Saturday, August 23, 2014

A Little Talk of Essential Oils and Perfume

                                               (Art by George Barret)

Today is such a wonderful and glorious day. Sun shining,
low temperature, and the crisp and tangy scent of wild
herbs and trees in the air. These scents bring to mind
some of the ingredients in our upcoming scent- "Flint
Quintessence"  So I thought I would take this opportunity
to speak of some of the key ingredients. This perfume is
made of 90% local collected plants. Including Sage Brush,
Juniper Berries, Incense Cedar, Yarrow, Vegetable Musk,
With other herbs and trees, needles and sap. This can be
worn by any gender, but it is one of those things that will
probably find its most favor with men of the 'in-between'
ages....  So let us talk of some of the ingredients as applied
in Aromatherapy...

Juniper Berry Essential Oil
 
Juniper Berries (Juniperus communis)Juniper berry essential oil is derived from the berry-like seed cones of Juniperus communis, which belongs to the Cupressaceous family. The genus Juniper is divided into at least two subspecies with frequent intermediates which can vary in habit from a low, spreading bush to a small columnar, single stemmed tree.
Since ancient times juniper has been an important spice in numerous European cuisines, and particularly where it grows abundantly such as throughout the Alpine regions. It is used to flavour a wide range of foods such as sauerkraut, stuffings, vegetable pates, and beverages such as tea and of course most famously, gin.

Juniper berries, leaves and branches have been used since ancient times when the plant was believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits, negative forces and illnesses. These parts were also used for cleansing and purifying the mind, body and spirit. Juniper branches and berries were burned in Sumeria and Babylonia as a sacrifice to the gods and considered sacred to the Sumerian goddess Inanna and her successor, the Semitic goddess Ishtar.
In ancient Egypt and Tibet, juniper was highly prized as a medicine and as an ingredient in religious incense. A remedy to treat tapeworms was discovered in Egypt on a papyrus which dated back to 1550 BC. Since that time, the indigenous peoples of many cultures have used juniper to treat a wide range of conditions including urinary infections, respiratory conditions as well as arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

Aromatherapy uses

Juniper berry is a stimulating essential oil with an unsurpassed cleansing and purifying action, which makes it effective in the fight against cellulite and water retention. To benefit from its diuretic action, blend it with sweet fennel, cypress and grapefruit and massage the affected area. For the best results, treat twice daily with combinations of massage and baths.
Its cleansing action can also be utilised to great effect with arthritis, rheumatism and gout, since it encourages the elimination of uric acid which is a contributing factor with these diseases. Massage is the most effective method of treatment for these conditions because it stimulates the circulation, although the oil can also be used effectively in both warm compresses and baths. Juniper also has a mild analgesic effect which helps to ease general muscular aches and pains.
Traditionally known to have an affinity to the urino-genital tract, juniper berry still remains many therapists first choice of essential oil for the treatment of cystitis. At home it can be used in a douche or a hip bath, as well as massaged onto the abdomen. Of course if symptoms persist you should see your doctor.
Problem skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis and weeping eczema respond very well to juniper berry essential oil, where it imparts an antiseptic, astringent and soothing action. Used in a carrier lotion juniper berry is helpful with seborrhea of the scalp, and in creams and lotions it is a tonic for dull, oily and congested skin.
Juniper berry oil is an effective neurotonic which can help with cases of stress, anxiety and general burn-out. Its overall effect on the emotional system is one of strengthening and cleansing, helping to dispel negative emotions such as insecurity, loneliness, sadness and guilt.
Despite its unfortunate and incorrect reputation as an abortificient, juniper berry is a versatile, stimulating and strengthening essential oil which brings a wide range of therapeutic benefits to aromatherapy.
In Europe and Asia the needles and berries were used to make tonics for kidney and stomach ailments, and native Americans from the Pacific Northwest used tonics made from the branches to treat colds, flu, arthritis, muscle aches, and kidney problems. In fact, juniper berry remains in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia to this day.

(from:http://www.quinessence.com/blog/juniper-berry-essential-oil)

Our next discussion will be about Petitgrain Essential Oil.

Be Scentfully Inspired Today!


 

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