Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body & Spirit - Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood has been used for over 4,000 years in Eastern medicine systems, meditative yogic practice and traditional rites and ceremonies. This great plant offers wonderful effects for the human body, mind, and spirit - and it's use as an essential oil brings us in the West the very heart of the tree itself.

For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a significant part in Eastern culture as a material for art and artifacts, a medicine, and a divine aroma. Sandalwood products are obtained from the sandalwood tree (Santalum album), which is a member of the Santalaceae family native to southern tropical Asia. It is an evergreen growing to a height of 9 meters, with leathery leaves, long slender brangches, and small purple flowers. The tree also happens to be parasitic, relying on the nutrien-gathering ability of one of several other tree species for its sustenance. Due to its seemingly strict set of environmental conditions and its parasitic nature, the extremely versatile Sandalwood tree is quite difficult to propagate.

One of the more highly-prized products of Sandalwood is the essential oil it yields. Most commonly through steam distillation, a rich, deep, sweet, woody oil is produced that is values the world over. It is, in fact, one of the worlds most widely used aromatics for its scent in perfumery, for its therapeutic effects in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine systems, and for its ability to center the mind in meditative yogic traditions. The source for this wonderful oil is becoming scarce, however. It is the heartwood, the very center, of the roots of the tree that produce oil of the highest quality and demand - a sandalwood tree will not survive harvest. Pressure on the world's population of Santalum album is growing; The tree takes nearly 30 years to mature before yielding oil of significant value, and because of its stringent environmental demands, successful cultivation is extremly difficult. Oil of the album species has a unique aroma with excellent tenacity and superior fixative properties. There are other varieties available, but the oil from this increasingly rare tree is considered the most important therapeutically. The Mysore region of eastern India is thought to produce the highest quality of this essential oil, though its harvest is known to be creating a strain on the areas environment. Local forestry officials have been killed over the illegal poaching of Sandalwood, and 'black-market' trading continues.

There is hope, however, for meeting the world's demands - Recently, an oil of the austrocaledonia species has been produced on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu from successfully cultivated trees. This oil has a warm aroma, with a woody, smoky scent that has been said to remind one of 'being at the beach' a useful base note in perfume and cosmetic blends.

In the West, Sandalwood is perhaps best known in the west as a natural, woody, sweet body perfume used as is, or as a familiar aroma in manufactured personal items. In the East, however, Sandalwoods importance in cultural and spiritual traditions cannot be overstated. The wood is carved into furniture, religious icons, used to build temples and burned as incense in a great variety of ceremonies. The oil is used to anoint the dead, helping their transition to the next life. In Burma, women sprinkle it on passersby on the last day of the year for the release of sins. In Hindu marriages, Sandalwood is burned in a tent such that the smoke surrounds the bridal couple.

In the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, Sandalwood is valued for its ability to cool the fire of pitta. It is indicated for inflammatory conditions, such as inflamed skin, or intestinal and genitor-urinary conditions that require cooling. Modern aromatherapy considers the oil an effective skin care agent for dry skin, general irritation, and acne; it can help in cases of bronchitis, catarrh, dry persistent coughs, laryngitis and sore throat; it may relieve diarrhea and nausea, and can be supportive in cases of cystitis.

Beyond the physical body, Sandalwood essential oil well known as a tonic for the hyper-active mind. In practical terms, the oil is considered an anti-depressant, relieving hot, agitated emotional states, and assisting release from over-thinking and worry. More esoterically, the aroma is considered divinely sweet and softly balsamic, characteristics which evoke the grounding nature of the Earth element. It is used by yogis in the East and West to bring stillness in meditation - a serene mental state unifying conciousness of the body, mind and spirit. From this quiet, unified state, one may be able to gain greater perspective and understanding on what is known as the 'Univeral Self'.

Adding to the oils' grace, it happens to be one of the few aromatics that improves with age. Like a fine wine, one may purchace a favorite vintage, put it on the shelf, and be assured it will only be richer when finally taken down. Because of it's growing scarcity, responsible use is suggested - but using a little is highly recommended.

Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She is the owner of Ananda Apothecary, producing the Ananda Aromatherapy line of pure essential oils and blends. Misty employs botanicals such as Sandalwood oil and flower essences in her practice, finding them a wonderful natural way to support her clients.

Aromatherapy for Animals, Part 1: Healing Blends for Dogs

The trend toward natural health consciousness in humans is gaining popularity in the animal world too. Many veterinarians are beginning to introduce natural therapies in their practice, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and more recently aromatherapy. It's just been a few years since aromatherapists and vets have begun to recognize how animals can benefit from this wonderful natural therapy.

