Saturday, 19 May 2012

What are the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy?


This is a very frequently asked question.  Its also a frequently not asked question in scientific research where aromatherapy is equated often with a massage in the local spa to the detriment of the scientific enquiry in hand.  Oxidised oils are used, the botanical origin is sometimes a mystery.  Help is at hand.  Take a class!  Below are oils for particular bodily systems starting with skincare and nervous conditions, the areas where essential oils are of frequent use.  For the hardy the class boards showing how we got there are below too.

Benzoin you will see appears in skincare but is not in other categories.  Benzoin is however a useful fixative allowing the aromas of more volatile oils to persist longer so may well find its way into aromatherapy and natural perfume blends for this reason alone.  I would stress that this is not science nor aromatherapy either! However for the student new to the oils this is a useful teaching device to work through.  A professional aromatherapist seeks to select oils appropriate to the individual in front of them based on their training and experience.  All this does is look at the most versatile oils in each category.  The methodology was simply to take a commonly recognised Shirley Price table and count the mentions the oil received within each care category to arrive at the most versatile oils.

So the table of most versatile oils by care area.  Comments on the table are below.

Skincare

Benzoin, cedarwood, chamomile german, chamomile roman, clove bud, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, melissa, myrhh, patchouli, rose otto, sandalwood, bergamot, marjoram sweet, tea tree

Nervous

Basil, bergamot, chamomile roman, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, marjoram sweet, melissa, peppermint, pine, rose otto, rosemary, sandalwood, thyme sweet, ylang

Digestive

Basil, black pepper, caraway, coriander, clove bud, dill (not versatile but a famous carminative for babies) fennel, geranium, ginger, lemon, mandarin, melissa, niaouli, peppermint, rosemary and thyme sweet

Genito urinary

Chamomile german, clary sage, fennel, sage, thyme sweet

Circulatory muscles joints

Basil, cajuput, cham roman, cypress, frankincense, geranium, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram sweet, niaouli, nutmeg, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, sage, thyme sweet, valerian

Respiratory

Black pepper, cajuput, clovebud, cypress, dill, lemon, marjoram spanish, marjoram sweet, niaouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, tea tree, thyme sweet




Comments

Starting with skincare

As above Benzoin is versatile in skincare but not in other care areas.  Cedarwood similarly.  They are relatively specific to skincare.  Chamomile German finds skincare and genitourinary use. Chamomile roman finds skincare, nervous and CMJ (circulation, muscles and joints) use.  Clove bud skincare, digestive and respiratory use.  Frankincense skincare, nervous and CMJ use.  Geranium is a versatile oil which finds much use within aromatherapy including skincare, nervous, digestive and CMJ uses.  Juniper skincare and CMJ. Lavender is another versatile oil with skincare, nervous, and CMJ uses.   lemon for the treatment of warts and verucae in skincare and digestive care.  Melissa is useful in skincare and produces an excellent hydrolat, also finding nervous (excellent for agitation) and digestive use. Myrhh finds skincare uses. Patchouli finds skincare use. Rose otto finds skincare and nervous uses.  Sandalwood finds skincare, nervous use and CMJ use. Bergamot finds use in skincare as a herpes treatment and in nervous care.  Sweet Marjoram finds use in skincare as an athletes foot treatment, nervous care as sedative, CMJ and respiratory. Tea tree finds use in skincare as an athletes foot treatment and respiratory. 

Nervous care

hello Clary Sage, hello Peppermint, also digestive and cooling in CMJ.  hello Pine also with respiratory uses. hello Rosemary (Rosemary for remembrance), also digestive, and CMJ.  hello Ylang.

Digestive

hello Black Pepper (improves the swallowing reflex), caraway, coriander, dill and fennel, ginger, mandarin, niaouli (also in CMJ).

Genito-urinary

hello Sage (also in CMJ)

CMJ

hello Cajuput (also respiratory), Nutmeg, Valerian

Respiratory

No newbies.

Just click on a name for the wikipedia profile.

Success in your studies!



 
 no mercy straight into the chemistry - alcohol + acid = ester + water, easy from thereon



therapeutic properties of the functional groups




botany


then into the skincare and massage carriers





essential oils for skincare 


and then into the uses cross reference



Bless this mess.  The oils and the use areas

Indications reading

Glossary reading

pulling it all together

A protocol for clinical aromatherapy use


If you are thinking of taking the Sp day class in aromatherapy to master the basics rest assured the the slides and handouts are more colourful than the boards!

we are now (at last) ready to consider the researched uses of essential oils

The leading author and researcher into the uses of essential oils in Aromatherapy is Robert Tisserand.  His upcoming seminars and online learning can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/RobertTisserandEssentialTraining
A new edition of his book Essential Oil Safety will be available in 2013 including over 4000 research references





Ian Brealey 


Saturday, 12 May 2012

The Robert Tisserand Weekend, London 2013

Day one of the Robert Tisserand London Seminar at Imperial College London, May 12,13 2012.

Delegates received over 400 slides and videos.  Generous goody bag from the Tisserand company.  My son George Brealey made delegates an oil blend called Refresh, Relax including the excellent essential oil of Fragonia and the Shirley Price Rest mix.

Photo Gallery on www.purearomatherapy.com









Class of 2012 - authors, educators, qualifieds, students gathered for the
Robert Tisserand Weekend Seminar at Imperial College London

I am reviewing the handouts with great enthusiasm.  As the organiser I didnt get much time to take notes!
Attendee feedback and more pictures
http://purearomatherapy.virb.com/attendees
Gallery
http://purearomatherapy.virb.com/gallery

Essentia

Monday, 7 May 2012

St Hildegard in 2012

How dark were the dark ages?

Tuscany is one of my favourite places.  Rome had been under military misrule for almost three centuries before Benedictine was born in 480 AD.  Communities of Benedictine monks remind us that respect for what they stand for has been there for over a thousand years.  The Rule of St Benedict makes interesting reading for anyone on a spiritual path or just curious.
http://www.benedictines.org.uk/

On May 20 I raise a glass to the memory of St Bernadine of Siena.  In the 1400s he virtually single handed returned Italy to a widespread acceptance of non violence and the rule of law even on the part of rulers which paved the way for the Italian renaissance.  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02505b.htm

A great interest in the Benedictine tradition is a german abbess called St Hildegard.  She is known for her visions, music and vivid art but also for her healing and herbal medicine.  She used a word viriditas to describe the green or life force which could effect healing. As a holistic healer she used plants, stones and waters to restore health.  She wrote 9 books and is credited with the first book on gynecology.
http://archive.org/stream/hildegardiscaus00hildgoog#page/n32/mode/2up
Hildegards beatification could be completed in late 2012 when she will be declared a doctor of the church
Hildegard achieved particular success with eye infections.  Lavender cultivation was promoted and remains an important essential oil.

Essential n.  something of importantance

Ian Brealey

Sunday, 6 May 2012

Hinckley Course dates

UK 2012 with Jan Benham at Shirley Price Aromatherapy, Hinckley, Leics, unless otherwise stated call Rosie Brandrick, College Secretary T: 01455 615466



May 16th to 20th - Aromatherapy module 3

May 20th - Aromatherapy and reflexology for the elderly 10am - 4pm

May 21st - Qi drop therapy 11am - 4pm

May 16th to 20th - Reflexology diploma 10am - 4pm

July 1st - The Art of Soap Making 11am - 4pm

July 2nd - 6th - Aromatherapy module 4

July 4th - Chair Massage 11am - 4pm

July 5th - Qi drop Therapy 10am - 4pm

July 9th to 13th -
Holistic Skin Care

July 9th - Aromatherapy Facials 10am - 4pm

July 12th Aromatherapy Skin Treatments 10am - 4pm

July 13th Fruit Facials 10am - 4pm

July 14th -
The creamy craft of cosmetic making 11am - 4pm

July 15th - Learn how to make mineral makeup 11am - 4pm

July 16th -
How to make natural makeup  11am - 4pm

October 8th - Aromatherapy seminar 10am - 4pm

October 9th - Aromatherapy for Emotional Health 10am - 4pm

October 8th - 12th Aromatherapy Module One 10am - 4pm

October 12th -
The creamy craft of cosmetic making 11am - 4pm

October 14th - The Art of Soap Making 11am - 4pm

October 15th - Learn how to make mineral makeup 11am - 4pm

October 16th -
How to make natural makeup 11am - 4pm




Did you know the first Hansom cab was made in Hinckley in 1835?  In 1771 John Wesley visited Hinckley and described it as the 'most civil town he had met'.



Upcoming workshops 2012
AROMA COSMETOLOGY - Holistic Skin Care
Designed for the student who is just starting out to the professional Aesthetician who wants to expand her practice and add new dimensions to her work. This course allows for treatment control without having to rely upon specific brands, with the making up of your own preparations and products. Learn how to rely less on machines and take a holistic approach, with the use of special massage techniques and essential oils.
INNER TO OUTER BEAUTY.
In level I - Practical: you will be taught a full cleanse, the use of compresses and steam, how to set up a treatment room, filling out client record sheets, a full 20 minute face and shoulder massage using both eastern and western techniques, and treatment with masks.
Theory:  the basic principles of skin care, analysis of skin types, anatomy and physiology in relation to the skin, muscles, and skeleton of the head and chest, carrier oils, and the most common essential oils used in treatment. Level 11 works on problematic aroma solutions for skin care, with  emphasis on anti ageing treatments, clinical and home care treatments for teenage acne, eczema, acne rosacea, and sensitive skin, our famous  NECK AND SKIN FIRMING TREATMENTS. Plus the blending and mixing of essential oils in creams, lotions, oils, masks and compresses.Other topics covered: - the use of fruits and vegetables on the skin and eyebrow shaping. Plus a look at simple dietary advice that can help along with the treatments.
With Jan Benham Cost £450 +VAT (5 Day Course) Start 10:00am – 4:00pm
Dates: Wednesday 18th April – Sunday 22nd April

Creamy craft of cosmetic making
Tired of using commercial cosmetics that bathe your body in chemicals and wreck havoc on your skin? In this fun but practical workshop, learn how to make your own creams, lotions, lip balms, ointments. Each practitioner will have the opportunity to make something different, and at the end of the class we will share the results. Find out how to mix the essential oils to discover the cream that reflects you. Includes the “book ‘the creamy craft of cosmetic making”
With Jan Benham Cost £120 +VAT (1 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Monday 14th May 2012
And Sunday 10th June 2012


Reflexology & Aromatherapy for the elderly
Reflexology and Aromatherapy for the elderly
Over the years, Jan has done extensive work on patients with multiple sclerosis, cancer and many other conditions using a specialised massage and reflexology technique, and aromatherapy. This workshop focuses on the use of aromatherapy and reflexology for the elderly using essential oils, reflexology and polarity (energy work). Specialised massage techniques on the knees, feet and lower legs are also covered. Designed for both carers and professional therapists; this program will teach you how to deal with the following conditions: Varicose veins, Insomnia, Knee problems, Oedema, Aches and pains, Poor Circulation and how to Balance the body. If there is any other conditions that you would like to have covered. Please tell us at the time of booking and Jan will be happy to cover that topic during the workshop.
With Jan Benham Cost £90.00 +VAT (1 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Monday 21st May 2012

The Art of Soap Making
Join Jan, for a class in making herbal and vegetable based soaps. Together we shall make an excellent basic herbal soap recipe and a batch of surprise exotic soap. We shall explore different ingredients, methods and sources that you might use to make a variety of exciting soaps. Learn some troubleshooting tips, a few historical tidbits and some ways of decorating/icing your soaps. Please bring your most outrageous apron and cool eye protection (sunglasses will do).
With Jan Benham Cost: £90 +VAT (1 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Saturday 24th March


Aromatherapy seminar/ Introduction To Aromatherapy
Discover the essential world of aromatic oils. What are essential oils? How are they are obtained? How can you tell if they are 100% pure? What is the difference between therapeutic grade and the rest? Blend and mix to your hearts delight, create your own recipes. Learn about the various effects of these essences, both physically and psychologically, the application of essential oils and safety considerations, plus information on the most useful essential oils and carrier oils.
With Jan Benham Cost: £90 +VAT (1 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Enquire about dates

Learn How To Make Natural Mineral Makeup
Come and learn how to make your own mineral makeup, using all natural ingredients.
Let Jan show you healthy alternatives to the toxic chemicals that are present in most mainstream cosmetics. Why risk long term health problems or allow these chemicals to dry and damage your skin? In comparison, mineral makeup nourishes your skin whilst   enhancing your looks. There are two workshops; Natural Makeup and Mineral Makeup. In the mineral makeup workshop you'll learn how to make your own natural foundation, blushers and eye shadows. In the natural makeup workshop you’ll learn how to make your own mascara, lipsticks, and lip gloss, eye and lip pencils. Imagine the pleasure of wearing makeup crafted specifically to enhance your features. Imagine the satisfaction of making cosmetics. Imagine the security of knowing you’re applying healthy substances onto your skin. Turn these skills into an enjoyable hobby, as you create   cosmetics for family and business, giving them unique and treasured gifts. This could even be the start of a business Opportunity if you want to turn craft into cash.
With Jan Benham Start 11:00 – 4:00pm
Cost of each workshop £130 +VAT or both for £240 +VAT
Dates: Mineral Makeup: Monday 16th April + Monday 11th June
               Natural Makeup: Tuesday 17th April + Tuesday 12th June

Shampoo and bath bomb making

With my own practical experience, explore your own creativity in designing your own hair shampoos and conditioners. Enjoy the craft of bath bomb making using only pure and natural ingredients. Includes the book ‘the baby boomers beauty bible’. A Perfect course for both adults and children.
With Jan Benham Cost Adults £90 +VAT Children £30.00 +VAT (1 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Dates: Enquire about dates

HSE Emergency First Aid at Work 1 Day Course
This course is designed for someone taking on the role of an Emergency First Aider at work - for low risk environments, or those with few employees. However, this course gives a great introduction to first aid, and is therefore both suitable for both professional and personal users. It's lively, fun and run in an interactive workshop style.  Our 1 day course includes an overview of baby and child first aid. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
On successful completion delegates will be awarded a certificate in HSE Emergency First Aid at Work valid for 3 years.
Cost: £90.00 +VAT Refreshments and Lunch Provided
Start: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Enquire about dates




Cosmetic Making Diploma
Makeup- soap – skin care and hair products – business studies. This is a comprehensive course in the art of cosmetic making, from soaps to lipsticks. You will learn how to make a full range of makeup including foundation, blusher, eye shadows, eye and lip pencils, lipgloss and lipstick.
You will be able to make a full complete skin, body and hair care line including: Hair Shampoo and conditioner, cleanser, toners and moisturisers, body lotions, ointments and lip balms.
Understand the scientific and botanical studies of plants and how to start your own business including government regulations, labelling laws, how to get free advertising etc.
Course includes;

·        Aromatherapy Seminar
·        The Art Of Soap Making
·        The Creamy Craft Of Cosmetic Making
·        Mineral And Natural Makeup
·        Shampoo and Bath Bomb Making
Cost: £595.00 + VAT (6 Day Course) Start 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date:  Enquire about dates

Robert Tisserand – CPD Seminar
London 2012 Robert Tisserand Aromatherapy Seminar

We are delighted to co-sponsor and invite you to the Robert Tisserand weekend seminar Aromatherapy Research and Synergy of Essential Oil Constituents details are on www.PureAromatherapy.com.  Book your place below.  Places are limited to 60 delegates so do book early to avoid disappointment. 10% discount for 3 or more places booked together.

When Shirley Price and Robert Tisserand made aromatherapy a household word and took essential oils back into hospices and hospitals the cry was, yes interesting case studies but where is the research?  Researchers came together at Warwick University, UK in 1997 in a landmark event.  Now fifteen years on its time to do it again to review the research in the meantime and showcase the work done by Jane Buckle and her colleagues in particular.  There is now so much worldwide research on the clinical uses of essential oils and massage from mood enhancement to cancer treatment that we need a guide to it.  On May 12,13 2012 SPA will be co-sponsoring Aromatherapy Research and Synergy of Essential Oil Constituents, a weekend seminar with Robert Tisserand. Introduction by Gabriel Mojay.  Come and share your enthusiasm and case studies of aromatherapy in action in palliative care and practice with our distinguished speakers. Venue; Imperial College, London, Huxley Building, Room 341
Or call Rosie the College Secretary on T: 01455 615466.  Cost £180+VAT

 
Hot Stone Massage

Hot & Cold Stone massage is a unique form of massage therapy using volcanic stones to warm and cool the body in a specific body sequence. Our Hot Stone massage course covers the full body and face, it is a two day certified training course.
Learn this new massage technique that goes back many thousands of years. This therapy has become one of the most popular over the last ten years. Working in harmony with massage this hot stone massage technique uses warm stones, placed on the client's body and also in the therapist’s hands. This massage course will teach how to perform a full body routine as well as how to tailor it to suite the individual client in a safe and effective manner.
Chakra awareness is increased through stone placement, you will also learn about the 12 meridians. This treatment is extremely grounding and provides an unforgettable mind, body and spirit connection.
This is a course that will suit both students who are just starting out to holistic practitioners who wish to expand their knowledge. Care and maintenance of the basalt stones, gathering techniques and temperature levels is also covered.
Cost: £180.00 + Vat (2 Day course)
Start: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Enquire about dates


Chair Massage

This course incorporates Ayurevedic, Thai and Swedish Massage techniques that can be used in a seated position.

OBJECTIVE
This is an easy way for the student to earn income and develop a clientele since it can be practiced practically anywhere - on the beach, in malls and in the workplace.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Massage of the back, shoulders, neck, face and scalp are taught, with emphasis on meridian lines and acupressure points. Working with both professional massage and basic office chairs. Benefits (physically, emotionally and mentally), and contraindications are covered. Common back, neck and shoulder disorders will also be discussed along with aroma-therapeutic applications that can be utilized with this treatment.
Cost: £90.00 + Vat (1 Day Course)
Start: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Tuesday 22nd May 2012






The Art of Perfume Making
What is perfumery? What are perfume oils and flower waters and how are they made? What do perfumes do for us mentally, emotionally and physically, and how do we know this traditionally and scientifically.

Flirt with the secret art of perfume making using a selection of top, heart and base notes on this fun 1 day course where you'll learn how to make your own signature scent.
Take home with you your perfume, a luxurious scented room spray or diffuser and other scented products. Relax in a hot bath exquisitely scented with your favourite essential oils and seasoned with lavish ingredients to pamper and soothe you.
Workshop content:
·         Introduction and explanation of products you’ll be using.
·         Decoding chemical compounds used in perfume making
·         Perfumes for mental and emotional well-being
·         Essential oils - therapeutic properties
·         Essential oils - Top, heart & Base notes
·         Blending and mixing aromas
·         Diluting your blends
·         Creating a scented bath / massage oil
·         Making room scents
·         Create a solid perfume
·         Create your perfume in oil or alcohol
You will go home with a 10ml customized perfume blend, either oil based or alcohol based, a solid perfume and a bath or massage oil, created on the principles of ancient perfumery using the information of contemporary science - a £20 value! Packaging, handouts, recipes and a certification of completion of the course are included.
Cost: £120.00 + Vat (1 Day Course)
Start: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Date: Tuesday 15th May 2012

Saturday, 5 May 2012

welcome back Robert

-9 degrees and snow forecast for mayday

god I love this country.

think we are going to have to turn the heating on in the factory again.

welcome back from California Robert!  The Robert Tisserand weekend seminar is May 12,13 at Room 341 Imperial College London www.purearomatherapy.com

Essentia

Lipsticks with all natural ingredients

Besides the aromatherapy diploma course and our keynote seminar with Robert Tisserand May is also a hectic month for Jan Benham's cosmetic making workshops at the Shirley Price Aromatherapy College.

We feature Jan's products made by hand in the factory and books in the Hinckley Herbery Factory Shop.

http://www.makeyourownlipstick.com/

Welcome

Cosmetic making workshops

Cosmetic making books and kits

Essentia