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.

 

Click here to listen

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Ellen’s radio interview with me about essential oils and my new book, Healing with Essential Oils, broadcast via Ellen’s interesting and informative radio show, Herbally Yours.

Listen to the interview here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Ellen Kamhi

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)

Award winning author, essential oil and well being therapist, and teacher 

 

 

 

I am thrilled and honoured Janey asked me to contribute to her best selling new book, Happy Healthy Sober.

 

This is a lovely positive and upbeat book which explores ways to ‘ditch the booze’ and, in fact, other self-defeating habits we might cling to in order to ‘get through’.

 

Janey presents a candid overview of her own experience ‘ditching the booze’, sharing with the reader her struggles, but also, significantly, her incredible sense of liberation.

 

Janey reminds us that the locus of personal control is just one fulfilled intention away – that is, to value and love oneself. Taking control and exercising self-discipline is the ultimate paradox, the rewards are unimaginable; from the steel of resolve burst forth a multi-coloured fountain of possibility.

 

Shaking off the shackles of comforting, self-soothing habits, however, is not easy – the voice that insidiously whispers ‘just one more….’, ‘you’ve earned….’, ‘you deserve….’, ‘it helps me relax….’, ‘tomorrow…’, reassuring and conveniently persuasive.

 

But do not despair, Janey has this well covered (remember, she has been there too).  Her thirty-day challenge, for example, supports the reader through the initial, often most challenging phase of sobriety.  With her eye on the road ahead, she includes useful tips that cover all aspects of holistic wellbeing, from self-care, fitness, nutrition to mind-set and spirituality. There are tips from Sober Club members and contributions from health and wellbeing experts, including my section on the benefits of essential oils!  Sobriety, after all, is a way of life, and, far from being restrictive and denying, is enlivening, even fun, as you will discover when you dive into Janey’s book.

 

Ditching the booze or not, this book offers invaluable insight and support that can be used to aid navigation through these very unusual and challenging times – for example, substitute the word ‘booze’ for any ‘addiction’ or self-comforting or compensatory habit, or simply absorb the words of wisdom and advice of a fellow ‘traveller’ finding her path through the challenges and the ‘up’s’ and ‘downs’ of life.

 

 

 

 

 

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

 

 

As affirmed in my recent blog, ‘Grateful Reflection’, one of the lovely unexpected consequences of setting out on my writing journey is that I encounter so many amazing and inspiring people.  It is so uplifting to realise just how many kindred spirits exist. In sharing a little bit about them here, I aim to let their stories touch you too.  We learn so much from each other. There is a synergistic quality that evolves from connecting and sharing; mutually enlightening, supportive, and strengthening.

I am doing things I have never done before, as the journey pushes my boundaries, and eases me beyond my comfort zone.  One such thing is participating in radio interviews; it appears this is imperative for authors if they are to promote their work and reach out to as wide an audience as possible (writing, although hard work, is also very safe and insular, and somehow my ‘walls’ have insidiously retracted to create an increasingly small and comfortable space).

When my publishers publicist emailed me to invite me to participate in a live radio interview, was I ‘up for it’, my immediate response was, ‘Oh yes, of course!’  Then the realisation of my assertion swept through me, a flush of anxiety suddenly stopped me in my tracks.  ‘What was I thinking of?’.  The floodgate opened, sweeping every fragment of my self confidence and self belief away from me in it’s gushing path.  My inner voice echoed in my mind, ‘what if….you’re not….you can’t….who do you think you are….??!!’

I was sooo nervous when the day arrived.  Palms sweating, heart racing, I picked up the receiver, the telephone an instant convenient connection to the radio station across ‘the pond’ in New York.  The producer ‘counted me in’, we were live on air (no pressure…..).  A deep breath…

I was so relieved when I returned the phone to it’s charging station in the kitchen; I did it, I survived, somehow I found my words, they did not desert me.  I felt exhilarated.  A simple but significant feat. I’d climbed another mountain and reached the top, exhausted by my fearful anticipation, but so relieved to have ‘arrived’ in one piece.  Time for a cup of tea!  

