What Does "Aromatherapy" Mean to You?

"Aromatherapy" is a word that is often loosely applied to a number of different practices.  It can mean different things to different people - which is why there is often a lot of confusion and "controversy" surrounding the practice of aromatherapy.  In the true, healing sense of the practice, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of pure essential oils.  However, aromatherapy can also describe (either rightly or wrongly):

• massage
• fragrance oils
•  bath and body products
• candles
• other "treatment" packages.

The versatility of aromatherapy can also be its downfall in some instances.  Aromatherapy can be combined with any number of other therapeutic practices, including reflexology, ayurvedic medicine and reiki.  However, because of its versatility it can become open to abuse.  Therefore:

• check you know the difference between pure essential oils and fragrance oils
• check what "oils" are actually being used in an "aromatherapy" massage or other therapeutic practice
• check that "aromatherapy" candles, bath and body products are composed of "real" aromatherapy ingredients - or are they "fake"?

This is a subject area which I have covered before, in different formats and in different places, but I still find that many people are confused about aromatherapy.  So my advice is -  the true practice of aromatherapy is both healing and powerful - just make sure you are receiving the "real deal. " :)

The Safe Cosmetics Act (2010): What is the Impact for the Business of Aromatherapy Products?

There's been a lot of talk recently in the United States about the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act 2010 (H.R. 5786) into the U.S. House of Representatives on July 20, 2010.  What exactly will be the impact for small aromatherapy businesses who make their own products?

I am sort of "caught in the middle" of all the talk about it because I don't make my own aromatherapy products from scratch (as in bases, I buy those in) but I do add in essential oils to my products.  All ingredients are fully disclosed on my web sites (to the best of my knowledge) and on product labels - but if the Safe Cosmetics Act is implemented how will this affect my aromatherapy business?  Aromatherapy products are not the only part of my aromatherapy business but it is a part of it.

I am fully aware that large companies have been using "unnatural" ingredients in many familiar cosmetic products for years and it is argued that this is why the Safe Cosmetics Act is being proposed - to make cosmetics "safer" for the public.

However, those of us who have small aromatherapy businesses are probably more aware of what goes into our products than the large cosmetic companies.  I am always writing about "adulterated" essential oils, for example! In addition, aromatherapy is, by and large, an "unregulated" business in the United States, leading to further confusion, and sometimes "mistrust," of the industry by consumers, because of the "underhand" practices of some larger "aromatherapy" companies.

This is a hotly disputed debate which has lead to heated discussions on both sides of the fence.  Where do you stand on the Safe Cosmetics Acts 2010?  And what would it mean to you?

You can read more about the campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the implications for small businesses here.

Galbanum Essential Oil

Galbanum essential oil is probably not an essential oil that many people are familiar with.  It is certainly not one of the more common essential oils used in aromatherapy - yet it is one of the "ancient" oils, such as myrrh, frankincense and sandalwood, names that are probably more familiar to those using aromatherapy.

Galbanum essential oil does have some therapeutic properties for aromatherapy - it is digestive, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic - but it is probably not used my many in aromatherapy today.

To learn more read:

Galbanum Essential Oil for Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Blogs and Garden Blogs

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic practice and use of essential oils.  As essential oils are naturally extracted from a variety of scented plants, aromatherapists should have a good knowledge of botany and the chemistry of essential oils, to understand how essential oils work and in order to be able to identify a pure essential oil from a synthetically substituted essential oil.

Where possible, I try to establish links with other quality aromatherapy blogs and websites on the web.  But, as aromatherapy is so closely linked to botany, and therefore to the garden world, it would also be beneficial to establish links with garden blogs and garden websites - predominately those with a scented theme!

If you are a gardener, who has an interest in scented plants, and have a relevant garden blog or website, please contact me to discuss exchanging links!  I really think it would be beneficial to the both of us!

The Historical Use of Medicinal Lavender

Lavender has been used for thousands of years by different ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Romans.  It appears that the medicinal value of lavender was discovered early on in time and its popularity doesn't seem to have waned over the years at all.  Lavender is probably one of the most familiar essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Lavender is also one of the most gentle essential oils, due to its chemical make-up, and is therefore suitable for the treatment of a wide number of health problems; as the saying goes:

"if in doubt, use lavender!"

For more information on how lavender was used medicinally in history, read:

Medicinal Uses of Lavender in History

Aromatherapy Networks: Are They Are a Support or Threat to Your Aromatherapy Business?

This past week, I've been reading a lot about "writer's envy" on the writers' networks and blogs.  And I thought this concept could in fact apply to almost anything - including the aromatherapy world.  If you are a practising aromatherapist, you will know that it can be a bit of a lonely road.  So social networks, such as facebook and twitter, plus aromatherapy forums, can not only help to keep you in touch with the outside world - but connect you with other aromatherapists in your fields.

However, not only do these social networks enable you to network with other aromatherapists, they also give you an insight into how and what other aromatherapists are doing.  Are they more successful than you?  And if so, do you find this a threat or an inspiration?

I network with other aromatherapists from around the world, so I don't consider anybody an "immediate" threat - after all, how can an aromatherapist who lives in Australia, England or even the other side of the United States be a siginificant "threat" to my aromatherapy business?  And even if I make a local contact, isn't it better to have some support in your field?  Different people have different ideas and ways of viewing things, so its quite likely that another aromatherapist is not going to be offering the "exact" same services and products as you.

Personally, I am thankful for my social network of both writers and aromatherapists who help keep me "sane" and understand what I do on a daily basis.  Although family and friends are supportive, unless they have a real passion and interest in your particular line of work, it can be difficult for them to fully understand and appreciate your skills.

My social network of aromatherapists has put me in touch with more experienced aromatherapists and kept me in touch with past contacts who I believe I can learn much more from in my work.  Ideas and inspiration come from a number of places, so you never know who might be that next important aromatherapy "connection" in your life.  I am sure that without my social network, I woudn't be where I am today and looking forward to the future with new ideas and plans for my aromatherapy business :)

If you want to network with me you can find me on facebook or follow me on twitter @girlychat.  I hope to see you there for some aromatherapy support and inspiration! :)

Different Varieties of Lavender

I think that it is safe to say that lavender is one of the most favorite essential oils in aromatherapy.  It is simple to use and can be used by nearly everyone.  Lavender essential oil also has a number of therapeutic properties.  However, did you know that there are about 39 species of lavender, some of which are suitable for therapeutic use and some of which are not.  In addition, some varieties are also called by the name of the country from which they are produced, adding to further confusion!  Lavender is simply not just lavender :)

If you want to learn a little more about the different varieties of lavender and their uses read:

Different Types of Lavender

Aromatherapy Wedding Bouquets

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of 42nd U.S. president Bill Clinton, got married over the weekend to Marc Mezvinsky.  At Chelsea's request, the wedding invite list did not include a long list of celebrities and well known people - but was kept mainly to close family and actual friends.  However, I was more interested in Chelsea Clinton's wedding bouquet than anything else!

Some of you may know that I also have a web store called Aromatherapy Wedding.  It was inspired by my experience of working as a wedding hair assistant last summer - and because Sedona is a huge wedding destination.  My object was to bring some aromatherapy and fragrance into the life of brides as they began their new journey :)  However, many brides subconsciously choose to have aromatherapy in their wedding through their choice of wedding bouquets.  Fragrant flowers are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and include:

• roses
• gardenia
• lilies
• lily-of-the-valley
• hyancinth
• hydrangeas.

Chelsea Clinton's wedding bouquet was a simple, white ball of gardenia flowers - and apparently, "organic" and "natural" were of considerable importance to Chelsea in planning her wedding.

So, if you are getting married in the near future, or know someone who is, take the time to decide not just what color you want to add into your wedding - but what message you want the day to convey through the fragrance of your wedding bouquet too! Fragrances form memories that stay with us for a lifetime..... :)