Aromatherapy_Products

AROMATHERAPY

An Introduction by the Acacia Beauty Centre

The Acacia Beauty Centre opened in the summer of 2010 to provide a comprehensive range of Beauty and Holistic treatments.

Situated in Everton, close to the Water Gardens, half way between Lymington and New Milton, the Acacia Centre is situated in a quiet and secluded space that allows for complete privacy within our treatment rooms, with ample on-site parking.

The Acacia Beauty Academy is internationally recognised as a Training Centre for the delivery and assessment of qualifications up to level 3 in the Beauty Industry, in addition to our special Home and Personal Care classes.

Pauline Crates is our Director of Education, with over 30 years experience in the beauty industry. Pauline is an expert in skincare and makeup and heads our team of therapists and consultants.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of volatile plant oils known as essential oils for the treatment or prevention of disease. It is a form of complementary therapy designed to treat the whole person and not just the symptom or disease by assisting the body's natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself.

Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed via the skin, and whilst breathing they enter the lungs. These therapeutic constituents next enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body where they can deliver their beneficial healing powers. Because they are highly concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results.

When using good quality essential oils correctly, the soothing combination of beautiful aromas, massage, aromatic baths and other treatments all work to regulate, balance, heal and maintain your entire being by working with nature, and not against it. A far cry from allopathic medicine, which tends to take a 'sledgehammer to crack a nut' approach.

A holistic approach

Today, aromatherapy is one of the most popular of all complementary therapies, offering a wide range of highly effective treatments to both the acute and chronic stages of illness and disease. At the same time, regular use of aromatherapy treatments and home-use products can help to strengthen the immune system, thereby establishing a preventative approach to overall health.

One of the reasons that aromatherapy has been so hugely successful is because it uses a holistic approach, whereby the aromatherapist takes into account a person’s medical history, emotional condition, general health and lifestyle before planning a course of treatment. The whole person is treated - not just the symptoms of an illness - and this is in direct opposition to the modern trend of just treating the presented condition.

Backache, irritable bowel syndrome or headaches, for example, are often the result of stress and not actually a physical problem. Therefore no amount of pill-popping is really going to provide a long term solution since it only masks the symptoms without addressing the problems. By looking at the causes of the stress and providing treatments to ease and manage it, the aromatherapist will alleviate the condition in a much more efficient manner.

Stress makes you sick

It has long been known that stress accounts for a staggering amount of illness in modern society, and aromatherapy offers one of the finest ways of combating the ravages of stress without having to resort to drugs which can be habit forming and damaging to your health. This is yet another reason that aromatherapists believe taking an holistic approach with aromatherapy promotes positive physical and mental balance.

Scientists and doctors have known for a long time that negative and positive emotions really can change the complex chemistry of our bodies, and these changes can have a negative or positive effect on the immune system. For example, research has shown how prolonged stress can cause the body to over-produce cortisol and adrenalin which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

These two hormones are normally secreted to produce a burst of energy as part of the 'fight or flight' response, and of course this response is an essential tool for survival. Prolonged periods of emotional and psychological pressures however, means that the over-production of these hormones can begin to weaken the integrity of the immune system because they reduce the level of T-helper cells, and inhibit the production of natural killer cells.

Evidence based results

Research is continually re-affirming the efficacy of aromatherapy treatments, and the results are now very hard to dismiss. A recent study in the USA has confirmed the long held belief of aromatherapists that Jasmine is a powerful relaxant and an effective aid to restful sleep. The researcher explained that the purpose of the study was specifically to investigate some of the beliefs behind aromatherapy.

Dr. Bryan Raudenbush and his colleagues at the Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia, found that people who slept in rooms fragranced with Jasmine appeared to sleep more peacefully and reported higher afternoon alertness than when spending the night in a Lavender-scented room, or one with no added fragrance at all. Similar research around the world has proven time and again the wide range of benefits that can be received from the multifaceted art of aromatherapy.

Cruelty-free therapy

This natural form of complementary therapy dating back to ancient times is being warmly embraced by today's environmentally conscious and caring society, in which people are increasingly unwilling to accept the cruelty inflicted on animals in the unnecessary testing of drugs and beauty products.

