While I have a mini profile on Rose in the Articles Archives of the website, and also blogged about Rose in February 2009, I haven’t ever addressed this comparison specifically.

1. The first difference is of course the way that the oil is extracted.  Rose Otto is obtained through steam distillation of Rose (Rosa damascena), while Rose Absolute is obtained through solvent extraction, a Rose Absolute is obtained via a multi-step process.
1. Firstly the aromatic oils are ‘washed out’ of the flowers with a non-polar solvent such as hexane.
2. Once the hexane has evaporated a waxy, semisolid substance ‘the concrete‘ is left.
3. The concrete is then subjected to a number a series of “washings” with a polar solvent such as ethanol. The polarity of the ethanol will allow extraction of the volatile aromatics from the concrete while leaving behind the non-polar plant waxes which do not dissolved in the ethanol.
4. Finally, the ethanol is evaporated to leave behind the Absolute which will typically have 1-5% ethanol remaining in it and sometimes a trace of hexane.
5. A rose blossom contains only about 0.02% essential oil. On average Rosa damascena will yield 2.2 pounds of oil per 8,818 pounds of flowers. Solvent extraction gives a greater yield than distillation which is why Rose Absolute is less expensive than Rose essential oil. About 10 pounds of the concrete can be extracted from 10,000 pounds of rose petals. The concrete is further refined to produce rose absolute, the yield of which is about 67% from the concrete.
2. The second difference is in the colour and aroma of the oils.
1. Rose Otto is lighter in color and has a softer more refined aroma.
2. Rose Absolute is a thick, reddish colored highly aromatic liquid.
3. Absolutes often smell more like the original plant than an essential oil because the plant material has not been exposed to heat as well as solvent extraction process removes a wider range of aromatic molecules than does the distillation process.
4. The key flavor compounds that contribute to the distinctive scent of rose oil are: beta-damascenone, beta-damascone, beta-ionone, and rose oxide. Beta-damascenone presence and quantity is considered as the marker for the quality of rose oil. Even though these compounds exist in less than 1% quantity of rose oil, they make up for slightly more than 90% of the odor content due to their low odor detection thresholds.

Solvent extraction of Rose (Concrete and Absolute) are used to isolate more efficiently and completely the odorous components of the flower. In countries where the rose crop is small and would only deliver a small amount of oil via hydrodistillation, a larger amount of the absolute can be recovered using solvents. He also says that the volatile oil present in the concrete and absolute of rose probably contains the same constituents as the distilled oil of rose, but in different proportions.

Rose Absolute is the preferred choice for Perfumers.  If you are using the rose as a fragrance component, in distillation, sprays, diffusing or wash off products like soap, shampoo etc the Rose Absolute will give you more of the typical rose aroma the plant is so well known for.  On the other hand if you are using the oil topically on the body, especially in a leave on product, most aromatherapists choose to go with the option that has no possibility of solvent residue.

What will I put together for my Valentine’s gifts this year?  I had a quick look back at past posts I’ve done for some inspiration: there is my post from February 2009 on Valentine’s Day and its blends for Sensuality and Aphrodite and February 2008 on the Origins of Valentine’s Day with its recipe for Chocolate Mint Truffles and Bay Rum Tonic.  Certainly possibilities for a quick gift as are  bath salts with a special customized blend.  If you are looking for ideas perhaps one or more of these will be helpful to you and there more in my little e-book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons.

Once I’ve taken care of what I’m doing for everyone else, I decided to remember myself and my own spirit. It is so easy to get caught up in the hype of the romantic wave that surrounds February 14, but what about taking some time out to acknowledge and honour our own spirits, our own specialness, our own uniqueness.  This year I’m going to take the time to do this for myself. I’m creating a special blend for myself and I will add it to my bath salts for a lovely luxurious bathing ritual.  Candles, soft music and some pretty pink quartz will help to set the scene as I take a little time to just be and appreciate the essence of who I am!

Rose Hip Seed Oil Rosa rubiginosa
Rose Hip seed oil is obtained from the rose hips of a wild rose that grows mainly in the Andes and the southern part of Chile.  The rose grows in thick spiny bushes and the red hips are displayed over winter.  The species rubiginose gets its name from the rust red autumn foliage displayed by the plant.  It is also known under the common names of Muscat Rose, Rosa Mesquite, Sweetbriar and Eglantine.

