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The
Editor's Corner -- September 15, 2002 |
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Welcome to the
latest edition of Aromatherapy News!
As we pass through
a date now forever soured by tragedy, one has little choice but to reflect
upon that which has been lost, as well as that which has been learned.
There is little
doubt that, as a whole, we North Americans have only recently come to
understand how little we truly know about many of our planet's most
significant cultures, and spiritual approaches. One such area of importance
within the alternative medicine field is Ayurveda.
Ayurveda, an eastern
medical system born thousands of years ago, is one that focuses on the
synthesis of the physical, and the spiritual into its treatments, and
has long incorporated the value of aromatherapy into its various practices.
This month's feature
article, 'Wisps of Worship', explores one of those connections in the
use of incense within Ayurvedic medical and religious practice. We hope
that you find it informative, and as always, invite your feedback, and
recommendations.
A note of thanks
to both our long time, and new subscribers for joining us at Aromatherapy
News! We look forward to continuing to be your primary source for premium
quality aromatherapy news, and information.
Until next time,
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Our
Featured Article |
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| Incense and
Spirituality - Wisps of Worship |
| by
Saurabh Bhattacharya |
Alternatingly cloying
and calming, wisps of incense smoke permeate almost every place of worship
in the world - crowded temples, somber yagyashalas (places of Vedic
fire worship), echoing churches, smoke-filled monasteries. In fact,
incense sticks or their Indian version dhoop have become a part of our
daily rituals. But the spiritual and psychic essence of this fragrant
wand demands more than a passing appreciative sniff.
Fragrance has been
a dominant factor in Hindu religious rituals since Vedic times. "The
essential philosophy of havan (fire ceremony)," says Brahmaprakash,
a teacher in Srimad Dayanand Ved Vidyalaya, a gurukul in Delhi, India,
"is that man can absorb anything in minuscule form. Havan purifies the
atmosphere by releasing fragrant properties of samidha—wood—and samagri—powder
of fragrant wood, mixed with aromatic medicinal herbs and ghee. Incense
sticks and dhoop are versions of the havan fire."
Read
the entire article...
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Essential
Oil of the Month |
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Clove
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| Latin:
Eugenia Caryophyllata |
| Scent:
Sweet, spicy, fresh |
| Effects:
Warming |
| Properties:
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| Antiseptic,
analgesic, disinfectant, insecticide |
| Uses: |
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Toothache, muscle
and nerve tension, infection, indigestion
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| General
Overview: |
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Clove oil, considered
a base and/or middle note oil, has been commonly used to relieve respiratory
issues, such as bronchitis and colds, and as a general disinfectant,
and insect repellent.
The oil originates
in a small evergreen tree common to the West Indies and Madagascar.
The oil is extracted via steam distillation from both the stalks and
stems of the tree.
Clove oil is highly
potent, and should be used with care. Dilutions should be less than
1% to protect users from general skin irritation.
Clove oil blends
well with Orange, Bergamot, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang oils.
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| Featured
Aromatherapy in the Kitchen Recipe |
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Lavender
Chicken with Fresh Figs
Introduce
one of aromatherapy's favorite flowers to your cuisine...
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| 3
tbsp olive oil |
| 6
boneless chicken breast halves |
| 1/2
cup white wine |
| 8
- 10 fresh figs, cut in quarters |
| 3
tbsp dried lavender flowers, minced |
| 1
tbsp lavender leaves, minced |
| 1
cup chicken broth |
| 3
tbsp honey |
| salt
and pepper |
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| In
a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Season the chicken
with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides. Add the wine and figs,
increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Return to medium
heat, add the lavender flowers and leaves, garlic, and honey. Cover
and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for an additional
10 minutes, or until chicken is just cooked through. Serve over rice
or couscous garnished with a few lavender flowers. |
| Buy
Aromatherapy in the Kitchen at Amazon.com >>> |
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Member News &
Events |
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Do
you have a message you'd like to share with our subscribers? Simply
forward it to us via email,
and we'll do our best to include it in an upcoming edition of Aromatherapy
News!
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Did You Know |
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The
use of compresses can involve either hot or cold preparations. Start
by adding between 2 and 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of water.
Use a soft, flannel material to skim the top of the water, and apply
to the affected area. In general, if both hot and cold compresses are
going to be used, the hot is applied first, followed by the cold. Compresses
are used in a wide range of treatments, most notably for joint issues,
backaches, and headaches.
For
more information
on the use and application of essential oils, go here.
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Recipe of the Month |
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"I
recently tried a recipe provided by a friend for a simple, homemade
furniture polish, and was very pleased with the results. Fill a spray
bottle with 50% lemon oil, and 50% vinegar. You can safely use the formula
on all wood surfaces to clean, and shine. And by the way - thanks for
the wonderful newsletter!"
Thanks
to Faheed for her suggestion!
Do
you have a favorite to share with our readers? Simply forward it via
this email
address.
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