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Newsletter - March 2008

Although the weather is exceptionally mild and spring is only just around the corner, you would think we were still in the grip of winter judging by the number of people who are smitten by some virus or bug!

As the seasons change it inevitably brings a new invasion of coughs, colds and other unwanted afflictions. Given the fact that there are up to 200 types of virus groups circulating at this time of year, it is hardly surprising that sooner or later you will succumb to one of them.

So this month we take an in-depth look at the importance of having a healthy immune system and show how you can achieve it using your trusty essential oils. In this months special feature Aromatherapy Bodyguard, Sue explains how to optimize your immune system holistically and protect yourself against all those nasty bugs.

After 8 years in its current format, we have decided it's time to ring the changes in our Monthly Newsletter. Based on feedback and suggestions from our readers we are currently redesigning the layout to incorporate lots of great new features. Get the full story of what you can expect in 'Quinessence Newsletter to be revamped'.

Later this month, many of us will be celebrating the Easter 'holiday' where the resurrection of Christ is commemorated by Christians. Roughly coinciding with the arrival of spring it symbolises rebirth and renewal on many different levels including our health and wellbeing.

But let's face it; few of us relish change - especially if it is forced upon us since it usually brings upheaval and and heartache. In Positive Changes Geoff reveals how aromatherapy can help to balance our emotional states as we encounter the trials and tribulations of daily life.

In our Oil Profile this month we take a look at Niaouli, which is not to be confused with Neroli! In fact, over the years this essential oil has been known by more names than you can shake a stick at, so it is little wonder that most people get confused with it.

However, long before we knew anything about it in the West the Aborigines were putting it to great use for a wide range of ailments. Interesting to note that today we use the essential oil in aromatherapy for all the same conditions.

Coincidence, perhaps? We think not!

 

Free Marinal Masque Offer!

We will give you a FREE 50ml jar of Marinal Clay Mask worth £11.99 when you buy this selection of 50ml Hydrating Day Cream & 50ml Hydrating Night Cream for only £27.97 !

From our Award-Winning Aroma-botanicals range, these luxury skincare creams are a revolutionary step forward in natural skincare, uniting the therapeutic benefits of Organic Essential Oils with the beautifying qualities of botanical extracts.

This very special offer includes:-

• Hydrating Day Cream
Lock-in vital moisture throughout the day with a nutrient rich formula including Organic Rose Geranium oil and a rich harvest of botanicals. Comfrey and Ginseng work to nourish, soften and condition the skin, whilst Evening Primrose provides protection against the damaging effects of the environment and pollution. Suitable for all skin types, particularly combination skin prone to oiliness.

• Hydrating Night Cream
Replenish vital moisture levels and nourish the skin whilst you sleep with this intensive night repair treatment containing precious oils of Sandalwood, Organic Palmarosa and collagen-enhancing Centella. A truly unique combination of re-hydrating oils and restorative botanicals to repair environmental skin damage promoting a soft, radiant complexion.

• FREE - Marine Clay Masque
Deep-cleanse and refine your skin with this wash-off masque rich in purifying botanicals and absorbent clay. Mineral rich Seaweed, Sea Lavender and balancing Organic Geranium oil gently lifts impurities to reveal smoother, refined, more radiant skin.

• Price includes delivery!

But you need to hurry - we are only giving away 100 Marinal Clay Masques this month, and we will not be repeating this offer again in the foreseeable future.

Place your order now and claim your Free Marinal Masque Gift before this offer ends.

 

 

Aromatherapy Bodyguard

As is often the case at this time of year here in the UK, we seem to be suffering from a deluge of flu, sore throats, coughs and colds. Almost every other person that you speak to has either just got rid of a cold, or they are coming down with one.

And many have noticed that over recent years these viruses seem to be getting stronger, taking much longer for the body to eliminate. Several friends have commented that after a week of sneezing and coughing, they had then suffered many weeks of chestiness that they couldn't seem to shift.

Weakened immunity

The key to consistently good health lays in having an optimised immune system which acts as the body's very first line of defence against invasion by bacteria and viruses. The immune system works together with other body systems such as the lymphatic and nervous systems. Whenever an outsider threatens the body, a whole battery of defences spring into action to seek out, recognise and destroy the invader.

