament where Isaiah talks of harvesting the plant and its curative properties. It was used by Asian herbalists and Romans alike as a food additive; black cumin seeds were even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The seeds were also discussed by the famous Greek physician Dioscorides who used them to cure head and toothaches. However, the medical properties of the seeds didn’t gain prominence until the rise of Islam.

 

The Nigella Sativa plant, flower and seeds. (Public Domain)

The Variety of Uses for Black Cumin Seeds

“Habbat ul Sawda” as the seeds are known in Arabic, were mentioned by Muhammed in the Quran and he is believed to have said, “in the black seed is healing for every disease but death.” In Arabo-Islamic culture the seeds are prescribed as a medicine for various ailments including: fever, asthma, chronic headaches, diabetes, digestion issues, back pain, infections, and rheumatism.

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Folio from an Arabic manuscript of Dioscorides, De Materica Medica, 1229. (Public Domain)

It was in the 7th century that the seed gained its massive popularity in this culture and there it remained as a popular family medicine. It has also been used as a food preservative since the height of its popularity.  While most people used the oil for the health benefits listed below, the oil is also taken as part of beauty routines. Over the span of a few months one can see that hair and nails become stronger and when used externally it can help to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

The seed is believed to have 100 healthy components and is a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Its oil is often what is used as a medicine, but the seed has a peppery taste and is common in making curries, pastries, and Mediterranean cheeses. The seeds possess anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties and they can be used to regulate the immune system, reduce pain, kill microorganisms, reduce inflammation, inhibit spasmodic activity, and open the air passages in the lungs. They are also said to protect the liver, kidneys, stomach, and digestive system. They aid in peristalsis and rid the intestines of worms. The seeds also help with many diseases, especially those involving inflammation – such as cystic fibrosis, allergies, and cancer.
Studies Support More Amazing Properties of the Black Cumin Seed

The efficacy of the black cumin seed oil is mostly attributed to its quinone constituents and essential oils components. Quinone promotes healthy oral health and helps manage oral diseases. It has also been linked to enhanced learning and improved memory in elderly patients when taken as a daily supplement, as shown in a recent study.

 

Many studies have been completed in recent years backing the unbelievable claims of the medicinal properties of the black cumin seed. Based on animal models, the seed was proven to induce a strong anti-inflammatory response leading to the belief that it is helpful in inflammation based diseases. In vitro studies performed in Jordan and the United States have determined that the oil has anti-leukemic properties. It has also been proven that the seed has cardio-protective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties.

The first major study of the seed in relation to cancer prevention was performed in the United States by the Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory in Southern California. They found that a healthy immune system will detect and destroy cancer cells. As such, the black cumin seed has been found to stimulate neutrophil activity; it is this activity that creates short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilize when there is infection in the body. This means the seeds help improve the immune system and aid in cancer prevention.

The black cumin seed has also been shown to have a synergistic effect, so, when it is combined with aerobic training, it can aid in weight loss. It can also aid in male and female infertility, breast pain, lead poisoning, and corneal injuries. Moreover, in research published in 2016, the black cumin seed was found to modulate and enhance the normal activity of the cells and pathways that keep blood sugar and insulin properly balanced. These substances also help manage the process through which glucose is converted to fat. Again, proving that it aids in maintaining a healthy weight, but also that it helps in regulating diabetes.

Black cumin seed and oil are said to be very healthy and help with many health issues. (Public Domain)

Questioning the Claims and Dosage

However, the miracle cure-all seed has, understandably, not been taken seriously in some scientific circles in recent years due to its claim to cure everything stated above; in short, it seems too good to be true. But it is important to keep in mind when proponents of the seed say that it “cures” these ailments and illnesses it should be critically analyzed – ancient cultures emphasized the seed’s ability to restore normalcy, not cure.

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body.

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body. (Public Domain)

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body. (Public Domain) The black cumin seed and oil have properties which are said to help in many medical ailments all-over the body.

Similarly, the scientific community has expressed concern over the safe levels of consumption of the seed oil. However, studies suggest that therapeutic doses of black cumin oil and quinone have low toxicity and a wide margin of safety when used as a daily supplement, typically 1 tablespoon in oil form or as high as 1250 mg in capsule form per day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N.B. All content and information in this article is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment by a qualified medical practitioner.**
Resources:

Clark, I. (2017) Black Cumin: The Ancient Weight Loss Seed Celebrated by Cultures Around the World. Available at: http://www.activationproducts.com/blog/black-cumin-the-ancient-weight-loss-seed-celebrated-by-cultures-around-the-world/

My Central Health (2016) It Heals Everything Except Death! This Ancient Remedy “Cures All Diseases” HIV, AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, STDs, Arthritis & More… Available at: http://mycentralhealth.com/heals-everything-except-death-ancient-remedy-cures-diseases-hiv-aids-diabetes-cancer-stroke-stds-arthritis/#

Naiman, I. (2014) Black Cumin Seed. Available at: http://www.kitchendoctor.com/herbs/black_cumin.php

Thomas, J.P. (2017) Black Cumin Seed Oil: Ancient Seed is Cure for Many Modern Diseases. Available at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2016/black-cumin-seed-oil-ancient-seed-is-cure-for-many-modern-diseases

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