Search Results for: ginger root steam distilled
A more freshly scented Ginger oil. In the past we discontinued the Ginger CO2 we had stocked because it was so intensely hot we didn’t feel it was safe to use. This total CO2 extract is delightful… very warming, but not burning when used in proper dilution. The producer especially recommends it as an anti-nausea agent, for morning sickness, motion sickness, or post surgical nausea. We also use it in pain relief blends to stimulate circulation. This is the Ginger extract most recommended for anti-nausea effects. As a total extract, it contains the gingerols and shogaols that give ginger its extreme heat. I would not recommend this total Ginger Root Oil as a food flavoring or for any type of internal use.
Please note that although this select extract is much less “hot” than some Ginger CO2 extracts, I would still use it at very low dilutions if using topically. It truly does excel when used for diffusion or inhalation. See Also our distilled Ginger Root Essential Oil and our new Ginger Root CO2 Select.
Educator and author Madeleine Kerkhof-Knapp Hayes recommends it for skin with poor circulation, directly on Stage 1 decubitus (bed sores) or around stages 2 to 4. Best use: Stimulating surface circulation, use at 0.25% to 0.5%, best diluted in either St. John’s Wort Macerate/infusion or in Sesame oil.
A recent note from Marge to help clarify the difference between the Select and the Total:
“Okay… the difference between total and select (because you will see this with German Chamomile, and perhaps some others.)
The select is much closer to the essential oil… the process is designed to filter out the non volatiles. It may be diffused, while the total can’t be. In my opinion it smells much closer to a slice of ginger root than does the distilled oil.
But the total…oh my.. because it contains the gingerols, that do not come through distillation, it is far more warming. Better for pain relief and for circulation. We ship it by the kilo to China. I am told the grandmothers put it in a footbath to warm them all over, when they are chilled. Amazing stuff. (yes, I have a favorite!)”
We hope this has been helpful.
SAFETY: Robert Tisserand advises no known hazards. Please use in low dilutions.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
Certificate of Analysis:
2013
Batch No. NI-441114
Batch No. GE-251113
Batch No. GE-841416
Batch No. GE-961223
Batch No. GE-58822
Batch No. GE-58980
This delightful Ginger Extract is closer in contents to our Steam-Distilled Ginger Root Essential Oil, but far more delightful aromatically. Truly the essence and aroma of a freshly grated root. As a select, it lacks the hot/pungent non-volatiles found in our Total Extract, the gingerols and shogaols that give fresh ginger its “burn.” Instead it is gently warming. We have used it as part of massage blends for pain relief. Gentler than the Total Extract, it is my first choice for gentle warming, for pain relief, and for flavoring.
Educator and author Madeleine Kerkhof-Knapp Hayes recommends it for skin with poor circulation, directly on Stage 1 decubitus (bed sores) or around stages 2 to 4. Best use: Stimulating surface circulation, use at 0.25% to 0.5%, best diluted in either St. John’s Wort Macerate/infusion or in Sesame oil.
A recent note from Marge to help clarify the difference between the Select and the Total:
“Okay… the difference between total and select (because you will see this with German Chamomile, and perhaps some others.)
The select is much closer to the essential oil… the process is designed to filter out the non volatiles. It may be diffused, while the total can’t be. In my opinion it smells much closer to a slice of ginger root than does the distilled oil.
But the total…oh my.. because it contains the gingerols, that do not come through distillation, it is far more warming. Better for pain relief and for circulation. We ship it by the kilo to China. I am told the grandmothers put it in a footbath to warm them all over, when they are chilled. Amazing stuff. (yes, I have a favorite!)”
We hope this has been helpful.
SAFETY: Robert Tisserand advises no known hazards.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
Certificate of Analysis:
Batch No. GE-541225
Batch No. GE-861015
Ginger is one of my favorite essential oils, but it’s been years since we’ve been able to offer a steam-distilled Ginger Oil. Most distillations are done from the dried root, and are, aromatically…well, the word NASTY was my daughter’s reaction to one of them. The CO2 Gingers, either the Ginger CO2 select or Ginger CO2 total that we’ve offered for years are aromatically superb, but hav some cautions involved in its use. It may be more irritating (especially to the mucous membranes) than the traditional steam-distilled Ginger, and needs using with a much lighter hand.This aromatically superb steam-distilled specimen is still a skin irritant and needs using with a light hand, but should be safe for the skin in normal aromatherapy dilutions.
Ginger Essential Oil, for those who have not tried it, is wonderfully soothing for aching joints and muscles, or an upset tummy. Ginger’s heat can be irritating to the skin so be sure to dilute it. It is a wonderful ingredient in massage blends for aching muscles, or as a warming ingredient in a “chest rub” for a cold or flu. Recent studies have indicated that Cinnamon Leaf and Ginger, in synergy, are an effective analgesic and rubefacient. The combination of the two are more effective at lower dilutions than either one alone.
Ginger can be an aphrodisiac and has been used by some to treat male impotence.
To ease an upset stomach or heartburn, we usually add one drop of Ginger Oil, mixed into a teaspoon of honey in a cup. Fill with hot water, stir, and drink. Instant ginger tea!
SAFETY: Robert Tisserand advises no known hazards.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
GC/MS Analysis:
2013
Batch No. MA-B470004
Batch No. MA-58602
Batch No. MA-B470018
Batch No. MA-59079 Current batch
BLENDS WITH: Black Pepper, all citrus oils, the woods, resins, Fennel, and Lemongrass.
This is a newly redesigned product….as we learn more, we improve our offerings. We have substituted the ginger essential oil we’ve used for years with our much more effective Ginger CO2 Total. We have also added a bit of Lemon Essential oil to my beloved Red Mandarine, because of new research showing the effectiveness of Lemon oil as an anti-emetic. Then we tweaked and balanced the proportions until it smells YUMMY.
Morning sickness is miserable, pure and simple. We’ve been looking at solutions that would be both effective and safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus. We thought of Peppermint, but there are those who advise avoiding it during pregnancy. Ginger is wonderfully effective, but the aroma of Ginger Essential Oil can be off-putting. So we turned to the group of nurse-aromatherapists who have been our mentors and received several suggestions for a blend of Red Mandarine (a potent anti-nausea oil by itself) blended with Ginger Essential Oil.
We tried the blend and found it delightful; it smells like a favorite Mandarine Spice tea. Because the components contained in the blend can be skin irritants, we wouldn’t use it topically. It can be inhaled by placing a drop on a tissue or a few drops in an inhaler. It’s delightful and a proven successful formula.
Please note, that although this blend is designed to deal with the misery of morning sickness, research and experience both indicate it should be helpful for car sickness, post-surgical nausea, or any transient episode of nausea. We are supplying it to several hospices and other institutions to deal with nausea among their clients.
Choose either a prepared inhaler OR the 5 ml synergy for diffusion.
To read about oils useful during childbirth visit our Aromatherapy Child Birth page.
Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh… an essential for any masculine blend, this Cumin extract is… spice, sultry, and cool, at the same time… strong, vibrant, yet nurturing at the same time. Most of the masculine oils are base notes, deep and rooted, this Cumin, on the other hand, is a fullbodied heart note.
Most therapeutic recommendations for Cumin Oil are based on traditional herbal uses. I have seen cumin recommended for muscular pain and rheumatism (I think its gentle warming would be helpful in a blend for joint pain, as an alternative to Black Pepper or Ginger ) and for moving fluid in the body, whether for poor circulation, lymphatic congestion, or swollen glands. (I need to try blending it with Cistus for lymphatic drainage.)
Mark Webb, of Aromamedix.com recommends Cumin Seed CO2 as a carminative against stomach trouble and colics. (I would hesitate to use for colic in an infant, however! But adults can occasionally experience the terrible intestinal cramping that we label “colic” in a baby. Until now, the remedy I knew was Sweet Fennel seed CO2 or oil, it is good to have an alternative.
Emotionally Cumin Seed Oil is reputed to be reviving and stimulating. (Based on some of my staff members reactions, I have to also assume it’s an aphrodisiac.) Years ago Annie said that she wants her man to smell like this… strong, vibrant, yet nurturing at the same time. Today when Cindy smelled a sample she said, “Temptation!” “What?” I asked? “That Cumin is exotic, sensual, and quite frankly smells like temptation.” Okay. I am not going to argue. Remember, reactions to fragrance are very subjective and individual. I do not guarantee that you, or the woman in your life, will agree with the above. Jim was smiling when he brought the scent strip for us to evaluate it. He really likes it.
Please remember that this CO2 total extract contains both the Cumin Seed essential oils (approximately 25%) as well as fixed oil found in the seeds, normally extracted by cold pressing. As a Total extract it is also high in oleic and linoleic acids. It will blend easily with any fixed oils for massage blends or a solid perfume blend.
Cumin Seed Oil is said to blend beautifully with Galbanum, Lavender, Rosemary, Rosewood, Oakmoss. Used with a light hand it will deepen and add depth to spice notes, add texture and depth to the sweet wood oils.
WARNING: Photosensitizer. Do not expose skin to sunlight or ultraviolet light after applying. This is an oil with no extensive safety testing, please avoid using with babies or small children. It is GRAS for food flavoring.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
Certificate of Analysis:
Batch No. GE-411118
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BACK IN STOCK: Tis the season for restocking!
Recent arrivals from France:
Our long awaited Wild High Altitude Lavender —la crème
de la crème—also fresh distillations of
all three of our organic Lavandins, more Lavender Mailette, and (in
my opinion) our best value— Population Lavender. We are in process of
having all of these oils tested, but for now the GC/MS analysis on our website
is from the 2013 distillation. Also from our favorite producer, both
organic Thyme Linalol and rare Thyme Thujanol. Sourcing French Thyme
was a challenge this year, and the cost of the Thujanol chemotype has escalated.
Why? Because there was a drought in the high regions of Provence this summer. “But,” I asked, “Thyme thrives in dry weather, why is there a shortage?”
“Ah yes, the thyme did well. But the grass died, so the goats ate the thyme.”
We also were able to bring in a bit more Mastic. Amazing stuff!
New arrivals from Canada:
Organic Yarrow Hydrosol and more organically certified Wild Carrot Seed Hydrosol, as well as a new shipment of our organic Juniper Branch and Berry Oil and a small amount of healing Poplar Balsam Oil.
Just arrived this week, again from France:
Helichrysum Hydrosol, Wild Carrot Seed Essential Oil and new to us, Criste Marine Essential Oil, Crithmum maritimum, is commonly known as Sea
Fennel or Samphire or Rock Samphire. Reputed to be a powerful diuretic, said to
have both anti-oxidant scavenging and firming actions in skin care.
We also received a new supply of our Oxygen Barrier…for
those who purchase bulk sizes of our oils, this will help prolong their shelf
life.
NEW BLEND:
We have had a lot of requests recently for people wanting a
blend to support friends and loved ones in Hospice care. The name
that kept running through my head was Peaceful Crossing, a blend of
Frankincense CO2 for calming, centering and connecting with the Sacred, Atlas
Cedarwood, to calm anxiety and ease fears, Cypress, for comfort in times of
loss, Blood Orange, our sweet anti-depressant, Rose Otto for calming grief and
hysteria, and Spikenard, known for helping achieve inner peace, and releasing
fears and resentments, the oil of forgiveness. This blend was designed to
aid both the individuals preparing for the crossing, and the loved ones at their
side. Available undiluted to use in a diffuser or inhaler or in a skin safe
anointing oil (in jojoba oil) for topical use.
AUTUMN SPICE SALE:
Autumn seems just the right time to enjoy the gentle spices. Until our next newsletter, save 10% on 15 ml sizes of all our
seasonal spice oils: Allspice, Cardamom, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Coriander, Ginger, Ginger CO2, and Nutmeg CO2. (Yes, the comment about our Allspice oil, below, is what prompted this spicy sale.)
HALLOWE’EN SALE:
On Friday, October 31st use the discount code TRICK and save
12.5% on retail sizes of all our essential oils, absolutes, and CO2
extracts. (Retail sizes are 2, 5 and 15 ml bottles.)
OR, on the full Hallowe’en weekend, from Friday the 31st
through Sunday night, November 2nd, use the discount code TREAT and save 10%
on almost all of our products.
Special books, kits, and bulk oils are
excluded from either sale.
ENJOY!
AMAZON KINDLE SALE
on both of Marge’s Books. It has been a year since we
released the Kindle version of
Essential Oils and Aromatics.
To celebrate, from November 1st through November 3rd save on both of our
books,
Essential Oils and Aromatics and
Essential
Waters. These are “countdown” sales. On Essential Waters,
save over 50% for the first 36 hours of the sale, then save over 25% until
the sale ends. Similar savings on Essential Oils and Aromatics.
OUR CLIENTS SAY:
Recently a Facebook group that shall remain anonymous hosted
a discussion of “which supplier do you prefer.” Amid all the MLM
recommendations from avid fans one message jumped out at me. Jennifer Berry wrote:
When I was starting out 20 years ago, I found an online
store called Nature’s Gift that was taking painstaking care to import
high-quality, 100% pure essential oils, and was sharing safe, accurate, and
useful information to enhance their use. In 20 years Marge Clark and her crew have never steered me wrong or sold me a bad product, and I’ve learned as much from their website as from any of the books
I’ve read. You will not be disappointed.
I shared that with Christi…it touched both of our hearts,
and we thank Jennifer, both for her lovely comment, and for letting us share
it with you.
Re Allspice Oil:
Dear Folks at Nature’s Gift,
I just wanted you to know that my recent
order, which included Essential Oil of Allspice, absolutely
rocked my world. The Allspice is very special and of exceptional
quality: It is all at the same time, sharp, warm, clear, deeply
spicy, exotic, familiar, and luxurious. I think it should be added
to the official list of aphrodisiac oils! I have long loved the
warm oils, but this one in particular, is of exceptional quality it
every way. The others I ordered were also of amazing quality (the
Ginger Root CO2, especially)….but that Allspice!! There are no
words! Sigh. Thank you.p>This was my first order from Nature’s Gift, and I am
so pleased, you can be sure that I will be a regular customer.Sincerely, Jacqui J
Now, it’s not often we get a chance to rock someone’s
world, so I thought we’d share this. I suggested to Jacqui
that next time she might want to sample Bay Laurel, since she loves
the warm spices. I think it will also appeal to her.
A Warming Blend
Dannie Lane, of AromaTherapeutics Medicinal Aromatherapy and
Massage shared this energetically (and physically!) warming blend last
winter. I thought it would fit in well with our Autumn Spice sale:
Ok, it’s cold out, very, very cold! This is Atlanta, we
should not have highs in the upper 20’s with wind chills in the mid teens!
Well I work out of my home and have some clients coming over this afternoon
so I want to make something warming, something to make the place “feel”
warm and welcoming. So I mixed up a blend of EOs that are energetically warm
to diffuse. The mix is:In a 5ml bottle with a dropper top blend
Ginger 50 drops: strong warming oil, gives a feeling of comfort and warmth,
openness
Cassia 25 drops: strongly warming to the body, not as HOT as cinnamon gives
the feeling of comfort (I like how it smells when defused better then
cinnamon)
Allspice 10 drops: it smells good, and gives energy to the place/home.
Black Pepper 15 drops: soft and light, gives a gentle warmth to a room,
think of it as a warm hug.
Cardamom 15 drops: love this oil, warming, sweet and spicy, but gentle at
the same time, very uplifting to the mind
Lemon 13 drops: light and sweet uplifting to the emotions and the mind.Add the EOs, one at a time, after adding each oil, swirl to mix and smell
the blend. When adding each oil, think of WHY you are adding it and what you
want the blend to do.Warning!!! These are powerful oils, defuse for 10 to 15 min at a time and
stop for 30 to 45 min, then defuse again for 10 to 15 min. I would not let
the defused oil get on finished surfaces!
An Autumn Blend from 14 years ago:
My friend June recently contributed this lovely seasonal blend for the diffuser or lamp:
Autumn Forest Blend
I just put together a forest-type blend of 15
drops Black Spruce, 1 drop Atlas Cedarwood, 1 drop Galbanum and have
it in my nebulizer right now. Lovely, rather like the woods on a
late autumn afternoon after a rain. Woodsy but with a touch of
composting leaves, very reminiscent of childhood walks in New
England. It will be interesting to see how it mellows after a few
days. I might even try this in a bath, diluting it in some Jojoba
oil first, or try it for meditation. Most intriguing.
This transplanted New Englander gets homesick every
October… and this blend DOES smell like home!
Sleep Sweet Linen Spray from Chasa Cochran of Back to Square One:
4 fl oz vodka, 20 drops Green Mandarine (Citrus reticulata), 14 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 6 drops Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodara), and 4 drops Blue Tansy (Tanacetuum anuum)… add essential oils to the vodka, shake well and spray your pillowcase.
BLOG UPDATES:
Most of our blog articles have been concerned with our newly
redesigned website. If you haven’t visited yet and have questions you
might want to browse some of the articles introducing it:
Some Screen Shots introducing the changes.
How to change your password (because the new site will assign you one at
random.)Missing the alphabetical “Quick Order List”? We’ve added
one.
How to find and use it.Also, Lisa, the talented graphic artist on our design team
has written a great TOUR of the new site.
Not on the
blog, but on the site itself, here.And for a change in pace, “a day in the life” of Nature’s
Gift. A HUGE order from a hospice for a product we don’t normally make
in large batches.
See how we got it together here.FACEBOOK TIDBITS:
Natural perfumer Christine Malcolm, of Santa Fe Botanicals
shared this wonderful
You
Tube video about distillation in France, Bulgaria and Hungary.A wonderful blog article by Victoria of Bois de Jasmin about
the use of
Citrus oils in fine perfumery.A published research study showing the effectiveness of
Marjoram, Lavender, Black Pepper and Peppermint on patients with chronic
neck pain.
Quote of the month:
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
(L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables)
To sign up for your own copy of the newsletter to be emailed to you, please click here.
Contraindications
Under certain conditions, even the most beneficial essential oils can prove harmful. Concentrated oils are very strong, and just because a product is ‘natural’, that does not mean it’s harmless. Inappropriate use can sometimes lead to adverse or damaging side effects. This is a partial list of medical concerns that warrant avoiding some oils. If you are aware of other contraindications that we’ve omitted, please email us.
Partial List of Conditions that Warrant Avoiding Some Oils
Pregnancy: Essential oil use during pregnancy is a subject about which there is much discussion and disagreement. Some professionals believe that most or all essential oil use should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy (the most critical period of fetal development). However, many pregnant women suffering from morning sickness or nausea during the first trimester do not wish to use pharmaceuticals. Often, they can be helped by simply inhaling ginger CO2 or a citrus oil with no known risk to the fetus. Any pregnant woman who wishes to use essential oils during pregnancy, though, should first check with her obstetrician to ensure there are no medical contraindications to doing so.
For pregnancy in general, we suggest avoiding Basil, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Coriander, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Sweet Marjoram, Oregano, Myrrh, Peppermint (which in many cases should also be avoided while breastfeeding), Rockrose, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.
If you suffer from a seizure disorder: avoid Basil, Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, and Sage.
If you have diabetes/hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): some sources say to avoid Geranium.
If you have high blood pressure, it is suggested to avoid Pine, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme.
Kidney/renal problems: should cautiously approach the use of Juniper Berry, Sandalwood, and Coriander.
Blood thinner/anticoagulant use: (including Aspirin, Coumadin, Eliquis, Brillinta, Xarelto, Lovenox, Heparin, etc.) If you are on anti-coagulant therapy (blood thinners), you should avoid oils high in eugenol, including Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Cinnamon Bark, Wintergreen, and Bay Laurel (Pimenta racemosa). Two oils with almost identical components that are considered dangerous to use are Birch (Betula lenta) and Wintergreen. They have their own page with warnings about them.
Some of the above cautions listed apply only to ingested oils (that is, oils taken internally-more on that later), but a few cautions apply to all routes of administration (inhaling, skin application, and internal use). Other aromatherapy professionals say that such cautions are completely unfounded, having no clinical evidence to support the claims. In short, there are no “one-size-fits-all” guidelines. This is why we suggest consulting with a trained aromatherapist who can help make suggestions according to *your* personal situation.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity refers to dermal (skin) application of certain essential oils with the areas of skin then exposed to the sun’s rays within 12 hours of application. This can result in reddening, dark pigmentation, or skin blistering. Strongly photosensitizing oils include Bergamot (furanocoumarin-free/FCF bergamot is not phototoxic), expressed/cold pressed Lime, and Rue. Cumin, Mandarine, Lemon, Tangerine, Sweet and Blood Orange and Verbena are considered moderately sensitizing. Angelica Root, Caraway, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Grapefruit, Honeysuckle Absolute, Laurel Leaf Absolute, and Patchouli are mildly sensitizing, and Virginia Cedarwood, Dill Weed, and Petitgrain are considered very mild on the photosensitizing scale.
Any cold-pressed citrus oil can be considered a potential photosensitizer. Steam-distilled citrus oils, on the other hand, do not carry this risk. St. John’s Wort CO2 and its infused oil can also be photosensitizers.
Substance Use and Essential Oils
Clary sage essential oil should not be used when consuming alcohol, because it may increase alcohol’s sedative effects. Sweet Marjoram and the Chamomiles can also cause drowsiness. In general, if you use or plan to use pharmaceuticals with sedative effects like opioid medication, or other mind-altering substances known to cause drowsiness, you should consider avoiding use of these essential oils.
Sensitizing Oils (oils which can cause permanent adverse reactions)
Sometimes, sensitization can be caused by overuse of essential oils. Some aromatherapists in the past, for instance, poured their oils without using safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats, and a well-ventilated area. After a while, they found that whenever a particular oil (say lavender) was being poured, they coughed, sneezed, suffered difficulty breathing, broke out in skin rashes, or suffered other uncomfortable symptoms. In other words, they had become sensitized to that oil. For a more complete description of sensitization, click here.
The following essential oils have either a proven or suspected history of causing sensitization (allergies): Aniseed, Bay, Benzoin, Balsam of Peru (VERY HAZARDOUS), Calamus, Cardamom (suspect), Cassia, Cinnamon Bark and Leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage (suspect), Costus, Dill Seed (not dill weed), Fennel (Bitter, not sweet), Fig Leaf Absolute, Galbanum Resin (cross-sensitizing with Peru Balsam), Hyacinth Absolute (suspect), Jasmine Absolute, Juniper (suspect), Laurel (Bay Laurel), Lemon (suspect), Litsea Cubeba (suspect), Lovage (suspect), Mimosa Absolute, Oakmoss Concrete (suspect), Orange (suspect), Pines (suspect), Rose Absolute (if used in high concentrations), Spearmint, Tolu balsam (VERY STRONG), Tagetes, Turpentine, Lemon Verbena (the IFRA strongly advises against the use of Verbena oil in cosmetics or perfume products), and Ylang ylang (in very high concentrations). Source: Tisserand and Young’s Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition.
NOTE: Some oils should not be used except by clinically trained aromatherapists. Among them are Birch, Dalmatian Sage, Thuja, and Wintergreen.
To read more about possible negative reactions to aromatic chemicals, click here. To read if Benzoin is a Safe Preservative, click here.
Carcinogenic Oils
Essential oils which contain known carcinogenic components are Calamus (European and Asian) and Sassafras. (Please note: Sassafras essential oil is banned for use in cosmetics and toiletries in all of Europe. We do not offer it at Nature’s Gift.)
Potentially Dangerous Effects
Some essential oils have such potentially dangerous effects that it makes them too risky to experiment with. The oils on our personal “to be avoided at all costs” list are: Bitter Almond, Calamus (grown in Europe or Asia, the Canadian/USA grown is safer), Yellow Camphor, Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Rue, Sassafras, Southernwood, Tansy (other than Annual/Blue Tansy), and Wormwood.
Unsafe Methods of Use
A method of using essential oils (promoted by certain multilevel marketing (MLM) corporations that flies in the face of all established safety guidelines is called Raindrop Therapy. For a white paper that discusses the risks, click here.
In professional aromatherapy practice, there are rarely any “no, never” cautions. However, one area where we never, ever recommend essential oil use is in the eye. The risk of damage to these delicate organs is too great and therefore we do not advocate use of essential oils in the eyes. For more information, click here.
Can Essential Oils Be Used Internally?
We do not make claims that essential oils can be used internally. In fact, our labels clearly state “not for internal use”. Why? At least two large multi-level marketing (MLM) essential oil companies have carelessly recommended gross overuse of these powerful substances. Some people think nothing of adding multiple drops of essential oil to a glass of cold water or cup of hot tea. In their minds, it’s the same as drinking an herbal tea or flavored water. In actuality, they’re drinking the equivalent of quarts of tea/flavored water in that one cup of water.
Also, essential oils and water do not mix, no matter how much you shake a bottle with water and essential oil in it. Undiluted molecules of powerful essential oil will come in contact with the delicate mucus membranes of the mouth and the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
In rare cases, essential oils may be used internally. Some of us with specialized training in aromatic medicine have used our oils internally, upon rare occasion, and with great respect for their power. The ancient Greek term “pharmacopea” has two meanings…“medicine” and “poison”…because anything powerful enough to heal is also powerful enough to do damage. Internal use of essential oils should be overseen by a practitioner trained and skilled in the modality.
In all but the most complicated cases, internal use is NOT the most advantageous way to reap the benefits of essential oils. Inhalation and properly diluted skin application are perfect for the vast majority of concerns.
Occasionally, we will cook with a drop or two of essential oil which is well-diluted in fat contained within the recipe. A jar of honey with a drop or two of ginger oil in it to add to tea for health reasons is an acceptable practice…two drops of ginger essential oil in an 8 ounce jar of honey is plenty enough for good results. This rare and “respectful” use of essential oils goes against the willy-nilly, “all the oils all of the time” use recommended in many aromatherapy groups on the Internet.
We had a group “sniff and blend” party in the production kitchen, and I think we all agreed that we had died and gone to heaven. This richly Coumarin scented infusion is so complex and multilayered… at first we thought we smelled Vanilla…but so much more than Vanilla… there were dark, woody notes, sweetly floral highlights, I am reminded of the mountain hay absolute we once offered, or of the smell of my uncle’s hay barn. Others detected tobacco like notes. There was almost unanimous agreement that this wonderful infusion really doesn’t need blending with anything, its sweet complexity can stand alone.
But there were some surprising winners in our personal favorite blends. For example, I thought it would be stunning with the sweeter citruses, blood orange or sweet orange. But with lemon? Delightful! Kabrina gave that a 50 on a scale of 1 to 10. Tobacco absolute was another winner, everyone loved it. We tried this Tonka infusion with Atlas Cedarwood and the immediate reaction was “Beard oil!!”
Our talented producer sent me a tiny sample of Tonka/Oud perfume, using our Agarwood, which I am currently wearing. I think it is a marvelous unisex blend…and I think I will layer it with some of my beloved Rose CO2. Yes… that made it mine!
We want a soap with the Tonka, distilled Ginger and Coriander… a glorious autumnal aroma.
Also… this is a VERY strong infusion… if you plan to use it as an after bath or body oil, definitely dilute in your favorite carrier
Tonka is known to perfumers to anchor aromas, making the blends extremely long lasting on the skin.
We tried a blend with Opoponax. Alone it seemed to disappear into the Tonka, but when used as a middle note in a blend, for example with rose geranium, it just elevated the additions and made the blend extra special.
Other oils recommended by others: Lavender, Lavandin, Rose, Clary Sage, Coconut, Cinnamon, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vanilla
No known contraindications.
A unique massage blend for overworked muscles. A blend of pain-relieving oils– Lavandin, Ginger, and Eucalyptus. (I recently discovered this is WONDERFUL for the aches and pains of the flu; yes, of course I discovered it the hard way!)
Personally, I use this blend at the end of a day that has overtaxed my resources, or used muscles that don’t normally get exercised. I rub it in at bedtime and know that I’m not going to be awakened in the night with cramps in my legs or ankles, and that in the morning I’ll be pain-free. This is a great gift for the weekend athlete!
Available as a 5 ml synergy, and a 1- and 4- ounce massage blend, diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil (wonderful in a bath with Dead Sea or Epsom salts).
NEW Limited Exclusive MuscleEase Salve is a seasonal exclusive due to its inability to maintain its structure during shipping in hot weather. Ingredients: MuscleEase Massage Synergy, Jojoba Oil, and Beeswax for a silky smooth application, provided in a 1 oz supply. A little goes a long way.
A unique CO2 from the Ginger (Zingiberaceae) family, which we are continuing to explore, having recently added some lovely Ginger CO2 extracts, Plai, Fingerroot and Turmeric to our offering of oils, among others such as Cardamom and steam distilled Ginger.
Javanese Turmeric is sometimes known as Javanese Ginger or Temulawak. I have read numerous reports of its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This extract has a delightful aroma, mildly spicy, sweet, and a bit earthy. Interestingly, while a bulk amount appears deep reddish-orange (see pic), when using a pipette, in smaller amounts you see more of a yellow-golden hue, which is what one would expect.
We look forward to trying it out in all our various pain relief blends, especially for joint pain, arthritis, any sort of pain caused by inflammation.
Javanese Turmeric is quite gentle and can be helpful for oral care, when added to mouthwash, toothpaste, breath fresheners or chewing gum. The producer says it is recommended for use against strep/staph mutans or other oral pathogens in the mouth, some of which cause tooth decay. Think of blending it with Myrrh for oral care! Both are bitter tasting, so finding a way to mask the taste would be advisable. It is also helpful in combating bad breath.
We are excited about the future of this exciting oil and others in the ginger family. An article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, June 2013, outlines research studies with potential uses from anti-inflammatory to possible anti-tumor activity.
Javanese Turmeric’s use in cosmetics, flavoring, and other products is on the rise in this decade as we consider its promising beneficial future.
Also said to be calming and soothing mentally and emotionally.
Madeleine Kerkhof teaches that this Javanese Turmeric extract (which she calls “Temulawak”)is highly anti-inflammatory, and recommended for wound healing.
NOTE: The CO2 extract contains close to 80% curcumenes. (See the attached CofA.)
Safety: Although there are no known safety warnings about this oil I would avoid its use with babies and during pregnancy.
SHELF LIFE: Approximately 3 to 4 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.
Certificate of Analysis:
Batch No. GE-441009
Batch No. GE-59128