Benzoin

Benzoin aromatherapy oil is a sweet, warm scent akin to vanilla, but a little bit sharper. It is a very thick (almost like the consistency of molasses) base note that is often used in perfumes, potpourri, and incense because of its sweet smell and “fixative” properties. It is also prized as a preservative in lotions and creams. I especially enjoy the aroma and warm, rejuvenating effects of mixing it with either orange, lavender, or both. Other oils it mixes well with are sandalwood, lemon, frankincense, bergamot, rose, myrrh, and petitgrain. This aromatherapy oil is a wonderful additive to perfume mixtures, and is very warm and comforting in a heat diffuser. (But it can really gum up a nebulizers.)

Benzoin oil is solvent extracted from the resin of the Styrax tree found in the Southeast Asian rainforests. The resin is extracted through an incision in the trunk that heals, so no trees need to be cut down. The two most common varieties are Siam benzoin and Sumatra benzoin. The Siam variety is considered of higher quality because of its higher benzoic acid content. Even though it is solvent extracted, it is worth have around for it’s unique preservative and fixative properties. It can be a little difficult to work with because it is so thick, but warming it slightly helps.

It is believed to help with depression, mental clarity and nerves. It has also been used in an inhalation or chest rub for chest, sinus and bronchial problems, for skin inflammation and irritation, and for toning, tightening and disinfecting skin tissue.

I have done  a lot of research on suppliers of essential oils. The many different classification and terms can be very confusing. Even with a term like “therapeutic grade” there is room for different levels and types of  testing.  If would like to know more check out the information at Mountain Rose and Essential 3.

These are my personal favorites for my essential oil supplies.  They are both very reputable. One has a larger variety, the other (which I use when the therapeutic quality of the oil is essential) more extensive testing procedures. Both have an excellent benzoin aromatherapy oil

For more information and  products visit  The Art Of Aromatherapy. Check out the all aromatherapy Amazon shopping for really good deals.  Next week I will be profiling bergamot aromatherapy oil. If you would like to be notified when profiles are posted, and about any special deals, sign up as a friend.

Now for the cautions again:  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
Read and follow all caution on the labels of any essential oils you  buy. Use a little common sense folks. Don’t stick this stuff in your eyes, nose, ears or anywhere else stupid. Try it in a small spot before you rub it all over. If you have any specific health problems or medical conditions talk to a doctor first.

Benzoin aromatherapy oil should not be used undulated on your skin. Do not expose to mucus membranes and  do not use while pregnant.

Basil

Basil aromatherapy oil has sweet, delicate, slightly spicy aroma. It is reminiscent of black pepper oil, though a little lighter and “greener”. The first time I smelled it, it reminded me of   fresh cut grass or new mown hay. My  favorite blend with basil oil consists of basil, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, spearmint, and vetiver. Other oils it blends well with are bergamot, clove bud, clary sage, citrus oils, oregano, sage, cedar wood,  thyme, and tea tree. One of the reasons I prize basil oil and always keep it around is that when I occasionally end up with a blend that just doesn’t quite settle right a couple of drops of basil usually seems to straighten it out.

Basil has may varieties with different size, color, and smell. Sweet basil is what you will most commonly find in an essential oil. It is grown in the areas around the Mediterranean Sea, and also in the USA, France, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Basil oil is usually steam distilled from the leaves and flowers of the plant, and is considered to be a clear, thin, top note. It has traditionally been a highly prized oil, even considered sacred in some cultures.

My favorite basil blend is what I use when I get home from work. I find it re-energizes and de-stresses me, and allows me to enjoy the pleasures of being home instead of  spending the whole evening unwinding and recovering. Other ways I have heard the effects of basil oil described are cheering, mentally stimulating, and enlivening.

Basil oil is mainly thought to be useful for chest related ailments such as colds, bronchitis, flu, and coughs.  Other way it has been used are for insect bites (both to repel insects and to soothe bites), menstruation problems, as an antispasmodic, and for congested skin (to improve appearance and tone).

I have done  extensive research on suppliers of essential oils. The many different classification and terms can be very confusing.  Even with a term like “therapeutic grade” there is room for different levels and types of  testing.  If you would like to know more check out the information at Essential 3,and at Mountain Rose Herbs. These are my personal favorites for my essential oil supplies.They are both very reputable. One has a larger variety of aromatherapy oils available, the other (which I use when the therapeutic quality of the oil is essential) has more extensive testing procedures.

Now for the cautions:  These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases. Read and follow all caution on the labels of any essential oils you  buy. Use a little common sense folks. Don’t stick this stuff in your eyes, nose, ears or anywhere else stupid. Try it in a small spot before you rub it all over. If you have any specific health problems or medical conditions talk to a doctor first.

Basil oil is a very potent oil. It should be diluted before putting it on your skin. Don't use it if you are pregnant or have epileptic seizures.

Visit The Art Of Aromatherapy for more information and products.

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Tired of endless searches to find what you need for your aromatherapy program? I think its time to make aromatherapy more accessible and relevent to this generation.

The Art Of Aromatherapy is a time honored and ancient art. There are traditions and disciplines that need to be observed for it to be effective and beneficial. However, just like any other Art form, it runs the risk of becoming stodgy and inaccessible to the majority (like me). As interest in Aromatherapy has revived, I have seen new converts either lose interest, or settle for inferior products for the sake of convenience and glitz. No one looking for help with stress or health wants to study for a year or so, and then hunt for a couple of months for all the product to put together to concoct the appropriate formula.

I, for one, think Aromatherapy is due for an overhaul. It needs to become more accessible, more relevant and - well - more fun. There are so many fascinating, fulfilling, and pleasurable aspects to explore. 

The Art Of Aromatherapy has arrived

So far I the basics are covered in these pages…plus a little bit more. All of the pictures have links to interesting and high quality products. The shopping page takes you to a wonderful line of therapeutic grade essential oil blends, and to my own hand-picked and organized, Aromatherapy-only, Amazon Store.

A paint palette, like the one on the home page, will be the symbol to look for to find special products, special deals, complimentary groupings, and fun gadgets. I will be adding new content everyday. Feel free to contact me with any ideas, input or questions.

So , in conclusion, join me in my quest to shake up

The Art Of Aromatherapy

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