However, the immune system may become weakened by outside forces which can have an impact on both the physical and emotional systems, thus bringing about a condition known as immuno-deficiency. When this happens, the body becomes far more susceptible to these invading germs since it is now working at a greatly reduced level of efficiency. If this situation is not addressed quickly, it is possible that serious medical conditions may develop.

What causes Immuno-deficiency?

On the physical level poor diet, too much alcohol, pollution, insecticides, food additives and certain drugs such as antibiotics and the contraceptive pill can all depress the immune system. It is quite common for the immune system to become noticeably compromised after the repeated use of antibiotic drugs, as some of you may have already learned to your cost.

Negative emotional and psychological pressures undoubtedly contribute to the weakening of the immune system if they are allowed to continue. Psychological stress causes the release of hormones, such as adrenalin and cortisol, which over a period of time will begin to suppress the immune defences, making us more susceptible to disease. For example, cortisol reduces the level of T-helper cells, and inhibits the production of natural killer cells.

Negative cycle

Prolonged physical illness itself will often lead to a negative emotional state, and this in turn can cause immunodeficiency. The weakened immune system will now be more vulnerable to further infection, and another new infection can lead to even further emotional depression. This negative cycle of illness can be very difficult to break unless a course of treatment is adopted that takes both the mind and body into consideration.

General medicine has a limited range of treatments to boost a depressed or flagging immune system, but some illnesses seem well beyond their help. Vitamin injections and supplements also have their part to play in conjunction with sound dietary advice, but again this can be only helpful in certain cases.

The Holistic approach

Aromatherapy is a highly effective treatment for a depleted or suppressed immune system because we can employ essential oils that have been proven to boost the immune system. As aromatherapists already know, using essential oils to treat a depleted immune system can be a very positive treatment - especially when used regularly.

Research has shown that essential oils work as natural immune boosters in three different modes of action;-

1) They work directly against the invading bacteria and viruses due to their powerful antibacterial and antiviral actions.

2) Certain essential oils can influence the stimulation and production of phagocytes, T- cells and B- cells which are so vital to your bodies defences.

3) Other essential oils can give an uplifting boost to the emotional system, which helps to break the downward spiral caused by immunodeficiency. This effect is quite unique to aromatherapy.

In fact it is this third mode of action where aromatherapy really comes into its own by helping to break the circle of illness that is caused by depression. Regular use of the correct essential oils - particularly in massage - will have a powerful effect on the limbic system, which in turn has an uplifting effect on the mind in a way that allopathic medicine has yet to appreciate.

Aromatic Armoury

The comprehensive charts on the right illustrate how aromatherapy can help to boost the immune system by using those essential oils that have been shown to possess immunostimulant properties.

To produce a powerful synergy with these essential oils, you should make a blend containing one oil from each of the three categories listed in the panels so that they can get to work on all levels. This produces a holistic result that captures everything that is best about aromatherapy.

These individual essential oils and synergistic blends of them can then be used in the usual ways; in baths, massage, skincare, inhalations and vaporisers around the home or at work.

 

Quinessence Newsletter to be revamped!

Over the past year, feedback from our regular Newsletter readers has shown that many would like us to provide a wider range of articles and features that cover other areas of health and wellbeing, in addition to aromatherapy.

A surprising number of readers have said that it would also be great to be able to interact with other readers, a bit like in a forum. So for example, readers could post comments and even ask questions about something in an article just like you can do in a blog. We could then post answers to your questions.

Having listening very carefully to all your requests we are pleased to announce that next month will see the launch of our new, redesigned Newsletter that will incorporate all of these features – and much, much more.

Retitled 'Aromatherapy Lifestyle' and moved to a new location, our newsletter will still have the same, high quality articles and content, but will now feature the ability to post questions and comments which will make the whole experience much more interactive for our readers. There will also be links to other recommended resources that offer information or products that we think will be of interest to our subscribers.

Why 'Aromatherapy Lifestyle'?

The aim of our newsletter (and indeed the philosophy of Quinessence) has always been to make the art of aromatherapy as understandable and easy as possible to bring into the lives of everyone. Most people agree that when you discover aromatherapy it not only helps improve your health and wellbeing – it actually becomes a way of life. To us, aromatherapy is a lifestyle choice.

