Medicinal: The Elder Flower is an amazing plant, due to every bit of it being usable; the bark from its tree, the berries, the leaves, and even the roots have a special place. It's also thought to be 'the entire medicine cabinet' for a lot of country folk for years and years because of its healing properties and medicinal uses. To name just a few, it helps with boosting your immune system, fight off infection, helping to combat allergies, reducing inflammation in the mucous membranes in the sinuses, and can even be made into a tea to provide calming relief for severe cold systems.
Precautions: The raw fruit contains sambunigrin and could cause severe vomiting and diarrhea if taken internally. We highly recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using or ingesting herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
Spiritual Practice: Elderflower has been deeply established in folklore for hundreds of years. It is commonly used for uncrossing, protection, prosperity and abundance, and healing. It is also said to be used in spellwork related to removing negativity, negative spirits, and protection from witches. The elder tree is also associated with the goddess and feminine energy.
Russian culture has a long and rich history believing it gives protection from evil spirits, whereas the Bohemians believed that it is used in a spell to take away fever in a person. All in all, every part of this wonderful plant can be used in your work including the leaves, flowers, and berries. Even the stems are well known to make very nice wands.Â
In Hoodoo: I use elder more as a banishing and cleansing herb, but that's just me. I have however used every part of the elderflower in protection and healing work, and even to help with uncrossing and prosperity. You can mix the leaves and berries with a few other herbs to make a mixture and scatter this around your house or business for protection from intruders, both in spirit and body. Add it to a small cloth bag and wear it to protect yourself from evil or bring good luck.
Mixed with other herbs for confusion and/or to keep the law away and you can do just that, keep the police or other unwanted intruders off your property or away from your business. Hang it over your doorways and windows to keeps evil from the house, and to keep out all negative energy.Â
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Plantain is excellent for treating all manner of wounds and skin irritations. Bug bites, cuts and scrapes are some of the most common issues treated with plantain.
While it would be beneficial to treat such conditions with fresh plantain, it may not be available when you need it. Thus, the plantain salve is born.
This plantain salve is good to have on hand when you are out and about. Apply to cuts, scrapes, and bites to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
This salve is prepared using dried plantain since some may not have access to fresh. However, this could be made with fresh herbs. Just be careful that the herbs are clean and watch for any mold developing when preparing the infused oil.
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To prepare this recipe you will need:
1/2 cup Olive oil
1/3 cup dried plantain
1/2 ounce beeswax
Makes 1/2 cup of salve.
You will also need a pot, cheesecloth, measuring cup, and a jar (if infusing the oil via the slow/cold method).
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Step 1: Infuse oil
Infusing oil may sound fancy, but it is nothing more than letting herbs sit in oil for a time. Anyone can do that! The best way to infuse oil and keep as much of the herbal goodness intact is to place herb in a jar, cover with oil, cap, and allow to sit for about 10 days.
Step Two: Strain out the herbs
Once the oil is infused, strain the herbs out of the oil by pouring through some cheesecloth.
Be sure to squeeze out all the oil. You donât want to waste any!
Step Three: Add beeswax
Measure 1 ounce of beeswax per cup of infused oil.
For this recipe I used 1/2 cup of oil and 1/2 ounce of beeswax.
Place beeswax into a heavy-duty saucepan and begin to melt over low heat. Once the beeswax has begun to melt add the infused oil and stir to combine.
Once the beeswax is completely melted, pour into clean a clean jar (or jars).
Allow to cool completely before adding the lid.
Salve will keep for up to a year.
 Youâve stepped on it, ignored it, and tried to eradicate it from your lawn.
However, this innocuous little weed is one of the most useful medicines on the planet, just begging to be harvested.
There are two major types of plantain in BC, Canada: Lance and Broad-leaf. Generally, all 200-plus varieties of plantain yield the same results.
It grows especially well in poor, rocky soil (such as driveways) and is often seen alongside dandelion. More often than not, you will see plantain growing in gravel pits and construction sites as nature seeks to regenerate the soil. Introduced to North America in the 1600s, it was once called âWhite Manâs Footâ by the Native Americans who witnessed that where the Europeans tread and disrupted the soil, plantain sprung up.
Plantain has often been the go-to remedy for hikers plagued by mosquitoes. Because it draws toxins from the body with its astringent nature, plantain may be crushed (or chewed) and placed as a poultice directly over the site of bee stings, bug bites, acne, slivers, glass splinters, or rashes. Bandage the area and allow the plantain to work its magic for 4-12 hours. Plantain may also be used to create a balm for emergency kits, or an infusion used as a skin or general wash. It is also a notable, soothing remedy for hemorrhoids.
Plantain is renowned for its healing effect on the digestive system. This is especially useful for anyone who has been damaged by antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or pain medications, food allergies, or Celiac disease. Both leaves and seeds specifically target the digestive system for healing. The leaves may be steeped as tea, added to soups, or dried with a sauce similar to kale chips. The seeds â a type of psyllium â can be ground or soaked for bulk mucilage or absorbable fibre, which, consumed before meals, may help with weight loss.
Because plantain is a gentle expectorant and high in silica, an infusion can be helpful for lung problems, coughs, and colds.
Plantain is almost a panacea for the human body, treating everything from all menstrual difficulties, all digestive issues, to nearly all skin complaints, and even arthritis. Add to salads, chew to ease thirst, or enjoy in stir fries. This versatile wild vegetable will keep you in good health for years to come!
Must have medicinal herbs to add to your herbal medicine cabinet
Medicinal plants and herbs truly do put the "mother" in mother nature. Like good friends, herbs are always there for you to support your body and help put things right when you're not feeling well. Medicinal herbs in nature can cure many ailments and truly do put effective, punctual and natural healing power right in the palm of your hands. Here are three herbs which can help you take charge of health.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is one of the easiest choices to make when selecting herbs for your medicine cabinet or tea shelf. Peppermint, of the family Lamiaceae, is one of the most popular herbs around due to it's powerful healing properties. Peppermint is high in volatile oils, such as menthol. Volatile oils trigger cells in the body that perceive cold, which is why menthol causes a cooling effect on the skin. Peppermint applied externally can help sooth sore muscles and can be used as a local anesthetic. Peppermint's oils penetrate deeply to the nerves and muscles to impede stimulation in cells, blocking pain.
When used internally, peppermint acts as an antispasmodic; this makes peppermint ideal for treating digestive ailments such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or upset stomach. Additionally, uses of the active compounds in peppermint include the following: immunostimulant (immune system stimulant), anti-inflammatory, fungicide, insectifuge (insect repellent), and aldose-reductase inhibitor (substance that prevents eye/nerve damage in diabetics).
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape, of the family Berberidaceae, is a great addition to your herbal medicine cabinet. This is due to the herb's capabilities as an effective antibiotic and a bitter tonic to improve digestive function. These healing attributes come from the medicinal alkaloid called berberine, which is found concentrated in Oregon Grape's bright yellow bark.
Berberine works wonderfully as a natural antibiotic because of its ability to reduce bacterial adherence to cell walls. Oregon Grape therefore works effectively against infections of the bowels, throat and urinary tract. Additionally, Oregon Grape contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypotensive (promoting low blood pressure) compounds.
Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle Asiatica)
Gotu Kola is a low-growing member of the carrot, or Umbeliferae, family with origins in the tropical swamps of Asia. It has long been used medicinally to strengthen body tissues, heal wounds, improve memory and promote longevity. It is also used culinarily in Asian recipes, such as salads and curries. Gotu Kola has the ability to strengthen blood vessels and regenerate tissues.
Our bodies' natural enzymes break down tissues daily as part of the metabolic process. But some people with conditions such as varicose veins or diabetes break down more tissues than usual. Gotu Kola is very effective for normalizing enzyme levels in individuals with these conditions, because it stimulates the body's collagen-creating fibroblast cells to divide more rapidly.
Gotu Kola is very helpful for treating circulatory conditions; the triterpenes it contains help in treating venous hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, Gotu Kola contains anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiulcer, antitumor and hypocholesterolemic (reducing cholesterol) compounds.
good for flowers, stems and leavesâŚDried herb ratio: ABOUT 3-4 teaspoons herb to 1 pint water
Fresh herbs: 3 teaspoons herb to 1 pint of water
Steep the herbs for 10-15 minutes in water that has just been boiled. Then strain the infusion. If using for medicinal value, the infusion should be consumed in 8-ounce doses, three times a day.
For storage: cover mixture, store in a cool place, and use within 24 hours
  Maceration:
cold infusionsâŚsome herbs infuse better in cold water (Valerian, marshmallow root)Ratio is the same as above. Allow to steep overnight. Strain.Â
  Decoction:
STRONG infusion good for herbal roots, barks, seeds, berries, and stems, or just a really strong âteaâ (works nicely for toners and rinses)Ratio: Use 3/4- 1 cup herb to 1 quart of water.
Place the herbs in a saucepan with the water, and boil the decoction. Simmer til liquid has been reduced by about a third. This will take at least 15 minutes. Strain the mixture.
Method 2âovernightâŚ
Boil water. Pour water over herbs in jar or other lidded container. Allow to steep overnight. Strain.
  Tincture:
woo-hoo vodkaâŚor herbal infusions in alcoholâŚÂ advantageâcan be stored for long time
if using alcohol (drinkable sort) you need 50 proof (25% alcoholâor 1 part alcohol to every 3 of water)âŚherb goes in the alcohol, let it steep for a few weeks, strain and storeâŚ
since I have yet to use a tincture for anything, I have yet to make oneâand really have never bothered to find a ârecipeââŚbut I figured Iâd at least include the conceptâŚ
 Herbal Syrups:
1 mL infusion or decoction: 1 g unrefined sugar/honey
(1 fl oz or 1/8 c infusion or decoction: 1 oz unrefined sugar/honey)
Â
Strain infusion/decoction into pan and add sugar at ratio. Continuously stir til dissolved and simmer to desired consistency. Cool and bottle. Use cork stoppersâŚif substance ferments and pressure builds in bottle it is prone to explode if it had a fixed cap.
  Floral Water: Long methodâŚwithout alcohol
Materials: canning pot/crab steaming pot/etc with a rounded lid that can be inverted, ceramic bowl, brick
Ingredients:
2-3 quarts fresh rose petals (or other fresh flowers), water, ice cubes or crushed ice
Take your pot and place the (CLEAN!) brick in the center of a large pot and place the bowl on top on the brick. Put the petals around the brick in the pot and just barely cover the rosesâor other flowers. Place the lid upside down do that the rounded part points downwards and turn on stove. Bring water to a boil, then toss ice in the top of the lid and turn stove down to simmer. Every 10 minutes or so, stop and dump rose water from center bowl into a container to store and replace ice. Continue until your rose petal âsoupâ will have lost its potencyâŚ
Floral Water: With Alcohol, âsun tea methodââŚworks with dried plant
1 cup distilled water:1 cup dried flower:1/3 cup vodka
Combine ingredients and place in sun, wait about two weeks. Strain. Â
Floral Water: With Essential Oils, Easy method
10-20 drops essential oil
1 cup distilled water
Spray bottle
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spritz the air where needed, and yourself making sure to avoid your eyesâŚadd a drop or two detergent product (baby shampoo is great) to make the oil/water stay mixed. DisadvantageâŚis not edible for recipes requiring floral watersâŚ
Lotions and CremesâŚ
ingredients for a creme:
1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
3 Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water or floral water (room temperature)
30 â 50 drops Essential Oils
ingredients for a lotion:
1 ½ oz. Sweet Almond Oil
½ oz. Cocoa Butter
½ oz. Vegetable Glycerin
1 ½ Tbsp. Emulsifying Wax
8 oz. Distilled Water (room temperature)
30 â 50 drops Essential Oils
directions for both:
In a heat-safe measuring cup combine the sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, vegetable glycerin, and emulsifying wax. Melt everything together in a heat safe container either in the microwave, âdouble-boilerâ method, or crock-pot. Put water into blender and ON LOW, SLOWLY pour in the melted oil mixture. Add essential oils and pour into storing container before it thickens. Store in fridge.
*emulsifying wax*
E waxâŚwonder of wondersâŚlets those two non-mixing substances, oil and water, get together so that you can enjoy their combined propertiesâŚe-wax lets you make an oil in water (o/w) emulsion (where water surrounds the oil)
Emulsifying wax is a cosmetic emulsifying ingredient. The ingredient name is often followed by the initials NF, indicating that it conforms to the specifications of the National Formulary.
Emulsifying wax is created when a wax material (either a vegetable wax of some kind or a petroleum-based wax) is treated with a detergent (typically sodium dodecyl sulfate or polysorbates) to cause it to make oil and water bind together into a smooth emulsion.
a beeswax-borax combination can be used to make a water in oil solution (where oil surrounds the water)
some basics on emulsionsâŚhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsion
 Try these:
Hair Washâ1 part liquid castile soap per 2 parts infusionâŚfor blondes use chamomile, for brunettes try sage infusion, for oily hair use yarrow, lemon balm, thyme or lemongrass infusion, and for dry hair use chamomile, red clover, comfrey or chamomileâall hair types can use rosemaryâŚ
Facial tonerâinfuse rosemary, lavender and mint for a refreshing facial toner
the ever eternal rose water⌠2 cups packed rose petals, 2 1/2 cups distilled water; simmer on LOW (crock-pot is good for this) until water is reduced by halfâŚstrain into jar or bottleâŚÂ turn this into a facial toner by adding 3/4 c witch hazel and 5-6 drops of glycerin for oily skin or 8-9 drops for dryâŚ
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS & TIPS:
not going to use it all? try freezing your infusions in ice cube traysâŚstays good for up to 3 months, place ice cubes in a labeled zip-lock and take out what you needâŚ
infuse herbs into other things such as vinegar's, wines, even witch hazel (good for facial toners)âŚ
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The Beef Tongue âTapa Bocaâ Shut Your Mouth/Stop Gossip Spell
The Beef Tongue âTapa Bocaâ Shut Your Mouth/Stop Gossip Spell
INGREDIENTS:
1 Beef Tongue (found in any meat market)
Master of the Woods (great commanding herb)
A piece of Master Root or some Calamus (controlling herbs)
Salt
Red Pepper/crushed red pepper
Black Pepper
Habinero Chile Peppers
Hot Sauce (any kind)
9 large nails (I like old & rusty)
Yarn or string
2 Black Candles (can carve your intentions on them)
Small Bottle of Whiskey, any brand
White piece of Paper with Personâs Full Name and Birthdate (seriously, find a way to get this!) or intended victimsâ photo, hair, or other personal object (DNA is best)
White piece of paper, 4 X 6 inch size, with your curse or request on it. (also known as a petition paper)
Take the Beef Tongue and cut a slit in it, making sure you do not cut through to the other side. Sprinkle some of the Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Habinero chile, hot sauce and salt in the slit. Place white piece of paper or photo or personal object in next. Cover with more of the peppers, salt, hot sauce and chiles.
Wrap the larger piece of paper around it and use the 9 nails to hold together the tongue at the slit, making it as closed as possible. Tie the red ribbon or yarn onto one nail at one end, then begin wrapping the ribbon around the tongue until it is completely covered. Tie the ends off to secure the ribbon or yarn.
Take tongue, whiskey, black candle, green candle, and lighter or matches to a deserted or quiet railroad crossing. Open bottle of whiskey and pour some of it on a railroad cross piece (usually wooden). Lay tongue where you poured the whiskey. Place each one of the candles on each side of the tongue and light candles. Leave opened bottle of whisky next to tongue. Ask the God of Iron, Ogun, to take care of this person for you, who keeps âwagging their tongueâ in malicious gossip about you.
Leave and do not look back. Take alternate way home.
Good morning and blessings to all of you. I pray everyone has a most beautiful day. Ella
HEMATITE:
Hematite possesses the curious property of "healing" itself. Make a small scratch on the surface of the stone, then rub your finger over it. The scratch may disappear.
Hematite can be powerful in drawing illness from the body. Hematite is also worn for grounding and stabilizing purposes, and to focus the attention on the physical plane.
You can also do scrying with Hematite. The best way is to sit in a darkened room, light a candle. Settle before it and hold a large piece of hematite so that the candle's flame is reflected on it. Gaze at the reflection and visualize a question. The answer is said to come to you.
Sea buckthorn oil is cold pressed from the whole berries to produce a regenerative oil that is used to treat a wide variety of skin disorders. Sea buckthorn oil can be used directly on the skin to regenerate skin after injuries, burns, wounds, and sun damage. Those with psoriasis and eczema may benefit from the oils ability to prevent plaque formation. Current studies are being performed on its ability to combat wrinkles, acute dryness and other symptoms of prematurely aged skin.
Sea buckthorn oil heals on the inside as well and is suitable for a dietary supplement. The reddish/orange, thick oil is chock full of vitamins phytosterols, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants, and carotenoids. Sea buckthorn oil is very soothing to the gastro-intestinal tract, and may be of help in treatment of colitis and stomach ulcers. Other traditional uses include immune system stimulation and protection from harmful chemical contamination at the cellular level. One recent study found sea buckthorn oil to be effective in reducing dry eyes when it was taken orally.
There is widespread consensus that Sea buckthorn oil is a beneficial dietary supplement that can greatly improve the condition of skin hair and hair. While the cost of the oil is rather high, it is highly concentrated and can be used very sparingly.
Preparation Methods & Dosage :The oil is used for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Sea buckthorn oil should be diluted when used in skin care formulations. Take 1 tablespoon or four to five 500 mg capsules daily as a dietary supplement.
Sea Buckthorn oil is cold pressed from the whole, orange colored fruits of this native Chinese and Russian shrub. The sea buckthorn (unrelated to the Rhamnus family buckthorns), is very tolerant of salt in the air and soil, and grows abundantly near the seashore where there is less competition from other plants, also occurring in desert like habitats. The acidic berries are edible, though sour,and make a nutritious juice popular in Germany and Scandinavian countries.
The Archangels are the heads of the Angelic Hosts. They stand midway between the primal, archetypal level of force contacted with the Hebraic God Names and the building, actively working level of the Angelic Hosts.
Angels are the symbolic builders of the universe, the construction workers who serve the One Divine Architect-Source under the direction of âForemenâ, who are the Archangels. Angels have specific duties and responsibilities in correspondence with their particular Sephira upon the Tree of Life. Angels are a part of what are called the Angelic Hosts, also known as the Malakhim, the and Cherubim.
RATZIEL is the Archangel of Chockmah, whose name translates as âmessenger or envoy of the Divineâ. The function of Ratziel is to reveal divinity as it emmanates in everything, and to allow human consciousness to expand to the degree that it can comprehend the existence of divinity.
TZAPHKIEL is the Archangel of Binah, whose name translates as âbeholder of the Divineâ. Tzaphkielâs function is to aid contemplation, meditation and trance work to enable the seeker to understand divinity on an intuitive level.
AURIEL is the Archangel of Daâath, whose name translates as âfire of the Divineâ. The function of Auriel is to facilitate change and transformation and to put one into contact with True Will.
TZADKIEL is the Archangel of Chesed, whose name translates as âscribe of the Divine.â Tzadkielâs function is to bring the divine laws into physical manifestation and expression.
KHAMAEL is the Archangel of Geburah, whose name translates as âthe seer of the Divine.â The function of Khamael is to bring divine order and justice into physical being so that purification occurs and balance is achieved.
MICHAEL is the Archangel of Tiphareth, whose name translates as âwho is as the Divineâ. Michaelâs function is to protect the soul of the individual and the planet and help bring the individual into balance within so that s/he can express their innate divinity.
HANIEL is the Archangel of Netzach, whose name translates as âgrace of the Divineâ. The function of Haniel is to aid the individual in knowing divinity thru the physical senses and to be able to express love purely. Haniel also works to keep the ecological balance of the Earth so that she is fertile and creative.
RAPHAEL is the Archangel of Hod, whose name translates as âhealer of the Divineâ. Raphaelâs function is to maintain the atmosphere of the planet in balance, in healing of both the planet and her inhabitants and in teaching inner mysteries and translating them into conscious thought.
GABRIEL is the Archangel of Yesod, whose name translates as âpower of the Divineâ. The function of Gabriel is to maintain the purity of the water of the planet; fertility of humans, plant life and animals and as a direct messenger of the divine.
SANDALPHON is the Archangel of Malkuth, whose name translates as âwearer of sandalsâ, meaning the one who leads the aspirant in his/her soulful journey back to the Divine Source. Sandalphonâs function is to organize energy so that it can manifest physically. Sandalphon is also the direct protector of the planet Earth.
All spiritual experiences are based in the brain. That statement is truer than ever before, according to a University of Missouri neuropsychologist. An MU study has data to support a neuropsychological model that proposes spiritual experiences associated with selflessness are related to decreased activity in the right parietal lobe of the brain.
The study is one of the first to use individuals with traumatic brain injury to determine this connection. Researchers say the implication of this connection means people in many disciplines, including peace studies, health care or religion can learn different ways to attain selflessness, to experience transcendence, and to help themselves and others.
This study, along with other recent neuroradiological studies of Buddhist meditators and Francescan nuns, suggests that all individuals, regardless of cultural background or religion, experience the same neuropsychological functions during spiritual experiences, such as transcendence. Transcendence, feelings of universal unity and decreased sense of self, is a core tenet of all major religions. Meditation and prayer are the primary vehicles by which such spiritual transcendence is achieved.
âThe brain functions in a certain way during spiritual experiences,â said Brick Johnstone, professor of health psychology in the MU School of Health Professions. âWe studied people with brain injury and found that people with injuries to the right parietal lobe of the brain reported higher levels of spiritual experiences, such as transcendence.â
This link is important, Johnstone said, because it means selflessness can be learned by decreasing activity in that part of the brain. He suggests this can be done through conscious effort, such as meditation or prayer. People with these selfless spiritual experiences also are more psychologically healthy, especially if they have positive beliefs that there is a God or higher power who loves them, Johnstone said.
âThis research also addresses questions regarding the impact of neurologic versus cultural factors on spiritual experience,â Johnstone said. âThe ability to connect with things beyond the self, such as transcendent experiences, seems to occur for people who minimize right parietal functioning. This can be attained through cultural practices, such as intense meditation or prayer or because of a brain injury that impairs the functioning of the right parietal lobe. Either way, our study suggests that âselflessnessâ is a neuropsychological foundation of spiritual experiences.â
The research was funded by the MU Center on Religion and the Professions. The study â âSupport for a neuropsychological model of spirituality in persons with traumatic brain injuryâ â was published in the peer-reviewed journal Zygon.
âOur research focused on the personal experience of spiritual transcendence and does not in any way minimize the importance of religion or personal beliefs, nor does it suggest that spiritual experience are related only to neuropsychological activity in the brain,â Johnstone said. âIt is important to note that individuals experience their God or higher power in many different ways, but that all people from all religions and beliefs appear to experience these connections in a similar way.â
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Extraction, Pressing, Hand squeezing - used for fruit rind - orange, lemon (most common).
Aromatic oils - steep fresh plant material in hot oil or massage into thin coating of fat (enfleurage) then process with alcohol to pull oils out.
Heat, light and open air breakdown oils. Keep in cool dark place, airtight. Left out with top off, essential oils will evaporate quickly (this is known as volatility).
The most common method of extraction is steam distillation. However, cold expression is used for most citrus oils and a method of solvent extraction from fresh, raw materials is used for Concretes (concentrated, waxy, solid or semi-solid - vanillin) where heat would adversely effect extraction. Absolutes are obtained in a 2nd step from the concrete using pure alcohol (viscous, semi-solid or solid perfume material - rose) and resinoids (prepared from natural resin material such as balsams, gum resins - myrrh) typically used as fixatives.
USING ESSENTIAL OILS:
The cleaner the individual's system, the more effect and quicker. Essential oils use the life force of plant as well as the chemical ingredients. From botanical sources, not synthetic, not animal. essential oils are made up of many major constituents, minor constituents and trace elements which do not occur in synthetics. Different oils are absorbed by the body at different rates:
Turpentine - 20 mins. Eucalypus and Thyme - 20-40 mins. Anise, Bergamot, Lemon - 40-60 mins. Citronella, Pine, Lavender, Geranium - 60-80 mins. Coriander, Rue, Peppermint 100-120 minutes.
Essential oils are powerful and concentrated; use minute amounts. 1-3 drops on cotton; 3% essential oil, 97% carrier oil for massage.
There are almost 200 essential oils in therapeutic use. As it has become more popular, synthetic blends have been created to mimic true essential oils, and you must be careful to ensure you are buying an essential oil that is not synthetic. Nose test - does it have underlying petrochemical smell? Air test - drop of oil on parchment, test smell in 20 minutes to an hour, does it stay true?
BLENDING: Use simples (a single oil) or in blends of not more than 5 oils. Do not use too many oils together as it confuses the body's reactions. In blends always use base, middle and top notes.
Base Note, least volatile; for nerves, anxiety, childhood stuff, mucus membranes. Fixative, holds back top note. Patchouli, sandalwood, cypress are examples.
Middle Note, medium volatile; for digestion, metabolism; always use one in blends to provide pathway between base and top. Cardamon, lavender, peppermint.
Top Note, very volatile; lightest scent, first smell. For lethargy, depression, motivation. Eucalyptus, rosemary, orange.
When blending consider all present symptoms and factors, physiological and psychological. Diet; chronic or acute symtoms; anxiety or depression; physical symptoms. One of the common misconceptions about both herbs and essential oils is that they can be used indiscriminately in total safety. You need to KNOW what effects oils can have and remember that they can contain Terpenes which can be toxic to the system in large doses and irritate the user's skin especially when exposed to light.
WAYS OF USE:
AROMATIC BATH water @ 95 degrees, lukewarm. Fill bath, put 3-5 drops essential oil as you enter. Or, mix 3-5 drops essential oil in 1T vegetable oil then add to water. (basil, pepper, peppermint, rosemary, lemon, cinnamon, cardamon, melissa, bergamot can be irritating to skin). Soak, breathe deeply, massage the skin.
COMPRESSES soak cloth (diaper, muslin, handkerchief) in hot water with 2-3 drops essential oil. Wring and place directly on afflicted area until it has cooled to body temperature & repeat. Cold compresses are similar, fill bowl with ice water, add oils, squeeze & apply at least 2 hours, overnight is fine. This is especially good for migraines.
FOOT BATH for headache, migraine, colds. Hot as you can stand, add oils with feet, wrap body.
INHALATION 1-3 drops essential oil on cotton ball, oil diffusers, steaming on stove - three deep inhalations per minute. For subtle energy change in room use light bulb ring, diffuser or steaming.
MASSAGE penetrates skin, 3% essential oil to 97% carrier oil. 3-5 drops essential oil per Tablespoon carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, virgin olive, etc), pay particular attention to afflicted area:
Swedish - soft tissue manipulation Effleurage - stroking, upwards softly or with pressure.
Shiatsu - meridian pressure points Abdomen - clockwise from right hip, then up from navel to sternum. Spinal massage Massage area directly (often use compress afterward).
Not all Essential Oils can be applied undiluted directly to your skin! If you have sensitive skin you may not be able to apply them neat (directly) on your skin at all. Essential oils are very concentrated and even if you've never had a problem with lotions or perfumes in the past it is strongly recommended that you test your response to an oil by applying a small amount first to your inner elbow and waiting until the next day to see what reaction you get.
Some oils that are typically safe to apply neatly are Lavender for burns & insect bites, Lemon on fungal infections & warts (contains terpenes, dilution of 7% essential oil to carrier can be followed), Jasmin for relaxation, Tea Tree for acne and eczema. Essential oils are so concentrated that it will make them go further if you dilute them as a matter of practice. We do not recommend Ingestion of essential oils. They are readily absorbed by the skin and through inhalation.