HOLISTIC HEALTH Essential wellness is found in the oil

Lavender has numerous healing benefits, a practitioner says.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Mary Brown of Vienna has been working with aromatherapy for more than 10 years, but she thinks that name is a misnomer.
"'Healing with essential oils' is probably a more accurate description for the practice," Brown said. "It is not just about how the oils smell. I don't like the smell of ginger oil, but I use it because I know it heals."
And essential oils are not just for the nose. "They work on the lymbic system, the reptilian brain, which is the most ancient part, and holds old memories," said Brown. "In massage, oils are absorbed through the skin, and will continue to work up to 24 hours. The skin is the largest organ of our body. Oils can also be used during meditation as an aid toward reaching spiritual enlightenment."
And that is just the beginning. Brown has a treasure trove of creative ways to use the oils.
Healing properties
"I buy liquid soap and add lavender oil to keep in the kitchen," Brown said. "Lavender has antiseptic properties, promotes healing and prevents scarring from burns. And it can be applied directly. A French cosmetic scientist named Ren & eacute;-Marice Gattefoss & eacute; discovered the healing properties of lavender. He burned his hand while working in his lab and plunged it into the lavender oil. Lavender brought the acceptance of essential oils for healing into the 20th century, although they had been used since the time of Cleopatra and the pyramids."
Brown said she thinks you can become certified in aromatherapy in England, but not in the States. In England, practitioners work with allopathic doctors. Brown has studied with Colleen Dodt in Michigan, and with Kurt Schnaubelt in California, a German-trained chemist. She continues to read and do her personal studies and experimentation with essential oils.
In addition to working with oils, Brown is also a second-degree Reiki practitioner, yoga teacher, reflexologist and the pre-school psychologist for Columbiana County.
It is because of her psychology background that she at first had difficulty trusting her intuition. But now she watches and listens and combines all of her knowledge in her healing work. For instance, she charges oils with Reiki before using them on a client. If she is having a low energy day, she will mix them in a food processor so her own energy will not go into the oils. Brown is also sensitive to the vibrations of each particular oil.
"Oils have different vibrations, consisting of top, middle, and base notes, and I combine them to create synergy, or balance," she said. "I've also done an experiment where I'll mix oils, then give them to several different people to hold for a minute. Each person's energy will affect the oils, and each bottle will smell different."
Three classifications
Top note oils stimulate and uplift the mind and body and are the fastest acting, but also the quickest to evaporate. Basil, bergamot, coriander, eucalyptus, tea tree and grapefruit are some examples.
The middle notes evaporate less quickly and affect body functions such as digestion and menstruation. Black pepper, camphor, hyssop, lavender, peppermint, pine and rosemary are all middle note oils.
Base notes are the slowest to evaporate and can also keep top note oils from evaporating as quickly. These oils are the most relaxing. Clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine and sandalwood are all typical base notes. These are mixed with carrier oils that also have certain properties. Grapeseed oil has no scent, is inexpensive and is good for oily skin. It should be mixed with wheat germ oil for massage, which is strong and thick, and helps to prolong the shelf life of other oils. Sesame oil is good for psoriasis, eczema and arthritis. There are numerous other carrier oils.
Other benefits of lavender
Brown said that lavender is one of her favorites, and no home should be without it. In addition to its healing qualities, it is also good for itchy skin. It is soothing and relaxing, and a drop on the pillowcase or sheet will help induce sleep. It can be mixed in a spray bottle to mist the house for a calming effect.
And other oils can be used to mist the house, or sprinkled on the carpet for chemical sensitivities. Lemon grass would be a good oil for spring, and evergreen for winter.
"Jasmine is my favorite, but I don't use it much because it is very expensive," said Brown. "It transports you to somewhere else, and is also an aphrodisiac. It is rich, tropical and uplifting."
Brown said lavender or pine are good to mix with Murphy's Oil Soap to scrub floors. Pine is also used for respiration and opening a stuffed-up head.
"Rosemary is used in Europe for Alzheimer's patients," Brown said. "Shakespeare even mentioned rosemary for remembrance. It helps when you are studying for a test and will stimulate if you get sleepy while driving. It can be used for muscle aches and even head lice and will darken and stimulate hair growth. It is a central nervous system stimulant, so it should not be used by epileptics."
And there are other precautions to take when using oils. Citrus or bergamot should not be used if you are going outside, or you will get a terrible sunburn.
XLaughing Crow is a practitioner of holistic healing. She may be reached at laughingcrow@neo.rr.com.