But I meditate!  How can I feel so unconfident, self doubting, insecure, anxious?  Is it my watery star sign, my sensitivity?  No matter, it is as it is, as it has been all my life.  I have learned to navigate through my life, accepting this trait, my anxious sensitivity, as my companion and not my enemy.  Meditation, my best and most trustworthy friend, takes my hand and comforts me as it leads me to the safe stillness at the centre of my beating heart, accepting of, embracing, every part of me.

Then there are the people I meet, whose light lights my light, who touch and inspire my spirit, energise my purpose: and the story unfolds……… 

 

Essential Oils for the Mindfulness and Meditation (Inner Traditions, Bear & Co., Vermont USA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Oils for the Whole Body (Inner Traditions, Bear & Co., Vermont USA)

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

 

The article below includes excerpts from my new book, Healing with Essential Oils, published by Inner Traditions, Vermont USA

 

The human micro biome consists of trillions of microbes, including bacteria and fungi, which symbiotically live in and on the body – on the skin, in the gut, and in cavities such as the mouth, ears and vagina. The micro biome plays a significant role in protecting and maintaining immunity, and aids a number of vital bodily functions: for example, assisting the breakdown and synthesis of nutrients in the gut and aiding their appropriate absorption, and providing a protective barrier against invasion or proliferation of harmful microbes and pathogens. We coexist with microorganisms; our body houses, feeds, and depends on their presence to maintain functional equilibrium.   Poor diet, sugary refined foods, overuse of antibiotics and pharmaceutical drugs, stress, and illness, among other factors, can disrupt the harmonious balance of the micro biome, and increase our susceptibility to pathogenic invasion.   (Essential Oils for the Whole Body 2019 p 70)

 

So, our first, long-lasting, line of defence, when considering immunity, is to support our micro biome (and thus also our health and vitality through increased opportunity of optimum nourishment – ease of absorption and assimilation of vital nutrients): eat nutritionally rich, fresh, seasonal, unrefined, organic whole foods, especially green vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and other legumes, herbs and spices, fermented foods, and so on; drink plenty of water to hydrate and oxygenate cells, and flush out waste material from the system; also, fresh air, sunlight (photochemical formation of vitamin D), walking (movement and motion) and gentle exercise (to stimulate peristalsis in the gut, stimulate the lymphatic system, and remove waste products efficiently from the body). A plants micro biome can feed the body’s micro biome too, so leave the skin on organic vegetables and fruits, and eat these raw or just lightly cooked.  EMF’s (electromagnetic fields) also disrupt the micro biome, so limit exposure to these as much as possible (turn off computers, mobile phones, and other remote signalling devices when not in use).

 

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throatEssential oils to support the immune system

 

Essential oils are (with varying degrees of strength) anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and mucolyptic.  They also aid tissue regeneration.  

 

Daily exposure to microbes enables the body to develop natural immunity.   Remedies can be appropriately applied if and when required.  Essential oil components number from  a few to several hundreds – many are present in minute quantities, a few are present in large quantity.   Their composition is complex.  This means antimicrobial resistance to essential oils is potentially less likely than for conventional antibiotics; although, this cannot be taken for granted.   See here for more information about applying essential oils safely, and using essential oils generally.

 

Essential oils are also very effective, even when applied in very small amounts, for psycho-emotional conditions (low mood, anxiousness, brain fog, etc.), for minor infections (coughs, colds, insect bites) and for skin conditions (cuts, grazes, eczema, dry skin, etc.).  

 

For acute, potentially infectious conditions, severe cases of influenza, or other viral conditions, or for conditions you are unsure of, seek medical advice.

 

Powerful to moderate anti-microbial essential oils are listed below. Many of these essential oils are irritant and sensitising to the skin, mucous membrane and airways, especially when they are directly inhaled, even in small quantity, so apply them with careful consideration and in moderation. 