As well as the aromatherapy articles, expert recipes, health tips and oil profiles, we will be bringing you exclusive, deep-discount Special Offers. We will also be giving away FREE Gifts and running Prize Draws for our subscribers. We intend to reward the loyalty of our readers in a way that was not previously possible.

What does it cost to join?

Don’t worry – there is absolutely no cost to being a member of the Aromatherapy Lifestyle community, it will continue to be provided to you FREE just as before!

To guarantee that you receive all these extra features and exclusive special offers you will need to register as a member of the Aromatherapy Lifestyle community. Of course, if you have already subscribed to our existing Newsletter and receive our Newsletter email every month you don't need to do anything. Existing subscribers will be automatically transferred to the Aromatherapy Lifestyle membership.

So if you have not already signed up, subscribe today using the form in the side panel, and we look forward to seeing you at the launch of Aromatherapy Lifestyle next month.

 

Positive Changes

Later this month we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, with Easter Sunday on the 23rd of this month being considered to be one of the most holy of days in the Christian calendar.

For Christians, the Easter message is one of hope and life everlasting. It recalls that Christ rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, symbolising death, rebirth and the immortality of life. In other words; out of suffering, something new and wonderful can be born. It can just be a bit of a bumpy road.

Despite all of the technological advances of the present world, we can't protect ourselves from the unexpected and unwanted changes to our daily life. These challenges can often be painful, overwhelming and hard to bear. Therefore, instead of letting go of the past and moving on to pastures new, we cling to yesterday and therefore limit tomorrow.

Make way for change

An example of this is when someone loses their job. This can be seen as a death to their 'old' way of life, and when starting a new job it is the birth of a 'new' path. However, some people get so stuck in the loss of the old that they can not make way for the birth to the new very easily. Because of this they can make life very difficult for themselves.

All of us, without exception, live in an ever changing world which brings constant challenges, and we should try to adapt to new ideas and concepts in everyday situations. The wise person understands this and adjusts, seeing the challenge for what it is - growth and development of their whole being, including their soul.

Nevertheless, many people do not like change and prefer to exist in the world that they feel safe and secure in, whilst the world around them continues to change. If only we would realise that although the new path may well be different and even uncomfortable, it opens up the door to new experiences and possibilities that were not available in our old circumstances. It is through this process that we learn and become a wiser person.

Transitional aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a valuable tool that can be utilized to help us through the various stages of growth and development in our lives, bringing both welcome continuity and reassurance. Essential oils can influence our emotions and mind in a positive way, helping us through the ‘death and resurrection’ stages of our progress through life.

So if like me, you do not always welcome change, you should use essential oils as your first line of defence every time life throws you a curved ball. Your oils can be used in a positive way to help you cope with and accept some of the more difficult changes that life can bring.

We go through a whole range of emotions whilst trying to adjust to changing circumstances, and not necessarily in any particular order. We are all individuals and will react differently to the circumstances. By using an appropriate essential oil when a negative emotion sets in, you will take your first positive step to being in control of your situation.

Here are the oils that I have found particularly helpful with negative emotions;-

• Fear - Although fear may not be the obvious emotion that we are experiencing in times of change, it often lurks at the back of the mind impeding our progress. Essential oils of Cedar Atlas, Cypress, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Palmarosa, Rose and Ylang Ylang can all relieve negativity and aid with the transition into a new phase.

• Anger - After the initial shock of your new state of affairs, anger often follows fear. Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Neroli, Orange Sweet and Ylang Ylang are all oils that can all be used effectively to calm the outrage that is often felt with circumstances forced upon us.

• Frustration - When we want to change our situation but know that we can't just yet, frustration may develop. Once again, oils of Sandalwood, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense and Ylang Ylang show their value and flexibility with calming emotional states, together with Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange Sweet and Yuzu. These oils all help soothe the frustration of circumstances that are beyond our control.

• Insecurity - We may be left feeling vulnerable and insecure by all the changes entering our lives, so Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Yarrow and Vetiver would be the oils of choice at this phase.

• Regret - Invariably, after the first raw emotions have been overcome, a tinge of regret often remains; 'why didn't I . . . . if only I hadn't . . . .'. This emotion often lingers the longest, and if not dealt with effectively we can be left emotionally scarred for life. Using oils of Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemon, Rose, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Yarrow and Yuzu can help you get rid of this emotional baggage and move on.

