Category Archives: Aromatherapy

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

Source

Aromatherapy

Amazing Benefits of Orange Essential Oil

Posted on by Fehmida
02
Aug

Article from www.organicfacts.net

The health benefits of orange essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, tonic, sedative and cholagogue substance.
Uses of Orange Essential Oil
The essential oil of orange has a wide variety of domestic, industrial and medicinal uses. Domestically, it is used to add orange flavour to beverages, desserts and sweetmeats. Industrially, it is used in soaps, body lotions, creams, anti-aging and wrinkle-lifting applications, concentrates for soft beverages, room fresheners, sprays, deodorants, biscuits, chocolates, confectionery and bakery items.

Orange Essential Oil- Composition and Extraction Process
This essential oil is obtained from the peels of orange by cold compression. Although most of you know the common name of oranges, perhaps you don’t know the botanical name, Citrus Sinensis. The liquid that comes in packets inside orange-flavoured soft drink concentrates is sometimes composed of this oil. The main components of this oil are Alpha Pinene, Citronellal, Geranial, Sabinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool and Neral.
I am sure we are all familiar with its commercial and industrial uses, now let’s explore some of the medicinal benefits that it has for those who consume it regularly.

Health Benefits of Orange Essential Oil
There are many health benefits of orange essential oil which include:
Antispasmodic: Spasms can result in many irritating or serious problems including continuous coughing, convulsions, muscle cramps and extreme diarrhoea. To avoid these effects, spasms must be treated early or prevented entirely. This can be done with the help of orange essential oil, which relaxes muscular and nervous spasms.

Sedative: When you need to cool down after a hard day at the office or are suffering from inflammation of any kind, you should reach for a natural sedative that helps you to relax. The artificial sedatives or drugs available on the market are mostly tranquilizers based on narcotics and other synthetic forms. These, in the long run, do immense damage to the heart and various internal organs. It is a much better choice to use a natural one like orange essential oil. It alleviates anxiety, anger, depression and certain bodily inflammations.

Aphrodisiac: Orange essential oil has mild aphrodisiac properties. Systematic and regular use can cure problems such as frigidity, erectile problems, impotence, loss of interest in sex and decreased libido.

Anti-inflammatory: Orange essential oil provides quick and effective relief from inflammation, whether internal or external. Regardless of the reason, whether it is excessive intake of spices, fever, infections, side effect of antibiotics, gas, ingestion of toxic substances, or narcotics, orange essential oil can reduce the irritation and knee pain.

Cholagogue: It promotes secretions from all appropriate glands including the exocrine and endocrine. Therefore, it is frequently used to promote menstruation, lactation, digestive juices, bile, hormones and enzymes.

Antiseptic: Wherever there is a cut or abrasion, there is always the chance of the wound becoming septic due to a bacterial infection. This is even more likely when the wound has occurred from an iron object because there remains a chance of it becoming infected by tetanus germs. Essential Oil of orange can help people avoid both septic, fungal infections and tetanus as they inhibit microbial growth and disinfect the wounds.

Antidepressant: The very smell of orange essential oil reminds you of happy moments and brings pleasant thoughts to mind. That is why this oil is so frequently used in aromatherapy. It creates a happy, relaxed feeling and works as a mood lifter, perfect for people who suffer from depression or chronic anxiety. Research suggests that natural essential oil of orange helps to reduce pulse rate and salivary cortisol due to child anxiety state.

Diuretic: First, orange essential oil helps your body gets rid of excess gas and excess toxins. It promotes urination, which eliminates toxins like uric acid, bile, excess salts, pollutants and excess water within the urine. Urination increases appetite and promotes digestion. It contributes towards losing fats, which makes it good for the heart as well.

Tonic: The relation of a tonic to the body is quite similar to overhauling and servicing a vehicle. A tonic tones up every system that functions throughout the body, keeps the metabolic system in proper shape, contributes to strength, and boosts immunity.

Carminative: Being a carminative means being an agent that helps in the removal of excess gas from the intestines. Gas, which forms in the intestines and pushes upwards, can be very troublesome. Gas, since it is light, moves upwards and pushes against the internal organs, creating chest pains, indigestion and discomfort.
It can also cause a rise in blood pressure, negatively affect heart health and cause acute stomach aches. Essential oil of orange can help with many of these problems, since it relaxes the abdominal and anal muscles, thereby letting the gas escape. Furthermore, it does not let additional gas form.

Alzheimer’s disease: Study suggests that aromatherapy using orange essential oil may aid in improving cognitive function, especially in AD patients.

Insecticide: Research suggests that orange essential oil is effective against larvae and pupae of housefly, and may help in elimination of houseflies.

Other Benefits
It serves as a detoxifier, boosts immunity, treats constipation and dyspepsia and is very good for maintaining healthy, smooth and glamorous skin. It also helps to cure acne and dermatitis.
A Few Words of Caution
Orange essential oil displays photo-toxicity. It tastes bitter and if ingested in large quantities, it may result in vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Blending: Being a citrus oil, it blends well with other citrus essential oils. Other than those citrus oils, orange essential oil also blends well with essential oils of Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Ginger, Black Pepper, Sandal Wood and Vetiver.
How to make orange oil?
Unlike what some people expect, making orange essential oil actually requires you to use the peels, not the fruit itself. Peel the oranges and allow the peels to dry. Grind the peels up and bring some grain alcohol up to a warm temperature on the stove. Then, pour the grain alcohol over the ground up orange peels. Shake the mixture and then allow it to sit for 2-3 days, then strain the mixture. Voila! Orange essential oil!
Where to buy orange oil?
You can buy orange essential oil from the majority of natural health and whole food stores where other essential oils are found. However, it is unlikely that you’ll find orange essential oil in any major chain stores in the west. Orange oil is also commonly used in aromatherapy applications, so herbalists and aromatherapists are also good places to purchase orange essential oil. Fortunately, it’s not very expensive and highly effective!
What is orange essential oil good for?
Orange essential oil has many applications that can improve your overall health, such as helping you get better sleep, reducing the occurrence of muscle spasms, increasing your sex drive, protecting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and preventing the onset of certain degenerative cognitive diseases. The high content of antioxidants and organic compounds makes this oil highly versatile and useful for boosting health.
How to use orange essential oil?
You can use orange essential oil in a number of different ways. Some people choose to freshen their clothes and add some orange essential oil to their laundry; other people use it in diffusers to give the entire room an energetic boost. You can use it topically to improve the appearance of the skin in the case of acne or eczema or put it in boiling water and inhale the steam.
What is orange oil?
Orange oil is the essential oil of oranges, which bears the scientific name Citrus sinensis. These are extremely common fruit but the oil itself isn’t as widely known. Differing from orange juice, orange essential oil can be extracted from the peels of oranges through a process involving grain alcohol. The resultant orange oil can be used for many different health issues, ranging from acne to chronic stress.

Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/orange-essential-oil.html