First serious rain we've had in quite a while here in the Verde Valley. Clouds are brewing up again today, so it looks like our blessed Sonoran summer rains are getting off to an early start! Let's hope they stick around for awhile...
I've got this monstrosity growing right next to my driveway. I'm fairly certain it's a Sunflower, probably Helianthus annuus... but I can't tell because it hasn't opened up just yet. Right now it's about 3 feet tall, and even though the head isn't opened it still tracks the sun during the day.
Various Helianthus species have enjoyed a rich history in Native American ethnobotany for pain relief, pulmonary agents and for smoking. Obviously, the seeds were (and are) used as a food. I'll keep you posted on the status of this volunteer.
Yesterday I dispensed my batch of Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) glycerite tincture. I used a 1:2 fresh plant/glycerin ratio and let it macerate for four weeks. The extract is a speckled light brown, very much like the color of horehound candy you can rarely find these days.
The taste is superb, considering how nasty horehound is. For a mint, it's an unpleasant one. But the glycerin makes it more than palitable... it's quite good!
I'm unsure of the medicinal value. I used straight glycerin for the extraction, which works well for tannins, minerals, alkaloids and vitamins. But glycerin doesn't extract volatile oils, resins or mucilage worth a tinkers fart.. so what do I have?
Well, I know that water will dissolve mucilage quite well. Since I used a fresh plant marc, I'm fairly certain the water content of the plant itself brought out the mucilage. Horehound does contain resins and volatile oils... but not very much. Yes, it's a mint, but an oderless one. I'm thinking these constituents are in awfully low levels... just not certain how much the contribute to the synergistic medical qualities of the plant. I guess we'll see...
Read a short write up on the Sonoma County Herb Exchange today. Interesting read! Here's a link back to their website.
I know, I know... It's been too long since I've posted. Sorry. I'll try and do better from now on; promise.
I was scanning a quick google news search today trying to figure out what to enlighten you about, and right near the top was a link to a story about herbal remedies and menopausal symptom relief.
How appropriate, as I've got two clients right now in the process of perimenopause I'm working with. Jumping over to the document in question, I quickly discover it's a "Dear Doc" column and not one devoted to herbal or natural remedies. The jist of the conversation is this:
Writer: "I'm 50 years old and experiencing classic menopausal symptoms (not to mention a pain-in-the-ass husband) of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, crying jags and low libido over the past several years. I can't take conventional HRT as I've a history of breast cancer in the family. After doing some research, I've been on Black Cohosh and a soy preparation. Guess what? Hot flashes are gone." (No mention of the other symptoms. I guess those are better...)Doctor: "What the hell is Black Cohosh? Never heard of it... But don't trust natural foods (Of course, why would anyone trust anything that comes from nature?) because their unregulated. (Or it could be that you're just uneducated. Ever heard of DSHEA?)
Standard routine for most women... or anyone approaching their allopath about natural supplements or herbal remedies. The good news is that Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and other botanical medicines are very effective to women going through the various stages of menopause. There's also Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) and a host of other wonderful plants that are very beneficial.
But next time you've got a question about some herbal prep you picked up in a health food store after your own research, you might want to consult with an herbalist... before you perplex your poor medical doctor.
Fellow blogger and herbalist Sarah has posted a great lecture on using Essential Oils. I'm really green when it comes to the use of essential oils other than the basics. She does a great job of explaining things a bit further.
Unfortunately, I can't link directly to the post in her blog. I hope she's cool with this, as I've cut-and-pasted (is that proper grammar?) the entry and have added it in the "MORE" section of this post. Enjoy!
I try to post daily; but today I was busy creating and teaching a basic aromatherapy class. (Yes, I waited until today to plan the class and make the handout. I work best under pressure, 'k?) As a result, I am just gonna post the lecture notes rather than coming up with anything pithy and cute to say about how the class went, for two reasons:
a) In looking for good basic information on aromatherapy online, there was very little info that wasn't completely commercial. Therefore, I am fulfilling a need.
b) These notes kick ass. I wrote them. From my head. I didn't even crib from books, just looked stuff up occasionally to check myself before writing it down. So I rock, at least a little bit, for being able to pull this out of my ass at the drop of a hat. Maybe I did learn something in school, after all.
