Name: Angelica Root Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Dull skin, exhaustion, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-67.]

Constituents: a-pinned, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, d-3-carene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, B-phellandrene, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, p-cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, B-bisabolene, humulene monoxide, tridecanolide, pentadecanolide. [B. Lawrence, "Angelica Root Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, December/January 1977, 31, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 140.]

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Avoid during pregnancy and diabetes. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 84.] Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Beeswax Absolute.

Botanical Name (of the honeybee): Apis mellifera.

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent or CO2 Extracted.

Color: Deep Golden Brown.

Consistency: Medium.

Perfumery Note: Base.

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium.

Aromatic Description: Rich, sweet, floral, honey aroma.

Possible Uses: Perfumery.

Safety Information: Safety information is not readily available. As it is used for perfumery and is not used as a therapeutic oil, use with caution and common sense. It may be wise to avoid in anyone who cannot consume honey or use beeswax.

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Those in the massage therapy field often regard employment on a cruise ship as the ultimate job. Although there are many benefits to this type of work, find out why only certain individuals are suited to withstand cruise ship employment’s many challenges.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Regarded as one of the more opulent vacation options available, cruising can be an amazing way to spend a holiday. For many cruising vacationers, nothing spells luxurious relaxation more than splurging on a massage. In addition to top-of-the-line spas, cruise ships typically offer just about anything one could want within one vacation such as:

· Endless buffets
· Unique shopping
· Beautiful ocean views
· High quality entertainment
· Pools and hot tubs
· Visits to several desirable destinations
· Casino gambling and other types of gaming
· Sports and other recreational activities

In the ship’s spa, massage therapists are an invaluable part of the staff. Those lucky enough to be a passenger on a cruise ship might consider what it would be like to work on one of these lavishly appointed moving cities. In fact, performing massage on an ocean-going vessel is a dream job for some people. However, the daily life of being a cruise ship staff member can be grueling for others. Before setting your heart on being a massage therapist on board a cruise ship, make sure this lifestyle is for you.

Six Considerations
Having some insight into the reality of working on a cruise ship can make certain that it is worth your effort to land this kind of job. Below are six reasons that you might want to consider or abandon a goal of working for a cruise line:

1. Hard Work – Because they are on vacation and looking to relax and be pampered, cruise passengers are highly likely to schedule a massage treatment. This translates to a busy schedule for the practicing therapist. For five and a half days a week, back-to-back sessions over a 10 to 12-hour shift is typical for massage therapists on a large ship. Only those who are energized by their work, use proper body mechanics, center themselves between each client and don’t mind repetition can happily survive this type of scheduling.

2. Rocking Boat – Regardless of how much it may feel like you are in a small city, a ship often traverses rough seas. Big waves cause significant movement on board. In addition to the added challenge of giving a massage while the ground beneath you is rocking, many people on board succumb to motion sickness. Although there are temporary remedies for motion sickness (acupressure wrist bands, scopolamine patches, or over-the-counter medicines such as Dramamine or Bonine), you may not wish to deal with this awful sensation on a regular basis. Some people are particularly prone to motion sickness on a boat while others seem to be hardly affected at all.

3. Living Quarters – The staterooms for paying passengers can be pretty fancy, including amenities like a balcony, vanity and sitting area. However, accommodations for crew members are far from luxurious. It is typical for ship staff to share a tiny cabin with a fellow employee on the lower decks, possibly without a window and just enough space for sleeping. If you cherish your privacy and are prone to claustrophobia, working on a cruise ship could prove difficult for you. On the other hand, if you are comfortable in tight living quarters and enjoy the social opportunity afforded by a roommate, working on board could be a good career move.

4. Ports of Call – Unless specifically seeking employment on a cruise-to-nowhere (yes, these do exist), each cruise typically docks in several ports of call. For many of the crew, this is an incredible and inexpensive way to travel and have new experiences. If your day off coincides with the ship being at a port, the destination is yours to explore. However, a lot of the money you were hoping to save can easily be spent in tourist locations. For therapists aiming to build up their finances by working on a cruise ship, restraint on extraneous spending is required.

