aromatherapy at Nature's Gift

You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop

2009-07-04T10:02:00.002-05:00

Was musing over an Independence Day blog post, and a friend forwarded this in my Email.

When in England, at a fairly large conference, Condi Rice was asked by
the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example
of empire building' by George Bush.
She answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many
of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond Our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American.. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room
saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?'
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea
water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?'

You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U..S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a tail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?' Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe
it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you
wouldn't have to speak German.'
You could have heard a pin drop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on. 'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'
The American said, ''The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.

'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !'
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show
a passport to.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

I know that our country isn't perfect, by any means. But on this day that we celebrate our independence, I am SO proud to be an American, and so grateful for the young men and women who serve to keep us free.

Claying around -

2009-07-01T15:32:00.004-05:00

We've been packaging some clays that have been here for a good while. (I used them in soaps, or to color soaps, but we've never made them available before.)

I started working on an info page about clays, and face masks with various ingredients and for various skin types. Of course nothing would do but some of us had to try them out.

Not sure where all the pictures ended up, because I KNOW more masks were blended than I have pictures of...but I thought some of you might enjoy seeing the messes we can get into.

T was working on a combination, for her combination skin... so came out rather Christmassy looking with red and green masks.

Now Sharon, with a white kaolin mask for her sensitive skin, took the "rest quietly for 10 or 15 minutes while the mask dries" very seriously indeed!

Somewhere, on a computer drive there are a bunch of pictures from perhaps 14 years ago, when Nature's Gift was running out of my house.

We had gotten in samples of several clays, and of course Wolfie, Hope and I had to play. We did half of each of our faces with a different clay mask... and when we had just finished applying them... the doorbell rang. UPS delivery, needed signing for.

I guess we took ourselves more seriously then, because we were mortified. Today, in hindsight, its funny.

One of these days I'll finish that page of suggestions and ideas for home made face masks. or masques, if you prefer.

help for the weary

2009-06-26T13:46:00.003-05:00

i have encountered a young mother on facebook whose small daughter is hospitalized with an undiagnosed illness. i'd like to send a 'care package' to possibly alleviate some of the mental and physical stress and fatigue she must be feeling. Does anyone have suggestions? also, those of you who pray, or communicate with a higher power in whatever way best suits you, please remember this family. thank you!

Hydrosols are made for Summer

2009-06-24T08:45:00.005-05:00

Beating the summer heat in the South can be quite a challenge with high temperatures & high humidity & this summer (so far) is no exception. Here in Tennessee, we've had record breaking temps in recent weeks & summer has just begun. Yet you still have to take care of your home & your pets & go about your daily life while learning to cope with the effects of extreme heat.

Thank goodness for hydrosols! Sometimes I wonder how I ever lived without them. My current favorites are Peppermint & Frankincense. After mowing, yard work, or an extended stay outside, I've found Frankincense to have the most immediate cooling effect when spritzed on my face & the back of my neck. It works better than splashing cool water or using a cold rag. Peppermint hydrosol spritzed into a chilled glass of cold water & sipped lifts my spirits & also provides relief. Peppermint is also great for itchy bug bites or generally cooling arms & the neck.

Another favorite, especially this time of year is our German Chamomile Hydrosol which I find soothing for sunburned skin, & both Tea Tree & Lavender Hydrosols are always good to have around for their many uses. It is funny how having hydrosols within my reach can have such an uplifting effect each summer.

One other tip for cooling down is a few drops of Tea Tree Essential oil in a cool bath. I have a huge clawfoot tub & over the weekend ran a bath with a few drops of Tea Tree & some of our Himalayan Pink Bath Salts, after a long hot walk with my dogs. The combination was heavenly & really aided the cooling process. I am thinking next time I will try our REVIVE! Synergy for this purpose, just not too close to bedtime because the Peppermint in it might be too stimulating for sleep.

Don't forget Marge's book giveaway on our Facebook page. Just become a fan of our page & post a comment before Friday. One person who comments will receive Marge's book "Essential Oils & Aromatics."

Aromatherapy for weight loss?

