Easy to make massage blends

Massage therapists can increase their business and customer service by offering their clients a massage with essential oils. My therapist just started asking some of her other clients if they would like a ‘scented massage’ for $2.00 more. (personal note – I think there is a more appropriate term than ‘scented’, this could be synthetic or real. If you are offering pure essential oils, you shouldn’t fail to mention that fact.) Make a blend for the customer in a one ounce plastic bottle and give them the bottle and the remainder when they leave, you made it just for them anyway. We all know how effective smells are at reminding us of things, they use the rest at home and are reminded of the massage. Voila! What is there to loose?

For little initial expense you can start building a library of essential oils to make your own proprietary blends. Apricot, Almond, Sunflower and Grapeseed are all good choices. Why put it on your skin if you wouldn’t eat it?! Massage blends can be from 1%-5% essential oils. Here’s the math. 30 mls is 900 drops, give or take. 900 X 1% = 9 drops, 900 x 5% = 45 drops. Please educate yourself on the indications and contraindications of the essential oils you will be using.

Some suggestions are…
Detox blend – This would be appropriate for a client that was recently ill, detoxing from a drug regimen or getting ready for a fast. Some just feel sluggish and want to change their diet or activity level and want something to initiate that. Lemon, Geranium, Grapefruit, Juniper, Parsley, Peppermint, Vetiver, Fennel, Eucalyptus Carrot seed and many more are appropriate here.

10 drops of Lemon and 5 drops of Geranium essential oils make a familiar and clean smelling oil that will be familiar and well received.

Sports blend – For the stiff and sore client. Some treat themselves to a massage as a reward for working out and some are just starting a regimen. Ylang, Clary sage, Birch, Camphor, Eucalyptus, Clove, Ginger, Fennel, Sweet Marjoram, Petitgrain, Rosemary, Wintergreen and more could be used in an ‘Ache’ blend.

3 drops each of Birch, Peppermint and Ylang make a simple and effective massage blend. There is just a bit of Ylang, it won’t be too floral for man.

Cellulite blend – If you’ve got it, you probably don’t like it. The best massage method is essential oils in a base oil over dead sea salt massaged with an avocado pit. Lemon, Cypress, Juniper, Black Pepper and Tangerine are well tolerated and effective. A cellulite blend can be made with a higher percentage of essential oils and used locally.

5 drops each of Lemon, Juniper and Cypress will make a blend that smells clean and fresh.

Summer skin blend – So many people have just gotten too much sun. You can easily make a custom blend for the life-long sun lover or client recovering from a weekend at the beach. Orange, Vetiver, Lavender, Helichrysum, St Johns Wort, Carrot Seed, Artemisia, Calendula, Chamomile and of course more can be used to create blends for clients with recent to long-term damage.

3 drops each of Lavender Adria, Orange and Vetiver will make a blend that smells very pleasant.

Please contact me with questions. My website is user friendly with an interactive search engine.

Essential oils and Influenza virus

Briefly… about the virus…

Influenza A is a virus with many subtypes that are identified and categorized by differences in two proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Differences are due to the rapid mutation of the virus. The scientific community has learned quite a bit about Influenza A virus, but the fact remains that we are unable to know what we don’t know and the virus mutates rapidly, becoming something new and challenging very quickly. Antiviral drugs do not eliminate the virus; they inhibit the replication of the virus. Learning more about the life-cycle of a virus has lead to the development of anti-viral strategies that target the virus at different stages in that cycle.

Timeliness…

We are currently experiencing a flu outbreak that may be very significant and potentially devastating to individuals and communities, as well on a much larger level. We should all be using common sense in protecting and taking care of ourselves and our families. I won’t use this as a pulpit for my position on things that are related and responsible in varied degree. This is some information about plant materials that are easily obtained and that you may want to have to arm and educate yourself.

Essential oils and viral replication…

All essential oils are anti-microbial to a degree. In this application, microbes refer to fungi, bacteria and viruses. Some are broad spectrum anti-viral. Because we just don’t know HOW they affect the virus, they very well may affect the Influenza virus as well. There is a tremendous amount of anecdotal, cultural and historical information that tells us certain plants are effective against certain aliments. I think we should listen to our Grandmothers… anyone ever been given schwedenkrauter for whatever ailed you?

Tea Tree –(Melaleuca alternifolia) A study conducted by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases revealed that replication of a strain of influenza was severely inhibited if the Tea Tree eo was introduced within 2 hours of infection. This suggests that Tea Tree eo interferes in an early stage of replication but after viral adsorption. Tea Tree eo is inexpensive and is pretty stable (has a long shelf life).

Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Apparently the summer leaves are discarded as inappropriate for making wasabi food preparations and there is development of a use for summer leaves. Anti-influenza virus activity is being investigated. Extracts of leaves harvested in July exhibited a high replication inhibition rate (98% or higher) in both the type A and B strain.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Specifically glycyrrhizin. An animal trial showed that an injection of glycyrrhizin into the abdominal cavity completely protected a group of mice infected with an otherwise lethal influenza virus. Poor mice… The conclusion is that the glycyrrhizin stimulates the production of gamma-interferon.

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Evidently this has been researched since the 1980’s as an AIDS retro-viral. Didn’t know that. In the lab it significantly inhibits the replication of several viruses, including HIV, influenza A, cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex 1 and 2, and Epstein-Barr virus. The challenge is that these results are only possible in the presence of light. The effective compound is either bound to or is a polycyclic anthrone, which have photosynthesizing properties.

Coconut oil – not an essential oil but worth mentioning. About 50% of the fatty acid in Coconut oil is Lauric acid, the most essential fatty acid for the building of an immune system. In the body, it is converted to monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride that destroys lipid-coated viruses (such as cytomegalovirus, HIV, herpes, and influenza) as well as pathogenic bacteria. I use this on the skin and in the kitchen. The smell and taste of organic raw coconut oil are just fabulous.

Quercetin – also worth of mention. Quercetin is a flavonoid and is available as a supplement and in foods. Animal studies show that exercise stress increases the susceptibility to infection of Influenza A (H1Ni in the study) and that feedings of quercetin offset the increase of susceptibility. Eat your apples and onions!

Oregano oil - (Oreganum vulgare) A study cited in Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials 2009, 8:8 indicate that Oregano eo has inhibitory effects the replication of the Yellow Fever virus. Apparently the presence of O. vulgare essential oil in the culture medium at 11.1 ug/mL produced a 100% reduction of virus yield. (A Ug is a microgram, 1/1000000 of a gram or 1/1000 of a milligram.) Oregano eo seems to be effective because of direct inactivation of the virus rather than being effective only at a stage in the life cycle of the virus.

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) was also tested in the above referenced study and produced similar striking results. Mugwort is very high in ketones and should be only used by the experienced.

Desert Parsley or Biscuit Root. (Lomatium dissectum) First recognized by European transplants to the Western United States after the flu epidemic of 1918. Groups of indigenous people inexplicably survived or were not infected. People of the First Nations used this plant in many ways for lots of things. Roots to seeds, food to spiritual. The attention getter was the use as a treatment for influenza. Many botanists, herbalists and naturopaths have studied and used this plant in the last century. It is native to California and Nevada. If you are interested in using it, where you are located and what you can get will dictate how you use it.

The Chakra and Essntial Oil Index

The Chakra and Essential Oil Index

This is a general index of the chakras. The essential oils suggested can be used in aromatherapy, massage, baths and other therapies.

1 - Root chakra

The Root chakra is about being physically present. Feelings of stability, safety and stamina are held here. This is the foundation chakra and is the first chakra of the system. When the root chakra is open we feel present in the here and now and feel that our physical space is sufficient, respected and connected to our physical body.

If the root chakra is closed we are insecure. We may be paranoid, fearful, and full of hatred and anger. We may be overly possessive. We may have low blood pressure, circulatory and sexual dysfunction.

Essential oils to help open the root chakra are vetiver, peppermint, frankincense, cedarwood, myrrh, carrot, cardamom, clove, oakmoss, patchouli, laurel, ginger, sandalwood and benzoin.

2 - Sacral chakra

The Sacral chakra is the seat of personal boundaries, trust, intimacy and the sense of attraction between two people. When the sacral chakra is open we are patient, desire and pleasure are balanced. We are able to manifest desires, have healthy attachments and healthy emotional needs. When it is open we are open to intimacy.

When the sacral chakra is closed we are withdrawn. We may have fears about our relationships, be manipulative, suspicious and insecure. We may have uro-genital ills, a low sex drive or an addiction to relationships.

Essential oils to open the sacral chakra are jasmine, ylang, cinnamon, petitgrain, tangerine, myrrh, pine, cypress, coriander, oakmoss, rose, rose geranium, geranium, vetiver, clary sage and patchouli.

3 - Navel chakra

The navel chakra is the center of our power. It is about personal power, will and metabolism. Self-confidence and self-esteem reside here. This energy is empowering as well as protective from negative energy. When the naval chakra is open we are in control, we are decisive and motivated.

If the naval chakra is closed we are passive and indecisive, we have low energy and are apathetic. We don’t get what we want. We may be jealous and have an inflated ego. We may have indigestion, constipation and liver ills.

Essential oils to open this chakra are ginger, ylang, lemon, lemongrass, carrot, cade, juniper, cedarwood, melissa, black pepper, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, thymes, vetiver, cinnamon bark, peppermint, cardamom, citronella, valerian and spikenard.

4 - Heart chakra

The Heart chakra is about love. When the heart chakra is open we are open to change and growth. We fell sympathy and empathy, are sensitive to others. The heart chakra is associated with hopes of the future and awareness of our spiritual purpose. This chakra integrates and connects opposites; ego and being connected to all that is, the mind and the body. When it is open, we are compassionate and friendly; we experience love, joy, acceptance and fulfillment.

When our heart chakra is closed we have fears about our involvement with others. We may distance ourselves from others. We may have an inflated ego; we may be jealous and ungrateful. We may have circulation ills, high blood pressure and seasonal allergies.

Essential oils to open the heart chakra are rose, benzoin, melissa, neroli, frankincense, bergamot, carrot, inula, lavandin, lavender, spikenard, oregano, marjoram, black pepper, sage, sandalwood, tansy, everlast, hyssop, cinnamon bark, laurel, camphor and amni visnaga.

5 - Throat chakra

The Throat chakra is about expressing yourself and communicating verbally and non-verbally. This can be creative expression for an artist. This is what we use to ask for what we want and get those desires manifested! When it is open we are good communicators, we are connected and interact with others to mutually beneficial ends. We are good breathers with an open throat chakra, we can release well and take in the breath of life. We heal better with this open.

Not speaking the truth can close this chakra. When it is closed we tend to not speak, to our detriment. We are unable to express ourselves. We may be addicted to cigarettes, nasal inhalers and runners high. We may have fevers of unknown origin, inflammations, chronic throat ailments and thyroid problems. We may be fearful and timid. Behaving in a manner that is honest and true to your self can help open this chakra. Singing, chanting and mantras open it as well.

Essential oils to open this chakra are lavender, Roman and German Chamomile, spearmint, catnip, frankincense, opoponax, cypress, geranium, spruce, sandalwood and carrot seed.

6 - Third Eye chakra

This Chakra is about seeing, both literally and intuitively. It gives us insight. When it is open we are very self aware, perceptive and may have heightened clairvoyance. We are better at healing, more sure of the future, and tend to make better choices. This is the chakra of visions and dreams and imagination.

If this chakra is closed, we tend to not think for ourselves and are easily confused. We may rely overmuch on others for guidance and direction. We may be without purpose. Physically we can have a depressed thyroid and respiratory trouble.

Essential oils to open this chakra are wormwood, frankincense, cedar, everlast, spruce, pine, terebinth, rose, rosemary, clary sage, oregano and marjoram, thymes and linden.

7 - Crown chakra

This is our connection to others and to the world outside of ourselves. With this we greet the divine in everyone. When this chakra is open we see ourselves in others, we experience without prejudice. We are brought knowledge and wisdom and an understanding that promotes peace and a spiritual connection. We are better at manifesting desires.

If this chakra is closed, we are probably rigid in our impressions. We likely feel unaware of our own spirituality as well as that of others. We may have low energy, feel depressed and isolated and generally anxious and worried. We may have a negative feeling about our self and feel inefficient and forgetful. Physical problems can be related to the bladder and cramping.

Essential oils for opening the crown chakra are benzoin, cistus, frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, spruce, angelica, bois de rose, opoponax, lavender, spikenard, rose, ravensara, basil and rosemary.

Aroma-chemistry

As you begin to use essential oils, reading and learning, you will encounter terms used to discuss their chemistry. Being familiar with these terms and knowing where to look for further definitions will enhance your experience with the essentials oils. Understanding some cursory chemistry will deepen your confidence and enables you to be better informed about the essential oils that you are using and those that you are interested in. An essential oil may contain upwards of 100 different chemical compounds, most of these being less than 1%. The synergy of those compounds makes each essential oil unique. The growing conditions, harvest and distillation can affect this already complex chemical signature. The material presented here is intended as an introduction, a brief view of some common categories and their generalities. It is by no means comprehensive.

There are 2 main types of chemical groups that make up most of the components of essential oils. Terpenes and their homologues and Phenylpropane derivitaves. Gattefosse categorized essential oils according to their functional groups; French aromatherapy is based on these distinctions.

Phenylpropane derivatives- These are by products of amino acid metabolism and based on a ring structure. More later…

Terpenes-

Isoprene (with 5 carbons) is the basic building block of terpenes. Terpenes are distinguished by the number of isoprene units. Syntheses within the plant cell takes isoprene to monoterpene and so on to larger and more complex molecules that aren’t mentioned here.

Monoterpenes- 10 carbons/2 isoprenes. Very common in essential oils. These oils tend to be clear, mobile and volatile. The names of terpenes end in –ene.

Sesquiterpenes-15 carbons/3 isoprenes. Less common in essential oils. These tend to be viscous, yellow or brown in color, and are usually used as fixatives and base notes. The names of sesquiterpenes also end in –ene.

Diterpenes- 20 carbons/4 isoprenes. These are resins, balsams and vitamin A.

Triterpenes- 30 carbons/6 isoprenes. These are resins, sterols, steroids and hormones.

Hydrocarbons- you may come across this term describing compounds in essential oils. A hydrocarbon contains only carbon and hydrogen, this term would apply to isoprenes, terpenes, monoterpenes etc…

Functional groups - Alcohols, esters, aldehydes, phenols, ketones, oxides…Just a little bit about organic chemistry…carbon needs to bond 4 times, this means that there are quite a bit of combinations possible. The carbon to carbon bond is the base of all organic molecules. Hydrogen slips into this equation very nicely. The carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bond are typically very strong and being non-polar, makes hydrocarbons not very willing to react with other molecules, therefore very stable. Plants can add an oxygen to a hydrocarbon and make ‘oxygenated hydrocarbons’, structural elements of a molecule that are not the carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen. These oxygenated hydrocarbons are called functional groups. (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, ethers, oxides, peroxides, furans and lactones). Because this carbon-oxygen bond is polar and therefore more reactive, chemical reactivity is greatly determined by ‘functional groups’. The smell, taste and effects of essential oils on living organisms is determined by these functional groups. In some essential oils, primarily the needle oils and the oils from citrus rind, hydrocarbons dominate, they are essentially monoterpenes without functional groups.

Functional groups with monoterpenes

alcohols- names end in –ol. They are generally mild, effective against micro-organisms, general tonics. The monoterpene alcohols are generally tolerated topically very well.

Linalol - coriander, rosewood, petitgrain, thyme linalool, Neroli, clary sage, Palmarosa

citronellol- geranium, rose

geraniol – Palmarosa

a terpinol – eucalyptus radiata, MQV, ravensare

terpinol 4 – tea tree, marjoram, mastic

menthol – peppermint, spearmint

Alcohols easily react with acids to form esters.

esters- names generally end in –yl –ate.

Strong fungicides, anti-spasmodic, this depends on the length of the acid chain.

(1c) Formic acid, found in geranium, mildly antispasmodic

(2c) acetates, found in inula, rosemary verbenon, abies siberica, bay laurel, cardamom

(5c) Roman chamomile

(7c) ylang, mandarin petitgrain, very strongly anti spasmodic

aldehydes – names end in –aldehyde or -al

Best used in low concentrations, diffused or diluted. Antispasmodic

Citronellal found in Eucalyptus citriodora, Citronella, Cymbopogon nardus, sedative, anti-inflammatory.

Citral found in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), Indian verbena (Andropogon citratus), Lemon verbena, Melissa, antiviral.

phenols – names end in –ol. This makes it easy to mistake a phenols and alcohols.

Pure phenols are toxic. They are synthetic and carcinogenic, derived from mineral oil. Plant phenols have a hydroxyl group (OH) and a short carbon chain. Stimulating and irritating.

Anethole – irritant, anise seed, star anise seed, fennel

Asarone – carcinogen, calamus

Apiole – irritant, especially to mucous membrane, parsley seed

Eugenol – irritant, allspice, bay leaf, cinnamon leaf, clove leaf, stem and bud, pimento leaf, savory.

Methyl chavicol – mucous membrane irritant, toxic, carcinogenic in animals, basil, bay, marjoram, tarragon.

Safrole – carcinogenic, sassafras, brown and yellow camphor.

Thymol and carvacrol are the most common plant phenols, found in Thyme, Savory, Oregano and Ajowan.

ketones- names generally end in –one. Ketones may be able to cross the blood-brain barrier easily or more readily than other molecules. Ketones dissolve fats are and potentially neurotoxic, causing seizures, liver damage and fatality. However... ketones stimulate cell and tissue regeneration, and are mucolytic. Ketone containing essential oils should only be used by well informed individuals.

Methods of delivery by decreasing toxicity are

oral – rectal – vaginal – transdermal – inhalation

Low or relatively problem free ketone containing essential oils

Everlast and Rosemary verbenon are suitable for external use. Eucalyptus globulus and Vetiver are benign.

Low ketone content, use with caution.

Yarrow, not for children. Rosemary ct.camphor, Peppermint, Atlas Cedar. Eucalyptus polybractea and dives are nontoxic if mixed with other essential oils.

Moderate levels of ketones, only use these oils with extreme caution and education.

Sage, does appear to be less toxic than it’s ketone levels would lead one to expect, not for children. Spike lavender, best if mixed with other essential oils, do not confuse with lavandula angustifolia. Camphor is a neurotoxin.

High ketone levels –

Rue, santolina, Mugwort, pennyroyal are all not suitable for any but the very experienced. Thuja, wormwood and Hyssop all have their place in aromatherapy, again…not for the inexperienced. Lavandula stoechas should not be mistaken for lavandula angustifolia.

oxides and ethers – names usually end in –oxide, -ether. Oxides and ethers are both compounds that have an oxygen atom located between two carbon atoms. Ethers have this series in a linear arrangement, oxides utilize an oxide that is within a ring.

The most common oxide is cineole aka eucalyptol. Very antiviral and expectorant, found in eucalyptus and melaleuca

linalool oxide- antiviral and expectorant, great for bronchial infections, found only in Hyssop decumbens

Sesquiterpene alcohols

The larger terpene molecule is less affected by the accompanying functional group. There is more variation within the chemical structure and the effect and therefore there are no categories as with the monoterpenes. Researched examples show that the sesquiterpene alcohols are antiallergenic, stimulating to the liver and glands. They are anti-inflammatory and reduce congestion in veins and the lymph system. They are moderately antimicrobial.

a Bisabol-matricaria recutita

Zingiberol- ginger

Patchouli alcohol – Patchouli

a Santalol – Sandalwood

Viridiflorol – naiouli, Peppermint, Sage

Other functional groups effect sesquiterpenes in very different ways and we are not able to generalize here.

Phenylpropanes- Derived from the amino acid phenylalanine. The breakdown of phenyl alanine produces cinnamic acid, which is then a building block for other components of essential oils.

Eugenol – Sensitising, antiseptic and stimulating, found in Clove (Eugenia carophyllata)

Cinnamic aldehyde – antiseptic and irritating, sensitizing. Found in Cinnamon as cinnamomum ceylanicum and Cassia as cinnamomum cassia

Saffrol- Sassafras albidum and Cinnamomum camphora (white camphor)

Myristicin- Myristicin fragrans

Apiol – Petrosetinum sativum (Parsley)

Estragol aka menthol chavicol- antispasmodic found in Tarragon Artemesia dracunculus and Basil Ocicum basilicum

Anethol – antispasmodic, found in Anise.