 

Using essential oils safely

 

All essential oils are highly concentrated volatile phyto-chemicals and, by their very nature, exhibit propensity to cause irritation, sensitisation, and sometimes an allergic reaction, especially if they are applied in large amounts, are over-used, or otherwise inappropriately applied.  

 

Please note:

 

  • Essential oils should not be applied neat to skin, or taken internally unless under medical supervision.

 

  • If essential oils are used frequently, for what ever reason (in beauty and skin care products, as perfumes, as remedies for minor conditions, as aids to relaxation, and so on) then change the essential oil or blend of essential oils you use (there are numerous essential oils with similar qualities, so alternatives are always available) and have a break from use every so often; doing so will reduce the risk of sensitisation.

 

  • Babies, children, people who are asthmatic or who have other pre-existing respiratory conditions, and the very elderly or frail, are especially vulnerable in terms of sensitisation and the potential for irritancy of their airways when exposed to essential oil vapours.  

  • Do not diffuse irritating essential oils in public spaces or too close to a persons headspace; especially babies and young children and those with respiratory conditions .  

 

  • Always dilute essential oils in an emollient (for example, vegetable oil, cream or lotion) before applying them to the body.

 

  • Always check the properties and contra indications of an essential oil before applying it.

 

  • Wash any residue essential oils from your hands.

 

For comprehensive information about the safe and effective application of essential oils, how to blend them together, and much more, please refer to my book:

 

Essential Oils for the Whole Body

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile………

 

Click here for information about appropriate application of essential oils

Click here for information about measuring essential oils for personal use

Click here for information about methods of use

 

Diffusing essential oils

 

High quantity of essential oil is required to fumigate an environment (at least 30 drops – this will depend on the size of a room or space). To fumigate a room efficiently, close all doors and windows to contain the essential oil vapours, and diffuse essential oils into the atmosphere for 30 minutes. Leave the room during fumigation. Once fumigation is complete, open windows and doors to allow inflow of fresh air to clear residue vapours.

 

Herbs, such as sage, rosemary, and juniper can be used instead of essential oils – these are usually ‘smoked or smudged’, that is, smouldered, to cleanse the atmosphere.

 

Hand sanitisers

 

Add up to 15 to 20 drops of essential oil to hand sanitisers (non-perfumed liquid soap dispensers). Do not add essential oils to antibacterial sanitisers or pre-scented sanitisers (it is not necessary and may cause an irritant reaction). Soap, itself, is antibacterial – soap and water (careful hand washing and drying) is usually sufficiently effective.

 

 

 

Essential oils with anti-microbial properties

 

Please note that some of the essential oils listed below are strong irritants and sensitisers.  Always check and reference the properties, qualities and contra indications of an essential oil before you apply it.  

 

Examples of single essential oils with strong to medium anti-microbial properties 

 

 

Cinnamon leaf  and bark

Citronella

Clove bud

Eucalyptus blue gum and globulus

Geranium

Lavender

Lemon

Lemongrass

Pine

Tea tree

Thyme red

 

2-3 drops on a tissue and inhaled, 2-4 drops in steam inhalation, 2-4 drops in 10ml of carrier medium (vegetable oil, non-perfumed, lotion, cream, or aqueous gel) – do not use these blends in bath.  

 

Click here for further instructions about methods of use

and

Click here for more detail about safe and appropriate application refer to my book (available at most book outlets) “Essential Oils for the Whole Body”

 

 

In addition to their antibiotic effects, oils react to a change of locality.  From a distance this phenomenon seems to us to be the most important one, for, by changing the ecological condition which made possible the development and pathogenic growth of the germs, the oils stand in the way of their survival by preventing the body from building up resistances or adapting to the attacking agent.  Better still, they protect against the return of the germs, both in the short and long term.

Dr Jean Valnet, 1980, The Practice of Aromatherapy, p47

 

Surely this is the key factor; the antiseptic power of essences does not diminish nor become blunted with the passing of time.  Why not?  it is hard to find a satisfactory answer, but perhaps it is because these natural substances, besides jugulating infections, reinforce the organism’s own defence mechanisms.  They are in fact powerful alternatives.  Furthermore, the organism does not appear to become accustomed to aromatherapy in the way that it does to synthetic sleeping pills, for instance, or – in the case of both body and germs – to the many forms of treatment using antibiotics.

Dr Jean Valnet, 1980, The Practice of Aromatherapy, p 45

 

References

 

  • Clarke, S. (2002) Essential Chemistry for Safe Aromatherapy: Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh
  • Bowles, J. E. (2000) The Basic Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Essential Oils: E. J Bowles, Sidney, Australia
  • Godfrey, H. D. (2019) Essential Oils for the Whole Body: The dynamics of topical application: Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont USA
  • Svoboda, K. P., Svoboda, T. G. (2000) Secretory Structures of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants: A review and atlas of micrographs: Microscopix Publications, Powys UK
  • Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety: A guide for Health Care Professionals 2nd ed: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, Edinburgh
  • Valnet, Dr. J. (1980) The Practice of Aromatherapy: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd., Saffron Walden UK
  • Vasey, C. (2018) Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals: 18 Infection-Fighting Herbs and Essential Oils: Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont USA

 

 

 

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

 

The prestigious Janey Loves Platinum Awards originated in 2018, and are presented for excellence and innovation for Natural, Organic, and Eco products and services. These Awards present an amazing opportunity, not only to showcase, but also to raise public awareness of the scope of choice and availability of  ‘kind to earth’ innovations.  In deed, there is something for everyone.  These awards demonstrate that we CAN make a difference through the consumer choices we make.

I gain so much more from entering the competition than winning an Award (for which I am, even so, extremely appreciative).  Simply through participation, for example, I discover a community of people striving to make a positive difference through their creations, wares and services, some of whom may have remained invisible to me but for me stepping out of my bubble and ‘having a go’.   Recent global events will impact our economy in ways yet to unfold.  It seems more important than ever to support small innovative business, and each other, to bolster resilience and transfiguration as we positively move forward.  We each have something of value to contribute.  In this context, competition slides into the background to make way for a shared sense of greater purpose.

The product I offer to this platform is my books.

The objective of my books, Essential Oils for the Whole Body and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, is to provide a ‘road map’ to the safe and effective application of essential oils –  to support the ‘everyday user’, student and practitioner so they may discover for themselves the many benefits and qualities essential oils gift, and how to apply them confidently, safely, effectively and creatively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the Brand question and answer profile

 

Tell us about your company

Aromantique as a business incorporates three dynamic strands; professional training, aromatherapy treatments, and related books and publications.

My aromatherapy studio is based in Lyme Regis, the historical sea town nestled on the south Jurassic coast at the border between East Devon and West Dorset. Thus, my clients are a mix of holiday visitors and local residence.  I prefer to engage with students in person rather than via ‘virtual’ media, especially as much of what we do involves experiential tasks (for example, it’s impossible to virtually ‘smell’ the scent of an oil, plant or flower).

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (Janey Loves 2019 Platinum Awards winner), and Essential Oils for the Whole Body (Janey Loves 2020 Platinum Awards winner) are published by Healing Arts Press Inner Traditions, Vermont USA.  – Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation is also published in Traditional Chinese.

What were you doing in a previous life?

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 the tenets of complementary medicine (or alternative medicine as it was coined then).  I met and worked for Robert Tisserand during this period, and also met other people who enthusiastically introduced me to acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy; I was young and fascinated, this was a whole new world to me.

Now, I have four lovely 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 work to ‘help make ends meet’.  For example, I was ‘Arts Coordinator’ for my local Council funded Arts Association, and worked for a T-shirt printing company. I was a parent governor at my children’s schools, and also stood as a candidate for the Green Party during local elections (more of a quest to encourage the other parties to take on green issues in those days, a strategy that did work in part).

As my children began to grow up, I was able to pick up the threads I began to weave earlier and completed a BSc degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, then 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 period, I set up my aromatherapy practice. I also taught at various local FE Colleges: subjects included ITEC and VTCT aromatherapy and reflexology, and PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector).  I was offered and accepted a post at the University of Salford (School of Health Science and Social Care, now the School of Health and Society) and was Programme Lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice degree, Module Lead for Aromatherapy, and Supervision and CPD, and Personal Tutor (among other roles). I worked there for a number of years as part of a team delivering degrees that straddled Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences and Counselling. My specific interest was, and still is,  the psycho-emotional influence of essential oils in terms of maintaining health and wellbeing (my original dissertation explored The Role of Essential Oils in the Management and Treatment of ADHD and my Masters assignment explored Essential Oils and Mindfulness. and Supervision of Counselling).

My books are an accumulation of my years spent studying, teaching and working in this field. Essential oils embrace so many dynamics – creative, artistic, sensual, emotional, healing and nurturing, and have led me to delve into aspects I might otherwise have shied away from – organic chemistry, botany, pathophysiology – but which I find fascinating (jigsaw pieces in an intriguing landscape), so I am grateful for the nudge. I am, in this respect, a perpetual student – the adage ‘the more you learn, the less you know’ seems so true, learning seems a constantly unfolding process as one insight leads to another, then another and another.

I moved from Lancashire to Dorset nearly seven years ago (my children adults, with families of their own), settling in Lyme Regis.  The West Country is where the roots of my extended family evolved (dad, a ‘Devon lad’ joined in the RAF as a teenager, met my mother, ‘a Dorset girl’, and my brother, sister and I spent our childhood and teenage years travelling with our parents wherever dad was posted). Lyme Regis sits neatly between both counties.

Why natural / organic / sustainable / holistic?

It’s a no-brainer. It’s impossible to be involved in the field of integrated medicine and therapies and not realise the intrinsic connection we have with our environment and nature; that everything is, in fact, 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 dependent – for example, even the slightest change in levels of oxygen in the atmosphere would end our existence; 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 – both states or conditions, in fact, expressions of that love.

I chose my publisher, Inner Traditions, not just because of their prestigious professional reputation or that they publish books in my genre, but also because they uphold ‘green’ values (for example, see https://www.innertraditions.com/greenpolicies).

Equally, I select suppliers whose oils and products are ethically sourced and, as often as possible, organic, especially my essential oils (for example, NHR Organic Oils , Oshadhi UK (among others).  All -be-it ‘out there’, there is something about the energy and therapeutic quality of oils that are appropriately, respectfully sourced and distilled; sustainably grown and harvested plant material and appropriate length of distillation time and temperature are significant determinants of quality of resultant essential oils.  Ensuring this quality sometimes means paying a little more for the oils, 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 positively support each other, then so-be-it; quality and reliability are paramount with regard to my therapeutic practice.

What’s your USP? What sets you apart from your competitors?

My feeling is not to compete, but rather to focus on doing what I do well.  I meet so many amazing people on my journey, and we learn so much from each other; each of us has a special gift to share and express which lends itself to the ‘bigger picture’ and scheme of things.  I am fascinated and inspired by essential oils and by the way essential oils influence both physical and subtle elements (body and soul) at one and the same time, and how these dynamics influence mood, emotion, and body.

Essential Oils for the Whole Body provides a broad platform that enables the reader to ‘get started’. It is a ‘one stop’ go-to handbook that takes the reader through both the practical and subtle applications of essential oils.  Tapping into the creativity and sensuality of essential oils, embracing dynamics such as colour and gemstones is useful but also fun.  However, I ensure that I do not trivialise their inclusion, nor trivialise the application of essential oils.  I have observed that when applied appropriately, a subtle dynamical approach can actually be very effective. 

The boundaries between physical, psychological and emotional (body, mind, and spirit) often overlap. Indeed, feeling happy, relaxed and calm, positive and optimistic, demonstrably influences physical function; heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, endorphin release, digestion, ability to heal, and so on.  Therefore, a significant aspect of our wellbeing, immunological support and healthy function, is influenced by our state of ‘being’ – ‘being in stress’ or ‘being in equanimity’, ‘being in fear’ or ‘being in peace’. Indeed, we are often reminded that unconditional ‘love’ is an optimum state of ‘being’. Our state of ‘being’ influences our state of ‘body’. It is in this context that essential oils find a perfect niche, as they are shown to influence all of these dynamics at one and the same time.

Also, through experience, I have come across situations in which essential oils, while potentially being extremely valuable, are also potentially contra-indicated because of serious underlying health conditions and/or medications being taken by a person (some essential oils can negatively potentiate certain medications, negate others, or increase risk of sensitisation).  This is why Essential Oils for the Whole Body includes a basic overview of physiology, with information about how essential oils are absorbed and excreted by the body, which oils are not safe to use in certain contexts and which are safe, and how to apply essential oils appropriately. Anchored by this understanding, ways in which essential oils can be applied subtly with minimal risk are explored – that is, highly diluted, with just a hint of scent (olfactory receptors can detect very small amounts of essential oil molecules), perhaps applied alongside colour and gemstones to gently support the subtle dynamics of each.

What’s your Big Dream?

At my age, to fulfil the typical cliché, my big dream is a cottage , flowers around the door, with a lovely big kitchen and a massive garden where I can grow things and distil essential oils, and, of course, live happily ever after!! Meanwhile, back in the real world (while I wait to meet this dream) to continue to write and share through teaching; that all my books are successfully published (in fact, this dream has already come true); that I have sufficient funds so can spend less time working and can afford time to delve into my other passions, for example, art (I love drawing, photography, and creativity) and to explore and continue to appreciate the world around me.   I do not envisage that I will stop working because I love what I do – I have a feeling, though, something amazing is going to happen that I have not envisaged, because each day is a unique moment full of both imagined and unimagined of possibility.

What Kind of feedback have you received from clients?

Feedback from Clients

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.

 

Feedback from Readers 

 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 (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

 

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 and co-author of Your Brain on Plants: improve the way your think and feel

 

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

 

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

 

 

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throatAromaWeb 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….

 

 

 

 

About AromaWeb

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.

 

Are you already trained but would like to refresh or gain a CPD certificate?  Do you work in a professional context with others (for example, teacher, counsellor, nurse or other educational or healthcare profession).?  Are you interested in the psycho-emotional qualities of essential oils in relation to mood, emotion, and memory?  Do you want to build your knowledge of essential oils to apply them aesthetically (for example, to create scents, ambient room aromas)?  Are you a carer?  Or, do you simply want to learn about essential oils to apply them in your everyday life as personal wellness and wellbeing tools?

Aromantique’s Professional Training Programme provides a wonderful foundation for you to develop and build your knowledge and understanding of essential oils and their safe and effective application.

The choice is yours.  You can learn as little or as much as you need or want to:  from personal interest to professional qualification.  Training is offered as a series of workshops to enable you to manage and develop your own learning needs, time and budget.

For details about the whole programme click here

 

Venue: Aromantique Studio, 63a Silver Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HR

 

Your Training Provider:

Heather Dawn Godfrey PGCE, BSc, FIFA, MFHT

Author of bestselling Healing with Essential Oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, and Essential Oils for the Whole Body

 

Workshop themes include:

 

The Dynamic of Scents: Creating Simple Essential Oils Blends

Essential Oils and the Seasons

 

 

 

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

Essential Oils for the Whole Body

What is an Essential Oil?