Aromatherapy and the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is also know as the manipura chakra in Sanskrit. The manipura chakra is located below the base of the sternum and above the navel

Manipura chakra is the center of the will and personal power. Our confidence and self-esteem reside here. It’s through the solar plexus that we see ourselves as individuals in the wider world and how the world looks back on us. Some people equate the solar plexus with the ego.

This chakra governs the digestion and organs associated with digestion such as the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, liver and gallbladder. The sense organs are the eyes.

People with vital and balanced solar plexus chakras have a strong and clear sense of self and self worth.They are confident, manifest their intentions, take responsibility for their actions and exert control over their lives.

Because of the connection with the digestive tract, it is not surprising that imbalances in the solar plexus manifest in the physical body as any of a wide range of digestive issues: frequent constipation or diarrhea, ulcers, diabetes as well as stomach, intestinal and liver problems. The solar plexus is also associated with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, food addictions and emotional dependence on comfort foods.

Many people who are too strongly governed by this chakra or have an over developed solar plexus chakra are over thinkers – they can be very rational and analytical to the point of ignoring their more playful, creative nature. Distrust, anger and greed can be associated with solar plexus imbalance. These attributes are more outward in nature and more aggressive yang expressions of imbalance.

Alternatively, a person may be suspicious or feel powerless, hopeless, pessimistic, doubtful, frustrated or depressed. These attributes are associated with inward focused yin excess and submissive imbalances.

Oils we will be using for our blend: 

Mandarin

Juniper Berry 

Spinkenard/Jatamansi 

Mandarin 

•       Latin Name: Citrus Reticulata

•       Country Of Origin: China, Far East, Mediterranean, Middle East and Brazil

•       Obtained by: Cold expression of outer peel

•       Floral aroma: Top Note

•       Scent: Intensely sweet, floral, citrus scent

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, possibly phototoxic

•       Action: Antiseptic, Anti spasmodic, Carminative, Digestive, mild diuretic and laxative, sedative

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of acne, congested and oily skin, scars 

•       The Oil and the Chakra:Choice of this oil for this chakra was determined by it’s ability to move stagnant Qi , ease tension and frustration. It’s sunny and summery disposition and smell alters our mood and helps us release pent up feelings.

Juniper Berry 

•       Latin Name: Juniperus Communis

•       Country Of Origin: Scandinavia, Siberia, Canada, Northern Europe and Northern Asia

•       Obtained by: Steam distillation of the ripe fruit

•       Floral aroma: Middle Note

•       Scent: Fresh, piney , balsamic, woody

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Not to be used in pregnancy as it stimulates the uterine muscle. Also contra indicated to people suffering from kidney disease

•       Action: Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac , Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of Acne, dermatitis, eczema, hair loss, hemorrhoids, oily complexions. Also used in slimming treatments, cellulite treatments, rheumatism ,painful periods, anxiety, nervous tension and stress related conditions  

•       The Oil and the Chakra: I have chosen juniper for balancing this chakra because it releases feelings and energetic blockages associated with anger, frustration and annoyance. Juniper also detoxifies and helps clear the liver. It strengthens the will power and eases a sense of fear of failure, which supports the restoration of self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.

Spikenard/Jatamansi

•       Latin Name: Nardostchys jatamansi

•       Country Of Origin: India, China , Japan

•       Obtained by: Steam distillation of dried and crushed rhizome and root

•       Floral aroma: Base Note

•       Scent: Heavy, Spicy Animal odor

•       Safety Data: Non-toxic, Non- Irritant, Non Sensitizing

•       Action: Anti-inflammatory, Bactericidal, Fungicidal, Deodorant, sedative and tonic

•       Benefits: Used in treatment of skin allergies and rashes  in products for mature skin types. Also for treatments of insomnia ( this oil also promotes beautiful dreams) , nervous indigestion, migraines, stress and tension. 

•       The oil and the Chakra: Spikenard works deeply. It nourishes a sense of hope, love and compassion reflection. It releases fear of the unknown, opening one to courage and action.

We will meet again soon to discuss our blend for balancing the Heart Chakra. In the meantime 

wishing you loads of love, laughter, light and happiness. 

Namaste xx

Maltese Flora - The Red Poppy

About two weeks ago  I opened a new bottle of perfume and in a split second I was a small child running through a field full of Narcissus flowers. 

Rolling on the grass, smelling, sampling , loving the stillness, then chuckling. 

Such a beautiful feeling, A feeling of pure happiness and bliss followed by a twinge of sadness. 

My kids have never seen a Narcissus Flower. They are very rare to come by these days.

Walks in the country side are getting less frequent for a variety of reasons. Main reason being we live on a densely populated island where every bit of country side left is being developed. Every area of Garigue seems to be privately owned. Harsh signs of ‘Private Do Not Enter’ stand out jarringly through the beauty and peacefulness of these areas.

So I decided to start a new Project. I am researching Maltese Flora. Armed only with my camera, notebook and whenever I can my kids. As I feel this can be an educational experience for them although right now they are hating me for taking them on very long walks. 