The essential oils used by the Acacia team within aromatherapy have been tried and tested on humans for thousands of years, and with great success. Therefore, when used correctly we can be absolutely sure of their safety and efficacy without the need to test them further on animals.

How Aromatherapy Works

When applied to the body, essential oils penetrate the skin via the hair follicles and sweat glands and are absorbed into the body fluids, where they not only help to kill bacteria and viruses but also stimulate the body's immune system, thereby strengthening resistance to further attack.

Some essential oils increase the circulation and help with the efficient elimination of toxins, others promote new cell growth and encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself. Each essential oil has its own character and aroma, exhibiting a varying number of properties and benefits which are unique to itself, since no two essential oils are quite the same.

The minute molecules of essential oils are readily absorbed into the bloodstream when they are inhaled and the lungs work to oxygenate the blood. This form of absorption is most efficient when inhaling essential oils from a tissue, diffusing them in a vaporizer, or adding them to your bathwater. The aroma sends a signal directly to the Limbic System in the brain which is the centre of emotions, memory and sexual arousal. This is why essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind, as we will see later.

Magical combination

Massage is one of the best ways to enjoy aromatherapy because you not only receive the therapeutic properties of the essential oils, but you also get the wonderful benefits of the massage itself. The therapeutic action of the essential oils when brought together with the revitalising effects of massage stimulate all of the organs in the body, plus the skin, muscles, nerves and glands. The increased circulation of the blood and lymph flow also assists with the clearing away of body toxins.

Because essential oils can influence our emotions, aromatherapy can help to lift depression, soothe irritable nerves and generally encourage a better state of mind. It has been discovered that relaxing oils such as Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Frankincense and Ylang Ylang work by stimulating a neuro-chemical called serotonin that is naturally produced by the body to help relaxation and induce sleep. It is this action that makes these oils so invaluable in helping long-term conditions such as insomnia, stress and tension.

To book a personal consultation or treatment in the Acacia Centre or at your Home at a time convenient to you please telephone the Acacia Beauty Centre

Aromatherapy Oils - Basil

Botanical name: Ocimum Basilicum
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Leaves

Origin: Originally comes from Asia, basil is found in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Description: Very clear, sweet and slightly spicy.

History: Ancient plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. Used a lot in India and grown for luck in many homes. There is an ancient myth about a jealous father who chopped off his daughter's lover's head and buried it. The daughter found the buried head with a basil bush growing on it. (Poem by Keats)

Properties and Indications:

Digestion - activates peristalsis, enzymes, detergent for poor indigestion
Can clear blockages (mucous, psychological)
Restorative, stimulant, especially for the nervous system
Good for post ops - it can stimulate if the person is very low
Extremely euphoric, high, giddy feeling
Sharpens the senses, makes more alert
Helpful for people coming off tranquillizers and drugs
Wasp stings, snake bites

Personality:

Brings out repressed anger for people who cannot express anger
Expels melancholic vapours from the heart - depression
For people who are too laid back, cannot make a decision and people who procrastinate too much
Useful to connect a person, ie. for backwardness
Can move someone who has too much water, earth or air

Contra-indications:

Not to be used in pregnancy
Never use at night
Avoid on epileptics
Not to be used on people who are restless, irritable, strong willed, domineering, forceful, angry or burnt out
Not usually good for Fire signs unless they are depleted

Aromatherapy Oils - Bergamot

Botanical name: Citrus Bergamia
Botanical family: Rutaceae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Rind

Origin: Obtained from a lime like tree but slightly bigger and not so green, native to Italy. Possibly a lime tree mixed with a pear tree.

Description: Light, delicate and refreshing. Orange/Lemon overtones.

History: Only heard of since the 1500s. Christopher Columbus was said to have brought it back from the Canaries.