5. Commitment – Once hired and trained to work on a cruise ship, a sizeable commitment is required. While some cruise lines hire massage therapists directly, the majority of them contract with Steiner Leisure Ltd. Steiner operates spas and salons on 118 cruise ships, as well as in 52 resort spas and two day spas. Once chosen by Steiner, applicants must complete a mandatory training program and then commit to an eight-month contract. Upon completion of the eight months, massage therapists can sign up for subsequent contracts of shorter length. For those without family and other obligations at home, a guaranteed eight months of work may be greatly appreciated. However, being away for nearly three quarters of a year could be a struggle for others.

6. Salary – One of the benefits of working on a cruise ship is that your room and board are paid for, leaving any money you make free for other uses. Estimates of the actual earning capacity of massage therapists on cruise ships vary greatly. While reports of massage therapist salaries on a ship have claimed up to $3,500 per month, this appears to be an inflated estimate. Although staff members receive a weekly retainer, the majority of a massage therapist’s income comes from commission via tips or product sales. In addition, the more modalities you are trained in, the more likely you are to be booked. Massage therapists offering sessions beyond Swedish massage, especially sports massage, deep tissue, reflexology, and hot stone massage can book more appointments – and thus earn more money. Don’t forget that while on board, your necessary living expenses are all paid for. If you can refrain from unnecessary spending on the ship or in a port-of-call, are customer service oriented and are comfortable selling related products, massage on a cruise could be very lucrative.

There are benefits and drawbacks to any business venture, and the cruise industry is no different. Massage therapists hoping to travel like paying passengers need not apply for cruise ship employment. If you are game for hard work, not bothered by a rocking boat, comfortable in small, shared living quarters, enjoy traveling for long periods of time without lavish spending, are trained in various modalities and are fueled by commission-based work, performing massage therapy on a cruise ship can be a rewarding, adventurous and profitable venture.

References:

Bemis, Mary, A Delicate Balance, Can Spas and Massage Therapists Coexist?, Massage & Bodywork, April/May 2006.

Johnson, Ruthanne, Cruise Industry Employment, Massage & Bodywork, October/November 2003.

Versagi, Charlotte Michael, LMT, How Can I Get A Job on a Cruise Ship?, Massage Magazine, January/February 2001

www.cast-a-way.com, Steiner Info, Cast-A-Way.com, 2007.

www.massage-certification.com, Cruise Line Massage Therapy Jobs, Massage Certification, 2007.

www.women-on-the-road.com, Employment on Cruise Ships: Not Your Everyday Job, women-on-the-road.com, 2007.

Posted by Editors at 09:45 AM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Most of us have had the experience of waking up in the morning with a stiff neck. For some, this painful sensation is a severe and recurring problem. More than just a stiff neck, torticollis is characterized by involuntary contractions or intermittent spasms of neck muscles. Learn how valuable massage therapy can be to clients with torticollis, as well as the precautions to be aware of when approaching this condition.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Torticollis belongs to a broad category of disorders describing abnormal flexion, extension or twisting of the neck muscles. A neck twisted to one side is typical of torticollis. Although the exact cause of torticollis is uncertain, the following are potential scenarios where it may develop:

· In those with a family history of this disorder, symptoms may be present at birth or develop slowly
· As a result of some sort of trauma, torticollis can be acute
· From an adverse reaction to certain medications

When it can be traced to a genetic disorder, the condition is referred to as spasmodic torticollis. Although considered rare, spasmodic torticollis affects close to 90,000 people in the United States. Spasmodic torticollis has three variations of neuromuscular dysfunction:

1. Tonic (a sustained contraction)
2. Clonic (head shaking)
3. Mixed (both tonic and clonic)

Trauma that involves bending or twisting the neck too far can lead to acute torticollis. The acute form can also be the result of keeping the neck muscles in shortened positions for a prolonged period of time. A person who has slept in an awkward position or in a cold draft may awaken to acute torticollis.

Torticollis causes discomfort and pain, forcing many to hold their head straight or rotated to one side. Unilateral in nature, torticollis is irritated when the affected side of the neck’s muscles are activated or even touched. As a contralateral rotator, the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is most commonly involved in acute torticollis, as any position rotating the head to its opposite side for long periods may cause this condition.

