Escential News

Things to Avoid in Skin Care Products

2011-06-12T15:42:00.001-07:00

Last month, my post was about things that you want in skin care. This month, I am listing some ingredients you do NOT want in your skin care. Be a label reader!! You need to know what is in - and what is NOT in - your products. Here are a few to avoid:

Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea: They’re used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth (not fungi), but they’re also a relatively common cause of contact dermatitis.
Fragrances: They may smell good, but these little molecules are responsible for allergic reactions in as much as 14% of the population. Most skin care products don’t really need added fragrances. But without the added fragrance, some -- like soap -- simply smell like the fats they are made from. If fragrance is listed as "fragrance" or "parfum," your product contains phthalates. Phthalates are fragrance extenders. They make the smell last longer, and are inexpensive. Unfortunately, they are also known hormone disruptors. Remember: your skin is your largest organ, and absorbs whatever you apply to it. That's why nicotine and estrogen patches work. You do NOT want your skin absorbing phthalates! Look for products that contain natural scent only (like essential oils) or, are unscented.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: It’s commonly used in shampoos and cleaners to create suds and is relatively safe, but longer contact time can cause irritation and dryness because the detergent strips the skin of lipids. It's true, soaps that are SLS free often do not lather as profusely as those with sodium lauryl sulfate. But they clean equally well, and are far kinder to your skin.
Mineral oil: Used as a base in some products, it may interfere with perspiration.
Monoethanolamine (MEA) and triethanolamine (TEA): They’re common pH stabilizers, but when they’re exposed to air, they form potentially irritating substances called nitrosamines. And they have a tendency to clog pores and create blackheads.
Toluene: This chemical solvent, which the EPA designates as hazardous waste, is found in many brands of fingernail polish. Toluene can cause headaches, eye irritation, and memory loss. Those won’t kill you, but if you don’t feel good, it’s worth experimenting to see if beauty products could be the source of your general blahness. There are well known brand names out there that are toluene free. Check the label!!
Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE): This common “instant facelift” ingredient in wrinkle creams actually does its work by causing cell damage and swelling. Sure, the wrinkles will go away temporarily (they also will if you’re slapped in the face), but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

8 Ingredients your Skin will Love

2011-05-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

We all want to look after our skin....keep it healthy, and delay aging as much as possible. So here are some ingredients that have scientific backing you might want to look for in your skin care products:

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin E
Alpha hydroxy acids
Ubiquinone
Ferulic acid

Vitamin A helps to regenerate skin, especially after sun exposure.

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant. Aging is affected by some genetic factors, and you do not have control over these. However, some aging factors you can control: sun exposure, life style choices, like smoking, and exposure to environmental pollution. Vitamin E can minimize aging changes due to these external factors, by "mopping up" harmful ions called "free radicals" that result from sun exposure and just daily living.

Vitamin C. Ultraviolet radiation can generate oxygen free radicals that cause aging of the skin. Vitamin C can act as a first defense, against some of these radicals (plasma/water-generated radicals). Vitamin E on the other hand, works against another type of radical; the fat-soluble radicals within the plasma membranes. It makes sense that Vitamin C and E are used together to defend against both types.
Collagen is a key component of most tissues. Vitamin C works as an essential factor for the normal formation,, maintenance and structural stability of collagen.

Vitamin B3. Your skin naturally forms a barrier to protect itself from the elements. As you age, unfortunately, your body becomes less able to manufacture this barrier. Vitamin B3 is shown to reduce and delay the decline of this ability. This means you make a better barrier, and protect your skin!

Vitamin B5 is present in every living cell. It is necessary for the production of coenzyme A, which is essential for cell metabolism.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids help to remove dead skin cells. The newer, fresher skin cells that are now exposed are more flexible than the old, dead cells. Your skin will be plumper, and more even in tone.

Ubiquinone helps with collagen formation. Collagen is the flexible scaffolding that your skin cells rest on. Collagen is what keeps your skin plump and firm. Ubiquinone also protects the skin from sun damage.

Ferulic acid improves the chemical stability of vitamins C and E. It is excellent for providing protection from sun damage, and may be involved in reducing the incidence of skin cancer.

The Wonder Oil

2011-04-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, someone asks me, "If I were to buy only one essential oil, which one should it be?" At the risk of being cliche, it is lavender.
Lavender oil is an interesting, broad spectrum blend of chemical components. That being said, lavender contains two primary components that are responsible for its most famous properties: linalool, and linalyl acetate. The linalool is an alcohol, giving lavender its antiseptic properties. Linalool also reduces inflammation, and may enhance our immune system. The other component, linalyl acetate, also acts to help our immune system. Together, these two components in one oil provide a one, two hit against bacteria and virus. Linalyl acetate also provides pain relief, and acts as a sedative.
When purchasing lavender, make sure it comes from a reputable company - this company should be able to tell you exactly how much of these two ingredients are in a particular batch of lavender. Percentages of the chemical components in any essential oil vary from batch to batch, depending on such factors as the weather when that batch was grown...what was in the soil...whether or not it was harvested, transported, and stored properly, etc. It is very difficult to know whether your oil has been diluted in any way. It is tempting to dilute quality oils with cheaper oils so that the seller might make more profit. Price is typically a good indication of quality: if the price seems to good to be true, it probably is.
Once you own high quality lavender oil (organic, or at least, unsprayed, is always nice, ) what can you do with it? Well, I find lavender, first and foremost, indispensable for small burns. One drop, neat, on a small burn reduces pain, speeds healing, and can almost eliminate scarring. A drop of lavender on a kleenex and placed near your bed can help you sleep better. Lavender is primarily thought of as a "relaxing" oil. A drop in a car diffuser, or on a kleenex in the car, might make a stressful commute more enjoyable. Lavender oil mixed with distilled water, in a spray bottle, makes an excellent, non-toxic, all natural room freshener. Just remember to shake well before spraying! Finally, a drop of lavender on insect bites can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Every home should own a bottle of lavender!

Lousy Labels

2011-03-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

The moral of todays blog is "Buyer Beware." This is probably not news to most of us. However, the TV program "Marketplace" recently did a show on the 10 worst labels. They were" bad" labels because they appeared deliberately misleading. One example is two shampoos, both by the same well known, large, manufacturer. If you read the ingredient list, you could see that they were, in fact, the very same product. However, one label said "Natural" and one did not. Of course, the "Natural" label was considerably more expensive. When asking the president of the Cosmetics and Toiletries Association how this company could get away with this, he said that there are, in fact, no regulations that govern when a label can tout the words "natural" or "organic."
When the companies were asked to elaborate on their ingredient list, they cited the formulas as "proprietary" and gave no disclosure.
The most offensive label was on Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Baby Diapers. They were more expensive than their regular diapers...but...would not disclose exactly how much of the cotton in the diapers was, in fact, organic. Get this - the diapers appeared to be a soft beige color, as if unbleached. Truth? The diapers were in fact bleached and then dyed to look more natural!! So, you think baby is getting this chemical free diaper...and are paying a premium for it...when in actuality, only the company knows for sure how much of the content is organic. Is bleaching and then re-dyeing a diaper to look unbleached misleading? You decide.
At eScential Wellness, there are no proprietary formulas. I will tell you exactly what is in every product. And, where listed as organic, I will, given a few days, be able to provide you with a certificate of examination by an independent third party, such as Oregon Tilth or USDA certified organic.
An educated, label reading consumer is my best customer.
Buyer, Beware!!

Quick Update on eScential Wellness Facial Serum

2011-03-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the same, much loved product...Facial Serum...with it's new name ~ NaturOil!! Loyal users offered many constructive comments about the name, so, I have decided to re-name Refresh & Rejuvenate Facial Serum with a moniker better suited to its natural ingredients. NaturOil is now the original facial serum used by most people, with normal or combination skin. It contains aloe vera gel and must be shaken before use. True, I could have added an emulsifer to eliminate this step...but, the emulsifier would not enhance the way the product works in any way....it would just make the product look homogenous. I felt skin is better served without this added chemical. After all, NaturOil is about making your skin look good...not about making the product look good!
If your skin is extremely dry, you may want to try Ultra Hydrating NaturOil. Same great formula, but, without aloe vera gel.
Please email me with any and all comments! Feedback helps me to make my products better!

Oils on Your Face

2011-03-09T16:35:00.001-08:00

Today's Hamilton Spectator carried an article entitled, "Oil up - your face will thank you" (link http://www.thespec.com/living/style/article/497810--oil-up-your-face-will-thank-you). The gist of the article is that oils are GOOD for your face.
Well, on that point, eScential Wellness was ahead of its time. My best seller is my Facial Serum...a blend of 13 natural carrier oils, specifically chosen for their skin enhancing qualities. All of the oils are high in naturally occurring antioxidants, and/or GLA (gamma linoleic acid; a key component in cell wall structure.) All of the oils are light weight, easily absorbed, and do not have a greasy feel. For the majority of normal/combination skins, I recommend my Sheer Facial Serum. This is the original serum diluted with organic aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel alone has been implicated in hydration, healing, and is a terrific anti-inflammatory. That's why it's so renowned for sunburns. In addition, there is speculation that aloe vera gel may enhance natural collagen production.
One thing the above article does not mention is that according to the book "Do it Gorgeously" by Sophie Uliano, "A major concern about commercial skin care products is that they can be full of all kinds of chemicals that actually have an adverse effect on the skin." Furthermore, almost the entirety of commercial moisturizer ingredients exist in the product to make it, the product, feel nice, smell nice, or keep it preserved. Not to improve your skin. The vast majority of moisturizers have very little, if any, active skin care ingredients. And, often, if there is some excellent ingredient promoted on the product, it is often present in such a small amount that it is not able to do any good.
eScential Wellness' Refresh and Rejuvenate Facial Serum has no less than 4% of any ingredient. As it contains no water, it needs no preservatives. Carrier oils, especially ones high in antioxidants, are naturally long lived. There is no added color, and, it is lightly scented with natural, plant derived, gas chromatograph tested essential oils.
Check out this article and book for yourself. Then check out eScential Wellness Facial Serum. Make your own decision.

New Products for Spring 2011

2011-02-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have used these winter months to develop some new items!
For all of us who are trying to watch our weight, I received some great news from Dr. Oz. Smelling grapefruit and peppermint throughout the day help us to eat fewer calories.....and feel fuller, longer! To make this easy to do, we now have "Food Craving Tamer," an inhaler that is as small as your thumb. Similar to the old Vicks VapoRub inhaler, you merely uncap this tiny dynamo to take several deep breaths of grapefruit, fennel, and peppermint essential oils. You will still have to resist temptation, but....this may make it easier to do. And, you may eat less when you do indulge. For further support of Dr. Oz' findings, you can read his book "YOU on a Diet."
It seems to me that a lot of people have trouble falling, and staying, asleep. Sweet Dreams! Sleep Mist to the rescue! This is an aerosol spray blend of lavender and roman chamomile hydrosols, with just a drop (literally) of each of those essential oils. Both of these oils are high in esters, which are sedatives. Simply spray a few spritzes in your bedroom, or in the general vicinity of your pillow before you retire at night. The hydrosols are very lightly scented. You may find any scent hard to detect, but, the fragrance will still help you off to a restful night's sleep.
Finally: three specialty glycerin soaps.All glycerin soaps are formulated using organic oils. My new formulation of Honey glycerin contains over 5% of actual organic honey!! Honey is a natural antiseptic, so, may be useful for blemished skin. And, honey is a humectant. This means it will actually draw and chemically bind water from the air to itself. Your honey soap is hydrating!
Everyone has read of the benefits of drinking green tea. Well, all those polyphenols and antioxidants are good for your skin, too. You will notice commercial skin products often tout the addition of (usually miniscule) amounts of these wonder additives. My new Green Tea Soap is formulated not with green tea extract, or, green tea tincture, but, actual Matcha Green Tea. Put the anti-aging goodness of Green Tea to work for your skin!
Finally, Calamine Soap. Made with 24% calamine lotion, and, French Pink clay, this soap is wonderfully soothing for all irritated skin. Make sure to take a bar to the cottage, where skin can be afflicted by heat rash, poison ivy, bug bites and the like. It may also ease itching from chicken pox and eczema.
Please let me know how you enjoy the new products, and, look for them on the website soon!

World's Oldest Pharmacy

2010-10-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

While spending 3 weeks in Italy, I was delighted to be able to visit the Farmacia de Santa Maria Novella, in Florence. The Dominican fathers arrived in Florence in 1221, and shortly after, founded the pharmacy. Originally, the herbs and flowers grown in the monastery garden were used to make medications, balms and creme, that were used in the monastery infirmary. The current store is a room adjacent to the original monastery pharmacy and infirmary.

As early as 1381, it is noted historically that the farmacia sold rose water as a disinfectant. In 1612, it was officially founded, and recognized, as a pharmacy. Its medications were famed as far away as China and India.

Today, there is little to mark the entrance to the Farmacia ~ just a small sign in the window. No wares are displayed. It is still part of the original monastery. The five rooms open to the public are incredibly fragrant, as one would expect with 400 years worth of floral perfumes and ointments being made on site!

There are many stories associated with the pharmacy; including the origins of the Eau de Cologne. This was originally crafted here for Caterina de Medici. She later took this formultion with her to France.

Today, there are many aromatic perfumes still sold here, and, are based on the original formulations going back to the 1500's. In addition,there are a wide variety of lotions and cremes. The original formulas were studied and catalogued, and were surprisingly up to date in their ingredients.

Today, the business is still active and sells its wares at select outlets worldwide. Merchandise is based on natural, pesticide free plant material and production is the same as was used 400 years ago. Production is limited, and quality control is strict.

The Farmacia has many of the ancient "tools of the trade" on display in Florence. There are
scales, thermometers, pestles, and bottles designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
For this aromatherapist, it was the highlight of Florence!

New Catalog & New Website Coming!

2010-05-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just a "heads up" about a new website and catalog coming soon! Business has been evolving, and I am concentrating on product development. The new website will be products only....and hopefully, within a short period of time, will include a shopping cart so that you can shop online!
All of the new products (which in some cases are just improvements and refinements of old favorites) will also be in my new catalog.
Expected time frame for the website and catalog: six weeks. Maybe less!
Any feedback or suggestions are, as always, appreciated!

Product Update

2010-05-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

I have decided to make my products as organic as possible. For some of them, this means entirely organic....for others, the largest percentage possible is organic.
True organic products, without chemicals of any sort, are practically impossible to find. Of course, most manufacturers make hundred of bottles of a product, and, those products can spend weeks or months on a shelf or in a truck before even reaching the store. Those products have to be made with preservatives of some sort to assure that they are safe to use after a possibly long period of time. All of my products are hand crafted, in small batches, and made fresh. When you purchase from me, the product has likely only been around hours, days, or, at the most, a few weeks. The natural preservatives that I do use (natural Vitamin E) assures these products are OK for probably a year. Unless you leave them in the sun, or something. At least when they leave me, I know (and you know) they are FRESH!
LIP BALMS are now all organic!! As is my GARDENERS HAND SALVE! (both fragrances ~ Lavender/Rosemary and Lemongrass/Patchouli.) My new MASSAGE OIL is 100% ORGANIC!! It is a blend of organic sunflower and organic hemp oil. (Unscented, this is an outstanding product for babies.)
Shower gels (available in LIME, ORANGE, or GRAPEFRUIT are ORGANIC. Foaming Hand Soap is ORGANIC. Available in Lavender, Lemon/Vanilla/Peppermint, and Orange/Lavender/Patchouli.
Even my glycerin Bar Soap has gone ORGANIC.
Be good to yourself. Treat your skin with care.

Natural Dyes for Escential Wellness Products

2009-10-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Escential Wellness products use only natural dyes, unless you request otherwise. Of course, you can always leave the products with their own natural coloring. Most products are clear, or white, or cream colored if left untouched.
But, in a world where one's decor does matter, there is nothing wrong with using natural dyes ~ the kind that have been used since pre-recorded history.
I offer 3 colors, and, of course, colors can be mixed from these three.
The first is green. It is a bright green, though it can be adjusted by quantity to be a lighter or darker green. It is derived from mulberry leaves. This dye contains chlorophyllin, which comes from chlorophyll in the plant.
I also offer yellow, derived from the herb turmeric. For the cooks out there, you may be familiar with the use of turmeric in Indian dishes. It is a natural, bright yellow.
Finally, I have orange. The orange color comes from annatto seeds, which come from the annatto tree. This is the same orange that is used to color cheddar cheese.
All colorants conform to both the United States Food and Drug Administration standards, as well as British Standards. They have been tested by many different types of sophisticated equipment, such as UV-VIS spectrophotometers. They are safe for consumption, and, consequently, safe for use in soaps and lotions.
Need more information? Contact me at: nancy@Escentialwellness.com

Support for the Efficacy of Bandit's Blend

2009-09-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

One of my best selling products, Bandit's Blend, is based on a medieval formula which thieves used to avoid catching the plague (literally) while robbing dead bodies. In the Hamilton Spectator, Sept. 11, 2009, an article was published citing that cinnamon oil does indeed have antiseptic properties! A pediatrician quoted in the article recommends using a blend of cinnamon, lemon and eucalyptus (which is, of course, in Bandit's) to use as a hand sanitizer!
I suggest using Bandit's to disinfect one's hands, or hard surfaces. My favorite way of using Bandit's, however, is for reducing the symptoms of a cold or flu, and hopefully, shortening the length of the illness. To do this, bring a bowl of water to steaming (using the microwave,) spritz in a few sprays of Bandit's, cover your head with a towel, and very carefully lower your head until you can breathe in the steam comfortably. Steam is hot! Be careful!! Ten minutes of this as often as you can during a cold or flu will help relieve nasal congestion. Or, you can use a diffuser with Bandit's spritzed into it to help reduce airborne virus in a room. Great if you have a sick person!
Bandit's retails for $18 (tax incl.) for 30 ml.
Read the entire Spectator article yourself here: http://thespec.com/article/632676

Phthalates

2009-08-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

What's the big deal with phalates, anyway? Well, the first problem, is that they're not required to be on the list of ingredients in products. This is because certain ingredients are considered "trade secrets." However, their primary function is to extend the staying power of scent. So anytime you see "fragrance", "perfume", or "parfum" on the contents list, you can be fairly certain that the product contains Phthalates.
Consequently, they are in almost all of your beauty products that smell nice. Hand soaps, lotions, cremes, facial cleansers, deodorants, after shaves...you get the idea.
Many studies have linked phthalates to a number of health concerns. The biggest one pertains to their role as hormone disruptors. Hormone disruptors can be implicated in everything from various cancers, to birth defects, to premature puberty.
Try to choose personal care products that are unfragranced, or, are fragranced with natural essential oils.
A whole chapter in the book, "Slow Death by Rubber Duck" is devoted to phthalates. I have a book review on that book in an earlier blog entry.

Help for Hair Loss using Essential Oils

2009-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

A client requested that I make up a blend to help with diffuse hair loss. To be honest, I did not think that essential oils would improve this condition. But, as usual, I set off to do research. Much to my astonishment, a "westernized" study had indeed been carried out, and, in fact, published in the American Medical Association journal in 1998. It turns out that a certain blend of essential oils actually do help alopecia areata - or hair loss!! (To read the study for yourselves, please go to this site: http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/gca?submit.x=147&submit.y=10&submit=Get+Checked+Abstracts&gca=134%2F11%2F1349)
I was easily able to duplicate the oil used in the study. It was recommended to use the oil once daily, and do a 2 minute scalp massage with the oil. In addition, I have put together a shampoo and conditioner containing the oil blend. The pure shampoo and conditioner, without the oils added, are a wonder on their own: free of irritants, and derived from natural sources, primarily sugar cane and coconuts. The shampoo itself tends to volumize hair a bit. I have tried it myself, and it leaves your hair feeling very nice and a bit fluffy. Although the shampoo and conditioner do indeed wash out, and the oils included are not in contact with the hair very long, a residue may exist that certainly won't hurt the situation any. For ordering information, see my contact and product price pages at www. Escentialwellness.com

Book Review: Slow Death by Rubber Duck

2009-06-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

For those of you with a keen interest in environmental toxins, this is a must read. The authors, Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie are two Canadian environmental activists. The good news is that the book is a fairly easy read, humorously written, and not really fear mongering. The bad news is, when you realize how insidious toxins are, and how prevalent they are, it's a bit depressing. Nonetheless, the book does not convey a sense of hopelessness, but offers some easy tricks and tips on how to avoid many toxins.
I confess that I did throw away my non-stick fry pans, and am now storing food in glass rather than plastic.
I have been using Dr. Bronner's soaps and my own glycerin soaps for years, anyway!!
If you have any inclination to be kind to yourself and the environment, read this book!
I assume it is available at Chapters, Indigo, Coles, and your public library.

Five Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

2009-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

These 5 ingredients have no value to your skin; but are often added because they increase profit by "stretching" the contents volume; or they lower cost as they are less expensive than the "good stuff." #1 - Mineral Oil. This provides a luxurious feel, but has no benefit to the skin. Mineral oil is a by product of distillation of gasoline from crude oil and does nothing to nourish the skin. It may even inhibit moisturization. It just "sits" on the skin surface. Look for oils which contain natural components that benefit skin, like jojoba and/or sweet almond oil. #2 - Propylene Glycol, or PG. It acts as a surfactant, allowing the product to spread evenly over the skin. It's also used in anti-freeze and brake fluid. It protects products from extreme temperatures, so that they do not freeze or melt. Natural surfactants, like disodium coco-glucoside citrate, made from sugar, or decyl polyglucose, from corn, coconut and/or palm extracts, leave skin moist, will not irritate, and are non toxic. 3# - Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). It cleanses, attracts moisture (a humectant) and emulsifies (mixes oils and water together). Although often in skin products, you can also find it in oven cleaner and other industrial cleansers. Natural alternatives include vegetable glycerin or cetyl alcohol (from palm oil.) #4 - Sodium laryl sulphate. In fact, all the "sulphates" should be avoided. They are known skin irritants. #5 - Avoid artificial fragrances. Not only are they skin irritants, but when listed as "fragrance," or "parfum," they often contain phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors. Stick with unadulterated essential oils for fragrance, and reap the benefit of their therapeutic value, as well as scent. Or, go fragrance free!

Green Cleaning Laundry Tip

2009-06-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

As you may, or may not, know, I teach a seminar called "First Aid and Green Cleaning with Essential Oils." (If interested in attending this course, please look on my "Learn" page for information on how to do so.) At any rate, I have slowly been modifying my cleaning habits that have formed over my lifetime. My newest spectacular discovery is to do away with fabric softener in the laundry. Now, my machine (which is a front loader), has an automatic softener dispenser. Instead of adding synthetic, purchased softener, which is loaded with chemicals bad for me and bad for the environment, where it ultimately ends up, you need only add a small capful of inexpensive, common white vinegar!! ( I think I paid $1.29 for a litre at the grocery store.)
To make the vinegar extra yummy, just add 20-40 drops of your favorite essential oil to a litre of white vinegar. I am currently using lavender, but, you can use tea tree for disinfection, or eucalyptus, or lemon, or orange. Shake the vinegar well, before pouring a capful of this into your dispenser. (That would be about 1 tablespoon.) Your whole wash will be fluffy, static free and soft, soft, soft!!!
A bonus, for those of us with front loaders, is that the washer no longer gets that "skunky" smell that can occur if you don't let the interior dry completely between uses.
Keep in mind that a top loader may need 2 capfuls, as more water is used in a top loader.
If you try this, and love it like I do, feel free to leave a comment on this blog, or, to provide me with an email that I might post on my "testimonial" site. Thanks! Happy laundry!

Why was this Blog created?

2009-05-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

My work often requires research, and, frequently, what I find out would be of interest to the people who visit my website. So, I have decided to provide a format that would enable me to share the many little tidbits of trivia that I uncover. It is my hope that what I learn will help me to provide better services and products to you, my clients.

Essential Oils & Autism

2009-05-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

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Saturday, May 23, I spent the day in Guelph, Ontario, at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists. We had a guest speaker who talked about her research project. She is trying to determine what the inhalation of essential oils can do to encourage or prolong attention span in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Her research is in the earliest stages, but, it was fascinating to hear how she devised the program, and what small insights she has gained at even this preliminary stage. It seems possible that inhaling different essential oils may very well provide up to 20 minutes of quieter, more focused behavior. Encouraged by her work, I have already tried two inhalers on youthful clients.
For those of you who don't know what an inhaler is, let me explain. It's just a small plastic tube, about the size and appearance of a lip balm tube. When you open it, you only see a smaller, plastic inner tube. Inside this inner tube is a cotton roll that has had essential oils dripped onto it. You can't access the oils, but, the inner tube has a slotted tip that allows the scent to waft out of the top of the tube. You are meant to place this tube under your nose, wave it gently, and inhale the fragrance.
I'll keep you posted as to the results, if there are any!