Do a baggage check now and look at the glass of your life - is it half full, or is it half empty?

Still not sure? Better get those oils out again . . . . . .

Oil Profile - Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia var. cineole)

It has taken many years to correctly identify this particular species because there are several very similar plants which were originally mistaken for this one. Over the years a wide range of common names and synonyms were associated with all of these species which added to the confusion, taxonomically speaking.

For example, over the past 100 years this species has at various times been identified as; Metrosideros quinquenervia, Melaleuca viridiflora, Melaleuca leucadendron var. viridiflora, Melaleuca smithii, Melaleuca maidenii, Broad-leaved paperbark tree, White bottlebrush tree, Punk tree and the Five veined paperbark tree. Streuth!

Thankfully, in 1993 botanists finally got their act together and agreed on its current name which usually includes its chemovar, since there are at least three. In Australia the three primary chemovars are nerolidol, linalool and 1,8 cineole.

Physical description

Closely related to tea tree, eucalyptus and cajuput, Melaleuca quinquenervia var. cineole is a medium sized evergreen tree that typically grows to a height of around 12 metres, although under some conditions it can achieve 25 metres.

The trunk is covered in a thick, whitish-grey or pale brown papery bark that grows in untidy layers which split and peel, often appearing extremely rough in texture particularly on larger mature trees.

The stiff, leathery, dull green leaves are lanceolate with 5 (sometimes 3 or 7) prominent parallel veins that run from base to tip and produce a powerful resinous-eucalyptus type odour when crushed.

Branches on the tree bear small, dry, woody fruits about 5mm in diameter, and the fluffy spikes of flowers are broad and stalk-less (sessile) and usually white or pale cream in colour, occasionally with shades of red or green. It propagates by means of seeds stored in the fruits which are released in large numbers when disturbed, or injured by fire.

Origin of the tree

The variety M. quinquenervia var. cineole is believed to have originated in New Caledonia, where it was first distilled in the province of Gomen, hence the old industry name for this product of 'gomen oil'.

It also occurs naturally throughout Queensland, New South Wales and southern New Guinea, and has been widely distributed and naturalised throughout the tropical regions, especially dry tropical lowlands such as India, Madagascar, the Philippines and the West Indies. Essential oil production from this specific cultivar mainly occurs in New Caledonia and Madagascar.

Aboriginal panacea

During Captain Cooks first voyage to Australia in 1770, specimens of M. quinquenervia were collected by the naturalists Joseph Banks and Daniel Carl Solander, after observing the Aborigines using decoctions of the leaves.

They used it to treat aches and pains, cuts, skin conditions, infections, insect bites, respiratory conditions and just about everything we use the essential oil for in aromatherapy today! These, and other samples of Melaleuca were brought back to England on-board 'HMS Endeavour' for further study.

Method of extraction

The essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal stems, yielding a pale yellow essential oil with a sweet camphoraceous odour, with a slightly herbal backnote.

To the untrained nose, niaouli oil smells very similar to eucalyptus due to the high content of 1,8 cineole which is its principal constituent. However, closer examination reveals a softer more rounded aroma than eucalyptus, with unique characteristics of its own.

Effective antibacterial

In a French study (Chir Dent Fr, Sept 9 1976; 46: [319] 53), niaouli oil was investigated in the form of a vapour to test its efficacy against bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Proteus. The results showed that within three hours almost 85 per cent of the microbes were killed. It has also been shown to be very effective against candida albicans, herpes simplex, viral hepatitis, influenza and in fact most types of infectious respiratory ailments.

Niaouli is an effective immunostimulant that increases the antibody and white blood cell count making it an ideal recuperative oil. When used as an inhalation it can be used to treat respiratory infection of many types, and can be gargled at the onset of a cold or sore throat. Niaouli is an ideal alternative to tea tree if you do not want the characteristic odour of this oil to dominate.

Niaouli oil blends with basil, coriander, cypress, fennel, geranium, juniper berry, lavender, patchouli, pine, peppermint, Spearmint, tea tree and all citrus oils.

I look forward to your visit next month.

All articles are Copyright: © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd. All rights are reserved.

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