2009-06-22T23:24:00.003-05:00

Seen in a recent New York Times article:

"About a year and a half ago, Bryan Raudenbush, an associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W. Va., asked 40 people to sniff peppermint every two hours for five days. For another five days he gave them a placebo. During the week they sniffed peppermint, they consumed 1,800 fewer calories."

I've read many studies that various "food based" essential oils can help with appetite reduction and calorie control but this is the first study that I've seen backing it up.

I'm thinking this would be a wonderful use for one of our Deluxe Personal Inhalers. Add the above mentioned peppermint oil, or Spearmint? or Vanilla? I've seen all recommended. I've also seen Pink Grapefruit frequently recommended as a diet aid, but personally I think that it works by increasing your energy level, hence burning more calories.

Anyone have any experience to share on that?

Giving Back

2009-06-19T20:45:00.006-05:00

Sometimes we are given the opportunity to give back part of what we've been given.

Not long ago we were contacted by a woman in Maryland. Her hospital had received a grant from the Susan G. Komen Center, for a wellness/recovery program from women undergoing treatment for, or recovering from Breast Cancer. When I saw the words "For Mind, Body and Spirit" on the flyer, I knew that we had to have a part in it. She wrote asking for quotations, wanting to give each participant 5 mls of Lavender Oil, with a very limited budget. I knew if I quoted our wholesale pricing, we would be underpriced. (I saw the list of the companies she had asked to quote.)

But we REALLY wanted to be a part of this. So, rather than try to submit a "winning quote" we simply decided to donate the oils. This week, the last of 65 bottles of our Organic Bulgarian Lavender left for Maryland.

We are truly excited to be a part of this wonderfully supportive program.

Here's part of a press release we are drafting to send to some of the local papers, in hopes that someday such supportive programs will be available to the women of Middle Tennessee:

Nature's Gift was pleased to donate pure, organic clinical grade Lavender Oil as a part of the Self Care Kit given each participant. "We have seen our essential oils used in numerous research studies and case histories, among them various studies dealing with cancer treatments and the side effects of such treatments. It is a delight to be able to make the oils available in a "real life" rather than a research situation. We wait for the day that such support programs are available here in Middle Tennessee" said Marge Clark, founder and President of Nature's Gift.

The participants in the program are being advised that essential oils are a powerful plant based ancient healing modality. Lavender is an extremely versatile and safe oil that can be used to enhance sleep and relaxation, decrease stress, to soothe skin after radiation or other trauma, and to ease pain. They will be taught various methods of using this most popular and useful essential oil.

“A diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer impacts not only the physical body but the emotional and spiritual being. Our Komen Breast Cancer Wellness Program allows us to deliver free support services and programs that care for the whole person,” said Robin Luxon, Vice President, Clinical Services, Upper Chesapeake Health. . The program will involve a “Caring for Me” support program, exercise programs, support services including aromatherapy for mind, body and spirit during active treatment and recovery, support groups, nutritional services, and genetic counseling.

The new “Caring for Me” program includes an individual consultation with a board certified holistic care physician. Participants will receive a customized treatment plan covering diet, exercise, counseling, energy healing, environmental and personal care products, appropriate use of supplements, and stress reduction. Weekly Yoga and Tai Chi classes will be offered along with C.A.R.E.S. (Cancer Activity and Rehabilitative Exercise for Survivors), an 8-week individual exercise program facilitated by a trained physical therapist. Women living with breast cancer who are in active treatment or recovery can take advantage of individual massage therapy, acupuncture, or Reiki treatments. A bi-monthly healing touch support group offers biofield therapy to restore harmony and balance.

Genetically Engineered TREES?

2009-06-17T15:53:00.002-05:00

Not something I had thought of before.

But a newsletter from the Organic Consumers Association crossed my desk today, and one of their highlighted articles referred to an NPR story:

Web Program of the Week: NPR Reports on Controversy Surrounding Genetically Engineered Trees

Their quote of the week is from Anne Petermann of the Global Justice Ecology Project "Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have created pollen models that show tree pollen traveling from a forest in North Carolina for over 1,000 kilometers northward into eastern Canada. Scientists researching sterility in trees have admitted that 100 percent guaranteed sterility in GE trees is impossible. This evidence implies that if GE trees are released into the environment, widespread and irreversible contamination of native forests cannot be prevented."

So... raise a field (forest?) of genetically modified trees and they WILL seed themselves across North America. Okay. hmmm.

Reading onward:

"A Quarter Million Experimental "Frankentrees" to Be Grown in U.S

The USDA is currently taking public comments on whether or not the company ArborGen should be allowed to conduct 29 field trials of genetically engineered "cold tolerant" eucalyptus trees in the U.S.

[My comment... there is probably a very good reason why Nature designed the Eucalyptus species to be intolerant of subfreezing temperatures. After all, I live in the land of kudzu. Important plants are NOT always benign.]

This massive experiment, which is on the verge of being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the laboratory to test more than 260,000 frankentrees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this proposal including:

-The USDA failed to do an Environmental Impact Statement to assess potential negative issues related to the proposed field trials.
-The spread of the these plants into the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are unknown
.-One of the experimental GE tree varieties is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.

Comments are being accepted by the USDA until July 6, 2009.

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. (Docket ID is APHIS-2008-0059)*

Postal Mail/Commercial delivery: Please send two copies of your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059, Regualtory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS-2008-0059.

For more information on this topic, please visit the Organic Consumers website.

Aromatherapy for Natural Head Ache Relief

2009-06-12T22:34:00.005-05:00

Many types of headaches are amenable to natural headache relief methods. Since the causes vary, the aromatherapy remedy will also vary.

Sinus Headaches:

We have found that a combination of several different essential oils works best to ease the pain of a sinus headache, and ease the congestion that causes the pain. Listed in order of importance:

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus radiata, if available, since it is most useful for sinus ailments; however Euc. Globulous or Smithii will do if that is all that's available.
Peppermint: Clearing, decongesting.
Lavender or Lavandin: for pain relief, relaxation, and antibacterial properties.
Sweet Basil: for mental clarity, to prevent "brain fog", as well as a decongestant.

Either inhale directly from a tissue, cotton ball, or, better yet, nasal inhaler, or dilute in carrier oil of your choice and massage onto sinus areas (ie, the ridge of bone beneath your eyes, and the ridges at your eyebrows. Be very careful NOT to get any in your eyes!

Many also find relief by use of a Neti Pot, using warmed salt water. (Please do not ever add essential oils to the Neti Pot. They will irritate the already irritated mucous membranes and cause a totally different kind of pain!)

Tension Headaches:

The premier oil for Tension Headaches is our old standby Lavender Essential Oil. Massage a drop into each temple, and one on the back of your neck. Doing other things, like a restful warm bath, lying down with a cold pack on your forehead will help, but often life doesn't allow the opportunity to tackle the stress directly. At least the Lavender will relieve this symptom of stress.

Other choices would be Roman Chamomile or Sweet Marjoram Essential Oils.Migraine Headaches:In "Living Well with Migraine Disease" author Teri Robert recommends a blend of diluted Peppermint and Lavender oils massaged lightly into the temples.

Other essential oils she recommends for Migraine headache are Chamomile (I would select Roman Chamomile rather than German), Clary Sage, Jasmine, Rosemary, and Melissa.

The first three on this list are all relaxants, while most Rosemary oils are stimulants. Melissa Essential Oil is best known as an anti-viral, but many sources say it is helpful for migraine relief.

We have had excellent feedback about the use of a 5% dilution of the Lavender and Peppermint.For a one ounce of carrier use 15 drops EACH of Peppermint oil and Lavender oil. (For our 10 ml roller bottles, you would use 5 drops of each essential oil, and fill with the carrier oil of your choice.)

I'd suggest applying to both my wrists, neck pulse points, a dab just under the nose and a dab at each temple, well away from the eyes.

Although I hesitate to recommend the neat (undiluted) or internal use of essential oils, my favorite French mentor swears by a single drop of Lavandin Super on a sugar cube to banish an existing Migraine. Please be very sure of the specific variety of Lavandin you are purchasing; there are several different Lavandin varieties available, and the others will not help in this case. My friend says that this is especially effective with Migraines that either stem from digestive difficulties or cause digestion problems. It seems to work first on the digestion, and then remove the Migraine.

Migraine Preventatives:I have had several clients state that diffusing Rosemary ch Cineole essential oil in an aroma lamp (or diffuser) during the night works to ward off migraine headaches. (This suggestion surprises me, since Rosemary is a stimulant, not something I would want to diffuse at bedtime, but I am not a migraine sufferer.)

Sniffing Peppermint straight from the bottle, or on a tissue or from an inhaler at the first sign of the “aura” seems to stop a lot of migraines in their tracks.

If a woman tends to get Migraines prior to getting her period, a blend of Clary Sage, Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Sweet Marjoram, diluted in carrier oil and massaged either into the neck and temples OR into the lower back and abdomen can help prevent hormone related migraines.

MIGRAINE RELIEF BLENDS:

Different blends seem to work for different Migraine sufferers, so I'm giving a range of selections, some for massage, some for diffusion.

4 drops lavender
3 drops peppermint
2 drops eucalyptus globulous
2 drops cedarwood

Use in an aromalamp or diffuser. It seems important that the blend be diffused in the air. We don't recommend this for a massage blend.

Another diffuser blend, most effective for Hormonal related Migraines:

10 drops clary sage
12 drops lavendar
3 drops melissa

Migraine Relief Massage Blend:

Equal parts:Lavandin Super or Lavender angustifolia, rosemary cineole and peppermint essential oils, diluted in carrier oil and massaged into the head, neck and shoulders may prove helpful. It will also help with the nausea that often accompanies a severe headache.

Hope some of these prove helpful to you. You may find information about these, and other aromatherapy remedies online at www.naturesgift.com

More anti-MRSA essential oil research

2009-06-11T07:43:00.004-05:00

Just came across a prerelease publication on PubMed of an article proving that specific essential oils are effective against hospital acquired infections, including MRSA. Strains of staph, strep and Candida were tested.

Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Thyme white, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Cinnamon, Grapefruit, Clove Bud, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Kunzea and Sage oil were all tested with the agar diffusion test. Olive oil, Paraffin oil, Ethanol (70%), Povidone iodine, Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) served as controls.

"Large prevailing effective zones of inhibition were observed for Thyme white, Lemon, Lemongrass and Cinnamon oil. The other oils also showed considerable efficacy. Remarkably, almost all tested oils demonstrated efficacy against hospital-acquired isolates and reference strains, whereas Olive and Paraffin oil from the control group produced no inhibition. As proven in vitro, essential oils represent a cheap and effective antiseptic topical treatment option even for antibiotic-resistant strains as MRSA and antimycotic-resistant Candida species."

Of course they don't give the chemotype of Thyme, nor which Cinnamon oil was used, but once again, Essential oils are proven as effective as the more conventional prescription medications.

Citation from the Journal of Craniomaxilofacial Surgery, 2009 May 25

antimicrobial products - contaminated?

2009-06-09T10:37:00.004-05:00

One of the semi-related professional newsletters I receive is CosmeticsDesign. Today's issue headlined the following:

FDA finds high levels of bacteria in antimicrobial skin care products

FDA has found high levels of disease-causing bacteria in Clarcon antimicrobial products during a recent inspection, leading to the recall of several skin sanitizers and skin protectants.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said analysis of several samples of over-the-counter topical antimicrobial skin sanitizer and skin protectant products revealed high levels of various bacteria, including some associated with unsanitary conditions.
The regulator said the findings are “particularly concerning” because the products are promoted as antimicrobial agents that claim to treat open wounds, damaged skin, and protect against various infectious diseases.
The inspection also uncovered serious deviations from FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

I find that fascinating! For years I've been saying that soaps w/ added antibacterial chemicals are bad for us, and bad for the environment. But this is a new twist. How can an antibacterial product contain "high levels of bacteria"????

Liquid Castile Soap, with antibacterial essential oils like Lavender and Teatree, and antiviral oils like Ravintsara will do very nicely for me and mine, thank you!

Freebie Friday at Prairieland

2009-06-05T19:20:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Prairieland Herbs are continuing the blog give-away on their own.

This week Maggie is giving away a Natural Laundry Gift Set... a $39 value... consists of a full pound of laundry soap, a dryer sachet, an 8 oz. bottle of body and linens mist, and a 1/3 oz bottle of essential oil.

I've been meaning to try homemade laundry soap, and never get around to making my own, so this is really tempting.

Please don't go to her blog and enter the contest to win... I really want to win this one. ;)

You can order the set on the "gifts" section of her website. (It's near the bottom of the page; scroll down.) What I *really* like is the fact that she offers a choice of natural fragrances.

More on Molluscum contagiosum

2009-06-01T08:20:00.005-05:00

One of the things that prompted the earlier post at this time was an article published in International Journal of Aromatherapy, back in 2004, by Rhiannon Harris... a case study of aromatherapy treatment of Molluscum contagiosum. I just received permission to quote here... (the treatment detailed in the case study was based on successful results with earlier cases.)

Rhiannon used:

Essential oils:

Melissa Melissa officianalis 0.5 ml

Ravintsara Cinnamomum camphora ct 1,8 cineole 2.0 ml

Thymus vulgaris ct thymol 0.5 ml

Niaouli Melaleuca quinquenervia 2.0 ml

Fixed Oils:

Tamanu Calophyllum inophyllum 1.0 ml

St. John's Wort infused oil Hypericum perforatum 2.0 ml

Rose Hip Seed Oil Rosa Mosqueta

The goals of the intervention wer to exert a directly anti-viral effect, to promote skin healing, to reduce the risk of scarring, and to strenthen immune deficiencies.

The fixed oils chosen were known to assist with wound healing and skin regeneration.

The mixture was applied directly to the lesions three times a day, using a cotton swab soaked in the blend. By the second day, all lesions were reduced in size; by day five all lesions were completely resolved. No skin irritation was observed.

(If any signs of irritation had been observed, the mother had been instructed to add another 5 ml of St. John's Wort infused oil to the mixture, to dilute it further.)

Molluscum contagiosum and Lemon Myrtle Oil

2009-05-30T13:21:00.005-05:00

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection causing wart like lesions on the skin. Most forms primarily infect children, although there is one form that is sexually transmitted and affects adults. It is passed by direct contact. See WebMD for more information.

Allopathic treatment seems to be limited to either freezing the lesions off, removal by laser, or the use of certain chemicals. These options all leave the possibility of scarring, and none kill the virus.

Unfortunately, there has been one widely publicized study showing that a 10% dilution of Lemon Myrtle Essential Oil (Backhousia citriodora) has been effective in treating the lesions. I was unaware of this study until a client called sourcing the oil, for this use on his two year old.
I urged him NOT to use it, because Lemon Myrtle is such a strong skin irritant. However he quoted the study, and went blythely on his way using it on his toddler. (I've not heard back from him, and would like to.)

I contacted Dennis Archer, the grower/distiller of the first organic Lemon Myrtle plantation in Australia, and author of the reference book by the same name.

His response to my query:
"10% Bac Cit...when I read that, I nearly fell off my chair...seems like a recipe for disaster to me...and criminal to boot...research wasn't paid for by an EO producer, by any chance? If you would forward the link, I'd be
appreciative...I suspect it would be VERY irritating, and the odds on
becoming sensitised would be enormous."

In my opinion, NO ONE knows more about the practical applications and appropriate use of Lemon Myrtle Oil, and when Dennis says it's dangerous. It IS!

(An aside...many of the sources that quote the study using Lemon Myrtle oil in a 10% dilution also note that at even a 1% dilution, Backhousia citriodora can irritate the skin.)

There are other essential oils that also have powerful anti-viral effects that should prove helpful, without the pain and irritation that treatment with Lemon Myrtle oil is bound to cause. Studies indicate that Tea Tree oil is also effective, although not as rapidly as the Lemon Myrtle Oil.

My first choice would be (for a very young child) Ravintsara Essential oil Cinnamomum camphora ct Cineole, with its high content of 1.8 Cineole. For an adult I might go with Ravensara Aromatica. Perhaps the addition of Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) for both its anti-viral and its immunostimulant effects would also be appropriate.

For a carrier, I would choose a blend of Calophyllum inophyllum (Foraha, or Tamanu), perhaps with some Rose Hip Seed oil added.

Molluscum contagiosum is one of several "enveloped viruses"... a category that also included the various forms of herpes. The exact mechanism of how essential oils work to counteract these viruses is incertain, but the oils are believed to interact with the viral envelope. For this reason, it appears logical to assume that the oils and combinations proven effective against herpes and shingles should also be effective against Molluscum contagiosum.

One Hospital at a Time

2009-05-29T20:18:00.003-05:00

We are all so excited at a friend's good news we can't stand it, and I have to blog about it!

Because some official decisions have not been made yet, and official announcements not been announced, we are having to keep our friend's name and location a secret for now.

But... in a hospital somewhere WAY north of middle Tennessee there is a Nurse-Aromatherapist who currently is director of an Urgent Care Unit. Now, this is a big job. And one where she is encouraged to use her aromatherapy skills and gifts and training. But...not the ideal location for their best use.

Our friend just called us. Her hospital is opening a... what to call it... a complimentary care center? a holistic health center? A place where people can be treated without the use of prescription drugs, if desired. And our friend is going to be in charge! (When she called, she called it "the Aroma Center." Somehow I don't think that name will stick.)

She's already talking about design, and what services they will be able to offer, and what products. (Of course we're excited about the "what products"...we're only human!)

This is the friend who first sparked the idea of our MERCY line of products, and did the lab testing to find the correct blends and dilutions to ensure effectiveness against MRSA infections.

We owe her so much...and are just so delighted with this new door that is opening for her.Seeing another hospital opening a holistic, or complimentary, or alternative center (no matter what you choose to call it!) delights us, as well.

Takes the bad taste out of my mouth from the book I was reading that "proves" complimentary medicine is just a waste of time and effort.

Myrtle Oil for Candida?

2009-05-26T14:11:00.003-05:00

Was browsing an issue of The International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics, and came across a study on the in vitro use of the essential oil of Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) against Candida albicans.

The article states that Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated human fungal pathogen. This is becoming even more of a problem since drug resistant strains are emerging, resistant to the most commonly used anti-fungal drugs.

Twelve different strains of Candida were tested, the majority of the strains were resistant to Fluconazole (the test medication.) Myrtle Essential Oil showed clear activity against all strains, including the drug resistant strains.

Granted, these are tests on laboratory cultures, in petri dishes. But if I were battling Candida, I would certainly be tempted to try a weak dilution of Myrtle oil, rather than the more usually recommended Tea Tree Oil.

Odd...I've always used and recommended Myrtle Oil for respiratory problems, it's a wonderfully gentle oil for treating bronchial problems in children or the elderly. I've never used it as an anti-fungal however. Time to rewrite our online description!

Ginger to treat Chemo induced Nausea

2009-05-24T21:00:00.004-05:00

My friend Cindy Jones, at SageScript, just posted a piece of research proving what many of us already know, that Ginger helps to prevent nausea.

Sagescript Institute & Colorado Aromatics: Ginger helps prevent nausea due to chemotherapy

Now, the research cited indicates internal use of the spice, either in capsules, or other forms.

We've seen a study indicating that ginger essential oil, by inhalation, is more effective than the standard prescription meds in dealing with post surgical nausea, and innumerable case studies indicating that Ginger Oil, by inhalation, is effective for the morning sickness that often accompanies early pregnancy. (Another useful anti-nausea essential oil is Red Mandarine, by the way, the the two together smell wonderful...like a cup of Mandarine Spice tea!)

A Memorial Day Thank You

2009-05-24T20:26:00.002-05:00

Just listened to a country song...I forget the singer... "All gave some; Some gave all.

And I got to thinking of the friends and loved ones who gave so much of themselves in defense of our freedom.

Back in the late '60's and early 70's I was as opposed to the war in VietNam as any other child of the '60s. Which put me in a rather difficult position, because at that time I was an Army Officer's wife. We were among the blessed; my then husband and my older brother both came home safely. But I have a dear friend whose name is on that wall in Washington.

And today my country is involved in another war that I think is...not a conflict we should be fighting.

But I am reminded of all the young (and not so young) men and women who are putting themselves at risk to defend our freedom. And whether we agree with the reasons they are there or not doesn't seem to matter. They are young'uns... most of them a decade or two younger than my own children. And they have parents and children and friends and lovers here worried about them.

On this Memorial Day weekend, I want to thank all of my friends who have served in the Armed Forces... and pray that those who serve today will be kept safe, to come home safely to those who love and miss them.

I don't think I've ever written a "political" post here... first because, of course, no matter what we say about our personal beliefs, someone might get angry, and Nature's Gift could lose their business.... and, more important, because my political beliefs are a private thing, and have nothing to do with what we do here.

But... it feels very appropriate to say thank you this Memorial Day eve.

A Good Night's Sleep

2009-05-21T07:58:00.002-05:00

Came across an article in the BBC News Magazine about "how to get a good night's sleep." It was a delightful read...but they really should have included some of the Aromatherapy remedies for Insomnia.

First of course, is the classic...Lavender... either Lavendula angustifolis, or Lavandin Super (said by some to be even more relaxing than true Lavender.)

Other relaxants include Mandarine Oil (Kristen Leigh Bell says that Green Mandarine is the oil of choice for insomnia,), Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile. And, of course, there is our SleepEase Synergy, a delightfully light blend of several of the above.

They should have added aromatherapy to their list of suggestions!

How NEAT - interview

2009-05-19T09:18:00.001-05:00

WE Magazine for Women has been doing a series of interviews with women who are entrepeneurs, in honor of Small Business Week.

And Heidi chose me as one of the "interviewees"

You may read the interview here.

Post Shingles Neuropathy

2009-05-19T07:58:00.006-05:00

Just came across a research study that fascinates me. Geranium essential oil shown effective for relief of "postherpetic pain."

We have had numerous reports of success using Ravensara, diluted in Calophyllum inophyllum, to treat Shingles outbreaks. It seems to relieve both the pain and inflammation really quickly. But with Shingles, as with some other herpes conditions, the pain can come back later, with no sign of an outbreak. "Post Shingles Neuropathy." It would appear that the virus causing the original outbreak persists in the root of the nerve at the site of the initial outbreak.

Over the years various clients have emailed about blends they have used to treat Post Shingles Neuropathy, with varying degrees of success. Many blends featured the use of Helichrysum italicuum, our favorite oil for use in nerve pain. Prescription medications may ease the pain but seem to take an extended period of time to be effective.

One of my mentors recently sent me a copy of a research study, published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2003 indicating that Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens) was extremely effective in easing the pain of post-herbetic (post shingles) neuropathy. The essential oil was diluted in mineral oil, and applied at different dilutions, from 10% to neat, or undiluted.

The study indicates that the pain relief from the use of Geranium Oil is effective in a matter of minutes. The speed of pain relief seemed to be a function of the strength of the dilution; with undiluted geranium oil appearing to give the most rapid pain relief. The authors of the study did mention some side effects of the use of the neat oil, and, as always, we would recommend diluting it. For this specific application we would recommend diluting the essential oil in a much stronger than "normal" dilution, perhaps 25% or even up to 50% in extreme cases, if well tolerated.

Following your Passion

2009-05-11T08:33:00.007-05:00

Some folks here know my personal story, how years ago I was disabled, and told that I'd never work again. And how that frightening news gave me the greatest gifts...time to study and learn more about my passion - the healing oils that I had been "playing with." And from that abrupt derailing of my life grew Nature's Gift.

I am one of the truly blessed - those who have been gifted with the ability to do what we love.

My middle son seems to be in the midst of receiving that same gift. For years David has run a thriving Lawn Maintenance company. But his passion has always been fishing.

I remember when he and his brother were in elementary school, his father taking the family fishing - and David being the only one to catch anything. (Didn't please his father one bit!)

Years ago David bought a houseboat at a lake outside of Nashville... Dale Hollow Lake. And another boat... and started to learn the secrets of catching REALLY big fish up there.

This past week, Dale Hollow Trophy Trollers website went live. He's started guiding other would be fishermen who want to catch "trophy fish"

I don't truly understand my son's passion. For me, the reason to get up early and go out on the lake is to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surroundings. But the sight of my son following his dream, his passion, fills me with joy.

Being a Mother

2009-05-10T14:23:00.019-05:00

My friend Lyn in Canada sent me this, and I wanted to share it with all the women I love...including my daughters in law, and the other grandmothers in my grandkids lives.

Happy Mother's Day all of you!

Ouch Ouch Ouch

2009-05-07T11:58:00.003-05:00

Our friend Sharon, from Bellevue TN, emailed me this morning:

I wanted to let you know about my experience last night with the sunburn soother.

I bought it to have for my soon-to-be step-grandchild, Missy.

Last night I was baking some cinammon rolls. I went to heat up the icing in the micowave, so it would be easier to use. I went to pick it up after heating and it spilled over two of the fingers and a bit on my palm.

(my comment .... OOOUUUUUUUUUCH!!!)

I rushed it under cold water and then, went to my medicine cabinet to get the sunburn soother. I rubbed it all over and then went about my business. It was stinging a bit, but I was busy so I didn't notice much.

Before I went to bed, I did notice it wasn't really hurting, but it was a bit pink. I put a bit more on for good measure. When I woke up this morning, I looked and there wasn't anything there and no pain. This was surely a second degree burn as the icing was bubbling. It is truly for more than sunburn. I am sure glad I picked one up. BTW, Missy says it smells really good!

Sharon, thank you so much for letting us share that!!!

Week NINE winners

2009-05-02T19:01:00.002-05:00

I'm in process of emailing the winners, to see which type of inhaler they would choose...

The winners from last week's contest are:

From The Essential Herbal Blogspot witchturtle at yahoo.com
From the Garden Chick Misusedinnocence at aol.com
From Sunrose fillynn at junodotcom (I think "filly" was one of our winners earlier on in the contest.)
From the Labyrinth Lori B
From Patti's Potions danelle_27 at yahoo.com
From PrairieLand Herbs heavenlyacres at gmail.com - Krista
From The Rosemary House: LaTeaDah (who wants a Sinus Inhaler)
From Nature's Gift: catherine fogarty at charter.net (who wants Citrus Smile)
From Torchsong: lauren luttrell at gmail.com
and, last but not least, the winner of my book, is the winner at Aquarium Bath - n f m girl at gmail.

Thanks everyone for your participation!

Week 10 Blog Contest

2009-04-30T21:07:00.002-05:00

Torchsong Studio will be hosting the 10th and final week of our blog contest. (Maryanne, at Torchsong, is the creator of our Sea Glass Swirl Amphoras. She does lovely work!)

Maryanne is offering something a little different to close out the contest. A lead free pewter garden pin with a little glass ladybug charm in the middle and garden tools on either side.

Just comment on this, or any of the other blogs participating for a chance to win one of ten pins to be given away. MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A CONTACT email.

Remember all of the blogs below are participating, so visit all of them and post to increase your chances of winning.

The Essential Herbal magazine subscription

Garden Chick - fairy cookie kit

SunRose Aromatics - facial exfoliant and liquid soap

Herbs from the Labyrinth - tea sampler

Patti's Potions - lip balms

PrairieLand Herbs - healing wand

Aquarian Bath - lip balm and soap

The Rosemary House - Bertha Reppert's "Twelve Month Herbal"

Nature's Gift - purse-sized inhalers & inhalation blend

Torchsong Studio This week's prize