Thursday, September 24, 2020

Patchouli: Those hippies were onto something.



Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)


                                


I didn’t used to be a very big fan of Patchouli. I think some of my free spirited friends in college wore way too much of it. While I liked the idea of the lifestyle patchouli invoked, I couldn’t abide the way that lifestyle seemed to smell. Until recently, whenever I smelled Patchouli it would bring up memories of late night coffeehouse conversations and hula hooping at outdoor music festivals.


Today though I have a very different relationship with Patchouli, a more mature one you might say. It started a few years ago when I was doing massage at a spa where we used an aromatherapy blend that was for relaxation, and I loved the smell of it. I looked into what oils were in the blend and was surprised that Patchouli was one of them. Since them I have noticed that I’m often drawn to aromatherapy blends and perfumes that contain Patchouli. It seems to lend a sort of deep, soft, grounding glue to these blends. It’s the subtle but powerful boss babe running the show from backstage. In control, but not needing the spotlight because she knows she’s got this.


The scent of Patchouli is sultry and dark. It has herbal, woody, narcotic notes, and an almost antiseptic or insecticide finish. This is a bit ironic because Patchouli is actually a great oil to use as a bug repellant.


Energetically, Patchouli helps us feel connected to our bodies. For obsessive personality types this oil can be especially grounding. It calms fear and nervous energy and fosters better synergy between the body and mind. It can be helpful for easing mild depression. Use Patchouli for yoga, tai chi, or my favorite, when you go out dancing!


Patchouli is very helpful for the skin. Historically it’s been used for toning the skin and may be helpful in anti aging skincare blends. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.


                                


I was surprised to learn that Patchouli is actually part of the mint family. The essential oil is made by steam distilling the leaves of the plant. The flowers when in bloom are a beautiful lavender color that somewhat remind me of lilacs (as far as their look, not smell!) It is high in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, which give it it’s skin healing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.


For centuries Patchouli has been used in perfumes. It is a base note, and blends well with florals like Lavender, Rose, and Jasmine, and with other woody base notes like Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Vetiver. 

Sources:
- doTerra.com
- Aromahead Institute
- Modern Essentials, Sixth Edition
- Emotions and Essential Oils, A Reference Guide to Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition





Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Grapefruit: The essential oil equivalent of glitter.

Grapefruit: Citrus paradisi 


Opening up a bottle of grapefruit essential oil is like opening one of those party poppers that shoots glitter everywhere, (without the annoying clean up afterwards). Grapefruit is glittery, sparkly, positive sunshine in a bottle. It also smells just like a fresh, ripe, juicy grapefruit.



This is an oil to reach for when you're wanting to uplift your mood. It's a great pick-me-up when feeling fatigued. It's energetic and has an outwardly happy energy. It's a wonderful source of support when dealing with depression or anxiety and can reduce mental tension. It can also assist with the physical pain and tension that often comes with depression and stress. The d-limonene componant of grapefruit has stress reducing actions. 

 Grapefruit is the oil of Honoring the Body. It's a helpful friend for those who have deep dissatisfaction with their bodies and are not comfortable in their own skin. Those who mistreat their bodies with extrememe dieting, overeating, or eating disorders, might find some comfort in grapefruit essential oil's assistance. Don't confuse the use of the essential oil with the use of grapefruit, the fruit, in diets. Grapefruit essential oil can encourage a positive relationship with one's body.* 

 As you've probably already guessed, grapefruit essential oil comes from grapefruits. It is cold pressed from the rind, or peel, of the fruit. When grapefruit was first "discovered" by Europeans in the late 1700's, it was referred to as a "forbidden fruit", and one of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados". **

 

Grapefruit is wonderful in an uplifting, energizing diffuser blend. You can also put a drop or two in a glass of drinking water to help stabilize your metabolism and add to that healthy body image. Grapefruit is great for skin care as it has astringent properties and can help with blemishes. It is less phototoxic than other citrus oils, but still use caution when using it topically and use sunscreen when you're going to be exposed to sunlight. Grapefruit is prone to oxidization, so pay attention to how old your grapefruit oil may be and don't use it topically or internally if oxidized. Never use oils internally if they are not CPTG oils. 

 Here is a sparkly, energizing diffuser blend from the Aromahead Institute: 

Sunny Diffuser Blend 
5 drops Grapefruit 
5 drops Orange 
2 drops distilled Lime 

Add to your diffuser and enjoy some liquid sunshine! 



 *Emotions and Essential Oils: A Reference Guide for Emotional Healing, 2017 Sixth Edition 
** doTerra.com

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

  Cardamom essential oil is a wonderfully supportive oil for your digestive system. It is made from steam distilling the seeds of the cardam...