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Newsletter - February 2007
In this issue
During the winter weather viruses run rife and our skin can become dry due to the extreme weather conditions. So we begin this months Newsletter with the concluding part of Winter Wellbeing, which shows you how to use your aromatherapy oils to get you through the winter weather. Our resident aromatherapist Sue brings you recipes and tips to get you through until spring arrives!
February is often called the 'Month of Love' and brings with it the annual celebration of Valentines Day, so this year be sure to use aromatherapy to make the very best of the event. In Fragrant Valentine we reveal the essential oils with a reputation for unleashing the passions within, and give you some simple recipes to really spice up your love life!
Our Oil Profile this month is fresh, energizing peppermint, which is probably just what we all need right now as the dull and dreary weather drags on! Geoff reminds us just how valuable and flexible this oil can be in aromatherapy, and reveals its important historical connection to England.
We recently introduced some more additions to our Candle Collection, and as before, these additions are entirely due to requests from customers. Be sure to let us know if there are other styles you would like us to stock, and we will do our best to oblige.
February Special Offer
Home Fragrancing Set
This Home Fragrancing Kit includes:
Aromastream Electric Vaporiser
Arabian Nights Mood Enhancer 10ml
PLUS A FREE
Red Rose Pillar Candle
Home Fragrancing Set Offer!
Transport your lover to another world this Valentines Day whilst also enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy around your home, with this months great online Special Offer.
When you buy this Exotic Home Fragrancing Set comprising of an Aroma-Stream Vaporiser and an Arabian Nights Mood Enhancer 10ml for only £34.99 you will save over 6% off our regular price and receive this beautiful Rose Pillar Candle worth £6.99 - absolutely FREE!
And that's not all - when you order your Home Fragrancing Set online this month the price even includes delivery to your door! This Home Fragrancing Kit offer includes:-
• Aroma-Stream Electric Vaporiser
This stylish vaporiser provides a safe and effective method of fragrancing your environment without having to heat your essential oils with a hot ring or naked flame. A few drops of essential oil are placed onto a replaceable cartridge located at the base of the unit, and a two speed fan gently diffuses the essential oils into the air.
Since there is no naked flame it is safe to leave the Aroma-stream running unattended or even overnight whilst you sleep. This can be particularly useful in a child's room or with the elderly. The Aroma-Stream is supplied complete with 13 amp plug and cartridge.
• Arabian Nights Mood Enhancer 10ml
A beautiful blend of essential oils to calm your mind and body whilst it fragrances your home or personal environment. Exotic aromatics of the orient including Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and a seductive splash of precious Jasmine are blended perfectly to soothe and relax you, setting the mood for romance.
• Red Rose Pillar Candle
Decorated with two miniature red roses and bejewelled with sparkling heart-shaped gemstones, this delightful candle brings a touch of elegance to any home. This pillar candle is delicately fragranced with a hint of rose to create a soothing, relaxing and romantic atmosphere wherever it is used, and is presented in a beautiful clear gift pack, lovingly tied with a silk bow and a gift-card.
• Price includes delivery
But don't delay, because this special offer is strictly limited to the first 100 customers. Order your Exotic Home Fragrancing Set today to save over 6% on our regular price and claim your FREE Rose Candle - before stocks run out!
Winter protection
Did you know?
When someone has a cold you are far more likely to catch it by holding their hand than by kissing them!
This is because someone with a cold may have contaminated their hand with nasal mucus when wiping their nose. If you then put your finger onto your eyes or touch your nose you may infect yourself.
Nasal mucus is the main carrier of the cold virus, and when we kiss we exchange saliva not nasal mucus. (eeuuchh!).
So to help stop spreading infection, always wash your hands with an antibacterial soap if you must spend time near somebody who has a cold.
Remember, the eyes are equally as receptive to invading bacteria as the nose, so be sure to wash your hands before touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
Anti-viral oils
All of the following essential oils can be used in baths, gargles, vaporised or even inhaled directly from a tissue;-
• Cajuput
• Eucalyptus
• Laurel leaf
• Lemon
• Manuka
• Niaouli
• Palmarosa
• Peppermint
• Ravensara
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree
• Thyme White
Anti-winter oils!
Gently massage a few drops onto the face and neck area twice a day during the colder weather and your skin will soon show the benefits.
Remember your legs need protection too since they often feel and show the effects of cold first.
For the very best results you should use the rejuvenating carrier oils such as Macadamia, Rosehip and Jojoba after your cleansing routine for an intensive overnight treatment.
Winter Wellbeing Pt 2
Although it has felt pretty nippy to me throughout most of the month, we have allegedly just enjoyed the warmest January in the UK since records began, according to the Met Office. Yet despite this welcome break from the annual deep-freeze, we have still been caught in the grip of an epidemic of flu, sore throats, coughs and colds.
It was reported that sales of cough and cold remedies in Boots the chemist during the first 2 weeks of January showed a 16.5% rise in compared to average January figures. Boots anticipated that sales could be as much as 20% above average throughout the last week of the month. Given the fact that there are up to 200 types of virus groups circulating at this time of year I suppose it is hardly surprising.
So can aromatherapy help to protect us from the ravages of winter? Absolutely! Essential oils can be especially helpful at this time of year to both stop the germs from spreading and help ease the symptoms, and your aromatherapy carrier oils can be utilised to nourish and protect your skin throughout the long winter chill too.
Breathe it in
If a member of the family is suffering from a cold, choose from Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Palmarosa, Ravensara, Rosemary, White Thyme or Tea Tree to vapourise around the house to help kill airborne viruses, since these are powerful antiviral oils. And as you know, prevention really is better than cure - so crank up that burner!
To clear the head or a stuffy nose, first fill a large bowl with almost boiling water and add 3-4 drops of Basil, Eucalyptus, Silver Fir, Pine or Lemon. A particularly clearing blend is 1 drop each of Basil, Peppermint and Silver Fir. Lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes until things begin to clear. If required, replenish with fresh hot water, add more oils and repeat. A towel can be placed over the head to help direct the vapours.
Gargling with warm water and a pinch of salt has traditionally been used at the onset of a sore throat, which is usually the first symptom of a cold. For a powerful bug-busting gargle add 1 drop of Tea Tree and 1 drop of Ravensara to your glass of warm salt-water mix. Take a small mouthful of the mixture and gargle for about thirty seconds, then spit it out. Repeat the process several times, and for maximum effect you should use this treatment every 4 hours.
Sweat it out
Nothing beats a hot bath with 6 drops of Tea Tree oil in for helping you to 'sweat it out' and Ravensara oil can also be added to the bath to create a powerful anti-viral synergy. If you are using several essential oils in a bath to make a synergy, add a capful of bath base dispersant first to make sure that the oils distribute evenly, and do not use any more than 8 drops of essential oil in total.
When a cold begins to clear up you can develop an irritating tickly throat or a feeling of 'chestyness', especially during the night whilst in bed. A blend of Sandalwood and Frankincense oil used in a vaporiser has a soothing and comforting effect that will help you get a good nights rest. Lavender used in your vaporiser also has a soothing effect and can be alternated with the Sandalwood or Frankincense.
There are many other essential oils which have anti-viral properties that you can use during the cold season to protect yourself or bring relief. All of the essential oils in the sidebar can be used in baths, gargles, vaporised or even inhaled directly from a tissue.
Soak it up
One of the easiest ways to keep your skin soft and supple throughout the aggressive winter weather is to simply use your carrier oils. Even without any essential oils they are highly effective because they contain natural moisturising nutrients that actually resemble those found in the skin, making them invaluable in your daily skincare regime.
For example, cold pressed Macadamia oil contains a massive 18% of palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic acid is an essential fatty acid found in sebum, and there are very few other plant materials that contain such high levels of this precious component.
Evening Primrose, unrefined Avocado and Jojoba oils all contain high levels of palmitoleic acid plus other essential fatty acids that provide deep moisturising and nourishing qualities. Evening Primrose mixed with Calendula is great for relieving sensitive, red and irritated skin caused by harsh weather conditions, and either oil can be used undiluted or added to a lighter carrier oil such as Sweet Almond.
Mix and match
Avocado is a deep-penetrating oil that is great for very dry or mature skin. You can add up to 20% of this oil to a lighter carrier such as Peach or Apricot kernel for protective facial treatments. When buying Avocado oil, always choose the unrefined type since it has not had all the vital nutrients removed during a pointless procedure to lightening the colour and remove the slightly nutty aroma. Believe me, putting up with the aroma is well worth the trouble when you see the results in your mirror.
Jojoba is wonderful because it is a non-greasy, highly emollient oil that moisturises and conditions your skin without leaving your skin feeling like an oil slick, - and it even helps to unclog pores. This is the one oil that I use all year round in my clinic for clients with skin problems, and it never fails to produce great results.
Rosehip oil is the finest overnight treatment because it is a natural antioxidant with excellent emollient properties. Even more importantly, it is a powerful skin cell regenerator that can help to soften fine lines and wrinkles. There have been extensive clinical trials that have proven the efficacy of Rosehip oil in reducing scars caused by accidental burns, radiotherapy treatment, surgery, natural pigmentation and stretch marks.
All of these carrier oils are highly nourishing and emollient to the skin, offering protection from the harsh elements during the colder weather, and are especially recommended for the treatment of dry, sensitive or mature skin that is susceptible to the harsh winter environment. Start using your carrier oils now and you will immediately see and feel the results, and enjoy soft, supple and conditioned skin throughout the winter period.
I look forward to seeing you again next month. Take care until then.
Romantic recipes
Here are a few simple essential oil recipes to help get you and your partner in the mood for love;-
Exotica
Sandalwood 1 drop
Rose Otto / Abs 1 drop
Patchouli 1 drop
Grapefruit 2/3 drops
Romancer
Ylang Ylang 1 drop
Petitgrain 2 drops
Neroli 1 drop
Aphrodite
Jasmine 1 drop
Bergamot 2 drops
Sandalwood 1 drop
Enchantress
Tuberose 1 drop
Lemon 2 drops
Lavender 2 drops
Magic Moments
Frankincense 2 drops
Jasmine 1 drop
Mandarin 2 drops
Valentines candles
Tell your Valentine how much you love them with a pack of these superb frosted-glass votives which are studded with heart shaped jewels.
They make the perfect romantic accessory for a candlelit dinner on Valentines Day.
Fragrant Valentine!
This Valentines Day, dim the lights and put some oils in your vaporiser, light a few romantic candles and discover for yourself the seductive power of aromatherapy! Since the days of the ancient Egyptians, fragrant oils have been used to enhance health, beauty, fertility, virility and of course, love.
Our sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than our sense of taste, and researchers have discovered how certain aromas excite the brain, activating the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland and the body’s hormones. Aromas also stimulate the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls sensations of pleasure, emotions and memory.
Seductive rose
Cleopatra used rose petals to entice Mark Anthony into her bedroom, and rose remains the most seductive of essential oils, with a powerful sensual effect that can be enjoyed alone or blended with Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender, Frankincense or Patchouli.
At the same time in India, it was believed that burning Sandalwood and Benzoin as incense increased sexual attraction, and women would rub Jasmine oil onto their hair, and Sandalwood oil onto their breasts before making love. Later, in the 12th century, essential oils were introduced into Europe and a bond between fragrant oils and romance was established into western society.
Reputed to be a sacred flower in ancient Persia, Jasmine is said to attract a lover due to its irresistible aroma. This is another oil that is thought to help with frigidity and impotence, perhaps because of its reputation of instilling confidence and alleviating fear. Its sweet and heady aroma can be a little intoxicating for some people, so if you are one of these you can reduce the sweetness by mixing it with Grapefruit, Bergamot or Lavender.
Awaken your passion
Sandalwood is great on its own and is an ideal oil to awake the passions within! The great thing about Sandalwood is that it can be blended with almost any other essential oil to add a soft, sweet and seductive note. Mix 2 drops of Sandalwood, 1 drop of Geranium and 1 drop of Lavender for an inexpensive exotic-floral blend.
Patchouli has a deep and mysterious fragrance that can unlock the hidden depths of your passion! If you and your partner have been going through a turbulent patch, Patchouli may help to soothe arguments and settle things down a bit. A little goes a long way with Patchouli, so just use one drop in any mix to add a hint of oriental mystery.
Ylang Ylang is another oil with a passionate and arousing action. It is a powerful relaxant that can help to allay nervousness and anxiety prior to love making if you are the shy type. Ylang seems to have the ability to harmonise the emotional and sensual part of our being, releasing the fear of sensuality. if you find Ylang a little 'heady', blend it with a citrus oil such as Bergamot to reduce the sweetness a little. You will love the result.
Be sure to try out our romantic recipes in the sidebar, and bring a little romance into your life this month!
Peppermint flower
Flowers of the 'Black or 'Mitcham'' Peppermint (M. piperita officinalis L. forma rubescens).
Did you know?
Cornmint oil (Mentha arvensis) is often used as a starting material for the extraction of natural menthol, since it contains very high levels of this component.
After isolation, the extracted menthol is sold on to the flavouring, pharmaceutical and perfumery industries.
The remaining oil still contains around 55% menthol after the process of dementholizing, and therefore smells very minty.
It is not uncommon for this incomplete oil to be sold on by unscrupulous bulk traders to inexperienced manufacturers under the guise of ‘peppermint oil’.
Peppermint leaves
Above - Leaves of M. piperita officinalis L. forma rubescens (Black or Mitcham type), which originated in the United Kingdom and is the parent species of all the Mitcham peppermint grown around the world.
In the early 1900’s, ‘black Mitcham oil’ as it was then known, commanded a price up to 8 times higher than that produced anywhere else in the world, including France.
Did you know
Thanks to the pharmaceutical industry, peppermint oil is now one of the most thoroughly researched of all natural oils.
The evidence for its curative powers with all manner of conditions is conclusive - our ancestors definitely knew what they were doing.
Oil Profile - Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
The genus Mentha comprises of over 20 individual species with a diversity of varieties and chemotypes, most of which have aromatic foliage. However, only the oil extracted from M. piperita and M. arvensis (Cornmint) , has the sharp, crisp and familiar aroma we associate with the term of 'peppermint'.
From the Lamiaceae family, peppermint is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching a height between 20 or 30 inches (50-76cm) and has smooth, quadrangular upright stems that branch towards the top. The plant propagates by underground runners called stolons, and its spreading, invasive habit forms an abundant carpet of oval, serrated, deep-green coloured leaves. The flowers are spike shaped and usually purple in colour, placed in whorls around the stems.
Black or white
There are several varieties of Mentha piperita, but the two forms that are most extensively cultivated are commonly known as ‘white’ and ‘black’ peppermint. White peppermint (M. piperita var. officinalis L. forma palescens) is usually a smaller plant and has green stems and leaves with white flowers.
Common black peppermint (M. piperita var. vulgaris) has dark green leaves with reddish veins, purplish stems and purple flowers. White peppermint was at one time the preference of herbalists and purchased in dried bundles. Black peppermint is mainly used for the production of essential oil since it is a hardier plant and produces a higher yield of oil.
Peppermint oil produced in England has traditionally been considered to be the very finest available and is derived from a variety known as Mitcham, having been named after the area in Surrey where it was originally produced.
Traditional uses
Accounts of its use in medicine and as a flavouring agent have been recorded in China, Japan, Egypt, India, Greece, Rome and other European countries. The Greeks and Romans would adorn themselves with mint crowns, and at feasts it was used to decorate tables and flavour sauces and wines. The great Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23–79 A.D.) advised scholars to wear a crown of mint as an aid to concentration. Clearly, he was an aromatherapy pioneer!
In folk medicine, peppermint has been used over thousands of years to treat numerous conditions both internally and externally. Rubbing a few leaves on the forehead was a common cure for headaches, and as an infusion it was used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.
Its cleansing and antibacterial action was highly prized for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. The action of peppermint in teas was, and still is, unrivalled for curing indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, colic, nausea and vomiting, as well as the symptomatic treatment of coughs, colds and fevers.
Harvesting & Extraction
Harvesting takes place when the oil content of the leaves is at its highest, which is normally as the herb reaches full bloom. As this time approaches, expert farmers will conduct daily tests to identify when key components are at optimum levels, thereby ensuring that harvesting takes place at precisely the right time.
After harvesting, the leaves are partially dried prior to extraction since excess moisture in the leaves can cause difficulties with the process of extraction, thereby leading to a reduction in yield. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves, producing a pale straw-coloured oil with a wonderfully refreshing, diffusive and minty fragrance.
Aromatherapy uses
Peppermint is a very versatile oil with a wide range of applications. Its clearing and antiseptic action is particularly suited to the relief of headaches, migraine, hay fever, sinus and catarrhal congestion, as well as general coughs and colds.
The soothing inhaled aroma of peppermint helps relieve the symptoms of travel sickness, jet lag and general fatigue, and in massage it is particularly helpful with digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, colic, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Its uplifting and refreshing aroma is excellent with emotional states such as lack of concentration or mental exhaustion, impatience, indecision, irritability, poor memory and shock.
Peppermint is a highly adaptable and efficacious oil that is absolutely indispensable in aromatherapy. However, it is very powerful and should be treated with respect at all times - only very small quantities of this oil are required to receive its benefits.
Be sure to keep the oil well away from the eyes, nose and other sensitive areas because it is a mucous membrane irritant. Peppermint is best avoided on children less than 3 years old, and keep the undiluted oil away from the nostrils of babies to avoid the possibility of apnoea.
I hope you will drop by again next month. Until then, happy blending!
New for 2007!
New Products for 2007
In keeping with the New Year we have added even more new products to the Quinessence Aromatherapy Collection for you to choose from. Brand new for 2007 are some lovely new scented candles, plus some interesting new health and beauty product lines.
Sandalwood Candle Range
Enjoy the mysterious, seductive and exotic fragrance of sandalwood with one of these delightful colour-banded candles. The sensual, woody fragrance of Sandalwood is wonderfully relaxing and soothing, helping to settle the emotions and still the mind.
This new range comprises of two Pillar candles featuring a banded colour design, and a pack of 8 Tealight candles in matching banded colours - all with the great fragrance of sandalwood. Each candle is supplied in a clear, protective presentation pack.
Vanilla and Mint Candle
The warm and creamy aroma of vanilla unites with the cool, fresh and uplifting fragrance of mint in this attractive oval candle. Housed in a lovely re-usable glass container, this candle features two wicks to ensure a cleaner, more even burn. Brings pure delight to any room in your home.
Pink Grapefruit Candle
The fragrance of tangy pink grapefruit always awakens the senses, and brings a welcome burst of refreshment right into your home. Just lift the lid off this large jar candle, and light the wick to enjoy the zesty aroma of this most popular of citrus fruits.
Brand New Product Ranges too!
We have also recently added several brand new product ranges to our Collection, including (by popular request!) Relaxing Music CD's, beautifully fragrant Incense Sticks, and Biosun Ear Candles.
And best of all, we have added a selection of really effective Beauty Tools to help you look your best at all times, - plus a handy range of Massage Tools to fight stress and keep your body in tip top condition too. If you have not yet seen these great new ranges be sure to take a look.
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