An essential oil is a non-oily, natural extract of a plant obtained by distillation or expression. It’s oil by chemical definition but feels watery to touch, rather than greasy. Some experts believe the essential oil is the ‘life force’ of the plant. It’s interesting to know that the harder a plant struggles to grow, the better the quality of essential oil it yields.

 Properties of essential oils 

 All oils are stimulating to the various healing mechanisms of the body. The human being is a marvellous self-healing mechanism – the surgeon can make the cut but only the body tissues can knit together and heal.

Essential oils stimulate and encourage these responses naturally found in the human being.

A favourite essential oil of mine

In my last blog I mentioned an essential oil called Eucalyptus Staigeriana. I talked about the fact that it could be used in a calming blend and an uplifting blend, if chosen, by the clinical aromatherapist. It’s a lovely oil to use in an oil burner or to vaporise around the room. The aroma is fresh and lemony. It gives an immediate lift in spirits.

It has the following properties: anti-infectious, immuno-stimulant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and calming. It’s particularly calming to the muscular system and to the nervous system. The essential oil appears to have a profound effect on an emotional level. It’s very uplifting and has been used in the treatment of ME.

I am working very successfully with a client who has ME and I include this in her bespoke blend. I use it in my aroma stream at home and if I find I am in need of some energy during the day I have a bottle of the essential oil in my handbag. I place a few drops on a paper hankie and spend a couple of minutes inhaling the fresh and lemony smell. It works really well.

Eucalyptus Staigeriana comes from the Myrtaceae plant family and the essential oil is distilled from the leaves of the tree.

Please contact Lesley on 07889955010 if you would like to book an aromatherapy treatment or purchase a 10ml bottle of Eucalyptus Staigeriana. 

.

The word Aromatherapy means a ‘treatment designed to care using smells’. For some this means that aromatherapy should remain true to its roots by using only inhalation. However, overtime, it has been acknowledged that aromatherapy embraces a number of different skills and techniques when using essential oils. At the heart of any aromatherapy treatment is the blend of essential oils used and the aroma that the blend of essential oils creates.

If a client wanted to experience some calm then the clinical aromatherapist would be able to create a bespoke blend. This calming blend may contain; Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Marjoram sweet (Origanum majorana), Eucalyptus Staigeriana (Eucalyptus Staigeriana) and Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens). If a client wanted a blend that would energise then the clinical aromatherapist would be able to create a bespoke blend. This energising blend may contain; Lemon (Citrus limon), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Eucalyptus Staigeriana (Eucalyptus Staigeriana).

You will notice that Eucalyptus Staigeriana is in both blends…this demonstrates the wonderful nature of aromatherapy because the tools of the clinical aromatherapist’s trade are nature in action.

If you like sherbet lemons or you enjoyed a sherbet dab in your youth then that gives you a clue to the aroma created by Eucalyptus Staigeriana.

Read my next blog to find out more about this fascinating complementary therapy. A good book to start off with is; The Aromatherapy Workbook, A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Essential Oils, Shirley Price, Thorsons.

 A Definition of Aromatherapy

‘Aromatherapy is the controlled use of natural plant essences, obtained by distillation or expression to create balance and harmony in the human body.’ – Penny Price Academy of Aromatherapy, Diploma in Clinical Aromatherapy, 2009.

 The key word here is ‘controlled’. The natural plant essences that are the delightful, powerful and fascinating tools of the clinical aromatherapist’s trade are natural chemicals and they need to be used with care, respect and knowledge.

 Aromatherapy has 2 main aims:

     1) The relief of stress and balancing the mind.

     2) Balancing the body through improving the circulatory system.

Lesley Brown Clinical Aromatherapy

If you would be interested in finding out more about clinical aromatherapy and how it may help you and you live in the Chichester area, please contact Lesley, on 07889955010, for a free consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.