by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil. Touted as a memory enhancer. What does the research show? How can we harness it? What about safety?
There are 4 chemotypes of Rosemary essential oil, the two studies I am about to talk about cover the one you are likely to see most often, Rosemary 1,8-cineole. The findings are pretty exciting!
Both studies were performed by Mark Moss PhD.
I will briefly cover the methods and findings, and provide you the references to dive further if you choose to do so.
In the first study, 20 healthy volunteers sat in cubicles with diffused Rosemary essential oil while being asked to complete serial subtraction and visual information processing tasks. Blood samples were then taken. Moss found that cognitive abilities increased and the blood plasma levels of 1,8 cineole increased. An exciting discovery (see abstract below) (1).
A second experiment performed by Moss entailed 60 volunteers, who tested Rosemary as well as Lavender essential oil. The individuals were tested with either diffused Rosemary, diffused Lavender or no aroma. All of the participants thought that they were brought in to test a vitamin-infused water.
Objects were hidden around the room to be found after testing was complete. While in the testing rooms, participants went through a series of test involving word puzzles, demanding memory skills that became increasingly more complex, involving recall of their memory. Then back to the hidden objects they went.
It was found that the Rosemary group did phenomenal with the testing, while the Lavender group started out ok, but performance slowly declined, likely due to what we know about Lavender and its sedative effects.
Read more about the details of the study here and here.
How Can We Harness the Effects of Rosemary
So are you thinking that you will need to walk around with an inhaler under your nose during all your waking hours? As we get older, walking into a room and forgetting why we are there becomes increasingly more common. Thankfully being attached to a sprig of Rosemary, an inhaler, or diffusing all day is not needed nor recommended. If you are going to sit down to read a book, study for an exam, or any other arduous task, diffusing a nice blend of essential oils including Rosemary 1,8-cineole will be very beneficial for you.
Here is one of my favorites:
References:
(1) Moss, M. Oliver, L. (2012) Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2(3) 103–113 DOI: 10.1177/ 2045125312436573
What does rosemary do to your brain, Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33519453
Rosemary aroma may help you remember to do things, Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130409091104.htm
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Uncategorized
With so many books on essential oils and aromatherapy, it can be overwhelming to pick one that you know you are going to enjoy, learn from, and best of all….be inspired! With more than a few dozen aroma books on my shelves, I have picked out my top 5 to share with you. Enjoy!
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils
by Gabriel Mojay
This book never makes it back to my bookshelf for how many times I reference it and recommend it to friends and clients. This book is where eastern meets western all in an effort to restore and maintain emotional wellness.
There is so much inherent wisdom in this book, Gabriel will help you to see aromatherapy in a whole new way. Inside you will find the esoteric and energetic healing properties of 40 different essential oils.
Not many teach from this space, and it is imperative that we take time to see beyond the chemistry and the components of the oil and see its energy, its value in the spiritual realm. If you like to learn about this aspect of life and are looking for emotional support for yourself or a loved one-this book is an absolute must have.
Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy
by Jennifer Peace Rhind
How many of us have heard the term synergy when speaking about blending our essential oils. What is the meaning you ask? It is the concept that alone one essential oil can be very beneficial and have many therapeutic properties, but when blended with one or two others, the synergy becomes incredibly powerful. The sum is better than the parts. They support and enhance one another. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy has been one of my favorite books since the first moment I picked it up.
Blending is an art form, it is not necessarily an inherent “gift”. Jennifer takes many different approaches to teaching this concept and has plenty of references to back it up. The wealth of information within makes it an imperative book for all aromatherapists and essential oils users alike.
The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide: Using the Science of Carrier and Essential Oils to Create Natural Personal Care Products
by Danielle Sade BSc CAHP
Are you a DIY’er? Are you looking to remove more of the harmful chemicals from your skin care regime? If so, then this book is for you. The DIY market is growing in leaps and bounds, and there has not been a quality reference book to assist in making product at home using essential oils safely…that is up until now.
Danielle Sade has more than 30 years of experience in teaching and practicing in the realm of complementary health. This gem of a book is based on evidence-based information, an angle that is not taken nearly enough in the community. Gain the assurance you need to make lotion, creme, toners, serums, face masks and more at home that are safe…and that work!
Beautifully written and in full color, this book does not cut corners. Learn from one of Canada’s leading experts, and get started making your own product, confidently!
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art
by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green
There are a combined 75 years of true experience in these two inspiring women who came together to collaborate on this gem of a book. Think about all the experience on these pages! Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art was one of the first books I invested in to begin my studies.
Inside you will find a little bit of everything, very well-rounded. If you like recipe ideas, you will find it here. If you want to know the scientific science-based information, you will find that too. Cosmetics, perfumes and herbal treatments? Check, check, and check. This is a great book for essential oils enthusiasts and practitioners alike.
Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, 3e
by Jane Buckle Ph.D. RN
My last recommendation is for the people who really want to know “why” essential oils do what they do, with scientific studies to back it up. Jane Buckle has the credentials, the experience, and the studies to back up the powerful uses of aromatherapy in a clinical setting.
Covering topics such as: Toxicity and Contraindications, Integrative Healthcare, Infection, Oncology, Pain & Inflammation, and Palliative Care to name a few, this is one of the most thorough books on the clinical end that has been published to date.
The R.J. Buckle & Associates school has taught many nurses over the years to help them to integrate complementary care into their practice, and are still being taught all over the United States. If you are looking for clinical andscience-basedd information, you must invest in this book!
Happy reading!
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Mind, Spirit
What Is Your Why? What fuels your passion for what you do? I was asked this question yesterday by a wise soul, and although it seemed like quite a simple question in the moment, I found it is a question I need to be asking and reminding myself of a lot more than I have been.
You see, the area in which I chose to begin my career, one of a healer, it is not as harmonious as you would expect. There is much disharmony and many that let their ego run the show, rather than quieting the mind and listening to the spirit-self, the essence of who you truly are; your dedication, your determination, your self-love, your strength, your truth. This can bring much discord, strife and “reactions” from the outside. So it is important to come back to self, and ask why? What is your ideal? What does it look like in your minds-eye? How do you want to feel? What makes you happy above all else? Then LIVE that…EMBODY it, and let NOTHING make you waver from that.
This can go for anything in life, your career, your relationships, the community at large, the world…..own your story, your truth.
I feverishly journaled my answers. My truths. What I thought I had known, and what I clearly never did. The only person we have to answer to in the end is ourselves…so I had a lot of questions, and hours worth of journaling of answers.
What did it all boil down to in a word? Helping. What is my truth? Empathic nurturer. What do I need to rid myself of? HA…well, a whole hell of a lot. My job right now is to decide what I will align with and move feverishly in that direction.
I want to help others. That can take on many forms and thankfully my education supports this. My continued education will fill the cracks, and my goal is to share it with everyone ready to hear it. Help others. In whatever capacity that I can, for however long I am here on this plane of existence.
It is not about prestige, it is not about notoriety, it is not about “likes”, it is not about money. I have begun to question all of my agreements, all of my scripts of what I have been led to believe. It requires a good, hard look at ourselves and what we thought to be true about the world and others around us. When the journaling slowed, I realized that I am meant to be here, doing exactly what I am doing. My path will unfold as it should…and I will help as many people as I can along the way.
For me, nothing feels better than a call from a mother saying “You helped my son sleep soundly for the first time in weeks”, or “My daughters anxiety was through the roof, I am so glad that I reached out to you for help”…..and “I am so happy that I found your information on essential oil safety, now I know I am doing things the right way, and that I am keeping my family safe”.
Remember those things when they happen to you. That is validation that you are on the right path. Think about how your heart feels as you lay down for rest every evening. Did you pull from your spirit-self that day? Did you live your why? Or did you let ego take hold? My goal is to snuff out ego as much as possible every day. This is crucial on my path. We all falter, we all make mistakes, but if we put focus on others by means of competition, comparing and judging, our ego is in control. This will not make our heart full, this will never lead to a blissful, happy, fulfilled space.
Am I an expert? (As I laugh) Definitely not. Do I and have I made mistakes? A resounding yes. If we are not making mistakes, or more importantly if we “think” we are not making mistakes….it is time for a true look at self. A reality check. We all make mistakes, but it is the ones that we choose to make over and over again, the ones that we do not learn from, which are harming us, which are preventing growth. If we judge others for their mistakes, we are not doing our best in this human experiment of life. Life is perfectly imperfect. We are all constantly learning, growing, and evolving.
So what is your why? Maybe it is time to sit with yourself and figure that out. Remember, this is not how you want to be perceived, the shoes you “think” you need to fill, or what you have to gain. It is all of our jobs to figure this out for ourselves and to continually check in to see that all of our actions, words, and expressions support it. Once you realize your blocks to the why, whether it is a self-limiting belief, a person, or an environment, once you make the discovery, the easier it is to release them/it back to where they belong.
It is time to accept and honor yourself, let go of expectations, and begin to walk your walk. One step at a time.
[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_3]
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Is there anyone that is stress-free? Some say that a small amount of stress is healthy, as well as that there is “good stress” and “bad stress”. There is one thing I can agree with, that stress reduction is just as important as stress management…and this all starts with our attitude and a whole lot of self-care/self-love.
When we look at things logically and with a clear head, we can see that even our youngest are under stress. School, sports, strict schedules and always being on the move can stress out parent and child alike.
It took some effort to really step back and realize that both of my boys are stressed out. Not only are they both empathic as I am, they have issues in their lives that are very real for them. Once I began to sit down at the end of every day to talk with them about what their fears really are, was I able to hold space for them better than I ever had before. And as a result, they have the ability to do that very thing for their friends. It is a beautiful sight to behold in a 10 and 12-year-old….making this momma proud!
Now let us look at how hard life can be sometimes for us adults. Adults have very real problems…and many of us do not hold space for others, forgetting that even in the worst of moments…that everyone has a story, everyone has wounds, and everyone struggles…just as you do.
Ego often takes precedence over spirit. Myself, included, sometimes when we are so buried in our own stuff we forget that others have real problems too, and maybe even more important, that others may be suffering.
So do we suffer in silence? Do we speak up? Do we ask for help? Asking for someone to hold space for us does not mean that we are looking for our problems to be solved, for anyone to truly “get involved” or anything of the sort.
You can hold space for someone by just being there. You can offer gentle, nonjudgmental support and guidance. By simply being there, you can make a big difference in someone’s life. By me telling my boys that I am there for them no matter what they are feeling or what they think they have “done”, it immediately reduces their stress. By showing them that their feelings are normal..and even expected, helps them to release the attachment they have to it. Separating yourself and becoming non-attached is THE single most healthy thing you can do for yourself at any given moment.
What Else Can We Do?
There are a few things that we have done that have improved things in our home in addition to truly being non-judgmental and holding space:
*We have stopped overscheduling. Sometimes in life, it is more important to “be” than to “do”. Let me tell you how painful this was for my kids at first. DO NOTHING? They thought mom had lost it. But now they actually ask for quiet time, and “most of the time” they are much more even kind and forgiving of each other.
*I make them say things out loud, sometimes in front of the mirror like “I love me”, “I am good enough” and “it is ok to make mistakes”. This was as hard as you could possibly imagine at first..and sometimes they still struggle with it, but more often than not we giggle through any awkward moments and they do amazing…(and feel amazing afterword too).
*We as a family have had to make plenty of time to shut down our electronics. This is actually a “cause” of stress in so many ways. The more we can disconnect with our electronics, social media, and games and get back to real life relationships, nature, and self-care….the less stressed we are.
Other than helping nudge their own attitude and beliefs in the right direction, we utilize aromatherapy to get us through the tougher moments, as we as a family have been handed a rough share of things in the last couple of years, as many of my readers likely have as well.
My boys have diffusers in their rooms, a variety of aroma inhalers, and have their favorite oils. My oldest loves Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) and Sandalwood (Santalum album), but he is most affected by Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). My youngest says “just make me some magic mom”, but he is most affected by Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis).
I have had many a-ha moments with kids in particular, but we aromatherapists know that they have a most profound effect on all of our emotions…some would consider them magic…myself included.
What are you inhaling today?
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils
Did that title leave you scratching your head? It was meant to. Completing my advanced training in Aromatic Medicine showed me that there is quite a difference between the two. What is the difference between aromatic medicine vs taking essential oils internally?
Here are some examples that I will be covering today. Nowhere in Aromatic Medicine training are we taught about how to use essential oils as preventative medicine. Nowhere are we taught about placing essential oils in water. Placing oils in a capsule? You bet…without a carrier oil? Never. Place a drop of essential oil under your tongue or on the roof of your mouth? Not a chance. There are very distinct differences between the two, and too many essential oil enthusiasts are missing the bigger picture.
Drinking Our Oils
I do not want to re-create the wheel too much here, but it is important to beat this concept over the head with the proverbial stick….Essential oils and water do not mix! It does not matter how warm your water is. Vigorous swishing…will still not change the chemistry of oil and water.
Now, there are actual “safe” ways to do this, but I am not going to be sharing them today. Why you ask? There is no real benefit to it! In today’s society, many of us want a benefit or a quick fix to health, right? Insert real fruit! Essential oils have been proven to have no nutritional value. You read that right…none. No vitamin C, D, minerals, antioxidants…nada. Real fruit is more economical, more sustainable/environmentally friendly, and with no risk! You can mix up fruit and fresh herbs, throw in a vegetable like slices of cucumber, and you have a great tasting, nutritional, hydrating drink.
Are essential oils used in the flavoring industry? You betcha. More often than you realize in fact. Are they in the same “form” if you will of the essential oils that you have in your home? Not even close. Why are they different you ask? They are not the same as essential oils as we know them and for good reason. Deterpenation and rectification are methods that are used to make them safe for human consumption in food and beverage. This is something that many do not understand, but it is important for anyone being told to put oils in their food and especially their water to be able to discern.
So what exactly does deterpenated (1) or rectified (2) mean? Deterpination makes the “substance” more bioavailable or in other words the extent to which the essential oil is taken up by specific tissue or organ after administration. Rectification removes possible impurities. Deterpination and rectification are what make them safe for human consumption in food and beverage.
Essential Oils In Capsules
Essential oils in capsules are meant specifically for the gastrointestinal tract. We place essential oils with a carrier oil into capsules for a variety of purposes. Acid resistant capsules allow the aromatics to reach the targeted area. They are not meant for weight loss, allergies, or to avoid getting sick.
Neat Essential Oil Use
Many aromatherapists speak to neat essential oil use and the risk that it represents. This is a topical use on the skin risk as well as an internal mucous membrane risk. To simply say “I have been doing this for years and I am OK” is not wise and should not be shared as a viable reason to tell someone to give it a try.
It is hard for some that are essential oil lovers to understand that they can and do present real risk when used inappropriately. Every substance carries risk, even water when you consume too much too quickly. When you place a drop of oil neat oil under your tongue or on the roof of your mouth, you are inviting the potential risk to become reality. Mucous membrane irritation, burning, and erosion of the membrane lining (limonene rich oils) can be potential issues. Please heed the warning; I want to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Aromatic Medicine
Getting my advanced diploma in Aromatic Medicine was one of the best decisions I ever made in my continued education, and it challenged me more than any other education I have had to date. The training not only taught me a myriad of ways to confidently help my family and myself, it took my ability to speak on topics regarding safety to the next level. It was hard work, but incredibly rewarding. Aromatic Medicine is treating essential oils as the powerful catalysts that they are, as medicine, it is not taking essential oils internally as many believe it to be.
My place in the community is to speak to essential oil safety clearly, effectively, and make it easily digestible for everyone. If you feel something is not right or you are not sure, reach out to me. I would be happy to help you on your journey. Safety is my mission, stick around to learn more!
References
(1) Arce, A., Soto, A. (2008) Citrus Essential Oils: Extraction and Deterpenation. Tree and Forestry Science and Biotechnology. Retrieved from http://www.globalsciencebooks.info/Online/GSBOnline/images/0812/TFSB_2(SI1)/TFSB_2(SI1)1-9o.pdf
(2) Rectification and Fractionation of Essential Oils. (2014) Retrieved from
http://www.epharmacognosy.com/2014/11/rectification-and-fractionation-of.html
BEFORE YOU GO! Remember to sign up for my FREE Facebook group! Hang out with me and THOUSANDS of other Essential Oil lovers looking to learn, click on to join Real Essential Oil Education Group!
Check out my FREE offer below!
Like so many practices in life I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Much has changed, yet everything remains the same in the aromatherapy community. Despite what I see and hear, I remain true to me, and more importantly to all of you….as helping others is my life calling. I spend plenty of time in self-reflection to be able to remain solidly on my path.
Looking at your colleagues as your competitors limits your success on your own business/path. This limits your happiness and can make you question…well…everything I imagine. Seeing yourself, or your old self as your measure for growth, is the true catalyst for change and an opportunity for motivation and growth.
Here are a few reasons why you should be your only competition.
- It will get you out of the pattern of comparing, judging, and feeling inferior to others.
If you are repeating a pattern of thinking, watching others excel, or even hearing someone speaking out with a view differing from yours, it can cause anxiety, frustration, and anger. Who wants to feel that? What truly matters at the end of the day is are you doing the best for you! Are you getting your voice heard? Are you confident in yourself? Are you helping others? That is all that matters.
- It will keep you focused on your goals and what you want to achieve.
When you take your eyes off your goal because you are looking at what others are saying or doing, you lose sight of why you are doing it all in the first place! When I focus on my goals I am reaffirmed positively over and over again. The people I help on a daily basis are all the affirmation I need. Not due to their feedback necessarily, but how it makes me feel. They lift me up, they give me renewed purpose and show me that I am EXACTLY where I should be. And that feels pretty awesome.
- Your business will get the attention it deserves.
Your colleagues can be a great source of inspiration, but do not let it move to comparing to the point of no longer paying attention to what you are doing for you. Or lose sight of why you are doing it. Stay focused on what you want to accomplish in life, and strive to do better than the goals you have set for yourself.
I have on occasion witnessed aromatherapists being called out for scaremongering and making it sound like essential oils are incredibly dangerous. I despise the term scare-mongering, but I do see such turmoil amongst professionals and mlm reps alike, that I am forced to question where we have lost our way. We ALL know that essential oils are amazing and that they work. And we ALL know that many share how to use them in an unsafe manner…..BUT, is it our responsibility to be the hero or the shero of every situation we see? It is our responsibility to speak out our truth to those who are ready and willing to listen. This is how real change begins to happen. This is where we find respect for one another again. This is where we realize we can disagree, and still be kind to one another.
To those of you that I have had the pleasure to meet in person, to those that reach out to me on scheduled phone calls, private messages, via email, or in my group… to all of my friends that take time from their life experience to share their thoughts with me, I honor you. You have shown me that there needs to be no competition among colleagues, among friends. We all come from a place of humble service. There is well and truly room for EACH AND EVERY one of us here.
Sending love to you all today and always, go be successful and inspire!
Be your own best competition. Sending love and blessings.