Len Price, in his book Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage  tells us that:

The seeds make up about 70% of the weight of the fruit and the oil is extracted from them.  The hips are first dried at temperatures that are kept below 80 degrees C in order to avoid possible degradation, then they are split in order to obtain the seeds.  The seeds are then broken down in a grinding process and a golden reddish oil is obtained.  In Chile the oil is obtained through simply cold expression.  Crude rose hip seed oil can also be produced by solvent extraction (hexane) which can then be further refined to obtain a oil with an extended shelf life.  So there are two qualities of oil available, one that is unrefined and obtained through cold expression and the other which is refined and may have been subjected to temperatures up to 250 degrees C.

Jan Kusmirek, in his book Liquid Sunshine, Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy  tells us that:

Clinical trials carried out on Rose Hip Seed oil have shown that it contains essential nutrients which make it an exceptionally active product in the field of tissue regeneration, thus improving skin texture and reducing scars and skin discolouration. It is the single most effective oil for use as an anti-scarring agent for all types: refractile, hypertrophic, hyperchromic and even against cheloid or aged hardened scar tissue.  It is excellent for serious friction burns.  For such work it needs to be applied daily over time.  It can be applied directly on the body or in formulation for the treatment of surgical scars, burns and marks. … It is also one of the best anti-wrinkle oils.  It is incorporated into cosmetic products for smoothing out facial lines and wrinkles, slowing down skin aging process, moisturizing and hydrating.

I find that rose hip seed oil absorbs into the skin really easily and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy at all.  It can be used at a ratio of 10 – 50% with another carrier, however I use it at its full 100% strength and my skin is loving it and the essential oils I have diluted in it.  Rose Hip Seed oil, particularly the cold expressed version can go rancid fairly quickly, so proper storage is important, and I prefer to purchase smaller quantities that I can use up quicker.  The refined oil has a much better shelf life.

The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon’s curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale – big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn’t meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons’ generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon’s self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

Another source says that:

The year of the Dragon is the year for great deeds, innovative ideas and big projects. In particular for people dealing with finances. This will be advantageous time to begin new projects in business and social level. The Year of the Dragon will bring in excitement and a big ups and downs in our lives. Dragon gives happiness and success to all good and honest people. Also, those who have great talent. 2012 Year of the Dragon is favorable for the establishment of family as well as the birth of a healthy and smart children. This is a period where we should be bold and not humble.

Here are the oils I considered using in my special  blend for the Year of the Water Dragon 2012.

Benzoin – for courage and to dispel any fear or negativity.
Black Pepper – enhances the desire to get on with new projects.
Clove Bud - gives one the courage to move forward and make changes.
Ginger- gives courage and helps one tap into the abundance of life.
Marjoram – imparts courage and self-confidence and enhances the probability of attracting love, happiness, health and wealth.
Orange – promotes courage and self-confidence and helps to attract fortune and good luck.

What blend you will come up for your Year of the Water Dragon 2012 Blend?

Some traditions around Chinese New Year.

Days before the New Year, every family thoroughly cleans their home hoping to sweep away all the ill-fortune there may have been in the family to make way for the wishful in-coming good luck. People also give their doors and window-panes a new coat of paint, often in red. They decorate the doors and windows with paper-cuts and couplets with the very popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, “longevity” and “satisfactory marriage with more children”. Paintings of the same themes are put up in the house. In the past, various kinds of food were placed at the altar of ancestors.

On the eve of the New Year all the members of the family come together to celebrate in a feast. After their meal the whole family will sit up having fun playing cards, or board games, or watching TV programs dedicated to the occasion. The tradition is that every light will be kept on all night. At midnight, fireworks and firecrackers will light up the night. Early the next morning, children will receive cash wrapped up in red paper packages from their parents. The family will then set out to greet relatives and neighbors. This is a time for reconciliation and old grudges are easily set aside. The end of the New Year season is marked by the Lantern Festival.

Workshops

Any of the workshops listed can be taught by request either at my location or yours. If you see a workshop you’d like to take why not get a couple of friends together and arrange a workshop to suit you.

Reiki Workshops 

Reiki Level II Workshop (1 Day)

This workshop is scheduled for January 29, 2012 New Start Time – 9.30 am
(Prerequisite Reiki Level I)
* Second degree attunement
* Second degree symbols
* Distance Healing techniques
* Additional Japanese techniques
Cost : CDN$150.00 plus HST

If you are interested in joining us please call Natural Comfort Wellness Centre 604-943-7222 to book your space.

Over the past week or two I keep running into people who have had or who are battling a cold and/or cough, so I thought revisiting an aromatic approach to handling this might be helpful right now. Last October I blogged about Sniffles and shared the Onion tip. I also linked to a number of previous blogs on colds in this entry.  In addition there is the blog on Flu Viruses and Essential Oil  and the article on Aromatherapy and the Common Cold in the Articles Archive that might be helpful.

It is always important to keep one’s immune system protected and particularly at a time of year when there are lots of viruses and germs floating around.  Our essential oils are great for this and whether you are diffusing them in your home, spraying with a spritzer, or inhaling a personal inhaler you are protecting yourself with these aromatic gifts.

As you will see if you follow the links in this blog, many of the oils can be helpful and today I thought that I’d share Rosemary Caddy’s Blend for the Common Cold from her book The Essential Blending Guide.

2 parts Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) - clears muccous and recommended for bronchitis.  It belongs to the Pinaceae family which is generally known for aiding respiratory conditions and is highly antiseptic.
1 part Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – clears nasal passages, reduces temperature and is excellent for all colds.
1 par Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – lowers fever, is a good expectorant and generally helps mental fatigue.
When blended together in this way the chemical profile of this synergy includes 17.2% ketones; 27.6% sesquiterpenes; 20.8% oxides; and 26.5% alcohols. The ketones and oxides help with the congestion, the alcohols make the blend high antiseptic and the sesquiterpenes are calming.

She recommends adding 12 drops of the synergy to 30ml of Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier of your choice).  Massage chest, neck and upper back areas morning and night.  Place 2 – 4 drops of the synergy on a tissue in foil and pop it in your pocket so you can inhale the vapours from the tissue at regular intervals during the day.

Reiki Level II Workshop (1 Day)
This workshop is scheduled for January 29, 2012
(Prerequisite Reiki Level I)
* Second degree attunement
* Second degree symbols
* Distance Healing techniques
* Additional Japanese techniques
Cost : CDN$150.00 plus HST
If you are interested in joining us please call Natural Comfort Wellness Centre 604-943-7222 to book your space.

Most muscle spasms and cramps are involuntary contractions of a muscle. A serious muscle spasm doesn’t release on its own and requires manual stretching to help relax and lengthen the shortened muscle. Spasms and cramps can be mild or extremely painful. While they can happen to any skeletal muscle, they are most common in the legs and feet and muscles that cross two joints (the calf muscle, for example). Cramps can involve part of a muscle or all the muscles in a group and the most commonly affected muscle groups are:

• Back of lower leg / calf (gastrocnemius).
• Back of thigh (hamstrings).
• Front of thigh (quadriceps).
• Feet, hands, arms, abdomen

Muscle cramps range in intensity from a slight twitch or tic to severe pain. A cramped muscle can feel rock-hard and last a few seconds to several minutes or longer. It is not uncommon for cramps to ease up and then return several times before they go away entirely.

The exact cause of muscle cramps is still unknown, but the most common theories include:

• Altered neuromuscular control
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte depletion
• Poor conditioning
• Muscle fatigue

While cramps can go away on their own it helps to:

• Stop the activity that caused the cramp.
• Gently stretch and massage the cramping muscle.
• Hold the joint in a stretched position until the cramp stops.
• Drink plenty of water
• Increase salt intake

When I have woken up with leg cramps, I found that drinking lots of water, taking a lick of salt and walking, as well as I can, all help to relieve the cramp and stretch it out.  As my own leg cramps always seem to have been the result of dehydration, I make sure that I increase my water intake and have enough salt in my diet.

Certainly if they occur when one is working out, one should make sure that one warms up the muscles and stretches before getting straight into the exercise routine.

Massage and baths with essential oil synergies is really helpful.  Many of the oils can be helpful and today I thought that I’d share Rosemary Caddy’s Blend for Cramp from her book The Essential Blending Guide.

