Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy Newsletter May 2003

Birch Hill Happenings
AROMATHERAPY NEWSLETTER
Vol. 5.5 May 2003
In this newsletter we will try to help you further your knowledge and use of essential oils.

>>>>>>OIL THIS ISSUE<<<<<<<<<

Ravensara

Botanical names: Ravensara aromatica and also Ravensara anisata
Country of Origin - Madagascar
Processed - Steam distilled
Part used - stem & bark
Smell - Spicy woodsy, outdoors
Note - No perfumery note assigned.

PROPERTIES & USES: Antispasmodic, anti infective, antiseptic, antibacterial, muscle relaxant, analgesic, carminative, emmenogogue, stimulant, and anti viral.

Skin & Hair: Aids in elasticity maintenance, hormonal skin balance.
Respiratory: stimulates respiratory system, aids nervous fast breathing, asthma, bronchitis.
Muscular/Skeletal: muscle spasms, neuromuscular pains and aches, lumbago.
Cardiovascular: Stimulates heart, eases palpitations, angina.
Immune: Stimulant, has been used in Epstein Barr, Flus, Chicken pox, swollen glands. Has other Anti viral and antibacterial properties.
Digestive: colitis, flatulence, indigestion, stimulates bile production and excretion.
Genito/urinary/reproductive: induces and regulates menstruation, eases period pains. PMS, facilitates labor, delivery and lactation, has been used in cases of genital herpes.
Nervous brain/mind: Used in anxiety, stress and related illnesses insomnia, nervous fatigue, relieves depression, physical, mental distress. anguish and fears.

Industry/Commercial/ Other uses: none known.

CAUTIONS: Avoid in pregnancy. Use diluted with children and babies. Avoid in case of intestinal hemorrhages, avoid with breast, uterine or ovarian cancers. And as always, do a skin test to check for possible skin irritation.
*Any essential oil - ingested in large (and sometimes
even small) amounts can be fatal.*
*Keep out of reach of children.*

<<<<<<<<AROMATHERAPY DEFINITIONS>>>>>>>>

What's an Absolute? A highly concentrated semi-solid perfume material, obtained by alcohol distillation of the waxy concrete or hydrocarbon of extracts.
What is a Concrete? A concentrated, waxy, solid or semi-solid, non crystalline perfume material extracted from plants with hydrocarbon solvent such as hexane; They contain the higher fatty acids from plant material.
What is an Essential Oil? Non-oily volatile material obtained by physical process - distillation or expression from odorous plant material of a single botanical form. In some cases essential oils are formed when plant material is in contact with water during processing.
These all have wonderful smells and different healing properties. Absolutes and Concretes are used more in perfumery than in Therapeutic aromatherapy. Although all are used at different times for healthy reasons for the body, mind and soul!
(Definitions are from The Aromatherapy Practitioners Reference Manual by Sylla Sheppard-Hanger.)

.<<<<<<<<<BLENDS TO TRY>>>>>>>>>>>

Face Blend for Normal skin
Geranium 1 drop
Lavender 2 drops
Sweet Almond Oil - 1 Tablespoon
Blend essential oils with Almond oil and use on your face after cleaning and toning. Use a few drops of this blended mixture as needed.

Face Blend for Dry Skin
Neroli 2 drops
Chamomile 1 drop
Almond Oil - 1 tablespoon
Blend oils with almond oil and use on your face. Use a few drops of this blended mixture as needed.

Face Blend for Mature Skin
Frankincense 2 drops
Rose 1 drop
Almond oil 1 Tablespoon
Blend essential oils with almond oil and use on your face to tone and rejuvenate mature skin. Use a few drops of this blended mixture as needed.

In any of these blends the Almond Oil can be substituted for another oil of your choice or moisturizing lotion.
Just remember the essential oils should be blended with the carrier oil or lotion at least 1-2 days in advance so the oils can blend thoroughly.

For your Diffusers

When Entertaining
Bergamot 3 drops
Geranium 2 drops
Lavender 3 drops
Use the above essential oils blend in a tealight diffuser or a fan diffuser while entertaining. This blend gives a wonderful atmosphere when friends are gathered together!

For a Romantic Dinner
Black Pepper 2 drops
Grapefruit 2 drops
Jasmine 2 drops
Use the above blend in your tealight diffuser, it will set the evenings atmosphere for what lies ahead!

<<<<<<<<<<HELPFUL INFO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

There are several essential oils that can be used to keep pesty bugs away. Citronella is often used to keep mosquitos away. Use Citronella in your tealight diffusers on your patio to keep mosquitoes and other biting bugs at bay!
Avoid floral scents outdoors or in blends used on your skin to avoid attracting bees and other stinging and biting bugs.
Also a word of caution - There are several essential oils that are photosensitive - meaning they can cause skin reactions if you are out in the sun. Avoid most citrus oils such as Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit Bergamot and these oils in blends if you are going to be in the sun. They can cause discoloration of your skin when exposed to sun light.

<<<<<<<<<< BIRCH HILL HAPPENINGS NEWS>>>>>>>

Hello Everyone,
Thanks to all our wonderful customers for making our Anniversary Celebration a success. We are off to a wonderful start to another year in the Aromatherapy Business.
We have added some unscented natural bar soaps and also some bar soaps that are lightly scented too. As an introductory special when you order 4 bars get a 5th bar free. This special will last through the month of May.

‘til next month,

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Alan and Penny

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