Properties and Indications:

Stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain which is responsible for basic instincts (hunger, thirst, rage, libido) and some primitive behaviour
Meningitis (viral infection which affects the inner membrane that covers the brain)
Brain and head operations
Antispasmodic, calmative
Stomachic
Lack of appetite, stimulates the enzymes in the stomach for food to break down
Urinary system, cystitis
Skin - acne of certain types, scar tissue, oily skin
Cold sores
Sharpens the senses
Aids in concentration

Personality:

Good for people who build up a lot of stress in their head and for the over-emotional
Dissipates head tension for people who frown a lot

Contra-indications:

Highly photosensitive (contains bergaptus) - lower protection against UV rays

Aromatherapy Oils - Black Pepper

Botanical name: Piper Nigrum
Botanical family: Piperaceae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Fruit

Origin: Black Pepper was a rare and expensive essential until the 1500s when it was brought back by the Dutch from China.

Description: Spicy & sharp.

History: Used in India some 4,000 years ago, for urinary and liver complaints. Also used by the Greeks and Turks and in the middle ages by the Portuguese, French and Dutch.

Properties and Indications:

Stimulates the spleen, pancreatic secretions
Paralysis and shakes
Stimulates the exocrine and endocrine systems
A powerful anti-spasmodic
Thins out mucousy conditions
Strengthens and stimulates the mind

Personality:

People who are always cold inside
People who don't sweat enough and do not have enough general secretions
Old man, cranky and eccentric types

Contra-indications:

Skin conditions such as eczema and conjunctivitis
Not to be used on varicose veins or hemorrhoids
Do not overuse as it can over stimulate the kidneys

Aromatherapy Oils - Clary Sage

Botanical name: Salvia Sclarea
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Ariel parts

Origin: Found in Europe - France, Germany (added to grapes to make Muscat wine). Can survive a long time without water.

Description: Herbal, nutty fragrance.

History: Introduced to England in 1562, sometimes substituted for hops in brewing beer. In the middle ages it was referred to as Oculus christi (eye of Christ).

Properties and Indications:

Dysmenorrhoea - chronic and extreme pain
Menopause
Can be helpful for people trying to come off drugs or alcohol
Soothes digestive problems
Tonic to the kidneys
Useful for convalescence
Migraines and headaches - calms tension

Personality:

Women who are angry
Depression and nervousness, particularly in young women
Good for helping people let go when they are very worried but about nothing in particular

Contra-indications:

Pay careful attention to driving after using Clary Sage as the reflexes may be slower
Best not to consume alcohol after using this oil, it will go straight to your head

Aromatherapy Oils - Cypress

Botanical name: Cupressus Sempervirens
Botanical family: Coniferae

Note: Base

Part of plant used: Leaves, young stems

Origin: A tall conical shaped tree common to the Mediterranean region.

Description: Woody, slightly spicy yet clear and refreshing.

History: Traditionally the tree of graveyards, good wind breakers. 'Life of the Dead'. the wood has an amazing amount of chemicals making the wood practically incorruptible - used for coffins. the Greeks used it with Myrrh in wine because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Properties and Indications:

Powerful haemostatic
One of the most powerful vasoconstrictors, wonderful astringent
Strong anti-spasmodic - for tickley coughs
Whooping cough
Pectoral
Anti-sudorific
For people who hold a lot of water retention with poor circulation
Varicose veins, hemorrhoids - will not cure but is a good support and could prevent operating to remove
Dysmenorrhoea
Menopause problems - womb tissue degeneration, not flushes
Ulcers and sores
Arthritis
Haemorrhoids
Anti-fungal
Urinary complaints

Personality:

Grounding holiday feeling
Calming and soothing
Earthy

Contra-indications:

Do not use for kidney disorders
Avoid if taking testosterone (after mastectomy or hysterectomy)

Aromatherapy Oils - Eucalyptus

Botanical name: Eucalyptus Globulus
Botanical family: Myrtaceae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Leaves

Origin: Tasmania - known as the Blue Gum Tree. The trees grow very quickly and tend to grow in malarial countries as it drains the land to produce a healthier climate.

Description: Clear, sharp and piercing.

Properties and Indications:

Respiratory conditions which involve mucousy discharge, eg. bronchitis, flu
For acute and short term conditions rather than long and chronic as it is too drying for the kids for long term use
Anti-spasmodic and sedative - a chest condition with a cough
Active antiseptic properties, can rank as a natural antibiotic
Diuretic - urinary and intestinal conditions
Some cases of vaginal discharge - infectious, with blood
Haemorrhoids
Fever - particularly intermittent, eg. malaria
Flat nervous system or anemia

Contra-indications:

Avoid if epileptic

Aromatherapy Oils - Frankincense

Botanical name: Boswellia Carterii/ Thurifera
Botanical family: Burseraceae

Note: Base

Part of plant used: Bark

Origin: Tree originates from the Middle East, mainly places like Lebanon, Somalia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia

Description: Woody and spicy

History: Also known as Olibanum - oil of Lebanon. The Egyptians burnt it at attars as an offering to God. Frankincense was one of the gifts the Kinds gave to baby Jesus.

Properties and Indications:

Antiseptic
Antibiotic
Chronic lung disease which involve blood
Pneumonia
Haemostatic
Sudorific - for people who don't sweat enough
Genitourinary disorders - blood and discharge together
Strong stimulant of the nervous system - cretinism, backwardness

Personality

Deals with the stations of the soul
Arrogance
Cleanses people of spiritual pride
Brings people out of themselves
Strangely heady, air quality, Crown charka

Aromatherapy Oils - Geranium

Botanical name: Pelargonium Odorantissimum / Graveolens
Botanical family: Geraniaceae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Stems and leaves

Origin: Algeria, Reunion, Madagascar and Guinea

Description: Sweet and heavy, similar to Rose

History: The Ancients regarded Geranium as an exceptional vulnerary with the power to mend fractures and eliminate cancers.

Properties and Indications:

Antiseptic
Astringent - contracts capillaries
Stimulates the nervous system
Excellent for the skin - eczema and psoriasis
Anticoagulant - for circulation
Haemostatic - prevents hemorrhage
Gentle detoxification
Haemorrhoids
Varicose veins
Harmonizing and re-balancing
Regulates and stimulates the adrenal cortex which in turn balances the body

Personality

Ambivalent- refreshing and a tonic but also has calming qualities

Aromatherapy Oils - Ginger

Botanical name: Zingiber Officinale
Botanical family: Zingiberaceae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Root

Origin: Japan, India, Malaysia, China. Related to Orchids and Iris'. Loves abundant running water/rain - monsoon like conditions. Hot, humid, equatorial.

Description: Strongly aromatic, camphorous with lemon and pepper undertones.

History: For centuries Ginger has been used for tonics, stimulants, febrifuges and against the plague.

Properties and Indications:

Sudorific - for people who don't sweat enough
For slow painful digestion
Intestinal gaseous states
Helps to regulate the appetite - anorexia and bulimia
Rubefacient - for bruised muscles or pulled tendons (creates heat on the surface of the skin)
Anti-poison
Kidney problems, kidney infections and chronic cystitis
Sciatica - warms up cold nerves
Rheumatism - muscles
Impotence

Personality

Clears the head, down to earth, warming quality for the body for someone who is always physically cold or afraid of being cold/alone

Contra-indications:

Do not use if pregnant - can raise the blood pressure
Do not use if already have high blood pressure

Aromatherapy Oils - Lavender

Botanical name: Lavendula Officinalis / Augustfolia
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Flowers

Origin: Common in the Midi region of France, Italy and Dalmatia. Grows naturally on high plateaus. Solitary plants, rich in minerals. English Lavender is not as strong as alpine as it is spoilt by pesticides so the natural balance of the soil has been affected.

Description: Floral, light and clear with woody undertones.

History: Lavender is probably the most popular of Aromatherapy oils and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and insecticide.

Properties and Indications:

Highly antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Diuretic
Sudorific
Tonic for the heart - calm palpitations caused by stress
Wounds and sores, burns
Sinusitis
Eczema
Cholagogue, Cholerectic
Disinfectant
Influenza, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia
Migraine, vertigo
Intestinal spasm
Hypertension - high blood pressure
Lice, scabies
Alopecia
Emmenagogue
Relaxes the nervous system

Personality

Soothing and refreshing qualities

Aromatherapy Oils - Marjoram

Botanical name: Origanum Marjorana
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Leaves, flower tops

Origin: Marjoram is indigenous to Persia, the Mediterranean coastal regions, Hungary and is cultivated in France.

Description: Warm and penetrating.

History: The Greeks and Romans plaited Marjoram in girl's hair. Aphrodite picked Marjoram to heal wounds. The Victorians said it 'strengthens the brain.'

Properties and Indications:

Good tonic for the digestive system
Flatulence
Insomnia - for those who don't sleep well
Migraines
Mental instability
Hypo-tensor - lowers blood pressure
Anti-spasmodic - can ease a spasmodic cough if nothing else helps
Can help bruising in terms of the nervous system (blood) - use as a compress
Forgetfulness, absentmindedness
Shock, trauma
Nourishes the nervous system (like recharging a car battery)
Can help people who are exhausted, worn out and tired
A natural sedative, particularly acts on the parasympathetic nervous system
Can calm sex drive

Personality

Can help people with too much anger, are irritable and a tendency to violence and tantrums
Loneliness, certain depression (mood swings up and down not just down)
For intense fear

Contra-indications:

Not to be used for the despondent

Aromatherapy Oils - Myrrh

Botanical name: Commiphora Myrrha / Commiphora Abyssinica / Commiphora Molmol
Botanical family: Burseraceae

Note: Base

Part of plant used: Gum, the older it gets the thicker it gets

Origin: Mainly found in the Arab states, also from Somalia and India.

Description: Musky and smoky.

History: A liturgic perfume, was used as a drug and for fumigation in religious practices. Luxurious embalming in Ancient Egypt.

Properties and Indications:

Highly anti-inflammatory
Emmenagogue
Antiseptic
For clearing putrefaction, gangrene
Damaged lungs - chronically ill, acute chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, throat infections
Excellent for gum disease and mouth ulcers
Skin ulcerations, raw or dehydrated skin, weeping eczema and athletes foot
Tumors in joints, cartilage problems
Mildly analgesic and anesthetic
Gynecological problems, for women who can't have periods, lifts visceral obstruction

Personality:

Used for dissipating dark moods
For someone who is utterly paranoid or depressed - clears the air
Protecting if feeling threatened
Grounding - root charka

Contra-indications:

Avoid during pregnancy

Blending ideas:

Gum disease and mouth ulcers - mix 1 drop of Myrrh and 1 drop of Fennel in a small glass of water and gargle
Herpes - mix with Bergamot and Sandalwood
Nervous system - mix with Lavender
Sunburn - mix into Calendula cream

Aromatherapy Oils - Neroli

Botanical name: Citrus Aurantium
Botanical family: Rutaceae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Petals

Origin: Originally the Orange Tree came from China, but the oil is generally obtained from Italy, France, Morocco and Portugal.

Description: Exquisite delicate floral aroma

History: The name is said to originate from the Duchess of Neroli, a town in Italy. She had gloves scented with Neroli.

Properties and Indications:

Excellent for the skin
Anti-allergenic
Calms down heart palpitations and lowers blood pressure
Antispasmodic - for people with mood swings
Works on the parasympathetic nervous system, calms down the nervous system as a whole
To comfort the very ill such as cancer sufferers

Personality:

Has a hypnotic quality a good sedative
For manic depressives
For anyone who is in a weak or hyperactive state
To strengthen our auric shield, when people literally jump out of their skin and are in a hypersensitive state and the nervous system can't handle it (such as a newborn baby)

Contra-indications:

Do not expose yourself to the sun after using Neroli as it is photosensitive

Aromatherapy Oils - Peppermint

Botanical name: Mentha Piperita
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Leaves

Origin: Best cultivated in England, France, USA and Italy.

Description: Fresh and sweet. Strongly piercing quality has the ability to go right through things.

History: Deeply mystical, known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The tale of the nymph Mentha who was hotly pursued by Pluto. His jealous wife caught them and transformed her into a plant.