3 parts Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) – analgesic, antispasmodic, balancing and calming.  It helps circulation and is vasodilatory.
2 parts Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – antispasmodic and revitalising offering help for anxiety and stress.
2 parts German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica) – antispasmodic.  It calms the system down and helps with back pain and any muscular spasms.
She recommends adding 12 drops of the synergy to 30ml of Sweet Almond Oil (or carrier of your choice).  Massage gently around the muscle area as soon as the cramp has subsided.  Before going to bed at night massage the whole leg upwards with the synergy.  Also massage it into the feet and make sure that your feet are warm.

Reiki Level II Workshop (1 Day)
This workshop is scheduled for January 29, 2012
(Prerequisite Reiki Level I)
* Second degree attunement
* Second degree symbols
* Distance Healing techniques
* Additional Japanese techniques
Cost : CDN$150.00 plus HST
If you are interested in joining us please call Natural Comfort Wellness Centre 604-943-7222 to book your space.

You will find an article on an Essential Oil Protocol for Sprains in the Articles Archive of the website.
As I say in this article:

In order to give the body a chance to heal itself, movement of the joint should be restricted and think RICE for sprains (R = Rest, I = Ice, C = Compression and immobilization, E = Elevate the area).

Rest— avoid any activities that cause pain or swelling.
Ice — apply cold compresses immediately to the area but avoid the direct contact of ice on the skin.
Compression — apply bandages firmly, but not tightly to the area.
Elevation — raise the sprained body part above the level of the heart, especially at night while sleeping.

Essential oils can be very effective for sprains when used in compresses.
Fill a bowl with ice-cold water to which is added 4 – 6 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend. Use a clean cotton cloth as a compress and soak this in the essential oil ice water, then wring out and place on the injured area. As the compress warms up repeat this several times. This will help to start the cooling process. After this apply an ice bag on the injured area for up to 20 minutes. Continue with compresses until the swelling comes down. By the next day you might want to alternate with hot and cold compresses as this will encourage the blood to circulate to the injured area, which will help to speed up the healing process.

When creating your blend look for oils with analgesic properties, as well as something that will help with the swelling and bruising that usually occurs with sprains.  The essential oil blends can be added to compresses, creams, lotions, oils and gels and there are four blends to get you started in the article.

Some Essential Oils to consider include:
Chamomile, German – Good for reducing pain and inflammation, particularly on the skin.
Chamomile, Roman – Good for reducing pain and inflammation.  It has relaxant properties.  It also has calming effects.
Clove – has analgesic and antispasmodic properties.
Cypress – has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects and is helpful with swelling.
Eucalyptus – has analgesic properties
Geranium – can have a calming, analgesic, soothing effect on nerve pain.
Ginger – has anti-inflammatory, warming and analgesic properties.
Helichrysum – a very good anti-inflammatory oil which has wound-healing properties.  In my experience, one of the very best oils around for bruising and an excellent addition to any synergy for sprains.
Lavender – Often thought of as first-aid in a bottle, it can have a local analgesic and anesthetic effect.
Marjoram – has relaxing and antispasmodic properties.
Nutmeg – has analgesic and warming properties.
Pine -  has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint – has cooling properties that lead to a temporary numbing and analgesic effect.  Also increases dermal circulation.
Rosemary – increases circulation to the muscles and creates warmth.  it is very useful in blends for muscular aches and pains.
Vetiver – has very relaxing properties and helps reduce the tension.

I have mini profiles on these oils in the Articles Archives and have also blogged around the benefits of many of them. All the blog posts are available and can be found through the drop down box or through the search function.

Reiki Level II Workshop (1 Day)
This workshop is scheduled for January 29, 2012
(Prerequisite Reiki Level I)
* Second degree attunement
* Second degree symbols
* Distance Healing techniques
* Additional Japanese techniques
Cost : CDN$150.00 plus HST
If you are interested in joining us please call Natural Comfort Wellness Centre at 604-943-7222 to book your space.

In my blog New Year’s Blessings last year I wrote about how I like to use the Feng Shui Bagua to help me review the different areas of my life and this year will be no different.  In fact, I have kept the poster up all year and I have reviewed it regularly, making adjustments as I go along.  But as one is usually rushing to keep up with the regular busy routine of life, these few days when things are quieter for me, is the perfect opportunity for me to revisit everything and make sure I am on track.