So without further ado, here's the notes for "Introduction to Aromatherapy," Sarah Hasler, 7 pm, Living Earth Herb Store., FREE (as listed in the Eugene Weekly)
And yes, the class did go well. People actually showed up!
Introduction to Essential Oils
Lecture by Sarah Hasler, Medical Herbalist
What is an Essential Oil?
“Essential Oils (EOs)” are very highly concentrated plant extracts. They are usually liquids, although some may be resinous (gummy) or extremely thick. They differ from other plant extracts in that they represent only one fraction of the plant’s total makeup. Unlike a tincture or tea, which may contain volatile oils as well as sugars, fats, bitter principles, and other substances, essential oils are the volatile fraction only of that plant. This means that although their activity may be similar to whole plant extracts, it can vary in some important ways. For example, Oregano is a wonderful herb as well as a valuable addition to any kitchen. We don’t hesitate to eat fresh or dried Oregano on pizzas, with meats, or in pasta sauces, but consuming a drop of undiluted Oregano oil can be an unpleasant experience, and may even burn the mucous membranes of the mouth!
Many essential oils are produced by plants as a defense against predation, sun damage, insect attack, bacterial attack, or as a component of a gum or resin secreted as a result of injury. Because of this, many essential oils are antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral. In fact, the essential oil of thyme was found by French researchers to be a better disinfectant than Lysol! Another common quality of essential oils is the ability to relax muscle tissue (antispasmodic). This is especially true of many of the members of the Mint and Celery families.
The chemistry of essential oils is a fascinating and complex study. One essential oil may have hundreds of different components—many of them unknown. This lecture will not be able to cover this topic; however, if it is a subject of interest to you, there are several excellent books on the topic, including Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt and The Chemistry of Essential Oils: An Introduction for Aromatherapists, Beauticians, Retailers & Students by David G. Williams.
However, mentioning the complex chemistry of essential oils is important, because it allows us to see why naturally produced essential oils are superior to synthetically produced oils. Synthetic oils can mimic the scent of natural oils, but they do not have the same complexity and therapeutic value of a natural oil. Essential oils should be viewed like fine wines. If you want a good, authentic Champagne, then you must go to France, but if you just want a good sparkling wine, there are many to choose from. Likewise, a true French Lavender Oil is from Provence, France, but if we want just a reasonably good lavender, then many good organically grown lavender oils are available from locations all over the world. In many ways, the comparison between wines and essential oils is valid. Like winemakers, distillers of essential oils are masters of a life-long passion. Like wine, essential oils differ from vintage to vintage. And like wine, essential oils are complex, beautiful creations that are a joy to the senses, a benefit to our health, and a gift from nature. Lastly, like wines, essential oils should be obtained from trusted sources. You wouldn’t buy bottle of a red liquid simply labeled “Red Wine”—you want to know whether it’s Merlot or Cabernet or Syrah, where it was grown, and what year it was produced. Purchasing essential oils should be a similar process.
Questions to Ask: What is the latin name of this plant? For example, Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) are much different oils.
Where was this plant grown? A Bulgarian rose oil will be different from a Moroccan rose oil
How was this oil extracted? Using solvent-extracted oils for perfumery is fine. Using solvent-extracted oils for therapeutic or internal use is not.
Was the plant this oil was produced from organically grown? Citrus crops can be heavily sprayed; you don’t want an oil with possible pesticide/herbicide residue!
If this oil was not produced from cultivated crops, was it ethically harvested? Some wonderful oils, such as Sandalwood, are heavily poached and unethically produced.
Methods of Production:
Steam Distillation
Lavender, vetiver, rose, etc.
Expression
Citrus oils
Solvent Extract (Absolutes and concretes)
Jasmine, rose
Supercritical CO2
Anything; often hard- or impossible-to-distill plants like Calendula
Safety:
A lot of this may seem awfully obvious, but it’s better to be obvious than sorry! Many experts disagree on certain aspects of essential oil use—i.e. whether they can be used undiluted, whether or not they’re safe for use internally, etc., etc. This list of Safety Precautions errs on the side of caution. If you are new to essential oils, it is far better to be overcautious than to risk injury. As you become more comfortable with using EOs, you can decide what your own boundaries are.
1)Never allow an essential oil to get into your eyes!
2)Do not take essential oils internally. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, using small amounts of Peppermint Essential Oil to flavor desserts. In general, I would recommend avoiding the internal use of essential oils unless using culinary oils (Peppermint, Spearmint, Rose, Lemon, etc.) according to a recipe provided by a trusted source. It goes without saying that if you do choose to use essential oils in cooking, you want to use only certified organic oils.
3)Do not use undiluted essential oils on your skin. Again, there are exceptions. For example, undiluted Lavender can be safely used on burns or abrasions, Tea Tree Oil is fine to use undiluted on wounds, and I often used straight Frankincense oil on my skin for its marvelous scent. However, as a general rule, don’t use an oil undiluted unless you KNOW it is safe. If you plan to be using essential oils often, invest in a few books that cover this sort of information. Keep in mind, too, that tolerances differ from person to person. For example, if I use Tea Tree Oil undiluted on small wounds for more than a day or so, the surrounding skin will begin to become overdry and flaky.
4)Do not use essential oils on infants and young children. Exceptions include Blue Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and a few others; but ALWAYS check for safety and NEVER use undiluted.
5)Be aware of health hazards! For example, Bergamot oil can cause photosensitization.
6)Essential oils can ‘eat’ plastics and varnishes. So keep them out of plastic bottles, and away from your antique cherrywood desk. If you spill an oil on a plastic surface, clean it up FAST. Water won’t wash it off; use a mild soap and water solution, or on lacquered or varnished woods, I would recommend wiping up the majority, and then using a bit of vegetable oil (olive oil is fine) on a soft cloth to remove any residue.
7)Don’t burn essential oils. Some oils are EXTREMELY flammable and very unsafe to use near open flames and strong heat sources. If you are using a few drops to scent an incense blend, or a drop or two in a well-designed diffuser, fine, but don’t try to sprinkle an essential oil on a burning candle. Besides, burning the oil destroys their delicate chemistry.
8)Be cautious when using essential oils on mucous membranes. It’s great to use essential oils to flavor and scent a lip balm, but make sure you’re using mild oils at a proper dilution. If you choose to use essential oils to treat a vaginal yeast infection, for example, don’t think “more is better” and double the amount in your recipe, or you may end up with more irritation than you began with in the first place.
9)Remember—“Less is More” with essential oils. Essential oils are incredibly concentrated. Two to four drops may seem like a tiny amount, but it’s not. Overusing essential oils can cause your skin to be irritated, or at the very least, it can make you smell quite overpowering. While you may love the scent of Lemon oil, too much and you might end up having people mistake you for a bottle of furniture polish!
10)Do be aware of the effect of essential oils on your state of mind! Some oils can have a very relaxing effect, or a very stimulating effect. For example, if Peppermint oil picks you up in the afternoon, it might not be a good ingredient in your bedtime bath. Likewise, if you use Lavender or Chamomile to unwind after a stressful day, it might be counterproductive to use it in the morning before a hectic day.
Some Basic Oils
These oils are a good start for a beginner. They are safe, readily available, multi-purpose, and can be used in a variety of ways and in a variety of formulas.
Lavender, French (Lavendula angustifolia syn. officinalis) There are many related varieties of lavender, including Lavandin (Lavendula x intermedia), Spike Lavender (Lavendula latifolia), Spanish Lavender (Lavendula stoechas), and others. This listing covers L. angustifolia; the other varieties have different attributes and should not be substituted.
Lavender is antiseptic, healing, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. An application of straight lavender oil on minor burns and scalds, after the burn has been cooled with water, is an effective way of decreasing pain and healing the wound. A drop of lavender oil on insect bites with decrease the itching and inflammation. Lavender is suitable for all skin types, and is often used in skincare products, from shampoos to deodorants. Lavender oil is a must for any natural first-aid kit.
Lavender is relaxing; several studies have been done on the effects of lavender oil inhalation on the human nervous system. In the home, this effect is harnessed by adding lavender essential oil to baths. 5-10 drops per bath is usually sufficient; for a most relaxing bath, add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil to 2-3 pounds of Epsom salts, shake to distribute the oils, and add to bathwater. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are very relaxing to muscle tissue, and the addition of lavender will definitely have you ready for bed when you get out!
Lavender oil can also be used to scent rooms, closets, and even to clean—although the cost may be prohibitive for the latter.
Most ‘Lavender Oil’ sold today is either adulterated or inferior Lavandin (L. x intermedia, a cross between French Lavender and Spike Lavender). Lavendin can be used in much the same way, although the scent is not as delicate, and I would also add that its chemical makeup makes it more likely to dry skin. Although French Lavender is suitable (properly diluted) for infants and young children, Lavendin, due to its ketone content, is not a good choice for children under three.
**Lavender oil is very often adulterated. Beware of cheap oils that seem to be “too good to be true”, oils from unknown sources, and oils with a camphor-like undertone**
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea Tree Oil is derived from an Australian tree. It is highly antiseptic, active against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Its reputation as an antiseptic is so strong that during WWII, Tea Tree Oil was part of the first aid kit of Australian soldiers. There are many species of Melaleuca; Tea Tree is the most researched and the most commonly available in commerce. Other species are also available.
I have used this oil for everything from acne to warts on a dog. Although its scent isn’t as pleasant as some oils, it is one of the most useful anti-infective agents available to us. Its addition to everything from facewash to toothpaste speaks of its low toxicity and broad spectrum of activity. Like lavender, Tea Tree can be used undiluted, although it is very drying and repeated applications may cause skin to become slightly irritated. As an inhalation, it can aid in the loosening of mucus and also act on any infectious organisms present in the respiratory tract.
Tea Tree oil is a bit drying for mature or damaged skin, but oily, acne-prone skin can often benefit with judicious use. I would not use it full strength over the entire surface of the face, but a pimple dabbed with a bit of Tea Tree oil at the first sign of eruption, several times throughout the day, will often ward off the formation of a “whitehead”. Several excellent cleansers for acne-prone skin contain Tea Tree oil, but I would urge caution as over-drying acne prone skin will often create more unsightly irritation and inflammation.
Tea tree is wonderful for athelete’s foot, vaginal Candida infection (yeast infections), cuts and scrapes, and dental problems (especially when combined with myrrh). Several references list it as an antiparasitical agent, although I would stress that if intestinal parasites are suspected it is vital to obtain a proper diagnosis before attempting self-care. It could be a good choice for ringworm in dogs, although I would be reluctant to use it with cats. (In general, I do not recommend using essential oils on cats without professional guidance.)
A great first-aid blend would be equal parts of Tea Tree and lavender, with perhaps a drop or two of blue chamomile. This combination could be applied full-strength to most minor skin injuries and eruptions from burns to bugbites with excellent results.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is a large genus of Australian trees including Eucalyptus polybractea, E. radiata, E. globules E. dives, and others. The most commonly found Eucalyptus is E. globulus The scent of Eucalyptus is familiar to anyone that has consumed Hall’s cough drops or used Vicks Vap-O-Rub. I’ve met several people who cannot tolerate the scent of Eucalyptus, as it brings back bad childhood memories of being slathered with Vick’s during an illness.
Most Eucalyptus species have an affinity for the respiratory tract, being very useful in loosening and expectorating mucus. They can be combined in a salve and applied to the chest, Vap-O-Rub style, put into a hot bath, or used in inhalations. An easy and effective inhalation technique is to fill a large bowl with boiling water, add three drops of Eucalyptus, hold your head about six to eight inches from the bowl, and cover your head and the bowl with a towel “tent”. CLOSE YOUR EYES, and inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes. Often, there will be an immediately noticeable effect on the sinuses and respiratory system. This can be repeated several times a day. Topically, several species of Eucalyptus are antibacterial and antifungal.
An herbalist friend of mine often rubs Eucalyptus globulus on her small son when he seems to be coming down with a fever or cold. Jean Valnet, MD does list E. globulus as a febrifuge, and the combination of its antiseptic action on the lungs and its ability to reduce fevers makes it an especially apt choice.
Other Oils of Note:
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri and Boswellia serrata), Rose (Rosa damascena), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium—both green and blue varieties), Blue (German) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)—others?
Bibliography/Recommended Reading
Tisserand, Robert and Balacs, Tony. Essential Oil Safety. 1999. New York. Churchill Livingstone.
Rose, Jeanne. 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. 1999. Berkeley. Frog, Ltd.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Ph.D. Advanced Aromatherapy. 1998. Rochester, Vermont. Healing Arts Press.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Ph.D. Medical Aromatherapy. 1999. Berkeley. Frog, Ltd.
Valnet, Jean, MD. The Practice of Aromatherapy. 1990. Rochester, Vermont. Healing Arts Press.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. San Rafael, CA. New World Library.