They would rather play with their tablets or watch Tv. That’s what they are used to do.

I have to change that, quickly.  

During the following weeks I will be sharing with you Flora as seen through my lens and my research.

Let’s start with a beautiful flower, which inspires me. It’s deep red colour reminds me of passion, fire and a myriad of strong emotions.

It’s not a rose though. It’s the Common Poppy. Our Peprina.

For me it’s not less precious than a Rose. 

It’s different and It’s Beautiful.It seems fragile but if you look closely it’s a symbol of strength through adversity. 

Common Poppy - Peprina - papaver rhoeas

Red poppy contains various alkaloids that have sedative and relaxant properties that help in calming the mind. It is very slightly narcotic. Other anxiety related disorders like insomnia, sleeplessness, and restlessness can also be treated with this herb.

The use of red poppy in the treatment of respiratory disorders is well known since centuries. Respiratory problems like asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis can all be effectively treated with this herb. Red poppy petals are used in cough syrups to soothe irritated mucus membranes and provide relief from related symptoms. This herb helps ease chest congestion by softening the mucus so that it can be easily expelled from the lungs. You can even consume tea made from red poppy seeds or flowers for relief from coughs and colds.

Experts suggest that red poppy is a great natural ingredient for pain relief. It is also milder and safer that most other conventional medications and drugs used for pain relief. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is beneficial to people suffering from painful conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, neuralgia, and lumbago pain. You can even apply red poppy seed paste externally for soothing joint pain and swelling. It can even be used for mild muscle aches and headaches. Red poppy is sold in extract or tincture form commercially for this purpose.

The seeds have diuretic properties, making them a good cure for diarrhea. Other digestive system disorders like stomach pains, indigestion, colic, gas, constipation, and other gastrointestinal complaints can be eased and treated with red poppy seeds.

The petals are also used in making floral inks and liquid dyes and people also use them as bird feed mixed with seeds from other plants.

Well that’s pretty remarkable for a wild flower, isn't it?

We will continue to explore our flora during the following weeks. Until then off I go on the search of next week’s protagonist for this blog :) 

Recipe Cards - Aroma Treasures Bath for Eczema

Aromatherapy and The Sacral Chakra

This year I embarked on a journey. A journey which is bringing more balance into my life and a Journey which is manifesting loads of wisdom and peace. I have been attending yoga classes on and off for quite a number of years but attending classes was always at the base of my priority list as life was happening and it sometimes was too much to handle. This year I made a conscious decision to make an effort and move yoga up my priority list and Boyyyy I'm glad I did.

It all started with attending a  workshop at the start of the year. I took my essential oil kit with me and during the workshop I shared the blend I had created for the day with my friends. They loved it and it enhanced their workshop experience. So my friend and yoga teacher Jennifer Cortis handed me the beautiful task of designing a blend for helping in balancing each Chakra throughout the year.

How Does Aromatherapy fit into this picture ?

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, and means 'wheel' or 'spinning'. It is believed that they are centres of life force energy, or light, responsible for the health of our mind, body and spirit. They are key to the flow of life energy, called Prana, that vitalises us. They are not actually physical, but are aspects of our consciousness. Some yoga philosophies follow the ideal that there are seven main ones and some believe that there are six, each spinning at different frequencies. The lower three relate to our physical side and the upper three (or four) to our spiritual side.

They start at the base of the spine and move up to the crown of the head and are relevant to different parts of the body. Each chakra has a specific meaning, a colour, a sound, an element, an animal and essential oils associated with it. This is where the aromatherapy comes in.....the belief is that, through essential oils, energy can be generated for the chakra to keep it healthy and balanced. Each plant has a different vibrational frequency which resonates with a corresponding Chakra. 

This month we have been delving into the Beauty of the Sacral Chakra and the Blend I designed for this purpose is made up of the following essential oils

Sweet Orange

Cardamom

Clary Sage

Ylang Ylang

Sweet Orange

Latin Name: Citrus Sinesis

Country Of Origin: China, America, Mediterranean

Obtained by: Cold expression or steam distillation of outer peel

Floral aroma: Top Note

Safety Data:Non-toxic (although ingestion of large amounts of peel has been known to be fatal in children),

phototoxic. Can cause dermatitis in certain people.

Action: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, tonic.

Benefits: Improves dull and oily complexions, treats mouth ulcers. Can be used in treatment of palpitations and bronchitis, constipation, colds and flu. Helps to treat water retention and great in slimming treatments. 

The Oil and the Chakra: Sweet Orange essential oil is uplifting and encouraging as well. It helps us be more open to delegate tasks and be open to accept help when tasks and life in general gets too overwhelming.

Cardomom

Latin Name: Elettaria Cardamomum

Country Of Origin: Tropical Asia, Europe, Sri Lanka and Madagascar

Obtained by: Steam Distillation from the dried ripe fruit

Floral aroma: Base Note

Safety Data:Non-toxic, Non Irritant, Non Sensitizing 

Action: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Digestive, Diuretic, