- info@aromantique.co.uk
- 07419 777 451
Aromantique incorporates three dynamic strands: my essential oils book series, workshops and training, and essential oil treatments
So far, I have published three of a series of books exploring the virtues of essential oils: Healing with Essential Oils, Essential Oils for the Whole Body, and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (all winners of the Janey Loves Platinum Awards) through Healing Arts Press (Vermont USA). Essential Oils for the whole Body and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation are also published in traditional Chinese.
My clinic is located in Lyme Regis, nestled on the south Jurassic coast at the border between East Devon and West Dorset. Thus, my clients tend to be a mix of holidaymakers and local residence.
When teaching, I prefer to work with small groups, as this enables valuable experiential interaction: exploring scent dynamics and creating perfumes and remedies, among other elements.
As my age determines, I have travelled a long and varied road. I learnt to meditate in the early ‘70’s, when I was a teenager, and, at the same time, serendipitously, was introduced to complementary medicine (or ‘alternative medicine as it was coined then). During this period, I met and worked for Robert Tisserand, who introduced me to essential oils. I also met other practitioners who introduced me to acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy; I was young and fascinated, this was a whole new ‘world’ to me.
I have four grown up children, who now have children of their own. While my children were small, I did various part time jobs that enabled me to juggle being a mother and to work to ‘help make ends meet’. For example, I was ‘Arts Coordinator’ for my local Council funded Arts Association, and also worked for a T-shirt printing company, among other jobs. I was a parent governor, and also stood as a candidate during local elections for the Green Party.
As my children began to grow, I picked up the threads I began to weave earlier, and completed a B.Sc. degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, and Masters’ modules in Mindfulness, and Supervision of Counselling, at the University of Salford, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Bolton Institute. During this time, I set up my aromatherapy practice and also taught at local FE Colleges: subjects, for example, included ITEC aromatherapy and reflexology, diet and nutrition, and PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). I accepted a post at the University of Salford, in the School of Health Science and Social Care (now the School of Health and Society) as Programme Lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice , and Complementary Therapy in Practice, degrees, and Module Lead for Aromatherapy, and Supervision and CPD, among other roles. I worked at the university for a number of years as part of a team delivering degrees that straddled Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences and Counselling. My specific interest (then and now) was the psycho-emotional influence of essential oils and their consequential influence on health and wellbeing (my B.Sc. dissertation explored The Role of Essential Oils in the Management and Treatment of ADHD, and my Masters assignment explored Essential Oils and Mindfulness and The role of Professional Supervision in Therapeutic Relationships).
My books are an accumulation of years spent studying, teaching and working in this field. Essential oils seem to embrace so many dynamics – creative, artistic, sensual, emotional, healing and nurturing, and have led me to delve into interesting aspects – organic chemistry, botany, pathophysiology. I am, in truth, a perpetual student – the adage ‘the more you learn, the less you know’ seems so true (and is actually very exciting).
I moved from Lancashire to Dorset nine years ago; the south-west being where the roots of my extended family are (dad, a ‘Devon lad’ joined in the RAF as a teenager, met my mother, ‘a Dorset girl’, and subsequently my brother, sister and I spent our childhood and teenage years travelling with our parents wherever dad was posted). Lyme Regis sits neatly at the boarder between both counties.
It’s a no-brainer. It’s impossible to be involved in complementary medicine and to not realize the intrinsic connection we have with our environment and nature; that everything is, in deed, interconnected; that we are influenced by what we eat and consume in various ways; and that we, in turn, influence the environment around us through our actions and behaviours. We are part of, not separate from, nature; we are inter dependent – for example, the slightest change in levels of oxygen in the atmosphere and we would cease to exist; our bodies cannot function without the nutritional input gifted by nature. Experiencing respect and reverence is as important to our souls as feeling unconditional love; these conditions are, in fact, I believe, expressions of that love.
I selected my publisher, Inner Traditions, not just because they release amazing books in my genre, but also because they uphold environmentally supportive values (for example, https://www.innertraditions.com/greenpolicies).
Equally, I select suppliers whose oils and products are ethically sourced and, as often as possible, organic; especially important when purchasing optimum quality essential oils (for example, NHR Organic Oils , Oshadhi UK) – all-be-it ‘out there’, there is something about the energy and therapeutic quality of oils that are appropriately, respectfully sourced and distilled. As well as appropriately grown and sourced plant material, appropriate length of distillation time, pressure and temperature are significant to the resultant quality of the essential oil. Sometimes, this means paying a little more for the oils I purchase, but if that payment supports this practice and finds it’s way back down the chain in fair remuneration to everyone involved, so we are all able to benefit and support each other, then so be it. Quality and reliability are paramount with regard to my therapeutic practice.
My feeling is not to compete (which may seem counter-intuitive in a competitive environment), but to do what I do well, to meet and walk, share and exchange, laugh and love, with fellow travellers, on this amazing journey through life. We each have special gifts to share and express, and I believe that when we follow our passion, we simply shine, for all to see. My passion is ignited by the creative, sensual joy that scent can inspire, and how the multi dynamic qualities of essential oils influence health, healing and wellbeing.
Positive and supportive. For example:
Heather is a very talented and experienced aromatherapist, she intuitively blended a sublime mix of oils specifically for me and gave an amazing massage. I left with both my body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. An absolutely delightful experience, thank you Heather.
Jess B.
Wow! Went to Heather for a massage last week. It was an amazing experience, incredibly relaxing, and very healing. Heather is incredibly professional, whilst at the same time, extremely warm and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. The treatment took place in her studio, which is warm, cosy and peaceful. A full body massage is just that and I felt that every part of my body benefited from the gentle massage using the essential oils that Heather and I chose together. By the end of the session I felt as though I had been wrapped in a little cocoon and was very reluctant to leave! Have already booked my next treatment. Thank you so much, Heather. I shall be recommending you to all my friends x
Clare S.
And from. my readers:
Healing with Essential Oils
Heather Dawn Godfrey’s highly recommendable book gives a grounded scientific knowledge on essential oils and at the same time all the practical advice one needs to use them efficiently to restore and maintain health.
Christopher Vasey ND
Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
A brilliant and informative ‘must-have’ book for anyone looking for a natural way to heal, restore and create harmony and balance in their life.
Sue Stone
Author, TV Presenter and Transformational Leader of the Sue Stone Foundation
This book is dynamic for the student who is interested in the science aspect of aromatherapy. She takes you from seed to distillation and breaks down in detail the chemical composition of each oil profiled and actions offered. A solid reference work.
Candice Covington
Author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice
Healing with Essential Oils, like Heathers other books, is aimed at those who apply essential oils in their everyday life, students and professional practitioners alike. We don’t all have time or resources in our busy demanding lives to engage in professional training. Heathers book provides a wonderful accessible resource that sets a sound foundation to support your application of essential oils, from which you can grow and develop your learning.
Whether you already use essential oils at home for your own pleasure, integrate them as an aspect of professional beauty, wellness or health practice, or as artistic and aesthetic ingredients, or are simply intrigued and want to know more about essential oils, this book is written for you.
Janey Lee Grace
Author of Happy, Healthy, Sober, TV and Radio Presenter
Essential Oils for the Whole Body
An impressive and comprehensive presentation of what essential oils are, how they work, and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Christopher Vasey, ND, author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
In times when most aromatherapists are going back to using simple recipes based on the biomedical paradigm, this book opens up another way of looking at topical applications and absorption dynamics. These areas are actually more complex than mechanical interpretation allows and require a book with a holistic, and even spiritual, background combined with scientific insight. It will surely build stronger relationships with the ‘whole body’.
Martin Henglein, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, and Osmologist
This book offers a beautiful bridge between the science of aromatherapy and esoteric application. Godfrey presents a truly holistic approach that explores how to support the whole self, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.
Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice
A lovely book packed full of information about the form and function of the human body and the ways essential oils can interact with it. This book builds on the author’s previous work, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, to create an invaluable guide for those who wish to understand essential oils and use them creatively and safely.
Sophie Olszowski, PhD, director of SPZ Associates Ltd.
I am an avid believer in using essential oils in many different aspects of body health and home use so I was thrilled to receive this book for review. What I found here is a great complete education on Essential Oi . The author has included blending of oils, safety as well as even the chemical contents, which are good to know for those of us that use oils in our daily lives. I highly recommend the instructions for making creams, ointments and skin care product’s, which was so fun to learn so much more then I knew. The recipes are brilliant and easy to follow. There is also information on diffusing oil’s, which I am already using and enjoying. A ‘definitive’ book on essential oils this book I highly recommend for all who use oils and wish to educate themselves on both the oils, the process and the creation of recipes. Out of all the books on Essential Oils I have read over the years this is my favourite.
C.C. Netgalley
The content of this book is full of very descriptive information about essential oils. It would make a great reference book in any home as well as the local public library. This book would also be a well-used addition to any person wanting a more in-depth knowledge of oils. It will also help those like me who dally somewhat with oils but do not fully comprehend all the intricacies. Might keep someone like me from handling the oils improperly.
Mary. Goodreads
This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to dig deeper into essentials oils, you get tons and I mean tons of resourceful information I cannot express how much detail and research this author did just for this book. You get recipes, for creams, lotions, and perfume oils. The author doesn’t only use essential oil, but she also gives you a list of gemstones to use every day, you get worksheets and much more to help you in your study and lifestyle.
Laurie. Goodreads.
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation
There is a unique way to enhance psychological well-being waiting to be explored. This book tells you how meditation and aromatherapy, classic tools for modifying the mind, can work together to maintain a state of calm and insight. Familiar oils like rose and frankincense add serenity and inspiration to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Diffusing an essential oil during meditation practice can even return your awareness to that meditative mode if you smell the aromatic oil again later.
The author is an aromatherapist who not only uses essential oils professionally but also conducts research into the effects of these powerful plant ingredients. The reader will find out how knowledge of traditional practice and subjective experience, backed by scientific evidence, is an ideal path for discovery; how mindfulness meditation and essential oil inhalation relieve anxiety or calm the mind, as explained from the perspectives of ancient history, religious practices, and modern complementary medical practice. Scientific studies involving human subjects and essential oils tested in laboratory models are described in easy-to-digest detail that adds value and validity.
Advice on how to use the pure essential oils comes with a thorough briefing on dose and safety–a prerequisite for these concentrated and potent plant extracts. In passing, learning about the many everyday food, drink, and cosmetic products that contain essential oils is an eye-opener on the hidden influences on the mind and body. This book is bound to have a long-lasting impact on both meditation and aromatherapy practices, thanks to its inspired author, Heather Dawn Godfrey.
Elaine Perry, Ph.D., professor emeritus of neuroscience at Newcastle University
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation fills an important gap in the field of essential oils. Where many other books are contented with the properties and the handling of oils, Heather Godfrey provides us with a profound scientific background of the different oils and opens up the field toward awareness and meditation. This book is a wonderful guide to using essential oils as valuable helpers for everyday life, as a source of knowledge for well-being professionals, and for a deeper understanding of oneself and nature.
Ewald Kliegel, author of Crystal Wands and Holistic Reflexology
This interesting book melds the science and alchemy of essential oils and their use in meditation with a mix of personal anecdotes and evidence. Taking the reader on a journey through these highly topical disciplines, it is a timely reminder and how-to guide of the importance of stepping back from the maelstrom of modern life to find a sensible inner balance.
Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd
This book is an impressive and comprehensive presentation of what are essential oils, how they work and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses, but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Richard Vasey Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
Heather Godfrey, an International Federation of Aromatherapists fellow, skilfully explains how scent works on the brain to create relaxation and how this affects our well-being. Odors that stimulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, trigger composure, concentration, deep breathing, and a meditative state to reduce stress and anxiety. Research is presented on rehabilitative techniques to remove negative emotional states, like regrets, traumas, fears, and anxiety. Charts and discussion show the brain’s hemispheres and the actions of a few essential oils are mentioned, although no recipes are suggested. There are also guidelines for use, healthy foods, and methods, techniques, and tools for application.
American Herb Association Quarterly
This book is an informative guide to the use of essential oils as an accompaniment to meditation/mindfulness. It finishes with a chapter on other forms of achieving wellbeing – nutrition, exercise and relaxation. There are footnotes and a bibliography for further information. As such it’s very comprehensive but as a newcomer to essential oils I didn’t find the content intimidating.
Tina. Goodreads
A great guide for beginners wanting to learn more about mindfulness and meditation and how to use essential oils for relaxation. A good reference book to have on hand with well organised tables for easy access to information. Great background information on mindfulness and using essential oils for those that are just starting out.
Kat. Goodreads
At my age, to fulfil the typical cliché, my big dream is a cottage, with an open fire-place, a lovely big kitchen, and a massive garden where I can grow things and distil essential oils, and live happily ever after!! Meanwhile, to continue to write and share through teaching; and, sufficient funds to work less and afford time to delve more into art (I love drawing, photography, and creativity) and to explore and appreciate the world around me. I do not envisage that I will stop working, because I love what I do. But, I have a feeling something amazing is going to happen that I have not imagined, because each day is a unique moment full of unimagined possibility.
Here is my latest radio interview with Ellen Kamhi, the Natural Nurse, talking about my new book Healing with Essential Oils and applying essential oils.
Ellen Kamhi Ph.D., RN, AHN-BC, RH(AHG), The Natural Nurse® has been involved in Natural Medicine since 1973, when she directed a program in Ethnobotany at Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona. Dr. Kamhi attended Rutgers and Cornell Universities. She sat on the Panel of Traditional Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian Medical School and is a Medical School Instructor, teaching Botanical Pharmacology. She was nominated for the March of Dimes, Woman of Distinction 2004 and received the J.G Gallimore award for research in science.
Dr. Kamhi is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild (AHG), and is nationally board certified as an Advanced Holistic Nurse (AHN-BC). Ellen Kamhi is the author of many books, including Cycles of Life, Herbs for Women, The Natural Guide to Great Sex, WEIGHT LOSS-the Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide. Additionally, she co-authored with Dr. Eugene Zampieron in The Natural Medicine Chest and Arthritis, The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide. She hosts radio shows daily, including on Gary Nulls Progressive Radio Network. Furthermore, she is regularly quoted in numerous mainstream media including NewsMax, Marie Clare, Globe, Latina, Self, Woman’s World, Prevention, Cosmopolitan and Glamour.
She is on the Peer Review Editorial Board of several journals/organizations, including: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Natural Medicine Journal, Natural Standard Database.
Heather Dawn: Godfrey. P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon) (Author of Healing with Essential Oils)
This article contains excerpts from my latest book, Healing with Essential Oils
The Role of Essential Oils within Plants
Essential oils occur as secondary metabolites in plant’s and, while not vital to the plants existence, they play a significant supportive role.
Exuding as an auric, enveloping, vaporous mist surrounding the plant, their volatile molecules create an environment that is one and the same time repelling to predators and harmful microbes, yet attractant to pollinating bees, butterflies, birds and animals. Essential oil molecules also relay signals to other plants, and modify the immediate environmental temperature to avert water loss.
Within the plant they are ‘hormone-like’ and relay messages in response to changes in atmospheric conditions, tissue injury, damage or disease. They disarm invasive microbes, and stave infection and disease, while their tissue-regenerating properties heal and repair.
Essential Oils and their gifts to us
Animal and plant cells are similar. Indeed, we share a symbiotic relationship with plants, which, among other things, provide nutrients, medicines and oxygen vital for our survival. Essential oils lend us the qualities they gift the plant, and so much more. They are anti-microbial, protective, restorative and regenerative. They are also wonderfully sensual and hedonistic. They gracefully influence mood, emotion and spirit. They aid memory, clarity of thought and perception. They instil a sense of being grounded, uplifted, peaceful and vibrant. They may invigorate, brace and strengthen, calm and gently subdue. They rebalance and restore equilibrium.
And what about their perfumes!
A wisp of scent is enough to immediately transport us on a sensory journey. A jasmine kiss on a starlit night; a rose garden on a dewy summer summer morning; the earthy-agrestic woodiness of a northern forest in spring; Mediterranean citrus groves in winter; a log fire on a cool dusky evening; spicy warm fruit cake fresh from the oven – sunshine on the cloudiest day. Tones, colours and shades, nuances that seamlessly imbue from conjured images, memories and impressions, complex and deep, often experienced beyond words, sensually illuminated by the gift of smell.
Truly, their qualities are numerous.
Essential oils can journey with us through the seasons, to protect and support us while we re-calibrate and adjust to changing conditions. They can be applied to create an ambient atmosphere, support meditation and relaxation, to aid concentration when 
studying; indeed, scent detection immediately returns conscious awareness to the present moment.
Their anti-microbial and decongestant qualities can alleviate the symptoms of colds and ‘flu (for example, peppermint, myrrh or cypress). Frankincense and myrrh, for example, are ‘earthing’, warming, drying, antimicrobial, they support the immune system, while they are also calming; an antidote to the cold the dampness of winter. Combined with bitter orange or another citrusy oil, they can at the same time dispel feelings of anxiety and depression. Mandarin and the earthy-smoky scent of vetivert, combined with the sweet rose-like scent of geranium express similar uplifting yet grounding qualities. There are so many essential oils to choose from, yet it just takes a few carefully selected oils to create your own scented pharmacopeia, bringing nature to your senses; let your intuition and nose guide your choice. Enjoy your journey!
Applying Essential Oils
You can diffuse essential oils into the atmosphere or add them to a bath blended in a vegetable oil (to prevent skin irritation), or apply them in a roller bottle diluted in coconut oil or jojoba.
A word of advice: do not apply essential oils neat to your skin, always dilute them in an emollient such as non-perfumed cream or lotion, or a vegetable oil. Do not diffuse essential oils near an infant’s headspace as their respiratory systems are delicate and easily sensitised. Always check the therapeutic qualities of an essential oil before applying it.
Learning more about Essential Oils
My books, Healing with Essential Oils, Essential Oils for the Whole Body, and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, provide details about blending, safe application, individual essential oil profiles and so much more – discover the alchemist within you.
The journey from idea, pen to paper, to publication.
“You become what you believe, not what you think or what you want”. Oprah Winfrey
The readers experience of a book is as significant as its academic and/or creative content. Good publishers respect their readers as well as their authors, and produce books that people want to ‘own’, add to their collection, read and keep to re-read and lend to friends and family.
Getting a book published is not an ‘overnight’ process; patience and tenacity are significant requisites. And, while self motivation and a willingness to proactively promote your own work are a ‘must’, a certain degree of humbleness is also required to manage the ‘reality checks’ along the way.
Publishing is not a journey anyone can make entirely alone and synchronising the right support is as significant as writing the book in the first place (among other things, even for those who self publish, finding a good ‘proof- reader’ is an absolute must…..the truth is, no matter how proficient a writer, we all have ‘blind spots’ when it comes to our own work).
I have learnt so much, and continue to do so, as I travel through the process – the journey of learning and discovery is ongoing.
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. – Khalil Gibran
This is the first book I have published, so I am still a novice, and my experience is limited. However, if I were share any advice based on what I have learned so far, it would be this:
My leap of faith has brought many challenges but also many pleasant surprises and, as my publishing journey continues to unfold, I am sure there will be many interesting and exciting encounters, learning curves and revelations yet to transpire.
AromaWeb Essential Oils for the Whole Body book review. Click here to read.
“Enriched with numerous tables, charts and color photographs, Essential Oils for the Whole Body is a comprehensive essential oil guide that is well suited for use by those who are new to working with essential oils and who are eager to obtain a solid foundation in anatomy, olfaction, absorption, applications and essential oil safety. It is equally well suited for aromatherapy students and practitioners for use as a reference work or to supplement their knowledge on safety considerations, olfaction and anatomy.” Read more….
AromaWeb features hundreds of objective, brand-neutral essential oil guides, articles, lists, oil profiles, tips, blends, recipes, book reviews and directories.
AromaWeb, (www.aromaweb.com) is operated by AromaWeb, LLC, a Michigan (USA) corporation presided by and operated by its founder, Wendy Robbins.
Heather Dawn: Godfrey. P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)
I originally studied the principles and practice of a number of complementary medicine modalities in a bid to understand their philosophies and methods. In so doing I discovered a common thread between all: that is, energy, in its various forms and manifestation, but especially as a quintessential constant.
Design or coincidence? Meditation came to my awareness when I was a teenager in the early ‘70’s, while searching for my ‘truth’ and trying to make some sense of the ‘world’ and my ‘purpose’ and ‘place’ within it. I realise now, even more than I did at the time, that learning to meditate was a gift bestowed; this simple process of being ‘present’ and aware grounds and gently anchors my psyche in ways I cannot always find the words to explain. And, because one path often leads to another, ‘alternative medicine’ (as it was termed in those days) seamlessly eased gently alongside; the common underpinning tenets of one complementary to the other. Thus I also discovered that practicing meditation lends experiential insight to the subtle principles and expressions of many ancient healing and wellbeing practices; my body truly is my temple as well as my vehicle, and earth, also a gift, is a garden of abundant nourishment and awe; blessings deserving reverent respect, nurture and care.
Of all the complementary medicine modalities I studied, essential oils resonated with my ‘way of being’ and personality the most. This is not to say, however, that essential oils ‘stand alone’ or are better than other integrated modalities, because each modality brings it’s own significant dynamic and special value in terms of holistic wellbeing and health. In reality, essential oils straddle many principles and practices, from phyto-chemistry and botany, to psycho-emotional-spiritual and ethereal; an aspect of their appeal to me. Alongside their subtle and creative dynamics, the chemical components of essential oils present clearly observable, identifiable, measurable physical properties and qualities, evidenced through extensive research exploring their benefits.
For example, essential oils and their components are anti-microbial, skin and wound healing, they are shown to positively alleviate psycho-emotional states, such as mild anxiety and depression, and to stimulate cognitive function, aid mental alertness, concentration, clarity of thought, and memory. They revitalise and aid regeneration of skin tissue, support the immune system. They are attractant, repellent and protective (as they are within plants). Essential oils and their components are used to enhance and protect the integrity of many manufactured foods and household products; they add flavour and increase the shelf life of foods, mask unpleasant tastes and odours, create pleasing and alluring scents, and more.
Applying Essential Oils Holistically
Combined with massage (or soft tissue manipulation), the therapeutic qualities of essential oils may be potentiated. Massage warms surface tissues, aids the circulatory (lymph and blood), nervous and immune systems, and supports absorption of essential oil molecules into the deeper layers of skin and circulatory system, from where they are transported throughout the body.
I am inspired by the sensual (‘scentual’), psycho-emotional-spiritual influence of essential oils, and their ability to tap into and connect to deep intrinsic feelings, moods, emotions, and memories, to create ambiance, to physically restore, rejuvenate, repair, and protect the whole body, from physical to subtle.
Collectively my books enable the reader to go on their own journey of discovery, to apply essential oils safely and effectively with maximum benefit.
How do I use essential oils? I use essential oils in various ways. ‘Less’ is often ‘more’ when applying essential oils; very small amounts can be incredibly effective.
It is easy to become chemically saturated with a product, any product, if it is overused, but especially essential oils because they are so concentrated.
Thus, essential oils are best applied in moderation, varying the oils used; for example, I don’t use the same oil repeatedly, I select alternatives and vary the oils I blend together – doing this reduces potential for sensitisation
I wear small amounts of essential oil as perfume on my clothes or in my hair, rather than on my skin. I add small amounts of essential oil to skin care remedies, and make up non-scented creams, lotions and ointments to allow for essential oil breaks – remember, carefully selected vegetable oils have amazing skin care qualities of their own – and apply the same principle for face-masks and hair products (non-scented shampoo or conditioner). This way, the benefits of essential oils are fully realised without saturating the body.
Some oils are best kept as first aid remedies and applied if and when required – tea tree and lavender are good first aid standby’s.
Using Essential Oils as household cleansers
Environmental perfumes instil an ambience, a particular theme or mood, when gently diffused into the atmosphere in inspired bursts on occasion.
Essential oils seem far too precious to use as house cleaners (see below), however, they are valuable ‘fumigants’ – dried herbs, such as sage, can be ‘smoked’ or ‘smudged’ to the same end – close doors and windows for up to thirty minutes during fumigation and leave the room, then return and open up windows and doors.
Daily cleanliness and hygiene are better served with soap and water – we build our immune system through coming into contact with germs and bacteria and by allowing certain minor infections and illnesses to ‘run their course’; the troops are more effective when reserved for ‘battle’ rather than a minor skirmish. Gentle oils, such as lavender, can be applied moderately as preventives (but, even so, still not used constantly).
Using Essential Oils in food
I might use one or two drops of an essential oil to flavour foods or deserts, especially citrus oils, peppermint or, extravagantly, rose. However, I firmly believe that plants, herbs, spices and edible flowers are best consumed in their whole-plant form, either fresh or dried; flavonoids and minerals are not distillable, but significantly contribute to a plants nutritional, healing, and anti-oxidant value.
Hundreds of pounds of plant material is required to produce a relatively small amount of essential oil, thus, it is important to be mindful of the ecological footprint incurred when producing and consuming essential oils (such as, sustainable farming or wild harvest methods, sourcing and using locally grown and distilled essential oils, optimum distillation conditions, and so on). Nature provides essential oils in very small amounts in their natural form; thus, we should take a ‘leaf’ from natures book and use essential oils sparingly and sustainably, reserving their intense use for acute short-term scenarios (such as, occasional environmental cleansing and fumigation, or remedies for ‘flu, infections, viruses, and to support mood and emotion as and when required, and so on – perfumes should be worn sparingly, subtly, as a treasure, a lovely gift).
It takes 35 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just 15ml of essential oil (or approximately 300 drops), 2,500 to 4,000 kg of rose petals to produce just 1 kg of rose essence. Just one drop of essential oil is equivalent to 15-40 cups of medicinal tea or up to 10 teaspoons of tincture.
Balance and variety is key in terms of maintaining health, wellness and fitness. This can be achieved in various ways: meditation; walking in nature; yoga and gentle stretching exercises.
I confess I am not a ‘sporty person’ and have never enjoyed going to the gym, but benefit from the flow of movement through walking and doing gentle exercise. I have been a vegetarian since I was seventeen and try to eat mainly fresh whole foods – although I do love chocolate.
Essential oils are my companions, but I apply these in respectful moderation.
I try to balance my time and activity so I move my mode between working, resting, nourishing, socialising, exercising, creating, and helping. I don’t like to tell anyone else how to live their lives, but I think we help each other by being consciously compassionate, living from our best intention, and ’being present’.
You will find much more information about about essential oils here:
My books provide comprehensive information about applying essential oils safely and effectively (look out for my next book, Healing with Essential Oils, which will be published by Inner Traditions Bear & Co. early 2022).
Find out more about my books here
The history of essential oils is inseparably entwined in the historical evolution of medicine, evidenced through references found in ancient medicinal texts, treatises, artwork, imagery and artefacts left by civilisations living over 5,000 years ago.
Applied in the form of fumigants, incense, cleansers, antiseptics, antibiotics, bactericides and preservatives, as well as psychosomatic, hedonistic perfumes, not only worn to adorn but also to punctuate and accentuate rite and ritual, to protect and to symbolise intention, essential oils have accompanied us, like guardians and companions, on our ever-evolving journey through time and life, playing a vital role in our survival.
Skills and knowledge of remedies, lifestyles and ancient systems of medicine have passed from one generation to another, many still relevant, referred to and practiced today, particularly in countries where the cost of modern medicine is prohibitively expensive; examples include Oriental, Ayurveda, Middle Eastern and Greek Tibb, Shamanic and local herbal medicine – the omniscient existence of a life force, Ch’I, Prana or élan vital, threading through the philosophy of all.
Many modern herbal and complementary medicinal practices have evolved and developed from synthesis of these historically tested ancient healing systems, philosophies and practices and current knowledge and understanding of science, botany, biology and modern medicine. We bring forward the constant notion of ‘mind-body-spirit’, of the gross and subtle dynamics of existence, a seamless interplay between the internal and external environment, notions that prevailed until challenged by modern science.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, development of technology enabled focused scrutiny of microscopic entities. The body was increasingly viewed, detached from ‘spirit’, or ‘Being’, like a machine comprising separate parts; spirit could not be physiologically identified, therefore, was considered non-existent, or questionable, and mind and body were viewed as separate.
However, clearer understanding of anatomy and physiology, biology, botany, and organic chemistry has also served to separate out myth, superstition and misunderstanding, revealing the practical reality of the ‘way the world and universe works’. Many misguided notions surrounding health and cure, such as, leeching, ‘blood letting’, pleasing the ‘gods’, are subsequently dispelled in light of informed awareness. While others have been upheld, their value proven through consistent positive results that have stood the test of time
Scientific investigation, equipment and methodology does enable greater insight into the practical mechanism, integration, interplay, properties, components and chemistry of organic and inorganic matter, of the world around us and of the physical body, its healthy function, of viruses, germs, disease, reaffirming the significance of diet and lifestyle in terms of wellness and wellbeing and the supportive value of many ancient healing systems, such as, among others, acupuncture, herbalism, essential oils. The body is a territory which when appropriately nurtured and nourished (food, shelter, warmth, exercise, psycho-emotional attitude and community) is more resilient to attack or invasion, and in harmony (internal and external homeostasis).
Holistic health and wellbeing emerges to the foreground; the mind-body-spirit connection is acknowledged as significant. Bridging the pragmatic, nature-al and ethereal dynamics of life and existence, essential oils continue to be used for their protective (anti-microbial, anti-viral), restorative, rehabilitative, healing and hedonistic qualities, seamlessly providing physiological and psycho-emotional-spiritual support.
To learn more about essential oils:
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation