Helichrysum Healing

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our Helichrysum Hydrosol on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without.

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away.

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased.

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color…

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers.

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our SkeeterBeater in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

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Facial Masks (or Masques)

The most basic face mask, and probably the easiest to make is a blend of which ever type of clay is suited to your skin type, moistened with an appropriate hydrosol, to make a smooth “mud.” Spread the moistened clay over your face, avoid the eye area, let dry, and rinse well with tepid water.

A mask will always help with exfoliation, may dry excess oil, and can help your skin detoxify. There are those who say that the minerals contained in various clays can also be beneficial to your cells.

The “fun” part of creating a face mask lies in selecting ingredients that are suited to your skin type.

Clays

Commonly available clays helpful for various skin types:

Glacial Clay

Glacial Clay is composed of particles that are small enough to create a powerful absorption factor for the skin and due to it’s chemical properties it has the ability to remove toxins and bacteria and dead skin cells to leave the skin healthy, purified, and smooth.

It stimulates the circulation, detoxifies, exfoliates dead skin cells while and smothes down wrinkles, leaving the skin soft, smooth and invigorated. It produces erythema (local skin warming), accelerates physiological processes and increases cell regeneration in surrounding tissues, improving skin elasticity and overall complexion. Because of the warming effect, I would avoid using Glacial Clay on very sensitive skin.

Because of its strongly detoxifying effect, Glacial Clay is highly recommended for skin plagued by acne, blackheads, pimples, etc.

Sea Clay

Wonderful for oily skin Sea clay draws impurities like a magnet! It provides deep cleansing, tighten pores, revitalize the complexion and help clear problem skin. Sea clay is the best for oily skin due to its high mineral content. Due to its high content of minerals, sea clay draws oils from the skin, and is rich in algaes, macro- and micro-minerals, as well as sodium and sulphur. Sea plants, seawater, sea salt and oceanic clay have long been popular physical-therapy ingredients in Europe. Recommended as medical therapeutic agents as early as 1578, seawater and sea derivatives were administered for rheumatism and general rehabilitation. Sea clay is an important ingredient in body wraps to lose inches and cellulite.

White Kaolin

One of the mildest of all clays, French White Kaolin is suitable for the most sensitive skin. It will help stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing. It does not draw oil from the skin so is a good choice for dry skin. It is also high in minerals known to be beneficial for oily or blemished skin. It can help heal blemishes and inflammation, while preventing more problems from forming. White kaolin clay soothes and softens the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

Pink Kaolin

Pink Kaolin is the cosmetic clay for normal, sensitive and mature skin. It is the mildest clay and most widely used in cosmetics.

Pink clay is particularly useful for toning dull, tired, or devitalized skin. It also has excellent cleansing properties

Hydrosols

For Oily Skin: Cedarwood Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Melissa Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol, Peppermint Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary Verbenon Hydrosol

Combination Skin: Cedarwood Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Rose Geranium Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Dry Skin: Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, Owyhee Hydrosol, Patchouli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Mature Skin: Carrot Seed Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Helichrysum Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Problem Skin or Acne: German Chamomile Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Patchouli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary Verbenone Hydrosol, Tea Tree Hydrosol, Yarrow Hydrosol

Sensitive Skin or Rosacea: Helichrysum Hydrosol, Roman or German Chamomile Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol,Yarrow Hydrosol, Blue Tansy Hydrosol, Owyhee Hydrosol

The Most Basic Mask:

Cleanse your face using your favorite method.

In a small cup or bowl, pour approximately one tablespoon (1/2 ounce) of your chosen clay. Gradually stir in (1/2teaspoonful, or 2 mls at a time) your chosen Hydrosol. Stir well, continue to add liquid until a smooth fairly liquid “mud” is formed.

Apply in a smooth layer to face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips.

Relax for 10 to 20 minutes until the clay has totally dried. Rinse well with warm water. If desired, follow with your favorite moisturizing facial oil.

Additions:

For Any Skin Type: Use 1 teaspoon of barely warmed honey as part of the liquid. (Warming the honey makes it more liquid.)

For Acnied Skin: To the warmed honey, described above, stir in one drop of Tea Tree, German Chamomile, or Manuka essential oil. The tea tree and manuka are powerful antibacterials, while the german chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

For Oily Skin: You might add a pinch or two (up to a teaspoon) of very finely powdered oatmeal to the clay. Stir in well before adding hydrosols.

A large fresh strawberry, very finely pureed is a wonderful addition to an oily skin mask.

Especially for oily skin or acne it helps to remove the mask with steaming washcloths. Add a drop or two of one of the above essential oils to a bowl of hot water, wet the washcloth and gently wring out excess moisture.

For Dry Skin: Instead of, or in addition to the hydrosol, and perhaps honey, add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of your favorite facial oil to the clay. My personal choice is either Squalane or Argan Oil, but Avocado Oil is a wonderful addition as well. Please note, the addition of a fixed oil will prevent the clay from drying as hard as in a mask composed of just hydrosols and/or honey. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes and remove with tepid water. Your skin will be moist and glowing.

A bit of finely mashed avocado is a traditional ingredient for a mask for dry skin.

Adding 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to part of the liquid portion of the mask will help draw moisture to dry skin.

For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin: Consider using Aloe Vera Gel as part of the liquid in your mask.

Please note, these are not hard and fast rules. Have fun with them!

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Methods of Application

Pure essential oils have a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The method applied can effect the results you receive. First of all, please remember that almost no essential oil should be applied neat (undiluted) to the skin. “Normal dilution” is 2.5%, ie, 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil. Less is more when we speak of these powerful healing essences.

For Dilution and Measurements Charts click here.

For Aromatherapy Massage

The most popular or common way that the oils are usually administered, in the USA at least, is through an aromatherapy massage. Mix your chosen blend or single oil into your choice of Carrier Oil. You don’t need to be a trained massage therapist. Warm hands and a gentle touch may not produce the deep muscle results that a trained Licensed Massage Therapist can, but long sweeping strokes can relax tensions and relieve anxiety. There are many introductory massage books on the market today, some may be ordered from our online bookstore. Massage, however, is only one method to receive the healing gifts of aromatherapy. Please bear in mind that from a scientific standpoint the path the oils take to effect our bodies is through the olfactory system. It is by inhaling the aromatic chemicals that comprise these natural oils that they effect our central nervous system, and cross the “blood-brain” barrier. The issue of whether the oils are absorbed through the skin is often hotly contested. Traditionally, aromatherapists have believed and taught that the oils did enter the skin during massage, but modern testing indicates that this may well be wrong. So many other methods of delivery that allow you to inhale the volatile aromatics may be at least as effective.

The choice of delivery method often depends on the intended goal.

For Skin Care

Facial Steam: For skin care, part of a deep cleansing routine, 5 or 6 drops in a pint of warm water or in a facial steamer.

Facial Masque: Add 3 to 5 drops to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, egg white, etc. For more detailed instructions, please visit our Facial Masks (or Masques) page.

Facial Oil Blend: Use up to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of your chosen carrier oil, unscented cream, or lotion.

Dry Brushing: To stimulate the skin, and the lymphatic system all over the body use a natural bristle bath brush with two or three drops of a stimulating essential oil (rosemary or pink grapefruit are good choices if not contraindicated) to the bristles and brush your skin, from the toes up to the heart, from the fingers to the heart, always working from the extremities toward the heart. Brush lightly but cover your whole body. This is effective either before or after your morning shower. I would omit the face and neck from this process.

For Baths and Showers

Bath: Add from 5 to 10 drops in a tub of warm water. Fill tub, add oils, swish to disperse in the water. You might try adding the oils to a spoonful of honey, a small cup of milk or cream, or to your favorite carrier oil, and then adding to the water.If you’d prefer to use bath salts, use a blend of epsom salts (good for sore, aching muscles), sea salt, and baking soda. Add 6 to 10 drops of your chosen oil blend. Either add to warm bath, or use as a “salt glow” rub before the bath. Adding a spoonful of your favorite carrier oil to the salt glow leaves your skin feeling soft and silky, but makes the tub harder to clean.

Jacuzzi: Add 3 drops of essential oil per person. This may be repeated every 30 minutes. Be aware that some sources warn that the oils may do damage to plastic plumbing.

Shower: After a shower, apply 5 to 7 drops to a damp wash cloth. Rub briskly all over the body. Preferably allow to air dry.

For Sinus or Bronchial Problems

Inhalation: Add 5 to 7 drops to a bowl of steaming hot water, put a “towel tent” over the head to capture the steam. Close your eyes and inhale until water cools or until you stop smelling the oil. Repeat, if necessary, every four or five hours.

Microdiffusion: Use a Nebulizing Diffuser that will break the oil into millions of micro-particles. In case of illness, inhale near the “mouth” of the nebulizer. Only four or five minutes worth should be sufficient, repeat every few hours.

Humidifier (Cool Mist): Add from 3 to 9 drops of your chosen essential oil to the water of the humidifier. Run overnight, or add the essential oils two or three times a day, if running continuously. Please note, the essential oils can conceivably damage a humidifier. I’ve never had this happen, but it is a slight risk. This is an effective method if using the essential oils with a sick child, since there is not risk of danger from hot water, etc.

General Use, for Colds, Flu, Sore Muscles, Relaxation

Compress: Excellent for topical application to ease pain, from strained muscles, menstrual cramps, etc. Add 4 to 7 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water. Swish the surface of the water with a cloth, wring out, apply to area, repeat when cloth cools. You may cover the warm cloth with a sheet of plastic and a towel to keep the warmth in longer. This is an excellent method for treating painful menstrual cramps.

Spritzer: The amount of essential oil used depends on the purpose of the spritzer.

For 4 ounces of distilled water use:8 to 10 drops for the face30 to 50 drops for an all over body spritzer80 to 100 drops for a room spray/air freshener

This mixture will require a lot of shaking, since the essential oils do not dissolve in water. If you add them to water without first “solubilizing” them they will float to the top of the bottle and just sit there (possibly dissolving the bottle if it is plastic). It is best and easiest to first dissolve the essential oils in two or three times their quantity of our Polysorbate 20 or in the same quantity of either high proof vodka or grain alcohol. Having predissolved the essential oil in your diluent or solubilizer, then add distilled water to fill the bottle. Shake well, spray. May be used as facial toner, to moisten a body wrap or as an all over freshener, or as a room spray.

Household Use

Laundry: Essential oils may be added to the washing machine, or a few drops put on a cotton cloth and added to the dryer. If using essential oils in the washer there could be possible damage or deterioration to plastic or hard rubber parts. Other hints: Adding a teaspoon of Lemon Oil to the washer will remove greasy/oily smells (a great trick for massage therapists!) Research indicates that adding Eucalyptus Globulus to the washing machine MAY kill dust mites in bedding. Lavender essential oil in the dryer can scent bed linens. (To really preserve the scent of essential oils used in the dryer, add them and run on a “no heat” cycle for a few minutes at the end of the drying cycle.)

General Cleaning: Use Lemon or Grapefruit essential oil, possibly with a touch of Tea Tree oil added, in the water you clean with. Wipe down kitchen counters and your bathroom with these cleansing, germicidal oils. I find that Lemon Oil in water does a wonderful job cleaning the bathroom mirror, as well as all the fixtures.

Washing Dishes: Lemon Oil is a great grease cutter; I add a few drops to the dish pan.

Flavoring: Either add a drop or two of citrus, spice, or floral essential oil to a cup of honey, mix well and let stand, OR put a couple of drops of the same essential oil on a scrap of paper towel, lay on top of a jar of sugar, seal tightly and let stand for a week. This adds the flavor of the fresh plant to sugar for tea, baking, etc.

Aromatic Baby Care

Your baby deserves the best. Would you prefer to use commercial, chemically-laden baby care products, or nature’s own pure and natural essential oils and pure carrier oils, powders, etc? Much of the information on this page is based on the writings of Colleen K. Dodt, Maggie Tisserand, and Valerie Worwood, all experienced professional aromatherapists.

(For Nature’s Gift range of all natural baby products, please see our Baby Bottom Balm, and Happy Baby Gift Set with our Happy Baby Massage Oil and Happy Baby Wash.)

Baby’s Aromatic Bath

First of all, newborn babies seldom get dirty. (This will definitely change in the future, but for now, how much mud and dirt do they come in contact with?) For most “wash downs” I believe the best thing you can do to keep your precious baby clean and fresh is to use pure hydrosols, the steam-distilled water-soluble extracts of healing and aromatic plants.

For my granddaughter, I suggested Rose Geranium Hydrosol, Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, or Rose Hydrosol. You can moisten a baby washcloth with one or the other hydrosols and wipe baby’s face clean.

If mom decides that a “soap and water” bath is appropriate, we suggest our liquid Happy Baby Soap or a pure handmade castile soap. There are many hand-crafted soap makers online who take pride in their pure, natural products. Please take care to buy only a pure castile soap. If it is scented, specify that only pure lavender essential oil be used in it.

The alternative to buying a special bar of soap for baby is to buy some of our Organic Liquid Castile Soap. Dilute it with an equal amount of either Lavender Hydrosol or Rose Hydrosol. Voilá! A gentle, pure liquid baby soap.

Diaper Changes

For tiny bottoms, wipe clean with a hydrosol, followed by a soothing dab of Baby Bottom Balm. Or make your own all-natural, non-petroleum soothing balm: Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba, infused with healing Calendula petals, with about 3 drops of Lavender and one drop of German Chamomile to help guard against inflammation. Gently heat together one cup of the Calendula infused oil and one scant ounce of grated Beeswax. When the Beeswax is totally melted, remove from heat and beat until cool. You may add an ounce of Shea Butter for extra emollience. (A spoonful of vitamin E is a healing addition, and will help preserve the balm.) As the balm cools, add the essential oils and beat until creamy.

Baby Wipes

One option to commercial, chemical-laden baby wipes is easily made at home. Take a roll of paper towels and cut the roll in half to yield two half-sized rolls. Remove the center cardboard tube, and place the dry paper towel roll in an empty plastic container. (The most convenient are empty commercial wipes containers.) Saturate the roll of dry paper towels with a blend of four parts hydrosol of your choice, and one part witch hazel extract. These are wonderfully convenient for cleaning up after a messy diaper.

More Wipes

Another alternative is the large, round cotton pads available in beauty supply stores. Moisten with your favorite hydrosol and use to freshen any part of baby’s skin. The hydrosol will leave baby clean, refreshed and relaxed, and can help calm a mom’s sometimes frazzled nerves as well.

Aromatic Baby Oil

Most commercial baby oils are petroleum by-products. When our babies need massage or need baby oil for any reason, we use Fractionated Coconut Oil, with 4 drops of Bulgarian Lavender essential oil and one drop of English Chamomile per ounce of carrier. This is a wonderfully soothing blend for the days that baby just can’t settle down. Babies love massages! Start from the toes, massaging the tiny feet, then gently up the legs, next clockwise around the tummy. Then, laying baby on their tummy (preferably across your lap), use gentle strokes up the back. The soothing oils and the touch of your gentle hands should have baby sleeping peacefully in no time.

Aromatic Baby Powder

For baby powder, you can easily make your own out of a blend of cornstarch, arrowroot powder, and white cosmetic clay. You may either add a few drops of Lavender essential oil or some finely pulverized dried lavender buds or dried rose petals. If you choose to use the essential oils, sprinkle the few drops it will take over the mixture of “powders” and blend in with your fingertips, then sift well. If baby has a red, angry diaper rash, it could very well be a yeast rash. If so, please don’t use cornstarch or arrowroot, they can feed the yeast. A powder made of white cosmetic clay, with a few drops of lavender essential oil blended in should soothe the sore bottom and help heal the rash.

Sniffles and Sneezes

The only essential oils that I will use (highly diluted) on a baby’s skin are Bulgarian Lavender, German Chamomile, and Roman Chamomile. However, when baby has a stuffy nose, the gentle conifer oils can be diffused in his or her room or added to the humidifier. The needle oils (conifers), pine, spruce, fir, etc. are safe for diffusing, can have respiratory benefits, and are known to be baby-friendly when diffused for brief periods. We especially recommend our Siberian Fir since it is the most relaxing of our conifers and may help baby fall asleep. Please don’t expose the baby to any neat essential oils, ever, and please don’t massage your baby with any eucalyptus blend. Eucalyptus, too close to the nose, can possibly interfere with breathing. Keep it diluted, and diffuse it in other rooms, during the baby’s absence.

When there are colds or viruses in the family, adding some Eucalyptus Smithii to water that you clean with, or diffusing it throughout the whole house can help prevent the spread of germs.

Earaches

Occasionally, babies get earaches. To ease the pain, massage the area around her jaw and beneath her ear with a blend of 2 drops of Bulgarian Lavender and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile added to two teaspoons of carrier oil.

Teething

Herbalist/aromatherapist Jeanne Rose suggests spritzing Roman Chamomile Hydrosol into the mouth when the baby is feeling pain from teething. Alternatively, you can rub the hydrosol on the outside of baby’s jaw.

To read about oils recommended during childbirth, please see our Aromatic Child Birth page.

Antibacterial Essential Oils

Please follow appropriate safety warnings. Many effective oils are less safe for use on the skin and would do better in a nebulizing diffuser. Also, please remember that all essential oils have some antibacterial/antimicrobial effect, so oils may be chosen for other reasons and still be effective.

As with any information presented on this page, please use all proper precautions in using these powerful aromatic essences, and consult a medical practitioner when in doubt. We are in no way responsible for misuse of the information presented herein.

Bay Laurel
Bergamot
Black Pepper
Cajeput
Cassia
Cistus
Clove Bud
Dalmatian Sage
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Lemon
Lemongrass
Manuka
Marjoram, Sweet
Niaouli
Oregano
Palma Rosa
Patchouli
Peppermint
Pine
Ravensara
Sandalwood
Spike Lavender
Tea Tree
Thymes ( we recommend Thyme ct Linalool)

To read about Benchmark Thyme, click here.

As more and more infectious conditions become resistant to various antibiotics, essential oils seem to retain their effectiveness. This may be due to the fact that most antibiotics, with a few exceptions, are single component (one substance) and essential oils contain at least dozens (and oftentimes hundreds) of components. It is easier for microbes to overcome a single-substance antibiotic than a substance containing hundreds of components.

Raindrop Therapy—From the Lakota?

I recently received an email from a member of the Lakota people, asking me to remove the reference to Wallace Black Elk from the NAHA White Paper about the risks involved in Rain Drop Therapy. I would have gladly complied, but I was not the author of the paper and didn’t feel it was right to alter the original authors’ words. (The fact that essential oils are NOT used in traditional Native American healing is an indication of the veracity of Don Gary Young, but that’s another subject.)

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words.

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The Hazards of Raindrop Therapy

The following white paper is presented by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, detailing why responsible members of the Aromatherapy Community are aware of the risks and dangers inherent in the practice of so called “Raindrop Therapy.”

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back to Egypt. Like many other practices with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that because it is “natural”, “they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company. While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or its product, it does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy.”

In the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined standard curriculum for certification for “Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of this paper is to assert a position against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members of the Aromatherapy Community.

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines.Safety guidelines are based on the assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe dilution levels for external use.

In addition to standard dilution guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple allergies and medical complications. ^[2] (Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions”, those “at-risk” should receive skin “patch-testing” at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each essential oil.” ^[3]

There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best practice.”

The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of the rationale for use of RDT.

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano. Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine frombottom to top (sacrum to atlas or 1stcervical). Try to stay in the electrical field as much as possible. Itdoes not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by gently spreading it evenly alongthe curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more isnot better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any discomfort…

…Now apply the oils ofCypress, Birch, Basil and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your fingertips. Then do the same with the other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want the spine to move. This technique helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum working up to the atlas. Repeat this two more times.

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

The heat will generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.

After putting the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”

Step 6
“Take the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this three times on each leg….”

Step 8
“Have the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is lying straight. Remove the towels and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at which time you may begin to see gradual changes…

This is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her needs.”

The question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody responds differently. Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person, but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the body to stay where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” ^[4]

The Video Presentation Variation
In the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass, 4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.

He further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove, nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine, but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce. ^[5]

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Caution: Special care must be taken with this step (referring to allowing the heat from a wet towel to penetrate usually about 8-10 minutes). The greater the inflammation and viral infection along the spine, “the hotter the area along the spine will become.“ ^[6]

Discussion

The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in safety manuals.

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.

Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well, the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the video, a ratio of 5% dilution for overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce). ^[9]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical compositional variation. ^[11]

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin. ^[13] Both Thyme oil and thymol have been recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis, cheilitis and severe inflammation. ^[14]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

MANY OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED. Fetal abnormalities and reduce growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. ^[20]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.

Comments: There have been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually all “sweet birch oils” are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

It has been detected in the urine half an hour after application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic methyl salicylate. Due to this and the risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in the use of this hazardous substance.) ^[25]

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Comments: Virtually all commercial “wintergreen oil” is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil. ^[26]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism.” ^[28]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy, Lactation. ^[30] It has been reported that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may be effected by certain essential oils. ^[31]

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces stupefying effect. ^[34]

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

“Caution C. flexuosus should never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” ^[38]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and sensitization may occur. ^[40] Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant. ^[41] Recommended dilution is at 4-5%

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend ^[46], and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas, ^[47] not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book,Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor.” For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Toxicity data & recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include: convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis, uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid breathing.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b-Thujone which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the skin. ^[40] On the other hand some tansy oils contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for application to the skin, or for room fragrances. ^[50]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Examination of the published literature on the rational for the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative effect on scoliosis:

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

While a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.

Some medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

1. “The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections, antibacterial, and antiviral. There is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial activity that has taken place in the body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any virus or bacteria that may be present.” ^[55]

2.“The Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex, reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical alignment.” ^[56]

3.“Raindrop technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents responsible for it.” ^[57]

There are numerous other references like these on the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would yield many more. This information either implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical alignment.

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

The focus of the search for whether one might give credibility to the rationale for the use of RDT lies in examining idiopathic scoliosis, as it is the only type, which is of “unknown cause”. An inquiry to the NSF (National Scoliosis Foundation, questioning Young’s theory of a “dormant viral or bacterial etiology” for idiopathic scoliosis prompted the following reply:

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

“Thank you for writing the NSF. Unfortunately, I have not read anything about the statement. There are a few helpful websites that we can refer you to for information regarding scoliosis. The addresses are www.spineuniverse.com, www.orthospine.com, www.iscoliosis.com, www.aaos.org, www.scoliosis.org. These sites have much information as well as links to other sites.”

Note: a search of these sites yields no mention of the dormant virus theory. There is a consistency across these sites that idiopathic scoliosis shows strong evidence of being hereditary. The following are representative of findings.

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

“Despite a tremendous amount of scientific research, the cause of some type of scoliosis remain largely unknown. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a disease that is inherited as a genetic trait, much like some other diseases, such as sickle cell anemia. The gene that causes scoliosis remains undiscovered, but scientists are trying to find this gene using new techniques for analyzing genetic inheritance. Defining the role of genetic in scoliosis is currently the focus of intense research at a number of Academic centers throughout the world.

“There is strong evidence that an abnormal gene is partially responsible for some forms of scoliosis. It is possible that genetic factors may influence important aspects of scoliosis such as the pattern of curvature (left versus right curves), the shape of the curve, and the risk of progression. The tendency for scoliosis to appear in people who are closely related, such as mothers and their daughter, identical twins, and the first-degree relatives, suggest that scoliosis can be inherited….” ^[59]

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From National Institutes of Health:

“Researchers are looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. They have studied genetic structural and biochemical alterations in the discs and muscles and central nervous changes. The changes in the discs and muscles seem to be a result of scoliosis and cause. Scientists are still hopeful that studying changes in the central nervous system with idiopathic scoliosis may reveal a cause of this disorder.” ^[60]

Treatment of Scoliosis

From Scoliosis Research Society: Bracing may be a consideration in children with spinal deformity and curve magnitudes of 25-40 degrees. The primary goal is to stop curve progression. Surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is suggested when curve magnitude is 50 degrees or more. Curves are measured in degrees and persons with curves measuring under thirty degrees entering adulthood are considered having a mild curve while those over 60 degrees are considered severe. ^[61]

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

Some people have tried other ways to treat scoliosis, including manipulation by electrical stimulation, dietary supplements and corrective exercises. So far studies following treatments have not been show to prevent curve progression… ^[64]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

But let us suppose for a moment that we suspend our concerns about etiology and standard treatment of scoliosis. Raindrop Therapy does not have any published scientific proof of their claims. Although the proponents of RDT say that is has benefited “thousands of people”, there are no citations to published scientific studies of these claims within any of the RDT referenced literature or in our broad search of the practice. There is no reference to any published clinical research using known data measurements (i.e. X-rays, degrees of curvature, or MRI.).

Scope of Practice

It must also be noted that within any profession there is a scope of practice which is to be observed. These are governed by state laws. While persons may be practicing under a medical license, using essential oils, persons using and training Raindrop Therapy, require no licensure. As well, although they may be trained in massage, for example, this does not necessarily include training as an Aromatherapy Professional.

Raindrop Therapy requires “hands-on” application of essential oils, massage, and manipulation of the back. Each state has individual legal requirements and definition of a scope of practice, determining qualification to use hands- on techniques required with this RDT practice. The use of essential oils are often integrated within an existing therapeutic practice (e.g. nursing, massage therapy, esthetics, OT, PT, Chiropractic, Orthopedic, M.D.). Therefore, we urge the consumer to inquire as to credentials, and scope of practice.

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
and safe use of essential oils are observed,

Raindrop Therapy technique does not have the support as a “best practice” within a large segment of the professional community of aromatherapy practitioners. As a wise consumer, we hope you benefit from this critical viewpoint, and hope that it enhances your safe use of essential oil and practices.

1. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

2. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Group, 79.

3. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone, 78.

4. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 191–198.

5. Young, Gary.The Science and Application of Essential Oils, Young Living Oils, (Video) 1994.

6. Young, G., Aromatherapy,The Essential Beginning(no longer in print). Essential Science Publishing, 1–7.

7. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

8. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973, through Watt, M. 1994: Plant Aromatics.

9. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995: Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 156–7.

10. Lis-Balchin, M. 1995:Aroma Science, The Chemistry and Bioactivity of Essential Oils,Amberwood Publishing.

11. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

12. Kligman, A.Report to the R.I.F.M., 1973. through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

13. Greenberg L. and Lester D.Handbook of Cosmetic Material, New York, Interscience, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

14. Mitchell J. and Rook A. 1979: Botanical Dermatology (out of print), through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

15. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 176.

16. Witham: Sets 1-4 through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

17. Epstein, W. 1974:Report to the R.I.F.M.,through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

18. Lahti, A. et al. 1980:Contact Dermatitis, (6) 464-5, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

19. Davison, C. 1961:J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therapies, (132) 207-11, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

20. De. Smet, P. 1992:Adverse Effect of Herbal Drugs. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

21. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics. Witham: Watts, Sets 1–4, chart 1, 20.

22. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics,Sets 1–4, 30.

23. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1995:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 173.

24. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4.

25. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 179.

26. ibid.

27. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 138.

28. Grieve, M. 1931:A Modern Herbal.Hammondsworth: Penguin, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

29. Harry, R. 1948:Cosmetic Materials. Vol. 2, London, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

30. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 289.

31. Buckle, J. 1997:Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing.San Diego, CA, 84.

32. Owole, S.A. and Ramson-Kuto, O. 1980: The risk of jaundice in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient babies exposed to menthol.Acta Paediatrica Scandinavia69, 341-345, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

33. Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition. Compiled by Essential Science Publishing, 2001, 34.

34. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 317.

35. Kligman, A. 1972: Report to the RIFM, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

36. Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.Sets 1–4, 56 and 77.

37. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, Chart 197.

38. Price, S. 1993:Aromatherapy Workbook. London: Thorsons, 84.

39. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Churchill Livingstone, 146.

40. Witham: through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 123.

41. Mendelsohn H. 1944:Arch. Derm. Syph.(50), 34, and same author and journal 1946, (53), 94, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

42. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA: 191.

43. Witham through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics, 103.

44. Watt, M. 1996:Essential Oil Monographs. Tampa, FLA, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

45. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 327.

46. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2000. USA, Essential Science Publishing, 123.

47. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. Tampa, FLA: Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 145.

48. Tisserand, R. and Balacs, T. 1996:Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.London: Churchill Livingstone, 172.

49. Witham: thorugh Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics:32.

50. Meyer, R. 1959:Arzneimittel-Forcsh,(9), 516, through Watt, M. 1994:Plant Aromatics.

51. Sheppard-Hanger, S. 1995:Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.Tampa, FLA. Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, chart 403.

52. Essential Oils Desk Reference,2001, USA, Essential Science Publishing, 191.

53. Ibid, 347.

54. www.worlddirect.net.aro9.html

55. www.hypnosis-reiki.com/treatments.html

56. Dox, I., MD, Melloni, J. PhD, et al,The Harper Collins Illustrated Medical Dictionary,429-430.

57. www.iscoliosis.com/completegenetics.php3

58. www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Scoliosis/default.asp>

59. www.scoliosisx.com

60. ibid

61. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

62. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

63. www.srs.org/htm/library/review/review06.htm

64. National Institutes of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services, www.niams.nih.gov

Essential Oil Safety

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.

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Welcome to our new shop!

It’s been a long couple of years organizing and creating a new website to bring a more convenient shopping experience to our growing hive of mobile shoppers. After some growing pains and breaking chains , we flipped the switch on March 3rd. Many of you have had a pleasant visit, some have shown up a little lost, and there are still those of you who have no idea what on earth we’re referring to. Our journey is leading us toward our destination on a fairly bumpy road. We appreciate all of you for being patient with us, and above all, continuing to grow with us. Through all of the physical changes in our appearance, we assure you we are 100% the same on the inside… same excellent quality of essential oils, same outstanding customer service, and same amazing owner. Trust us. Marge isn’t going anywhere! (We won’t let her.) So… with that being said…Please pop in for a visit at the same address. We apologize that it’s not perfection… yet. Keep in mind that like all of us, our new website is a work in progress. We are working hard to bring what we love to those who love it too.

Here’s the bad news… For security reasons (and frankly outdated technology), We COULD NOT transfer existing account information from the old site to our new site. We apologize for the inconvenience. You will need to create a new account. If you need access to your order history, please email [email protected] to request it.

In the case that you are having problems accessing or creating an account, please send a message to customer assistance with the top line “LOGIN PROBLEMS“. and we will do our best to assist you.

or send an email to [email protected] (subject line “LOGIN PROBLEMS”)

Thank you for your patience during this time of transition. We are really looking forward to growing with you. Enjoy! -NG

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Skin Care Hints

Also see our list of suggested oils for various skin types and conditions here, or purchase Nature’s Gift skin care products on our Skin Care Synergy page.

Skin Care Hints

Acne? Hormonal Acne?

Another bit of feedback, from Samia, in New Hampshire:

My daughter has benefited greatly from the Melissa Hydrosol as a toner for hormonally related acne.

Now, I wouldn’t have thought of that, but Hope, my assistant swears by Melissa for just making the oil in her skin “disappear.” So, apparently, Melissa Hydrosol becomes one of the hydrosols of choice for the above skin problems.

Baby Wipes / Diaper Rashes

I had a long chat with one of my oldest clients yesterday, Nicole, in North Carolina (who used to be Nicole in Washington, but that’s another story!). Nicole has a new baby, and shared the diaper wipe recipe she has been using with me. She uses a 4 ounce cobalt bottle of distilled water, to which she adds 4 or 5 drops of French Lavender, 4 or 5 drops of Bulgarian Lavender, and 2 drops of Sandalwood. She says the baby had a dreadful diaper rash, and since she has started using this mixture to clean her daughter’s diaper area (using the round cotton pads that are available through most beauty supply shops as “wipers”) her daughter’s bottom has healed and stayed fresh and clean and comfortable. Since there is no alcohol or other solubilizer in this recipe, the bottle needs to be wellshaken before each use. (November 2000)

Basic Balm and Salve How-To

From my friend Janice Sheplar, soap and toiletries maker extraordinaire (and the creator of our wonderful baby powder, from My Grandmother’s Garden). For those of you who want to make something to soften your skin but are afraid or don’t want to go the cream/lotion route which involves water and preservatives.

A basic salve starts with:

2 oz. wax of your choice (beeswax, or for those allergic to it or opposed to animal products, Candelilla wax
8 oz. carrier oil of your choice (you can infuse your oils with herbs if you wish)
essential oil of your choice (for this amount of ingredients @1-1/2%, would be 90 drops)

Melt all ingredients together. When melted, blend thoroughly, let cool to about lukewarm, add essential oil and then cool completely. Your personal choice of oils will determine the end product (for dry flaky skin, oily skin, damaged skin, normal skin, etc.).

A basic balm is simply a choice of hard and liquid oils whipped together. I also add cornstarch to give it a “dryer” feel.

4 oz. of one or combination of the following: hydrogenated soybean oil, shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil (76 degree)
1 to 2 oz. Liquid Oil of your choice (Depends on what you want to accomplish)
1 oz. Cornstarch
2 teaspoons antioxidant (grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, low alpha tochopherals)

Combine the oils and beat on high in your mixer or with hand beater until light and creamy looking. Start adding cornstarch and beat in thoroughly.

I keep mine at room temperature and it is fine. It appears to melt into your skin and feels like velvet.

(I thank Janice for sharing her secret balm recipe. I make a lot of salves, and they DO tend to leave your hands a bit greasy feeling. She’s right; the balm leaves a wonderful soft velvety feeling behind it. I’ve experienced it in some wonderful solid perfumes that Janice has shared.)

And if you want to create a smaller amount of the balm:

2 oz. shea or hydrogenated soybean oil
1 oz. calendula or rose hip seed oil (fixed oils)
1 capsule flax seed oil
1 capsule vitamin E
start with.5 oz. cornstarch and go up to 1 oz.

Mix using the same procedure as above.

Orange Blossom Body Balm

A reminder that June is for brides…and orange blossom is also for brides. Wouldn’t this intensely aromatic body butter be a wonderful gift for the bridesmaids? Or a day before luxury treat for the bride herself:

6 oz Shea Butter
1 oz Virgin Coconut Oil
1 oz Orange Blossom Wax
2–6 drops Neroli Essential Oil

Let the Shea Butter warm to room temperature, cut in small pieces in the bowl of an electric mixer. Start beating and beat until fluffy.

Meanwhile, warm the VCO and the Orange Blossom Wax together over very low heat (or in a double boiler!) just until the wax is melted. Try not to over heat this! When the wax is melted pour the mixture into the whipping shea butter. Add optional drops of Neroli and ontinue beating until light and fluffy.

Note, if whipped shea, alone, is a bit too greasy for you, you may sift one or two tablespoonsful of cornstarch over the mixture and beat in thoroughly. The shea and coconut are available on our carrier oils page. The Orange Blossom Wax may be found on our Floral Waxes page. (May 2004)

Balm for Chapped Lips

Basic lip balm recipe: melt together one ounce (by weight, not volume) of beeswax preferably grated (it will melt faster), a “solid” fat…shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, etc. and one ounce of a rich liquid oil (I like to use avocado oil or kukui nut oil for this).

This makes a basic soothing balm or salve that can be divided into smaller portions and/or enriched in innumerable ways. Use herbal infused oils (infused chamomile or calendula) for skin soothing. Add the essential oils of your choice…a drop of peppermint or steam-distilled lime for lip balms. Lavender and German chamomile for healing baby’s diaper rash. Patchouli or frankincense for badly chapped hands. Less beeswax or more of the liquid oil makes a softer balm, more beeswax makes a firm “stick” that can be rubbed on.

Melissa for Cold Sores (in a Lip Balm)

Did you know that Melissa is the specific for cold sores (which are caused by a form of the herpes virus)?

Tammy Wytrychowski recently wrote: “I have made the Melissa Lip Balms and so far none of the people using them have had a recurrence with the cold sores!!”

The 10% dilution would be ideal to add to lip balms or salves. (November 2000)

Super Smoother Lip Masque

Our adaptation of a recipe of Donna Maria’s to end winter’s chapped lips, or leave your lips soft and smooth for photographs or special occasions:

Ingredients

4 teaspoons kaolin (China clay) or other cosmetic clay (I would use either white or pink cosmetic clay, green clay is more drying)
1 teaspoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon rose or neroli hydrosol

Procedure: Measure clay and set aside. Measure rose hydrosol, honey, and oil and warm in a custard cup in a pan of HOT water for two minutes, until “baby bottle warm.” Stir the liquid ingredients together until smooth. Add the clay and stir until smooth and lump-free.

Apply to lips and let dry for two minutes. No talking or laughing!

Rinse with warm water, blot dry gently and apply your favorite lip balm.

Thanks for the idea, Donna Maria!

Surgical Bruising

Louise, from the Netherlands, recently wrote that she was having some oral surgery, and her doctor told her to anticipate severe bruising from the various injections. She wrote:

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.
Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!
Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!
So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.
I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

I later wrote asking how it went, and for permission to quote her experience…and she replied:

Dear Marge,
You have my permission it is now 3 days ago and no bruises to be seen!
Really AMAZING and of course wonderful for me and I am exited to tell the doctor!
Kind regards,
Louise

(August 2004)

Chemical Burn from Chlorine

More feedback, from my friend Lisa, about a chemical burn and how she treated it:

BTW, I was hot tubbing and I got a chemical burn from the chlorinated water (my skin has been extra sensitive lately). However, I had a mix of German Chamomile CO2 and Sea Buckthorn in a macademia/kukui nut base at home. I slathered it on as soon as I got home, and hoped for the best.
The next morning, I had hardly any blisters! Normally, when I get a burn, my cheek flushes very red, and I have a series of blisters decorating my face. I am doing twice daily applications of my oil blend, plus I’m using the Roman Chamomile hydrosol before I apply it. I am healing at a fairly fast rate, and it was definitely well worth the trouble of trying to work with the German Chamo.

Thanks, Lisa…I love hearing how people are using our oils!

Gentle Honey Cleanser

My friend Ravenna in Australia shared this delightful facial cleanser:

Honey gently softens and cleanses the skin. This is a mild cleanser that works well for dry skin types. It is wonderful, leaving your skin so soft and moist! It’s not at all sticky and can be used as either a facial cleanser or bath gel. I fill empty honey squeeze bottles with this cleanser. Makes a nice gift.

1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Liquid Castile Soap
1/4 cup Glycerin
10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix together all ingredients and pour into a clean squeezy bottle. Remember to use non-breakable containers if you are going to be using it in the tub or shower. (October 2001)

Couperose / Thread Vein Help

And speaking of hydrosols, my friend Mari in South Florida has been experimenting with our neroli hydrosol. She writes that she has been using it as a toner for her rather sun-damaged skin, and is noticing that after a month’s use, her “thread veins” are disappearing. NOT a result I’d have expected from neroli but I’m certainly not about to argue with success.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in Rose Hip Seed Oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?” As effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rose Hip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes! (February 2002)

A client writes: Dermatitis? Eczema? Something…

Penelope C. wrote:

Right now I’m especially grateful for the Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum hydrosols. Since this past July, I have had a skin problem (eczema? fungal?) on the top of my right hand and up the lower top part of my right arm. (It started as a small spot on my hand and spread over the weeks.) Itchy or burning, tender, at times weeping and then crusty, swollen, at times having fissures that were very painful, then periods of being scaly, deep red color a general mess. I had tried homeopathic remedies and topical applications of some essential oils in carrier oils, ointments, creams, etc. (Nothing from a medical doctor. Their allopathic remedy would have been steroids, which I find totally unacceptable.) There had been some improvement, but nothing major.
I was reading, yet again, on your website on December 6. On the *Helichrysum Healing* page I read about the lady who used, with such happy results, Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum hydrosols on eczema on her face. I decided to try them. My order, which included the hydrosols, arrived on Wednesday, Dec, 10. That evening I began applying the hydrosols. I have applied both hydrosols together several times a day every day since then and have been watching a wonder occur before my eyes! I could list a string of adjectives which would all be suitable, but let me simply say the results have been truly amazing. (Now I wish I had *before* and *after* pictures!) It shouldn’t be too much longer before the skin problem will be history.

We asked her for permission to use her experiences online, and she replied with the following:

Right after I had written my first comments, my hand/arm area got worse again for a few days. Nowhere as bad as it had been – just a 4 steps forward, 1 step backwards equivalent. Now it is back to the place it was when I made my first comments and even better! Besides using the Roman Chamomile and Helichrysum hydrosols, I have also been using Helichrysum & German Chamomile CO2 EOs in fractionated coconut oil. (I put 9 drops Helichrysum – full EO, not the 10% dilution – and 6 drops German Chamomile EO2 – 10% dilution – in an ounce of the oil. I had gotten the Helichrysum oil in my last order before the one on Dec. 25.) I think the hydrosols, and now the EOs, have been what has brought healing to my hand/arm. I heartily recommend that anyone with a skin problem try both the Helichrysum & Roman Chamomile hydrosols and Helichrysum and German Chamomile CO2 EOs.

We really appreciate it when our clients first of all share their experiences with our products, and even more when they give us permission to share with others. That way we can all learn from each other!

Dry Skin Facial Scrub

Blend 1/2 cup non-instant oatmeal in your blender until finely powdered. Mix with an equal amount of dried milk. Moisten a scant handful of this blend with a few spritzes of your favorite hydrosol. Gently scrub your face, paying special attention to the T-zone. Rinse well, and follow with your favorite hydrosol, and a few drops of your favorite moisturizing carrier oil. (February 2005)

Secret Formula for Dry Skin

Jane Eliza shared her secret formula for dry skin for hands, face, wherever:

The base is half and half rosehip and evening primrose. I’ve also tried avocado instead of the evening primrose and that makes a beautifully nourishing base, too.
To that I add 5% carrot seed… Then 1% Rose Otto (again, I’ve been tempted to use more, but it’s really really not needed… My current mix also has 2.5% each of myrhh and frankincense…. I drop that down a bit if it’s not for myself – I’m also a bit of a resin freak

That’s a bit heavy on the essential oils for my taste. For two ounces of the carrier oil blend, I’d use perhaps 15 drops of Carrot Seed, one or two drops of Rose Otto, and about five drops of Frankincense. If I added the Myrrh, I’d probably keep it down to a drop or two. (In fact, I’m off to try blending some of this for myself; not sure why I had never tried it before!) March 2005

(And, years later, there’s another precursor for our Cleopatra’s Secret!)

Eczema

Gail Rice wrote today ordering more Roman Chamomile Hydrosol…a LOT more Roman Chamo Hydrosol. It seems…well, I’ll quote her feedback (with her permission):

Marge, you’re completely welcome to use our experiences on your web page. Re: my 13 year-old’s eczema — I mentioned that he gets eczema over about 1/3 of his torso and sometimes on his arms and legs as well.I will add (or at least be more specific) that the Roman Chamomile hydrosol makes the itching stop in less than a minute and the area looks less red & less She had mentioned on the phone, before writing, that the hydrosol, just misted on, really helps.

I’d be tempted to use a compress, but try getting a 13-year-old to be still for 15 minutes! (February 2002)

More on Eczema

I can’t remember the source of this…

4 oz Jojoba Oil
20 drops Borage Seed Oil (I would want to use 10–12 mls to get the full value of the Borage)
12 drops Lavender essential oil (I would use High Altitude)
12 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil (I’d think about German, not Roman…but it’s not my formula)

Another note about eczema…we have had a couple of mother’s using our Lavender Bliss Bath for their children’s eczema and dry skin. They rave about results.

(September 2003)

Weeping Eczema

Penelope, from South Carolina says that she used to suffer terribly from Weeping Eczema. Because she loves the scent of Sandalwood, she started putting our Sandalwood Shave Soother on it, and saw rapid improvement. (She also made a LOT of diet and lifestyle changes at the same time, which I think had more to do with the improvement, but she swears the Shave Soother helped.) Perhaps it’s the calendula we’ve incorporated into the formula?

Formulas for Face Masks

Winter has been here long enough to affect our skin…some suggestions for face masks to revitalize winter clouded skin, taken from “Practical Aromatherapy,” by Penny Rich.

Basic Face Masks

Moisturising Mask: 2 drops each Frankincense, Rose, and Neroli oils in 30ml (1fl oz/ 6 tsp) apricot oil with 1 tsp clear, melted honey, mixed with enough finely ground almond to make a soft paste.

Deep Cleansing Mask: 2 drops each Geranium and Lavender oil, 1 drop Lemon oil in 30ml (1fl oz/6tsp) hot water, mixed with enough kaolin clay to make a smooth paste.

Relaxing Mask: 2 drops each of Violet Leaf, Lavender, and Neroli oil in 30ml Sweet Almond Oil, with enough oatmeal to make a smooth paste.

Energising Mask: 2 drops each Ylang Ylang, Petitgrain, and Lemon in 30ml iced water, with enough ground almond to make a smooth paste.

Anti-Ageing Mask: 2 drops each Neroli, Mandarin, and Orange in 30ml Evening Primrose Oil with 1 teaspoon melted clear honey, mixed with enough ground almond to make a smooth paste.

(January 2002)

Rejuvenating Face Masque

1 tablespoon bentonite clay (or rose clay, or whatever facial clay you have)
3 drops Sea Buckthorn CO2 Select
10 drops or 1/2 teaspoon Vegetable Glycerin
2 tablespoons Neroli Hydrosol
1 drop Neroli essential oil
1 drop Frankincense essential oil

Blend all ingredients well, adding more hydrosol if necessary to make a smooth, spreadable mixture. Tie your hair back out of the way. Apply to neck and face. Lie down and enjoy the wonderful aroma for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well with tepid water, moisturize with your favorite carrier.

Note: I use Neroli and Frankincense in this because they are kind to my mature skin, and I love them both. You could omit the Frankincense, and use instead Rose Geranium Hydrosol and essential oil for combination skin, Melissa or Tea Tree Hydrosol and manuka or Lavender essential oil for problem or oily skin, Rose Hydrosol and essential oil for ANY skin. The possibilities are endless!

Jojoba Hair Conditioner

Adapted from The Herbal Home Spa, by Greta Breedlove.

Herbal hair conditioners help make hair more manageable and often impart a smoother and softer texture. They are especially good for those who use hot rollers, curling irons, and blow dryers.

Ingredients:

1 cup Rose Hydrosol
1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil
10 drops vitamin E oil (optional!)

To make:

1. In the top of a double boiler, gently warm the rose water.
2. Once rose water is warm, add jojoba oil.
3. For damaged hair or extra conditioning, leave on for several minutes, perhaps while bathing.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Shampoo lightly and rinse again with cool water.

Yield: 1 treatment for long hair (cut recipe in half for short hair)

Hair De-Tangler

Speaking of hair, and Rose Hydrosol, Anne O’Brien writes:

I just wanted to let you know that I find the above hydrosol great to untangle my hair after washing. I’m sure any of the hydrosols would work for this, but I especially love the aroma of this one. Also, it leaves my hair with a wonderful shine. I wasn’t sure if I should use it at first, as my hair tends to be a little greasy, but I have no problems that way. (October 2001)

Honey Skin Soother

A soothing remedy for winter-weary skin (sent by a friend who forgets where she got this, so I can’t credit the source):

Moisture Mask: Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons whole milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. (I love the way honey makes my skin feel!) Debbie says she wants to add a drop of Rose Oil to that mixture, and pour it into a warm bath for her “winter weary body.” I think that sounds like a winner! (March 2002)

Martha’s Foot Soak

Martha Stewart recently shared a recipe for a foot soak for pregnant momma’s on her show…to counteract swelling and achiness.

To make the foot soak, combine 1 1/4 cups of Epsom salts with an equal measure of kosher salt in a jar. (NOTE: I would use sea salt!) Add a 1/4 cup each of baking soda and cornstarch, up to 1/2 teaspoon of Lemon essential oil, and up to 1/4 teaspoon of Spearmint essential oil. Attach the lid, and shake the jar to combine. Pour the mixture into a bag, and use within a few weeks.

(My daughter-in-law says this doesn’t sound anywhere near as good as having her legs rubbed with our Prenatal Massage Oil…but she might be both prejudiced and a wee bit spoiled.)

Mature Hands Blend

Start with a base of equal parts of Evening Primrose Oil and Rosehip Seed Oil.

For one ounce of carrier I would use:

2.5% carrot seed (7–8 drops)
1% Rose Otto (3 drops) or 25–30 drops of Rose Otto 10%
1.5% Myrrh (4 drops)
1.5% Frankincense (4 drops )

This combination makes a wonderfully rich oil for treating hands that are showing their age.

If I were to use it as a facial oil, I would dilute it further by using a bit more of each base oil.

(Little did I know, when this was written in Novemeber 2004 that the blend above, with some tweaking, would become the basis of our amazing Cleopatra’s Secret line of mature skin products!)

Mature Skin Solutions

This is a frequent question, so I thought I’d share what I do.

Without a doubt, the BEST carrier oil for mature skin is Rose Hip Seed Oil. Some people love it as a base oil, and in the winter, so do I. But in Tennessee’s summers, it is just too thick and heavy. So I came up with a substitute that works for me.

To one fluid ounce of your favorite carrier oil (and mine changes from month to month. I love the texture of Apricot Kernel Oil, sometimes I will choose Macadamia Nut Oil, when my skin feels really parched and dry I might reach for Avocado…(visit our Carrier Oil page for suggestions for various skin types). To this one ounce of base oil I add a mixture of 1 ml Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 Extract, and 1/2 ml Rose Hip Seed CO2 Extract. I feel that this gives me the advantages of the Rose Hip Seed Oil without the heaviness. If, on the other hand, you don’t like the color of the Rose Hip Extract, then perhaps 1/4 oz of Rose Hip Oil (cold-pressed) would be the better addition to your basic carrier blend.

Having blended the base oils and extracts, it’s time to add the best essential oils for mature skin: Carrot Seed, Neroli, and Frankincense. For one ounce (or a bit more) of carrier oils, you will not want to use more than 15 to 20 drops of essential oils. The most helpful, but the least appealing from an aromatic stand point is Carrot Seed Oil, which has wonderful regenerative powers. If you enjoy its scent, then perhaps the Carrot Seed is all you’ll need. If not, I’d suggest a blend of perhaps 4 drops each, Carrot Seed, Neroli, and Frankincense frereana essential oils. This is a wonderful blend for mature skin care, with an uplifting aroma.

Mosquito Bites

Courtney snipped the following from a list she’s on. She didn’t save the poster, so I haven’t a clue…but if you have forgotten your SkeeterBeater …and gotten “bit”…this may be the solution.

I also got some astonishingly _LOVELY_ german chamomile CO2 from Nature’s Gift that blew me away. I diluted a drop with a drop of heli in jojoba, and have applied it to my skeeter bites – and there is immediate relief. I also applied it to spots, and they disappeared more quickly than usual. I can’t wait to incorporate this chamo into skincare, and maybe a perfume (yes, it’s a GERMAN chamo, and it’s THAT lovely.)

(September 2003)

Oily Skin Solutions

Two hydrosols that help: My friend Alice buys a LOT of Witch Hazel Hydrosol, I asked what she is using it for:

The witch hazel is helping my acne (as is the heli and rosacea synergy. the witch hazel sprayed on several times a day keeps the oil away, and yet is not so harsh as to irritate it. i really love it.

Now, Hope, my daugher-in-law, uses Melissa Hydrosol for her oily skin problems, but for those who don’t like the scent of Melissa (are there such people?) the Witch Hazel Hydrosol provides an equally gently alternative. (Please don’t use “drug store witch hazel.” The alcohol content will overdry your skin causing it to react by producing more oil!)

Origins-Type Salt Scrub

A friend recently shared her formula for the commercial Origins Salt Scrub:

Basically it calls for one cup of sea salt, 1/2 cup of a mixture of rich and exotic carrier oils (you could use whatever oils you have on hand that suit your skin type) and the scent blend:

10 drops Peppermint essential oil
5 drops Orange essential oil
5 drops Spearmint essential oil
3 drops Rosemary essential oil

We tested the blend in the pouring room, and it was bright and invigorating. This would be great in a morning shower. (You might want to do a double batch and package it in our PET bale jars, the same ones Origins uses for their scrub!) (May 2003)

Poison Ivy Solution

From Granny Ev: I’m not sure if I’ve seen any reports like this…. I get poison ivy every year and it doesn’t matter what steps I take to prevent it. To some people it’s just a minor annoyance but I usually have to get a prescription to relieve the intense itch and dry it up. Sure nuff – broke out this week all over my hands – fingers, palms, wrist. Since I now try lavender first for most things I decided to try it on the poison… I swear I was amazed. It relieves the itch—for hours and has started drying the blisters in only 4 days! I used the Bulgarian Lavender, tried some French Lavender but it didn’t work nearly as well.

Rash Treatment

From my friend Lisa Wong:

BTW, I used some Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract in kukui oil on a 3 day-old rash that had broken out on my face, and it quickly got rid of the scaly skin. I’ve also been spraying with your chamomile hydrosol before I apply the Sea Buckthorn, and it looks like it’s healing quite nicely; much faster than if I had left it alone.

Rosacea Toner

We are getting excellent feedback from people who have been using the Helichrysum hydrosol for rosacea, by the way. Really seems to tone down the redness that is often associated with it.

Salt Glow Skin Polisher

This is more of a “put together” than a real recipe:

In an unbreakable container (you’re going to use this in the shower, after all!) pour approximately two cups of sea salt (or UNiodized table salt.) Add enough Jojoba Oil to thoroughly moisten, what we are aiming at here is the texture of sandcastle building sand. One small squirt of Liquid Castile Soap is a possible addition, not necessary, but it helps keep the tub from being slick from the oils. You may add a few drops of your favorite soothing essential oil, but that is truly optional.

Now, into the shower, rinse off to leave your skin wet, and turn the shower off. Grab a handful of the salt glow mixture, and, starting with your feet, massage into the skin. Pay more attention to rought or calloused areas, and avoid broken skin (this will sting broken skin!). Always massage toward the heart, avoiding your face, and delicate tissues.

When you are finished, shower off the excess and towel dry. Your skin will be left soft, smooth, and silken.

The Sandalwood Body Envelope

One of the simplest and easiest recipes in Donna Maria’s book (a wonderful after shower oil!):

Add 3 drops of Orange (or Mandarine, my thought!), 1 drop Rose, 2 drops Sandalwood to 1/2 ounce of your favorite massage base oil, and envelop yourself in the Sandalwood Body Envelope…or better yet, have someone else envelope you in it! © 2000 Donna Maria, shared with permission. I highly recommend it!

Healing Scars (from a Dog Bite)

Comments and feedback from one of our readers, Ellen Ray, an aromatherapist in North Carolina. Not long ago she called and asked me to express mail some Helichrysum Italicuum and rose hip seed oil to her. She recently sent this, with permission to share it with you:

I used the Helichrysum italicuum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the essential oils and carrier oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased.
—Ellen W. Ray, Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy (June 2000)

I love it when the medical profession has to sit up and take notice…and I love it when these oils can make a real difference in someone’s life!

SkeeterBeater Application

Speaking of SkeeterBeater… we have had feedback from friends who have been adding the synergy to Aloe Vera Gel (commercial, the brand of your choice). They say it is lighter and cooler feeling than an oil-based dilution, but lasts far longer than a water-based spray. We’ve not tried it yet, but wanted to pass the idea along. (July 2003)

(June 2005 update to the above. Nature’s Gift now offers SkeeterBeater Gel for those not interested in “do it yourself.”

Treatment for Miscellaneous Skin Infections

Shared by John Kerr, of Aromatherapy Today Magazine, in Australia: 10 drops each Tea Tree, Spearmint, and Myrrh added to 20 grams of commercial Aloe Vera Gel. (July 2004)

Spider Bite

First aid tip from one of our client’s, an email just received from Lisa:

Hi Marge. in my last order, i requested a sample of the Bulgarian Lavender (the more perfumey one, in case i got the name wrong).
i got a very large, itchy spider bite on my leg. i thought i was going to have to *not move* all day because when i walk, the itchy/burniness is tremendous. then i remembered the sample.
in about 15 minutes, the itching went away and just a moment ago, i forgot it was there! isn’t THAT fun!?

Fun indeed! and good to know. Thanks, Lisa, for letting me share it.

Springtime Skin Soother

Janice Brady writes:

Salt scrubs are just too rough and abrasive for me. My arms and legs have a lot of scratches on them and the salt hurts, but I want to really get rid of dead skin.

Our reply? Try a soothing brown sugar scrub for gentle exfoliation. A generous scoop of brown sugar (light or dark will work equally well), enough of your favorite carrier oil to gently moisten, and one or two drops of Sandalwood oil…soothing to the skin, and the aroma just sweetens the brown sugar. Gently scrub away winterdull skin, without the sting of salt. (May 2002)

A Sunburn Recipe

From my friend Karla, who writes:

(She explained that she got badly sunburned, working all day in a friend’s garden with no sunscreen.) As soon as she realized she had been burned, she added some lavender to some generic drugstore hand lotion and slathered it on. The pain went away. Then she made the following blend for use after every bath until it’s all better.

Lavender,18 drops

Chamomile (I used English cause that’s what I had), 6 drops

Geranium, 2 drops

Rose Absolute, 2 drops (just cause I thought it would smell good, no other real reason)

Peppermint, 1 drop (to cool the skin, still felt warm but didn’t hurt)

Blended into 2 ounces Jojoba Oil.
I am applying some onto wet skin from the shower or bath and letting myself dry au naturel. I also put a couple droppers full of the blend into a couple ounces of neroli hydrosol and sprayed that on later before getting dressed. Very soothing. I don’t think it’s going to peel either. Moral of the story: lavender is wonderful and always use sunscreen!!

Karla, thanks for sharing that one with us! (The rose is obviously optional there.)

Sunburn Relief

A friend was badly sunburned last week. By the next morning she was scarlet, and blistered. I mixed up a blend of equal parts jojoba and aloe vera gel. Added some of our French high altitude lavender and Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract (my first opportunity to try the Sea Buckthorn for sunburn…).

After applying the blend, she was totally pain-free in no time. By the next morning (with frequent applications) the blisters had subsided, and the burn much less angry looking. It seems to be turning tan, with very little peeling so far. Just a thought if you or yours overdo the sun.

A Sunburn Cooler

From my friend Susan Bratty:

1 oz Aloe Vera Gel
1 oz Lavender Hydrosol
1 oz Roman Chamomile Hydrosol
10 drops Lavender EO
5 drops Roman Chamomile EO
2 drops Peppermint EO

Mix together, shake well. I put it in a squeeze bottle and keep it in the refrigerator. Works wonders:-)

Tanning Blend (NOT a sun screen!)

If you insist on risking sun damage, this blend will hasten a tan and provide antioxidant protection:

20 drops Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 (for antioxidant and sun protection, Vitamin A and C)
10 drops Carrot Seed (for vitamin A and a small amount of sun protection)
5 drops Lavender (for healing)
1 oz. Jojoba (many sources say that Jojoba has a slight SPF value, perhaps SPF 3)

For extra protection, blend the oils with a higher SPF commercial sun screen product.

Soothing Aloe Toner

(Again, from Danielle Sims)

8 ounces Aloe Vera Gel
8 ounces distilled water
10 drops Chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients and shake well before each use.

(October 2004)

PH Balancing Toner

(from Danielle Sims)

8 ounces distilled water
2 ounces Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
10 drops of Rose oil
8 drops of Chamomile oil

Mix all ingredients in your bottle of choice and shake vigorously before each use. You may use a cotton ball to apply your toner after cleansing and spritz throughout the day. (An alternative would be to add a bit of the vinegar to a blend of Rose and Roman Chamomile Hydrosols.)

(October 2004)

Waxing, Relief After

Lynda Sorenson (a licensed esthetician and certified aromatherapist who uses the oils in her practice) recently wrote:

What I find works well on my clients after waxing, a light spray of either Lavender or Rose Otto Hydrososl. Then I use a 1% dilution of Lavender and German Chamomile in Sweet Almond or Apricot Kernel. When I began using this combination a while back, my clients noticed and reported a huge difference instantly. (February 2002)

Healing Toner for Sensitive Skin

(I think I clipped this from the Canadian “Less Toxic Products Guide” site, but I can’t connect to their server right now to verify the source.)

1/4 cup Rose Hydrosol
2 tablespoons Witch Hazel
4 drops Rose essential oil
2 drops Yarrow essential oil

Mix essential oils with Witch Hazel in a glass bottle. Then add hydrosol.

I am guessing that they are using the “drug store witch hazel” since its alcohol content would dissolve the essential oils more readily. Deep blue Yarrow essential oil is a soothing anti-inflammatory…this sounds wonderful to me. (August 2004)

Helichrysum Healing

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Read about, and order, our Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our Helichrysum Hydrosol on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without.

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away.

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased.

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color…

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Eczema

Back Pain

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers.

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

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Facial Masks (or Masques)

The “fun” part of creating a face mask lies in selecting ingredients that are suited to your skin type.

Clays

Commonly available clays helpful for various skin types:

Glacial Clay

Because of its strongly detoxifying effect, Glacial Clay is highly recommended for skin plagued by acne, blackheads, pimples, etc.

Sea Clay

White Kaolin

Pink Kaolin

Pink Kaolin is the cosmetic clay for normal, sensitive and mature skin. It is the mildest clay and most widely used in cosmetics.

Pink clay is particularly useful for toning dull, tired, or devitalized skin. It also has excellent cleansing properties

Hydrosols

For Oily Skin: Cedarwood Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Melissa Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol, Peppermint Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary Verbenon Hydrosol

Combination Skin: Cedarwood Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Rose Geranium Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Dry Skin: Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, Owyhee Hydrosol, Patchouli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Mature Skin: Carrot Seed Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol, Helichrysum Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol

Problem Skin or Acne: German Chamomile Hydrosol, Clary Sage Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Patchouli Hydrosol, Rose Hydrosol, Rosemary Verbenone Hydrosol, Tea Tree Hydrosol, Yarrow Hydrosol

Sensitive Skin or Rosacea: Helichrysum Hydrosol, Roman or German Chamomile Hydrosol, Frankincense Hydrosol,Yarrow Hydrosol, Blue Tansy Hydrosol, Owyhee Hydrosol

The Most Basic Mask:

Cleanse your face using your favorite method.

Apply in a smooth layer to face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips.

Relax for 10 to 20 minutes until the clay has totally dried. Rinse well with warm water. If desired, follow with your favorite moisturizing facial oil.

Additions:

For Any Skin Type: Use 1 teaspoon of barely warmed honey as part of the liquid. (Warming the honey makes it more liquid.)

For Oily Skin: You might add a pinch or two (up to a teaspoon) of very finely powdered oatmeal to the clay. Stir in well before adding hydrosols.

A large fresh strawberry, very finely pureed is a wonderful addition to an oily skin mask.

A bit of finely mashed avocado is a traditional ingredient for a mask for dry skin.

Adding 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to part of the liquid portion of the mask will help draw moisture to dry skin.

For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin: Consider using Aloe Vera Gel as part of the liquid in your mask.

Please note, these are not hard and fast rules. Have fun with them!

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Methods of Application

For Dilution and Measurements Charts click here.

For Aromatherapy Massage

The choice of delivery method often depends on the intended goal.

For Skin Care

Facial Steam: For skin care, part of a deep cleansing routine, 5 or 6 drops in a pint of warm water or in a facial steamer.

Facial Masque: Add 3 to 5 drops to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, egg white, etc. For more detailed instructions, please visit our Facial Masks (or Masques) page.

Facial Oil Blend: Use up to 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of your chosen carrier oil, unscented cream, or lotion.

For Baths and Showers

Jacuzzi: Add 3 drops of essential oil per person. This may be repeated every 30 minutes. Be aware that some sources warn that the oils may do damage to plastic plumbing.

Shower: After a shower, apply 5 to 7 drops to a damp wash cloth. Rub briskly all over the body. Preferably allow to air dry.

For Sinus or Bronchial Problems

General Use, for Colds, Flu, Sore Muscles, Relaxation

Spritzer: The amount of essential oil used depends on the purpose of the spritzer.

For 4 ounces of distilled water use:8 to 10 drops for the face30 to 50 drops for an all over body spritzer80 to 100 drops for a room spray/air freshener

Household Use

Washing Dishes: Lemon Oil is a great grease cutter; I add a few drops to the dish pan.

Aromatic Baby Care

(For Nature’s Gift range of all natural baby products, please see our Baby Bottom Balm, and Happy Baby Gift Set with our Happy Baby Massage Oil and Happy Baby Wash.)

Baby’s Aromatic Bath

For my granddaughter, I suggested Rose Geranium Hydrosol, Roman Chamomile Hydrosol, or Rose Hydrosol. You can moisten a baby washcloth with one or the other hydrosols and wipe baby’s face clean.

Diaper Changes

Baby Wipes

More Wipes

Aromatic Baby Oil

Aromatic Baby Powder

Sniffles and Sneezes

When there are colds or viruses in the family, adding some Eucalyptus Smithii to water that you clean with, or diffusing it throughout the whole house can help prevent the spread of germs.

Earaches

Teething

To read about oils recommended during childbirth, please see our Aromatic Child Birth page.

Antibacterial Essential Oils

To read about Benchmark Thyme, click here.

Raindrop Therapy—From the Lakota?

Instead of altering the paper as published, using Young’s own writings as a reference, I asked permission to quote her email, below.

Greetings, It saddens my heart to see misinformation continuing to pop up in regard to our Dear Grandfather Wallace Black Elk.

Per your website search: “Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates…”

Don Gary Young is a known quack who has claimed to have learned and modified a “technique” from Grandfather Wallace. Don was a “monkey” (and there have been many) who hung around Grandfather, he was “monkey-see, monkey-do.” He would imitate things he saw without knowledge, without wisdom and without any knowledge of our& Grandfather. He never “worked with” nor was he ever taught, endorsed or recognized by Grandfather. He has stained our beautiful Grandfather’s name and it has to stop.

Thank you for exposing Don Gary Young for the sick individual that he is, but, please, take it one step further and correct all the information. Please support our Grandfather and his memory and remove this lie from your website. It will be a blessing to us all.

Further correspondence bought the following:

Perhaps a posted copy of my email message would be appropriate. I would definitely appreciate not having my private email put “out there” for all to see and attack. Each time I reach out to a person in regard to this matter I take a risk, so I thank you for your kind nature. If I may share with you…

This misinformation has been taught by this man, Don Gary Young, for many years. It is not uncommon, but it is very untrue. My information comes directly from Grandfather Wallace’s biological children and my own experience directly knowing Grandfather. He was a beautiful, generous spirit during his time on Earth and I want nothing more than to set the truth free — even if is takes me one person at a time. It is my heart’s hope that, like a pebble in a pond, as we reach out in a good way to each person, that this information will travel and reach everyone and in doing so bring light and truth forth and wash away this untrue stain from Grandfather’s life. It causes great pain to his family daily and more than I can share, it is getting worse as the lie travels with the power of the internet.

Our Lakota Medicine Men and Women and their ways are Sacred and all too often bastardized by “wanna-bees.” There is no “raindrop,” it was completely fabricated by Don Gary Young. It is possible that Mr. Young heard Grandfather’s stories, as he told many. Often to teach, send a message or simply to bring laughter forth. It is also possible that he witnessed healing ceremonies performed by Grandfather as a Medicine Man. But to claim to have been directly taught or instructed by Grandfather is simply an untruth. It is a way for him to gain trust and access to your finances.

The best “translated” book about Grandfather Wallace was written by a man who did actually spend time with Grandfather and was allowed to record his words on audiotape, William S. Lyon. Mr. Lyon is very clear in his representation of himself as translator to the best of his ability and honored Grandfather in doing so. It is simply humanly impossible to capture the depth and essence of such a human in words.

Sitting with Grandfather, for even an hour, was worth more than a lifetime of attempting to “describe” anything about him. At any rate, the book is called “Black Elk, The Sacred Ways of A Lakota.” I think you will enjoy it. Try to get a copy at your local library so you don’t have to spend your money.

Additional information on DGY… www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/young.html

Be safe, live in the light and close to the Earth. Thank you for spending a few moments with me. Please toss your own pebble of truth into the pond and help us spread the word.

I request you send me a copy of what you would post to your website prior to posting it.

Namaste’

Anni
Black Hills, South Dakota

The Hazards of Raindrop Therapy

Raindrop Therapy White Paper

“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:

It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.” ^[1]

Foundation of Conclusions

SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH

This position is based on the following publications, which describe the technique and claims, from the following sources in print and video, as well as information found on the World Wide Web.

Essential Oils Desk Reference,Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing, pp. 191–198

The Science and Application of Essential Oils,D. Gary Young, ND, “Aromatologist,” YoungLiving Oils, (Video), 1994

Excerpts fromAromatherapy, The Essential Beginningby Gary Young, no longer in print, pp 1–7

Description of Raindrop Therapy (Excerpts)

Step 5
Pay close attention because the back can become very hot!

Notes on Description of Oils Getting Hot

In both of his publications of RDT, Mr. Young describes the oils as “may be feeling hot on the skin”

While the sensation of heat and a burning is a symptom of irritation to the skin from using undiluted oils, the precautions he offers is in Essential Oils Desk Reference.

Discussion

Safety Data References of Essential Oils Which are Used in RDT

Oregano Essential Oil

From:Plant Aromatics

Origanum Oil

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Botanical Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link, and other varieties. ^[7]

A 2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[8]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Oregano (Spanish) (P)

Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209 list it as moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on humans.

Thyme Oil

From: Essential Oil Safety, referring to Thymus vulgaris L., and Thymus Zygis L.

Irritation/Sensitization-Red Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved severely irritating. ^[9]

External applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive or other oils. ^[10]

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Genus: Thymus

An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[12]

Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.

Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. ^[15]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.

Birch Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Betulaceae

Genus: Betula

Botanical Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other varieties. ^[16]

A 4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. ^[17]

A 1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions. B.P.C. 1934

Birch extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy to Birch pollen. ^[18]

Methyl salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of Salicylic acid. ^[19]

Although Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT RECOMMENDED. ^[21]

Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.This extract should not be used unless you are very confident of what you are doing. [22]

From: Essential Oil Safety

Botanical Name: Betula lenta

Notable salicylate 98%

Compare: Wintergreen ^[23]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.

Wintergreen Oil

From: Plant Aromatics.

Family: Ericacea.

Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.

This oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the usual International organizations. ^[24]

Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component of the oil) is rapid.

Contraindications: should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking anticoagulants

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on humans.

Peppermint Oil

From: Plant Aromatics

Family: Lamiaceae (Labietae)

Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species

Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint).M arvensis (Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.)

Peppermint oil does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the skin at very low levels. ^[27]

Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if evaporation from the skin is prevented. ^[29]

Mentha piperita var.Vulgaris

People with G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol. ^[32]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.

Basil Oil

(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotypeaka: methyl chavicol) ^[33]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Chemical constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)

Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil

Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin

A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicolcirca 55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to the eugenol content of some Basil oils. ^[35]

Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution

The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol. ^[36]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype estragole, on humans.

Lemongrass Oil

Botanical Name: Cymbopogen flexuosus

Botanical Family: Graminaceae

Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass

Class: aldehyde

Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%

Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization: avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children. ^[37]

Cautions: (dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age.

Toxicity: Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of glaucoma. ^[39]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on humans.

Cypress Oil

Botanical Name: Cupressus semperivens

Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Common name: Cypress

Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers, uterine and breast fibrosis. ^[42]

A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[43]

Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.

Marjoram Oil

Botanical Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also Marjorana hortensis Moench.

Botanical family: Lamiaceae

A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans. ^[44]

Tested at low dose non-toxic non-irritating, non-sensitizing. ^[45]

Raindrop therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans

Tansy Oil

Botanical Name:Tanacetum vulgare

Common name: Tansy Oil

Botanical family: Compositae

Notable constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%

Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either internally or externally.

Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy. ^[48]

No Formal Testing: Avoid in pregnancy with babies, children best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production. ^[51]

Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on humans.

Discussion Regarding the Unfounded Claims of Raindrop Therapy

Excerpts verbatim fromEssential Oils Desk Referenceby G. Young:

Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands of people.
Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of essential oils in bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment.
Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents. ^[52]

Scoliosis (discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)

The Raindrop Techniqueis one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines misaligned due to scoliosis. ^[53]

Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND (Video), 1994

Statements on tape by G. Young:

“Raindrop Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis, deteriorated disks and compressions.” ^[54]

The following section provides samples of information found on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy:

Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.

Literature Search on Scoliosis

Scoliosis: A rotary lateral curvature of the spine.

congenital s. Scoliosis resulting from malformation of the spine or chest.

idiopathic s. Scoliosis of unknown cause.

myopthic. S. Scoliosis due to weakness of the spinal muscles.

Neuromuscular S. Scoliosis caused by any of various diseases affecting the motor nerve cells.

Osteopathic s. Lateral curvature resulting from pathologic conditions of the vertebrae, such as tuberculosis, rickets, osteomalacia, and tumors

Static s. Scoliosis due to difference in the length of the legs. ^[58]

E-mail Response from National Scoliosis Foundation (Oct 22, 2001 on file):

From The Genetics of Scoliosis by John T. Smith, M.D.:

/p>

From National Institutes of Health:

Treatment of Scoliosis

What Does NOT Demonstrate Effectiveness:

Both of these sources, also state “ Numerous studies have failed to show any benefit from exercise, manipulation, meditation or drugs. ^[62]

There is no scientifically documented role for exercises, manipulation or electrical stimulation in the management of scoliosis. ^[63]

How is Scoliosis Measured?

The standard measurements for scoliosis are done through X-ray evaluation, Curve measurement, and MRI.

Summary of Points

Idiopathic Scoliosisis of an unknown cause, but current thinking is that it may be hereditary and genetic in etiology.
Review of the leading organizations doing research on idiopathic scoliosis reveals no dormant viral or bacterial theories.
Research has demonstrated no significant impact of exercise, manipulation, diet supplements or electrical stimulation has any effect on stopping the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.
Objective evaluation of scoliosis is done with X-rays, degrees of measurement, and in some cases MRI.

Proof of Claims in Effectiveness of Raindrop Therapy on Scoliosis?

Thus far we have shown that there is no support of a viral/bacterial theory which is the underpinning of the use of RDT for claims of benefits to idiopathic scoliosis and alignment
Nor does manipulation of the spine benefit idiopathic scoliosis.

Scope of Practice

Summary and Conclusion

Until such time as:

the scientific efficacy of Raindrop Therapy on the progression of idiopathic Scoliosis, (or any other type of scoliosis) can be shown,
and safe use of essential oils are observed,