Properties and Indications:

Antispasmodic - very energizing action
Headaches, migraines
Used for extremely acute as well as chronic conditions
Diarrhea, colic
Senility - works on the nervous system
Paralysis - particularly after a strong (when declared out of danger)
Can restore the sense of smell (Anosmia - lost sense of smell)
Nausea, vomiting
Emmenagogue - painful or scanty periods
Carminative
Analgesic
Kidney stones, gall bladder stones
Impotence - slight aphrodisiac
Anti-allergenic - for the digestive system
Abscesses, scabies, dermatitis
Colds - use as inhalation
Stomach upsets and hangovers

Contra-indications:

Do not overuse Peppermint oil
Do not use on eczema - too strong

Aromatherapy Oils - Pine

Botanical name: Pinus Sylvestris
Botanical family: Pinaceae

Note: Top / Middle

Part of plant used: Needles & cones

Origin: Pine is found extensively in the cold upland regions of Europe, Scandinavia, and the USSR. Also known as the Scots Pine.

Description: Green, fresh, forest aroma.

History: Pine has been long known to be helpful for lung disorders such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Pine is a popular ingredient in soaps for its deodorizing and disinfectant properties.

Properties and Indications:

Excellent for any lung conditions - Pine is more gentle than other oils such as Cypress therefore a better choice for children
Forces the body to make more mucous therefore very helpful for laryngitis
Can be used for acute and immediate illnesses, as well as chronic illnesses
Diuretic - easily tolerated by the kidneys
Useful for urinary infections
Circulates blood around the body - excellent for use in saunas and steams
Great tonic - helps people to pick up and recover after an illness
Can be used as in inhalation and/or a throat gargle for colds, sore throats, and flu
Antiseptic
Anti-bacterial
Can heal cuts and skin irritations

Personality

Pine is a refreshing and uplifting oil which is helpful for weakness and fatigue

Aromatherapy Oils - Rose

Botanical name: Rosa Damascena (Rose Otto), Rosa Centifolia
Botanical family: Rosaceae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Flowers and petals

Origin: Morocco, Turkey, France, Bulgaria

Description: Sweet and flowery with an exquisite deep aroma.

History: Known as the 'Queen of the Garden', Rose has long been a symbol of love and purity.

Properties and Indications:

Excellent for feminine problems, for regulating periods, calming PMT and excellent for menopause
Can act as a tonic on the heart
For highly allergic and sensitive skins as well as dry and mature skins
Haemostatic, a healing oil
For asthmatics, calms down and relaxes

Personality:

Well known for psychic rebalancing
Rejected, jilted lovers
Women who have lost their babies through miscarriage or termination, helps them to move on
Gives women a positive feeling about herself
Beautifies
Mood swings

Aromatherapy Oils - Rosemary

Botanical name: Rosmarinus Officinalis
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Flowering tops, leaves

Origin: Found growing in the Mediterranean, on cliffy edges overlooking the sea.

Description: Clean, clear and penetrating.

History: The Egyptians were found with Rosemary branches in their tombs.

Properties and Indications:

General stimulant
Rejuvenating
Antiseptic
Rheumatism and arthritis
Muscle fatigue
Helps repair and regenerate muscle tissue
Gout
Expels toxins from the liver
Emmenagogue
Can relieve painful periods
Diuretic, sudorific
Cholagogue - increases bile flow
Drains the body of mucous and excess fluid
Asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, influenza
Stimulates the adrenal cortex
Carminative
Vertigo, fainting

Contra-indications:

Avoid during pregnancy
Not to be used for people with high blood pressure
Not to be used for epileptics
Sweet almond oil is water dispersible and can be used with or without essential oils as a convenient and highly beneficial bath oil.

Aromatherapy Oils - Tea Tree

Botanical name: Melaleuca Alternifolia
Botanical family: Myrtaceae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Stems, leaves

Origin: Australia (Thursday Plantation). Also found in Borneo.

Description: Clean and fresh, slightly pungent

History: Recognized by the Aborigines for its excellent antiseptic qualities.

Properties and Indications:

Highly anti-fungal
Perfect as an antiseptic
Cystitis
Athletes Foot, tinea and warts
Lung congestion - has an expectorant quality
Sudorific
Sunburn - less aggressive than lavender on the skin

Aromatherapy Oils - Thyme

Botanical name: Thymus Vulgaris
Botanical family: Labiatae

Note: Top

Part of plant used: Flowering stems

Origin: Thyme is found in Great Britain, France, and America. Not so much cultivated as it grows wild. Thyme likes hilly, fairly rocky places. It is a low plant, focuses on the earth as you need to look down to find it.

Description: Strong, sweet and pungent with an antiseptic undertone.

History: Thyme is a popular oil and goes back as far as ancient Egyptian and Roman times. It was used in the Middle Ages for its strong antiseptic properties.

Properties and Indications:

Highly antiseptic and anti-bacterial
Deep cleanser, particularly for the blood and capillary circulation
Stimulating to the digestive system particularly the large intestine
Vermifuge - tinea, amoebas, intestinal parasites
Stimulates the immune system
Respiratory system - along with Cinnamon, it is one of the most powerful essential oils to prevent infection
Recurring respiratory complaints - bronchitis, emphysema, mycosis, asthma
Great for head colds, stiffness, sore throats
Emmenagogue
Relaxes the nervous system

Personality

For the very armored, controlled and willful
Recommended for claustrophobia as it opens up
Schizophrenia - said to stabilize mental activity

Contra-indications:

Do not use if pregnant
Do not use on people with high blood pressure

Aromatherapy Oils – Ylang Ylang

Botanical name: Cananga Odorata
Botanical family: Anonaceae

Note: Middle

Part of plant used: Flowers

Origin: Native trees to the Philippines as well as islands like Tahiti, Seychelles and Madagascar. A tree takes 4 years to produce 5 kilos of oil. The yellow flowers have to be picked at monsoon time.

Description: The smell of Ylang-Ylang is compared to hyacinth and narcissus.

History: A tribe called the Bori Bori from the Tahiti region (Maluc) used the flowers to put in their hair as decoration and used Ylang-Ylang as a hair conditioner as well as rubbing over their bodies to keep in good health. They used it in their tea for malaria, typhoid and to calm down diarrhea.

Properties and Indications:

Hypo-tensor - calms down hyper activities
Reduces hyperpnoea (over-accelerated breathing rate) and tachycardia (abnormal rapidity of heart beat)
Excellent for asthmatics
Extremely calming
Classed as an aphrodisiac, make the body feel warm and sensuous, restores childlike body warmth. Good for puberty when teenagers are feeling awkward
Helps with sexual problems such as frigidity, or people who are out of touch with their bodies
Impotence - especially for men who are too cold towards their lover or children, like they are disconnected
PMT
Can help after pregnancy for instilling a feeling of warmth and togetherness

Aromatherapy Massage Oils

Grapeseed Oil

Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera

Aroma: Light. Slightly Nutty and Sweet.

Viscosity: Thin.

Absorption/Feel: Leaves a Glossy Film on the Skin.

Color: Virtually Clear. Has a Virtually Unnoticeable Tinge of Yellow/Green.

Grapeseed Oils pressed from specific grape varieties including chardonnay and riesling grapes are available. In general, however, Grapeseed Oil tends to be solvent extracted. Be sure to check the method of extraction for the oil that you purchase.

Grapeseed Oil is commonly used in aromatherapy as it is a fairly all-purpose oil and can be used in a wide array of applications ranging from massage to skin care. From a nutrititive standpoint, the most noteworthy aspect of Grapeseed Oil is its content of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Grapeseed Oil, however, has a relatively short shelf life.

Grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid quite important for the skin and the cell membranes. It is purported to have regenerative and restructuring qualities and has great skin moisturizing properties. Grapeseed oil is a great non- greasy oil to use, but could be enriched by blending it with another carrier, such as almond or wheat germ. This is fine textured, oil with a very light, slightly sweet hint of a nutty aroma, and with a satiny finish. It contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA, and a small amount of vitamin E.

Jojoba oil

Closely resembles that of your own skin; it is an excellent moisturizer and is ideal for all skin types. It can in most cases be used on blemished skin without any problems, as it helps to control acne. Jojoba is also a favorite oil to use as a carrier oil for aromatherapy as it penetrates the skin easily and is suitable for all skin types. The aroma is light to medium, not as sweet as the nut oils

Sweet Almond oil

An excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin) and also helps the skin to balance its loss and absorption of moisture. This oil is one of the most popular of the carrier oils used in aromatherapy and massage, since it is non-greasy, spreads easily and is also great for nourishing the skin. The aroma is light, slightly sweet and nutty.

One of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy, sweet almond oil contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E and is particularly suited for nourishing the skin and moisturising eczema. Vitamin E is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants helping to combat the emergence of free radicals and other damaging elements in the skin. Sweet almond oil is water dispersible and can be used with or without essential oils as convenient and highly beneficial bath oil.

Acacia Pure Soaps

Lavender	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Augustifolia Lavendula	Soaps made with lavender essential oils can promote a sense of relaxation. It can be beneficial to use lavender soaps before bedtime to promote a deep sleep. Lavender soap is also an effective calming aid for anxiety or excessive energy in children and toddlers.
Rose	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Rose 5% in Grapeseed Oil, Rose Petals	Rose hip powder also is a mild exfoliant. It remains granular -- not fully dissolving in water -- and so helps to scrub away dead skin cells, leaving your skin fresh and smooth as a rose. Including rose hip powder in your soap also means that you don't have to buy a separate exfoliant product for your skin care regimen.
Lavender & Rose	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Augustifolia Lavendula, Rose 5% in Grapeseed Oil
Frankincense	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense Oil) Natural Colour (Cinnamon)	Frankincense is known for its toning and anti-aging properties and adds aroma therapeutic benefits promoting mental strength. Made with frankincense essential oils. Your skin will become younger, more radiant, elastic, and smooth day after day while using it.
Frankincense & Myrrh	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Augustifolia Lavendula Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense Oil) Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh Oil)	Myrrh is therapeutic oil known to assist in spirituality, skin ailments, detoxification of the body and expelling mucus and phlegm in the lungs and helps to clear ailments such as colds, catarrh, coughs, sore throats and bronchitis. It is used for diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence and haemorrhoids.
Geranium	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Oil), Natural Colour Madder Root	Organic essential oil of rose geranium: an uplifting and sweet smelling oil, traditionally used in skin care products for its fragrance and cleansing properties. A refreshing and stimulating oil it also has great sedative properties also. This is particularly good for treating nervous tension and depression
Neroli	Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Goats Milk, Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmatite (Palm Oil), Sodium Hydroxide Neroli 5% in Grapeseed Oil, Calendula Flowers	One of the safest essential oils and known for being non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritating and non-photo-toxic. Neroli essential oil is well known for being relaxing, and can relieve anxiety, depression, fear, shock and stress. It's calming benefits can include soothing the digestive tract, intestinal spasms, colitis and diarrhea.
Goats Milk	Goat milk contains lots of nutrients like fats, proteins and other hormones that naturally benefit the skin . The benefits of goat milk soap can be felt by people suffering from various skin conditions or those just wanting to maintain youthful, rejuvenated skin. Goat milk soap has a pH level similar to human skin; therefore, goat milk soap benefits the skin by protecting skin from daily bacterial and chemical invasions. The moisturizing benefits of goat milk soap surpass that of commercial soap because of the natural creams in goat's milk. Handmade goat milk soap benefits people with sensitive skin because it doesn't contain additives like alcohol, petroleum and preservatives. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Goat milk soap benefits people with acne-prone skin because the proteins in milk kill acne-causing bacteria. Goat milk soap sloughs off dead skin because of the alpha-hydroxy acids found in the milk.

“Acacia Pure Soap” is produced for Acacia Beauty by Cyrils Soap Shed, Hampshire.

ACACIA PURE SOAP

Magical combination