Assessment
A massage therapist should confirm that a physician has properly diagnosed any client with torticollis. In some cases, torticollis is mistaken for muscular dystrophy, epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease.

To assess the condition, the practitioner will be able to palpate and/or observe shortening and hypertonicity in the neck muscles. The head and neck are held in a non-neutral position, often with rotation to the opposite side. The SCM on the affected side is likely to be more prominent than on the other side. In the clonic variation of spasmodic torticollis, there will be some shaking of the head.

The cervical muscles will likely be tightened due to a local muscle spasm. In some chronic cases, the practitioner will be able to palpate fibrotic changes in the affected musculature. Active and passive motions rotating the head in the opposite direction of the contraction are likely painful and limited. There may be pain associated with further rotation to the contracted side depending on the severity of the condition and the percentage of muscle fibers recruited for the activity.

Massage
Symptoms of acute torticollis generally resolve in a couple of weeks. Western medicine’s top offering for this condition is an injection of Botox® to temporarily paralyze the muscles. For those seeking to avoid this toxic injection, the pain and contraction of torticollis responds well to massage. Considering neck muscles in either a tonic or clonic state are highly sensitive, extreme care must be used with any hands-on modality.

With a gentle approach, bodywork’s goal for torticollis is release of the contracted neck muscles. Such a release typically entails:

1. Enhancing circulation in and around the spastic musculature
2. Enlisting passive and active stretching techniques to elongate shortened muscles

While most massage modalities enhance circulation, a gentle technique must be chosen for torticollis. The increase in circulating cerebrospinal fluid accomplished through cranial-sacral therapy (CST) is an ideal match for a contracted neck. CST typically uses the equivalent of a dime’s weight of pressure for its maneuvers, making it an extremely gentle option. Even some of the simple cranial holds of CST can allow the contracted tissues of torticollis to unwind at their own pace. Additionally, the application of heat in a warmth-producing topical gel, heat lamp or hot pack is a non-invasive and safe way to invigorate local blood circulation.

Osteopathic medicine’s passive and active stretching techniques offer a gentle route to lengthening contracted muscles. Myofascial release techniques are ideal for increasing the range of motion that is restricted with torticollis. Additionally, some of sports massage’s stretching techniques are ideal for lengthening neck contraction. All within the realm of osteopathic medicine, some of the applicable stretches in sports massage include:

· strain-counterstrain
· reciprocal inhibition
· proprioceptive neuromuscular (PNF) stretching
· isometric stretching

Warning
A client with torticollis may come for a massage after receiving medical treatment from their physician. Bodyworkers need to be aware that an injection of the Botox® toxin causes motor loss and has no effect on sensory perception. Massage or early manipulation of the injection site can speed up absorption and spread the toxin. Therapists are advised to avoid the injection site to avoid paralysis of the injected as well as adjacent muscles.

The gentle techniques garnered from cranial-sacral therapy, myofascial release and sports massage stretching can be safely and effectively applied to relieve torticollis. A massage therapist familiar with the described methods and the pathology of torticollis will be successful in delivering pain relief and increased range of motion to a client who awoke with a stiff neck.

Recommended Study:
Cranial-Sacral Therapy
Myofascial Release
Sports Massage

References:

Lowe, Whitney, LMT, NCTMB, Understanding Torticollis, Massage Today, December 2004.

Premkumar, Kalyani, The Doorway to Muscle Contraction, Massage and Bodywork, February/March 2005.

www.dystonia-foundation.org, Cervical Dystonia, Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 2004.

www.emedicinehealth.com, Torticollis Overview, WebMD, 2006.

www.healing.about.com, A Pain in the Neck – Acute Torticollis, Phylameana lila Desy, About, Inc., 2006.

www.merck.com, Spasmodic Torticollis, Merck & Co., 2006.

Posted by Editors at 10:00 AM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

While most massage professionals have a general understanding of the lymphatic system, few are fully aware of the critical role it plays in our overall health. Find out for yourself how manipulation of the lymphatic system can be beneficial to your clients and what conditions would prevent you from its use.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

By warding off disease and healing injury, the lymphatic system supports every other system in the body. Despite the crucial role it plays, Western medical practitioners typically only evaluate the lymphatic system when there is a specific lymph problem, such as infection or congestion causing swelling or cancer affecting lymph tissue. Many would be surprised to learn that the body contains twice as much lymph fluid as blood. This precious fluid continuously bathes each cell, draining away debris in a circulatory system powered only by muscle contractions, breathing and movement. Because its stagnation can clog the entire system and allow toxins, bacteria and cellular waste to congregate, lymphatic fluid must be in motion.

Basic Lymph Anatomy
Through a network of vessels, lymph attends to nearly every cell in the body. Strung along lymph vessels like pearls knotted on a string, lymph nodes serve as a series of cleaning filters, working to rid the body of harmful bacteria and debris. In addition to the lymph nodes and vessels, there are various other components comprising the fascinating lymphatic system.

One of the lymph system’s crucial functions is generating and storing infection-fighting white blood cells. In addition to lymph nodes, principal lymph organs include the bone marrow (where B-lymphocytes are made), the spleen, tonsils and the thymus gland (where T-lymphocytes are made). A large concentration of lymph tissue also surrounds the intestines. This tissue absorbs fats and actively separates nutrients from pathogens, providing defense whenever needed.

Moving the Lymph
With its elaborate network of vessels and nodes, the lymph system circulates lymph throughout the entire body without a central operating pump. Dependent upon muscle contractions and manual manipulation, lymph manages to isolate and eliminate infection and cellular waste. Without a motor driving its circulation, deep breathing, exercise and massage are great ways to encourage lymph’s flow and to maintain the health of this essential system.

Inactivity can significantly restrict lymph’s flow. The movement created by combining deep breathing with stretching, such as yoga, has been shown to be an effective lymph circulation enhancement practice. Additionally, many experts claim that jumping on a trampoline is the perfect exercise for restoration and maintenance of the lymphatic system.

Massage therapists consider an increase in circulation to be the primary effect their work has on the body. While this benefit is largely attributed to circulation of the blood, many of bodywork’s successes also stem from its effect on the circulation of lymphatic fluid.

While all forms of massage will have some sort of effect on the lymph system, lymphatic drainage massage has the greatest impact. Although lymphatic drainage massage has little effect on blood circulation, its light pressure can increase lymph flow by up to ten times its normal rate. This style of massage is especially therapeutic for anyone with edema, swollen glands, toxic sludge build-up throughout the body, or chronic low immunity.

If considering a client with a recent or past history of cancer in the lymph system, a practitioner must obtain physician permission prior to beginning a session. Once malignancy is in the lymph system, every effort needs to be made to prevent its spread.

In addition to regular exercise and lymphatic drainage massage, some additional suggestions for maintaining lymphatic health include:

· Drink six to eight glasses of purified or filtered water per day. Staying hydrated helps maintain proper lymph fluid levels.

· Practice deep breathing. Breathing deeply from the diaphragm and through the nose is one of the best ways to move lymph fluid throughout the body.

· Support your body’s natural detoxification through perspiration. A weekly sauna or steam bath can facilitate the healthy removal of waste through the skin’s pores, lessening the load on the lymph system.

· Avoid restrictive clothing that presses on lymph nodes. Bras with under wires or garments that are too tight can impede lymph flow.

A properly functioning lymphatic system is crucial to all aspects of our health. A very complex network, congestion of the lymphatic system is considered by many to be at the heart of most diseases. As medical researchers focus more on the lymph system’s universal role, it will become increasingly clear that measures to prevent lymph stagnation result in people living healthier, longer lives. In addition to the suggestions listed above, learning to administer lymphatic drainage massage can benefit every one of your clients. By draining, facilitating and maintaining lymph flow, bodyworkers can learn to be an integral part of a disease prevention and wellness program.

Recommended Study:
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
Lymphatic Drainage Massage

References:

www.allaboutchi.com, What is this thing called lymph?, JMP Enterprises, LLC, 2007.

www.biotone.com, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Sean Riehl, Biotone, 2007.

www.healthy.net, Swollen Glands, American Institute for Preventative Medicine, 2007.

www.lymphatichealth.com, Your Lymphatic System: Self-Care Techiques, Center for Lymphatic Health, 2007.

www.womentowomen.com, The Lymph System and Your Health, Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, NP, Women to Women, 2007.

Posted by Editors at 02:35 PM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage of one or more joints, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Whether performed in an office or spa, discover what bodywork methods can effectively relieve the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. With aging, the water content of cartilage increases and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates. Over the years, repetitive use of the joints irritates and inflames the cartilage, eventually eroding it away. In advanced cases, there is a total loss of the cartilage cushion between bones, causing friction that leads to pain, inflammation and joint mobility limitations.

Symptoms
Osteoarthritis can occur within any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine. While the severity can vary widely, typical symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

· Joint pain following repetitive use of the joint
· Joint pain that worsens later in the day
· Swelling of the affected joint
· Warmth or redness of the affected joint
· Joint creaking
· Pain and stiffness after extended periods of inactivity
· Persistent OR intermittent pain
· Development of painful bony spurs at joint locations

Treatment
There is no magic pill or surgical intervention that offers a risk-free, reliable solution to cartilage degeneration and repair to the damage done by osteoarthritis. The goal of treating osteoarthritis is to reduce joint pain and inflammation while improving and maintaining joint function. Treatment for degenerative arthritis typically consists of:

· Weight reduction to minimize the weight-bearing responsibility on arthritic joints
· Avoiding activities exerting excessive stress on the affected joint cartilage to relieve pain and swelling
· Physical and occupational therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, increase joint motion, and devise innovative plans for daily functioning
· Wearing mechanical support devices to reduce joint stress
· Medications administered orally, topically or via injection to decrease joint inflammation and pain
· A last resort, surgery may be performed to repair cartilage tears (arthroscopy), remove bone for realigning deformity (osteotomy), fuse degenerated joints together (arthrodesis), or replace a degenerated joint with an artificial joint (arthroplasty)

While medications or surgery may seem like ideal solutions for osteoarthritis pain, many people who have tried these options report otherwise. Medications for arthritic pain generally fall into the following categories: anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and steroids. These drugs demonstrate three primary drawbacks – they have limited effectiveness, have a wide range of side effects, and may create dependence and tolerance, requiring progressively higher dosages for relief. Invasive surgery can also be problematic, either by not fixing the problem, causing more problems or offering only temporary relief.

Bodywork
Bodyworkers aim to relieve arthritic pain by increasing blood circulation to the affected area. Since there is a relatively poor network of vasculature in cartilage, an increase in local circulation brings fresh, oxygenated blood to an injured area and ushers out waste. In addition to reducing inflammation and pain, improving local circulation increases joint mobility. It is no surprise that bodywork is an ideal match for a person suffering with osteoarthritis.

Swedish Massage
Researchers from Yale Prevention Research Center and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey recently concluded that massage therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Their 16-week study set out to identify the potential benefits of Swedish massage on osteoarthritis patients with pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. Participants in the trial’s massage intervention group received a standard one-hour Swedish massage twice a week for four weeks, followed by Swedish massage once a week for the next four weeks. After the first eight weeks of massage therapy, participants had improved flexibility, experienced less pain and improved range of motion. When reassessed eight weeks after completion of the massage intervention, the benefits of massage remained significant, although the magnitude of effect was somewhat reduced. “Massage is free of any known side effects and according to our results, clearly shows therapeutic promise,” said senior investigator of the study David L. Katz, M.D., associate adjunct professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at Yale School of Medicine and director of Yale’s Prevention Research Center.

Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy is a therapeutic approach to health involving bathing. Inclusive of many bathing mediums, including hot or cold water baths, massage in water, vapor baths, bathing in water enriched with a variety of minerals, mud baths and other applications, balneotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in spas. Researchers at the Institute of Rheumatology at the University of Siena, in Siena, Italy, the Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of L’Aquila, in L’Aquila, Italy, and the Section of Clinical Hydrology at the University of Milan, in Milan, Italy found that two weeks of mineral baths and mud-pack applications per year, two years in a row, significantly improved symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduced the amount of hospital stays, missed workdays and necessary medication associated with this disease. Researchers from the Asaf-Harofe Medical Center, in Zerifin, Israel, and the Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, in Tel Aviv, Israel reported similar results. Following a study of 72 subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee, Israeli clinicians concluded that soaking in hot mineral pools once a week significantly improved the symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduced the amount of medication taken by people with this condition.

While treating one of the 20 million Americans with osteoarthritis with Western medicine may be a daunting task, there is tremendous promise in approaching this condition with massage and spa therapy. The three reputable studies referenced above leave no doubt that invigorating circulation with Swedish massage and balneotherapy can help a person with osteoarthritis. As more clinical trials demonstrate alternative medicine’s effect on joint health, an increasing number of physicians will recommend and prescribe bodyworkers’ services for their patients’ recovery.

Recommended Study:
Integrative Massage: Earth
Pharmacology for Massage
Swedish Massage

References:

www.masssagemag.com, Balneotherapy Eases Osteoarthritis, Massage Magazine, Inc., March/April 2005.

www.massagemag.com, Spa Therapy for Osteoarthritis, Massage Magazine Inc., July/August 2004.

www.medicinenet.com, Osteoarthritis, William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, MedicineNet, Inc., 2006.

www.medicalnewstoday, Swedish Massage Benefits Osteoarthritis Patients, MediLexicon International Ltd., December 2006.

www.sciencedaily.com, Swedish Massage Benefits Osteoarthritis Patients, ScienceDaily LLC, December 2006.

www.webmd.com, Arthritis Basics, WebMD Inc., 2007.

www.yale.edu, Swedish Massage Benefits Osteoarthritis Patients, David L. Katz, MD, Yale University, December 2006.

Posted by Editors at 02:56 PM

© 2009 Institute for Integrative HealthCare Studies. This work is reproduced with the permission of the Institute. www.Integrative-Healthcare.org

Name: Amyris Essential Oil.

Botanical Name: Amyris balsamifera.

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled.

Color: Pale Yellow.

Consistency: Thick.

Perfumery Note: Base.

Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild.

Aromatic Description: Reminiscent of benzoin, Amyris includes sweet, warm, vanilla notes with a woody, cedar-like character.

Possible Uses: Perfumery/Fragrancing. Acts as a fixative. Also possesses antiseptic and sedative properties. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 82.].

Constituents: Valerianol, beta-eudesmol and elemol. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 212.] Caryphyllene, cadinene and cadinol. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 82.].

Safety Information: Tisserand and Lawless both indicate that Amyris appears to be non-toxic. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 212.] [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 82.].

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Anise Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Distinctive scent of licorice. Rich and sweet.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 60-66.]

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, linalool, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde, acetoanisole. [B. Lawrence, "Anise Oil," Perfumer & Flavorist, June/July 1983, 65, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 141.]

Safety Information: Caution for those with hypersensitive skin or with skin problems. Avoid in endometriosis and oestrogen-dependent cancers. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 117.]

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingests or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Allspice Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Pimenta officinalis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Cocoa Brown

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Sharp yet sweet with a spicy, clove-like aroma.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, muscle tone, stiffness, rheumatism, muscular and gastric cramps, indigestion, nausea, depression, nervous tension/exhaustion and neuralgia. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 60-65.]

Constituents: Eugenol, Methyl Eugenol, cineol, phellandrene and caryophyllene. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 194.]

Safety Information: Lawless and Tisserand indicate that this oil may be a mucous membrane and derman irritant. Significant dilution suggested. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 194.] Tisserand also mentions that it is contraindicated in those with haemophilia and/or liver disease. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 221.]

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingest or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.

Name: Ambrette Seed Absolute

Botanical Name: Abelmoschus moschatus

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent or CO2 Extraction

Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Musky and rich with floral undertones.

Possible Uses: Aches, stiffness, poor blood circulation, low blood pressure, anxiety, depression. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 60-66.]

Constituents: Ambrettolide, ambrettolic acid, palmitic acid, farnesol. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 70.]

Safety Information: Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 203.]

All Essential oils or highly concentrated, do not ingest or add directly to the skin. Always ask your trained massage aroma therapist on how to use any essential oils. These oils are used as a guide only.