For those of you who like to make New Year Resolutions and keep them my Happy New Year post from 2009, with its info on essential oils and Bach Flower Remedies, might be helpful.

Most years I have created a special synergy for the New Year, but as I was away over Christmas I just realized that this is something I haven’t done yet.   I am going to give it some thought over the next day or so and come up with something special that will reflect what I want to manifest over the next year. I wonder what some of you will be diffusing?

I wish you all a great New Year’s Celebration and I hope that 2012 will be filled with an abundance of blessings for you and all your loved ones.

While Christmas is certainly a time of the year when we experience Family and Celebrations and Gift Giving, it can also be a time of the year that reminds us that at a deep, spiritual level, all humanity is One Family and this is a lovely time to go quietly within and experience the connectedness that we all have to one another, the planet and the universe.

Once again essential oils are a wonderful way to help us make that connection to the ‘Divine Spark’ in each and every one of us.  Last week I shared the link for my Christmas Blends in a blog I did in 2006 Christmas mirrored in Essential Oil Synergies,perhaps one of these will work for you, or perhaps you will create your own very special synergy this year.  You can get ideas for what concepts to incorporate from my article Your Own Special Blend in the Articles Archives.

With the celebration of Hanukkah (December 20 – 28) and Winter Solstice (December 22) at this time of year you might like to revisit my blog Essential Oils and Light

The oil that is highlighted for Peace is Neroli.

Some research on Neroli to support its ‘peaceful’ action:

The psychophysiological effects of aromatherapy massage following cardiac surgery by Caroline Stevensen BA (Hons), RGN, MRSS, IFA The Middlesex Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Mortimer Street, London W1N 8AA, UK Available online 27 July 2004.
Abstract
Aromatherapy and massage have gained wide popularity amongst nurses in their clinical practice in recent years. The intensive care setting offers a challenge to nurses to meet the psychological and physical needs of the patient within a highly technological environment. A randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of aromatherapy and massage on post-cardiac surgery patients. Foot massage given over 20 min, with or without the essential oil of neroli, on day 1 postoperatively showed that a statistically significant psychological benefit was derived from both the groups receiving massage, compared to controls; however, significant physiological differences were limited to respiratory rate as an immediate effect of massage with or without the essential oil. A further follow-up questionnaire on day 5 post surgery indicated a trend towards greater and more lasting psychological benefit from the massage with the neroli oil compared to the plain vegetable oil.

In her book, The Fragrant Heavens, Valerie Ann Worwood says that:

Neroli touches the realms of the angels, and anyone who uses it is brushed with the light of angels’ wings……Neroli brings light into any day, but is especially useful whenever mistrust has overtaken reason, or during dark periods of deep depression.  Neroli has another purpose – to bring self-recognition and relief.  Our pain and sorrow is sometimes brought about because we have not seen how we have affected others and inadvertently cause a rift between us.  Neroli allows the reflection that can throw light on the wounds that tie us to old patterns of relating.  As truth is revealed, the self emerges into wholeness and unconditional love, stirring the spirit in ways that can be both unexpected and liberating.  Then, the spirit can really soar.

Robbi Zeck, in her book The Blossoming Heart says:

Trusting the emotional intelligence that guides the choices you make is an essential component of your natural expression.  The delightfully sweet scent of Neroli fosters these choices building bridges between the inner realms where renewed life for takes place.  Reshape your life patterns as you access the calm knowing of your higher, deeper self and begin to live in the new and broader story of your life.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoint, Gabriel Mojay in his book Aromatherapy, for Healing the Spirit says:

Neroli is ideal for the emotionally intense, sometimes unstable, individual who is easily alarmed and agitated…..  Neroli oil instils both comfort and strength, and assists in the release of repressed emotions – through relaxing and reuniting our solar and lunar (conscious and subconscious worlds)…Neroli may be considered for any deep emotional pain that robs us of hope and joy.

For those of you who are still thinking about making aromatic gifts for others or for yourself what about creating a special essential oil synergy for the Christmas Season to diffuse through your house or gift to others.  I have some nice Christmas Blends in a blog I did in 2006 Christmas mirrored in Essential Oil Synergies, and in fact I have made up some of these blends to take with me when I go away to family next week for Christmas.  There are lots more ideas to be found in my e-book Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons.