Sunday, December 5, 2010

Getting over the Big Box Image of Aromatherapy

In the United States, big business has created an image that Aromatherapy comes in a Glade Plug-in, a Yankee candle or a Phthalate filled reed diffuser. Most Americans are not privy to the medical application of Aromatherapy where certain essential oils have powerful anticancer activity with tumor cell specific cytotoxicity.

With that being the thought process, Aromatherapy's image problem is this: when people hear or see the word, they believe it has to do with "the smell of things, rather than the things that smell."

Aromatherapy is the complete branch of medicine that uses the chemically volatile constitutients of plants for treatment of a wide variety of ailments.

I will tell you just as any other professional Aromatherapist, the incredible medical promise of Aromatherapy does not reside in their pleasing aromas, but rather in their ability to treat a wide range of infectious illnesses like MRSA, their action as chemotherapy agents, anti-inflammatory agents, wound healing agents and other medical applications.


Aromatherapy is making huge advances in the scientific community through the studies and research of the medical therapeutic applications of essential oils.  Vital studies are being released every month showing the strong efficacy of certain essential oils in treating serious bacterial infections.

Now, when you google Aromatherapy, thousands of results come up and there are sites that belong to allopathic professionals who chalk it up to New Age spiritualism or folklore.  With very limited investigation, aroma medicine has been lumped into the psycho-emotional aromatherapy healing. Many of these practitioners of conventional medicine have chose that natural medicines are ineffective at best. The well educated natural therapist is not necessarily being recognized by our traditional medical system and the FDA demands that instructions for these treatments be in the most vague form possible.

The ONLY reason Americans correlate Aromatherapy and Glade Plug-ins is there is a lot more money pushing the Glade Plug-in concept. Essential oils can not be patented as medicines, which means big business profits are negligible.

Gone are the days of Granola crunching, Peace loving hippies being the only people to benefit from nature's medicine. I, Heather A. Howell vow to educate and provide natural medicine in the form of essential oil infused products, Aroma Pharmica to every human being on this planet.

You need to know that plant medicine has kept human beings alive for millennia.  Essential oils provide a system of medicine support that is in biochemical harmony with the human body. Essential oils are just very active molecules produced by plants and Aromatherapy is so called as it deals with the therapeutic applications of these aromatic molecules.

Now you have it, an article that properly informs you in the versed truth of Aroma medicine. Pick up your phone, search the internet or email a trained professional Aromatherapist and be on your way to wellness, Naturally.


Heather A. Howell has love, compassionate and great reverence for plant essences and their healing power. As a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Heather serves many businesses and organizations as the Aromatic Alchemist. Currently at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and at Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Historic downtown Charleston, SC, where she custom blends, create signature perfumes, consults and teaches workshops. Heather is also at The Wellness School, an integrative approach to health. And she serves as a Director on the Board and the National Representative of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Heather also teaches therapeutic uses of Essential Oils to medical field professionals, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners as well as those who want to assist themselves and their families. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients’ issues, guiding them in obtaining wellness through the natural medicine of essential oils. Passionate about natural healing, Heather has over a decade of experience in the realms of Aromatherapy and healing modalities. Life with three incredible children based on holistic living, energetic presence and nature is rewarding and fulfilling.


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Essential oils to fight superbugs

Essential oils could be a cheap and effective alternative to antibiotics and potentially used to combat drug-resistant hospital superbugs, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s spring meeting in Edinburgh.

Professor Yiannis Samaras and Dr Effimia Eriotou, from the Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands, in Greece, who led the research, tested the antimicrobial activity of eight plant essential oils. They found that thyme essential oil was the most effective and was able to almost completely eliminate bacteria within 60 minutes.

The essential oils of thyme and cinnamon were found to be particularly efficient antibacterial agents against a range of Staphylococcus species. Strains of these bacteria are common inhabitants of the skin and some may cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Drug-resistant strains, such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are extremely difficult to treat. “Not only are essential oils a cheap and effective treatment option for antibiotic-resistant strains, but decreased use of antibiotics will help minimise the risk of new strains of antibiotic resistant micro-organisms emerging,” said Professor Samaras.

Essential oils have been recognised for hundreds of years for their therapeutic properties, although very little is still known about how they exert their antimicrobial effects in humans. Australian aborigines used Tea tree oil to treat colds, sore throats, skin infections and insect bites and the remedy was sold commercially as a medicinal antiseptic from the early 20th century. Various scientific studies have demonstrated that essential oils are not only well tolerated, but are effective against a range of bacterial and fungal species. Their therapeutic value has been shown for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including acne, dandruff, head lice and oral infections.

The Greek team believes essential oils could have diverse medical and industrial applications. “The oils — or their active ingredients — could be easily incorporated into antimicrobial creams or gels for external application. In the food industry the impregnation of food packaging with essential oils has already been successfully trialled. They could also be included in food stuffs to replace synthetic chemicals that act as preservatives,” they said.    Source: Society for General Microbiology

***It is time to make a change for the better in your life through the assistance of essential oils.  Please visit Aroma Pharmica as a source of therapeutic remedies for life's ailments. Roll-ons, inhalers and diffuser oils are very effective as alternatives to conventional medication.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Holiday Gift Making with the Aromatic Alchemist

In this world where there is too much stuff, why not gift the one's you love or those who impact your life in a positive way with something that benefits their wellbeing. Give them self-care products that you customize especially for them with pure essential oils. Make 6 Organic, Luxurious, Therapeutic gifts from over 20 Aromatic recipes.  These classes will be held at Seeking Indigo 445 King St. Charleston, SC
Choose from:
Healing Bath Salt,
3oz Aromatherapy Spray,
Bath Bomb Cookie (4),
6oz Body Candle,
4oz Body Crème,
2oz Organic Body Oil

You can mix and match products. Cost: $75.  Great way to give gifts that will keep on giving while learning incredible wellness tips from Heather A. Howell, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.

Dates:  Saturday  Nov. 13  1-3pm   -   Saturday  Nov. 27  1-3pm   -   Saturday  Dec. 11  1-3pm

Call today to reserve your spot (843) 725-0217 as these classes fill up quickly!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Essential Oil Recipes for Wellbeing




The following are creative ways to use essential oils: to bring peace, relaxation, and simplicity into one’s space.
  • Lighten the air: Put a few drops of essential oil in the bag or filter of a vacuum cleaner. This will fill the room with aroma while cleaning. This instantly changes the energy of a room and the people in the room too. Lavender is calming; Lemon is uplifting and an incredible germ killer.
  • Aromatic House Spray to evoke memories of holidays past.
o    Recipe:
Pine Essential Oil 4 drops
Orange EO 2 drops
Cinnamon EO 1 drop
Diluted in 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle.
  • Fragrant Linens: Put 3-6 drops of essential oil on a handful of cotton balls and place them throughout one’s closet shelves. Next time one reaches for new sheets or towels, a waft of the heavenly scent will be present. Do the same thing to one’s dresser drawers, desk drawers, etc. Use your favorite essential oil or blend, one that leaves a feeling of elation.
  • Essential Clean: To clean one’s fridge, put a few drops of orange, mandarin, mint, lavender, or lemon oil in a spray bottle of water. Not only will it disinfect and clean the fridge, but it will leave a wonderful scent when done.
  • Stove Top Potpourri: Simmer a few drops of Cinnamon and Nutmeg essential oils and other spice to create a warm and delicious scent in one’s kitchen. OR make a pot of incredible air freshener by adding cinnamon sticks, cloves and sliced lemon to water and simmer on the stove. This eliminates any odor in the kitchen.
  • Stress Buster: Take 30 minutes to relax in a sensuous bath infused with 5 drops lavender oil, 4 drops orange oil and 4 drops ylang ylang oil. This fragrant bath with entice one’s senses while leaving you calm, rejuvenated and refreshed.
  • Aromatic Logs for the fire. Whether the fireplace is inside or outside, this will surely evoke memories of yesteryear and perhaps create new ones for years to come.
    • Just one drop of EO, that's right only ONE drop of Essential oil per log per fire. Surprisingly, this one drop will be enough to provide an aromatic boost to the ambiance.
    • Simply put the "Firewood or Holiday" oil onto the log and leave it to soak in before putting on the fire. Suggested wait time before putting into the fire is 20-30 minutes. The reason is that Essential oils are inflammable so unless the oil has been given time to soak in, there could be sparks. Prepare several logs at a time and set them aside and use as needed.
  • Firewood Essential Oils: Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Cypress, Sandalwood
  • Holiday Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Clove, Bay, Pine, Cedarwood, Mandarin, Orange Tangerine, Frankincense, Myrrh
    • Use 2-4 oils and blend together to create a unique blend for special occasions.
These are a few quick and easy ways to enhance one’s mental and emotional health through aromatherapy, but one should consult a trained Aromatherapist who can read the chemical composition of an essential oil profile and make an educated decision about the safety of an essential oil before delving into this healing modality. 
Delve into the realms of nature's medicine and perfumery by scheduling an appointment with the Aromatic Alchemist, Heather A. Howell in person or via distance consultation for your very own custom blend of essential oils that assist in your advancement on your journey. Call toll-free 866.697.4367 or visit Aroma Pharmica
Heather A. Howell has love, compassionate and great reverence for plant essences and their healing power. As a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Heather serves many businesses and organizations as the Aromatic Alchemist. Currently at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and at Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Historic downtown Charleston, SC, where she has an Aroma Bar for custom blends, consultations and workshops. Heather is also at The Wellness School, an integrative approach to health. And she serves as a Director on the Board and the National Representative of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Heather also teaches therapeutic uses of Essential Oils to medical field professionals, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners as well as those who want to assist themselves and their families. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients’ issues, guiding them in obtaining wellness through the natural medicine of essential oils. Passionate about natural healing, Heather has over a decade of experience in the realms of Aromatherapy and healing modalities. Life with three incredible children based on holistic living, energetic presence and nature is rewarding and fulfilling.
 

Sunday, October 10, 2010

How Aromatherapy Works - a scientific glance - Part 2 The Limbic System

The limbic system helps us to remember events that caused strong emotions. If someone were to be attacked, the limbic system would first produce fear and then perhaps rage. The fear would energize the body to help you to run away, if possible. If not, your limbic system might trigger a rage, which would prepare the body to fight in a ferocious manner, to protect yourself or your loved ones.

The Hypothalamus is the hormonal control center. It releases chemical messengers, produces growth hormones (for youth and longevity, sex hormones, thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin), and is the "master gland".

The olfactory system actually begins in the roof of the nasal cavity. The olfactory receptors are ciliated epithelial cells with an array of receptors capable of detecting thousands of different odors like antennas into every part of the body.

The moment you smell an oil, these hairs send a frequency to the receptor sites on the cells and change the energy so that transformation can take place. The benefits of aromatherapy from the application of essential oils to inhalation of the aromas are tremendous.

The Amygdala has two parts, a posterior and anterior portion. The posterior portion ties into all of your fears and traumas which is why when you have a feeling of negativity from a smell, your body is remembering a prior incident which also contained the same smell as part of the situation. If you witness an accident and store a certain aroma, every time you encounter this smell you will be returned to that memory and the trauma involved. The anterior portion of the Amygdala is the gateway to the frontal lobes which is where the positive, peaceful emotions live.
The olfactory epithelium lies within the nasal cavity. The nerve endings are sensitive to molecules floating about in the air that get stuck on the mucous surface. The contact of such molecules with the cilia of the olfactory receptors is transduced into neural messages (see diagram).

Essential oils have the power of instant relief from a wide range of life's ailments and challenges, including but not limited to headaches, skin conditions, muscle aches, stress, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, digestive issues, ring worm, colds/flu, PTSD, respiratory issues,insect repellent (including bed bugs,) and the list goes on and on. You can get a custom blend of nature's medicine specific for you by going on-line for  a distance consultation or make an appointment at Seeking Indigo, 445 King St. Charleston, SC 843.725.0217.

Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as Skincare Formulator  at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and the Aromatic Alchemist at Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC and serves as a Director and the National Representative of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients’ issues and obtaining wellness through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

How Aromatherapy Works - a scientific glance - Part 1


How do we get oils quickly into the system? Through the olfactory nerve, to the pineal, pituitary, Amygdala. When you breathe an oil into the system, and through the nasal cavity, it is first picked up by the neurons that hang down from the olfactory, right between the eyes at the top of the sinus cavity. Those oil molecules are carried within milliseconds into the center of the brain.  
Now they have found that through the inhalation of Essential Oils into the mid-brain system, they will cause a secretion of antibodies instantly, endorphins and neurotransmitters.  
Now we're seeing a direct response on the immune system from the inhalation, and topical application of Essential Oils like none other that has ever been created.
When a smell enters the nasal cavity, it meets up with over 50,000,000 receptor neurons which are located in the upper part of the nose and nasal septum, and the receptors are specialized in such a way that certain react to certain smells. These receptors then convert the presence of a smell into a message which is sent to the olfactory bulb (which is seen as part of the forebrain and its main sensory input) where the processing of the smell is started and is then passed onto other areas of the brain which control emotions, behavior as well as basic thought processes. Enkephalin reduces pain and creates a feeling of well-being. Endorphins also reduce pain and induce sexual feelings. Serotonin helps relax and calm. Because the olfactory nerves are a direct extension of the brain's limbic system, reaction to smell is relayed immediately.
Essential oils have the power of instant relief from a wide range of life's ailments and challenges, including but not limited to headaches, skin conditions, muscle aches, stress, anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, digestive issues, ring worm, colds/flu, PTSD, respiratory issues,insect repellent (including bed bugs,) and the list goes on and on. You can get a custom blend of nature's medicine specific for you by going on-line for  a distance consultation or make an appointment at Seeking Indigo, Charleston, SC 843.725.0217.
Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as Skincare Formulator  at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and the Aromatic Alchemist at Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC and serves as a Director and the National Representative of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients’ issues and obtaining wellness through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling.



Sunday, September 12, 2010

Aromatherapy for Babies

Baby Aromatherapy 101... This week I had the privilege of assisting a new momma with her birthing process by creating a blend for her and baby. It was loved by all and when this new soul made his entrance into the world, he was smiling. Testament at it's best. 

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences. They are comprised of 1000's of chemical constituents. Unlike synthetic substances, which have no vital force contained in them, essential oils are filled with living, pulsating vibrations.

For babies and toddlers, the ratio is very low for use. Example for lotions, massage oils, etc. newborn to 6 months - 1-3 drops to 1 ounce of lotion or carrier oil: 6-12 months - 1-5 drops to 1 ounce lotion or oil, 1-4 years old - 5-10 drops to 1 ounce lotion or oil.

Only use lavender, mandarin or chamomile on newborns and you can add eucalyptus, tea tree, geranium and rose otto after 2 months, then after 7 months you can add palmarosa, petitgrain, tangerine and cardamom. The list continues to grow after 2 years old and so on.

Please be so careful when using essential oils on your own with your children, there are essential oils that one drop on a child has toxicity levels to shut down their liver and other vital organs.

Please advise a certified aromatherapist or research before going too far with these highly effective and powerful gifts from nature. Reference book: Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child by Valerie Ann Worwood.

If you are not familiar with EO's, it is best to use to products designed for children with specific applications in mind. Aroma Pharmica has a blend called "Peaceful" for infants and children, p.s. it's great for sleep deprived and stressed parents as well.

When buying, please read the labels and buy products without parabens, sulfates or other chemicals in products for your babies.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Summer Time Cleaning with Essential Oils


The dog days of summer are on their way and nothing is better than cleaning with essential oils. Not only does your environment appreciate this, but you are changing the minds of the people who are in this environment by infusing the uplifting power of therapeutic essential oils into the air.

Essential oils are nature's medicine. By using them to effectively clean your home, office or vehicle, you are eliminating harming chemicals and instilling this very medicine into the air you breathe. You are taking a step toward self care and wellness.

One of the best essential oils for cleaning is Lemon essential oil, which boosts the effectiveness of cleaning with natural products and leaves a fresh, clean scent all around. Why switch from commercial products with ingredients like bleach and ammonia? Because those cleaners can irritate your eyes, airways, skin, and nervous system, AND they also pollute and contaminate your indoor air and the water sources they wash into when they go down the drain.

Below are recipes to deodorize, disinfect, degrease, polish, and brighten your environment, naturally. You will be empowering your immune system, your health as well as those in your environment. Just think, you will be enhancing the lives of many, just by cleaning naturally with essential oils.

Everyday Disinfectant:
• Fill a 8oz. spray bottle with water
• Add a squirt of plant based soap
• Add 5-10 drops each of lemon, lavender, and pine essential oils (can use individually)
Shake well and apply to all surfaces.

Mold & Mildew Spray:
• Pour 2 cups distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle
• Add 5-10 drops lemon essential oil and 5-10 drops tea tree essential oil
Shake well and spray on infected area

Enjoy your days, laugh often and shine your light from the inside out!


Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as the Master Aromatherapist at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC and serves as a Director and the National Representative of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients’ issues and obtaining wellness through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

How Aromatherapy Works...


Most people do not realize that essential oils which are the basis of aromatherapy enter the blood stream of the body via skin absorption or inhalation and act as catalysts to create balance in the cells and organs.

This is a simplified journey with a molecule of essential oil through the body:

• To begin, the molecules of oil are small due to the distillation process. Their small size and the polarity determine how fast the oil molecule will penetrate through the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. They often go through via a hair follicle or sweat gland. The oil molecule then travels to the dermis and enters the blood capillaries there. Eventually it passes to the arteries and veins throughout the body. As the oil molecule moves through the blood stream, it finds the right cell receptor for binding. For example, a molecule of Rosemary travels to cell receptors on the liver. Finding the right cell receptor, it acts to regenerate and balance this vital organ. The oil molecule will leave the body in 4 to 24 hours. Usually, it is processed by the liver to become water-soluble. It then moves out of the body through the kidneys into the urine. This is an amazing gift from God that we have been bestowed. To imagine and realize that essential oils are so smart in frequency that they can find the correct cell receptor that needs its qualities of healing surpasses any lab created medicine.

Skin absorption factors:

• Skin Hydration - A hot bath or shower can increase the absorption of essential oils.
• Occlusions - Covering the skin with clothes, bandages etc. will increase the temperature and absorption of essential oils
• Temperature - Warmth of air or water increases blood capillary circulation and absorption of essential oils. Heat due to exercise increases absorption also.

Olfactory: the inhalation of Essential oils:

The other main path for essential oils to enter the body is through the olfactory system. As a person inhales the essential oil, the molecule of oil goes up into the back of each nostril to the postage size Epithelium patch. The molecules attach to receptors on the cilia hairs in the nose space. They turn into nerves on the other side of the mucous patch, which sends the odor info on to the olfactory bulb. This means the essential oil itself is not sent to the brain, but instead a neural translation of the complex essential oils. The millions of nerves enter through the bone to the olfactory bulb and merge into two large nerves that go back to the limbic brain in the inner center of the head. The right nerve goes back to the Amygdala, a center for emotions in the limbic system. There the aromatic info is connected to the emotions of the situation.

Because the limbic system is directly connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, scents can have physiological and psychological effects.

Essential oils are also absorbed through the skin when directly applied, such as with massage. They then travel into the lymphatic system, which circulates them into the blood stream, where again they can have physiological effects.

For example, a person smells a bouquet of fragrant roses and suddenly receives traumatic news; they will always have an uneasy feeling about the smell of these flowers. The opposite effect is true as well, if one were expressing fresh squeezed orange juice and surprised by their partner with acts of affection, they will smile inwardly every time they smell oranges.

The nerve information is sent on from the Amygdala to the Hippocampus, a center for short term memory in the Limbic system. So, right away, the smell, emotion, and memory are commingled, as they are stored in the Limbic system. Then this information goes on to the Hypothalamus for long-term memory. It is passed on to the Pituitary or master gland and eventually the whole endocrine system.

I hope this informative was able to guide you gently into the realms of natural health and wellness through Aromatherapy.


Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as the Master Aromatherapist at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States.

In her private practice, Heather assists her clients in addressing issues and obtaining wellness and prevention through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC. 843.330.5941 On-line at http//:www.aroma-pharmica.com

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Healing through Nature, with Nature, by Nature, Naturally!


Is it a phase or fad, something that only “those people” use? The answer is No. The art of Aromatherapy has been used for tens of thousands of years; it is not new to this world. The ancestry of this practice is entrenched in history as the earliest people discovered by chance that some of the leaves, berries, roots and flowers gathered for food actually made sick people feel better, while the juices from some of these plants made wounds heal faster. The art and science of using plant oil in treatment is a brief definition of aromatherapy. It is a truly holistic therapy that takes into account and heals three vital aspects of a person: mind, body and spirit.

Many do not realize that by simply walking in nature has aromatherapeutic effects, inherently our daily lives are inundated with the presence of aromatherapy. The feeling that occurs when one smells a rose happens to be an aromatherapeutic experience, it is a gentle but potent antidepressant, instantly bringing a feeling of calm into their world. If one were to rub a petal in between their fingers, a slight amount of oil would be released and absorbed through the skin, creating a mind, body, spirit encounter. Another fine example of common occurrence would be when twigs from certain bushes or trees are thrown onto a fire for fuel. The smoke and aromas they give off have changed the emotional states of people such as feelings of happiness, security, drowsiness and so on. Also when one cooks with fresh herbs, aromatic molecules are released and inhaled thus healing oneself naturally through nature.

Essential oils are the base in which aromatherapy is applied to heal, repair and shift perception. One of the best ways to effectively receive the benefits of essential oils is to use skincare products blended with pure unadulterated oils. There are essential oils that have constituents for anti-aging, rejuvenating, cleansing, toning, soothing and balancing the skin. Facial products that offer essential oils in the mix give the user added advantages as their skin will receive complementary benefits and their mind and spirit will also gain vast healing by nature.

Essential oils are part of nature’s handiwork. One can not expect to change the world, yet one can change their immediate environment, however; the actions that are put into play create a wave of energy or vibration that extends out into the world, thus creating change or awareness. In the aspect of healing through nature, with nature, by nature, naturally, an awareness is being created that one can truly live a life based on the knowledge that one can use an array of holistic methods to maintain and promote a healthy lifestyle while contributing to the greater good of our planet.

For centuries, people have been committed to healing themselves and others through the power of flowers, leaves, berries, roots and bark in the simple practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is simply a fragrant lens which provides physical healing to the body, a window to spiritual nature and balance to the human emotions. Experience the insight and wisdom of true holistic aromatherapy from certified practitioners and let nature be an intricate part of daily life.

Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as the Master Aromatherapist at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients in addressing issues and obtaining wellness and prevention through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC. 843.330.5941 On-line at http//:www.aroma-pharmica.com

Thursday, April 8, 2010

May Chang :: Litsea cubeba and how it made its way to me


Okay, so I am a blending temptress of essential oils today in the studio. Ipod blasting in my ear, dancing and receiving healing energy from these oils. I love when the heavens open and I am blessed with breakthroughs and aha moments for my clients and especially myself.

As I began working on a blend for a client who is suffering from PTSD, I am given a gift of healing. Research done, essential oil components done, blending begins. When I am finished, I realized that this blend is not for my client, but for myself. You see, I am reading "Summer's Path" by Scott Blum. This story allowed me to rediscover that we as human beings store our negative emotions in our cells and organs. To make a long story short, Essential oils have the power to erase receptor sites and cells clean, fresh, new. With this ability, we have to be ready to release these emotions and traumas of yesteryear. I had an aha moment when this blend was created and now another healing journey begins for me.

So later in the day, I am formulated for another client who wants to love themselves and wants to embrace who they really are. With this case, May Chang came onto the radar, along with Jasmine, Helichrysum, Angelica, Blue Tansy, and a few more.

May Chang is refreshing and rejuvenating. Stimulating and balancing. Its aroma inspires and brings fresh energy; clears the mind. May Chang says, stop allowing yourself to be overlooked. It stimulates your will which creates the power to rise above your circumstance. Only you can create change, the change that you so want for yourself.

So I then decided that my family could use a little May Chang in our lives, so I blended it into a kitchen dish and hand liquid soap. There will be no "poor me" or "why me" mentality in my household. We are here to be the best us we can be. When life gives me lemons, I make the best dang lemonade this side of the tracks. I'll keep you posted on the results. You are always welcome to visit the store and learn more about nature's healing medicine.

Until then, sweet kisses and aromatic wishes...