For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray the room. You'll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!

But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals -- most notably dogs, cats and horses -- are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.

Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.

Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

********
Blend to Relieve Skin Problems
********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-5 drops Lavender
-6 drops Geranium

********
Blend to Relieve Itching
********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-4 drops Lavender
-5 drops Geranium
-3 drops Roman Chamomile

********
Blend to Combat Fleas
********
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:

-7.5 ml Mint essential oil
-22.5 ml rubbing alcohol

Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don't forget your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

********
Blend to Combat Ticks
********
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-10 drops Tea Tree
-10 drops Lavender

Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

********
Blend to Ease Rheumatism
********
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-8 drops Birch
-8 drops Juniper
-7 drops Rosemary

********
Blend to Ease Arthritis
********
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog's bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-12 drops Birch
-8 drops Juniper
-7 drops Rosemary

********
Blend to Boost His Energy
********
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.

-5 drops Rosemary
-6 drops Lavender
-2 drops Peppermint

********
Blend to Control Pet Odor
********
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

-10 drops Lavender
-10 drops Geranium
-6 drops Lemon

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
http://www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include in-depth aromatherapy classes designed for working adults, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!

For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very well several times and spray the room. You'll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!

But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals -- most notably dogs, cats and horses -- are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.

Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives. Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.

Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.

********
Blend to Relieve Skin Problems
********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-5 drops Lavender
-6 drops Geranium

********
Blend to Relieve Itching
********
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

-4 drops Lavender
-5 drops Geranium
-3 drops Roman Chamomile

********
Blend to Combat Fleas
********
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:

-7.5 ml Mint essential oil
-22.5 ml rubbing alcohol

Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don't forget your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

********
Blend to Combat Ticks
********
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-10 drops Tea Tree
-10 drops Lavender

Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

********
Blend to Ease Rheumatism
********
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-8 drops Birch
-8 drops Juniper
-7 drops Rosemary

********
Blend to Ease Arthritis
********
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog's bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

-12 drops Birch
-8 drops Juniper
-7 drops Rosemary

********
Blend to Boost His Energy
********
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.

-5 drops Rosemary
-6 drops Lavender
-2 drops Peppermint

********
Blend to Control Pet Odor
********
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

-10 drops Lavender
-10 drops Geranium
-6 drops Lemon

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
http://www.aromalchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include in-depth aromatherapy classes designed for working adults, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Aromatherapy to Awaken Your Sexual Spirit

Awaken Your Sexual Spirit

What is the connection between sex and spirituality? Everything!

Humans are in fact sexual beings and sex represents our deepest underlying self, emotions, feelings and inner child. Experts explain that during the sexual act, people reveal the most about themselves because it is at this moment that they are the most vulnerable. If you keep your guard up and have sex simply for pleasure, the flow of the kundalini (the spiritual evolutionary force of the body) is blocked and you might miss the most important purpose of this act: becoming one again with another but also with God.

Sex can be a truly profound experience that transcends the Ego and the physical body and opens your consciousness to a new realm -- the cycle of death and rebirth. Our sexual energy is incredibly powerful and by channeling it consciously and with intensity, you can reach the heights of pure bliss.

Do you want to banish sexual boredom and reconnect with your loved one? Or perhaps you simply want to spice up your relationship? It's easy to incorporate simple, innovative and amazingly effective "tools" to rejuvenate your sexuality. Understanding techniques such as Tantra, Kama Sutra and aromatherapy rituals are just the beginning. Today I offer an aromatic ritual that will reconnect you with your sexual and spiritual self, the first step toward enhancing passion, romance and even lust!

This ritual is an excerpt from our new email class "Aromas & Rituals to Awaken Your Sexual Spirit." You can sign up for this special class today by visiting
http://www.aromalchemy.com/education/classes/sexualspirit.html.

~Discover Your Sexual Spirit!~
Anoint & Breathe

Apply the aromatic blend below on the corresponding chakras: the first located at the sacrum and hips; the second located below the navel. Pour a few drops into the palms of your hands and breathe it deeply several times. Sit in a comfortable position. Lift the shoulders up and back, expanding the chest area up, open and forward.

Now with your chin and head level, close your mouth and begin to take long, deep breaths through your nose. As you continue deeply inhaling and exhaling, become aware of your abdomen area, as you exhale gently and firmly squeeze or push the navel back toward your spine.

Then as you inhale, release the backward push from the navel and allow the abdominal muscles to relax forward so that area now fills with air as you continue inhaling. Continue in this way for 1 to 3 minutes.
Surrender & Feel

Stop now and remain silent. Surrender yourself to this moment. What do you see? What do you feel? Journal this experience since it will help to discover your true spirit within, accept it, welcome it and live accordingly with its needs and wants without guilt or frustration.
The Aromas

Prepare the following blend by first pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill:

6 drops Jasmine otto
4 drops Rose otto
6 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Frankincense

Anoint your third eye, solar plexus, abdomen and heart chakras. This blend will gently open you to the kundalini energy.
To order the essential oils you need to create this blend yourself, visit http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html

In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.AromAlchemy.com

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include aromatherapy classes, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at http://www.aromalchemy.com!

Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist Franoise Rapp shares her expertise each week in her free ezine, the Arom'Alchemy Newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.aromalchemy.com/education.

Aromatherapy--blossoming trend in alternative healthcare

Gives an overview of Aromatherapy and its uses. Also includes some simple recipies for promoting healing.
For centuries, long before the invention of the prescription drug, mankind has made use of the plant kingdom to heal its vast array of illnesses and emotional disorders. In addition, aromatic plant extracts were also a fundamental addition to the spiritual and religious rituals of many ancient civilizations. Unlike modern herbal practices of today however, which utilizes either dried or liquefied forms of plant matter, aromatherapy uses a portion of plant life known as its essential oil. An essential oil is known to actually be the life force of a plant, similar to its blood coursing through it veins. Essential oils contain both the fragrance and therapeutic properties present in any given plant. To create an essential oil, large volumes of plant material, such as flower heads, seeds, or leaves are gathered and placed in a distilling chamber, in order to release the precious vapors, so they can be collected and bottled for sale and use.

To practice aromatherapy, one of two basic methods are used: 1) by inhaling the oils in some fashion, or 2) by applying the oils usually diluted in a carrier substance such as a massage oil or lotion directly onto the skin. Various ways of inhaling the oils include placing 10-20 drops in a diffuser or aroma lamp and allowing the oils to disperse into the air, placing a few drops on a kleenex and inhaling, or placing 6-8 drops in a bowl of hot water and leaning over with a towel covering the head and breathing deeply. To apply the oils to the skin, creating massage oil blends by adding 5-15 drops of essential oils to approximately 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, such as almond or peanut is a popular method. It is important to note that aromatherapy can be extremely versatile, and is only limited to ones imagination in terms of incorporating the scent of an aromatic essence to ones own body or environment.

Some of the most popular applications for the use of aromatherapy include the realm of psycho-physiological imbalances, which would involve such problems as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, energy fluctuations and depression. Other common uses for aromatherapy would be in helping prevent or lessen the duration of viral and bacterial infections, since many essential oils are known to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. Aromatherapy is also considered a supportive form of therapy to almost any type of illness, but it is recommended that the lay person check with a qualified practitioner before undertaking such an endeavor on their own. In fact, most essential oils do have certain contra-indications (restricted usages) depending on the oil, so it is wise to check before making use of it. Some of the more common contra-indications would include use of many of the oils during pregnancy, in combination with prescription medication or when being exposed to direct sunlight or tanning beds shortly after applying citrus oils to the skin.

Although aromatherapy is gaining in popularity in the United States, it still lags behind in usage to such modalities as herbal remedies and dietary supplements, but this is expected to change within the next 3 to 5 years when overall profits nationwide are expected to triple. New research which is being conducted on essential oils and their ability to help heal specific illnesses such as Aids and epilepsy, are said to be a factor in the growing emergence and interest in this field. As more and more Americans begin to explore this budding field, new uses and information will continue to flourish on this ancient healing art. 2 SIMPLE RECIPES AND THEIR USES: 1) STRESS BLEND: LEMON 5 DROPS LAVENDER 5 DROPS PATCHOULI 3 DROPS PEANUT OIL 1 TEASPOON Fill a bath with water as warm as desired. When tub is full place the blend in the water and swirl around with fingertips. Enter the tub immediately before vapors evaporate and enjoy a relaxing bath. 2) COLD AND FLU BLEND: EUCALYPTUS 4 DROPS PEPPERMINT 4 DROPS SANDALWOOD 2 DROPS PEANUT OIL 1 TEASPOON Apply this formula to the upper chest up to 3 times per day to help clear sinuses and fight infection.

In her diversified career as a holistic practitioner, Tracy Norwalk has conducted corporate stress relief programs, taught classes in Aromatherapy as a certified practitioner, and worked as a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist for state-of-the-art spas in both Pennsylvania and California. She has designed and sold her own all-natural bath and body line, and done freelance newspaper writing on topics pertaining to alternative medicine. In addition, she has studied and works with various forms of energy healing techniques. Web address: www.geocities.com/naturelady42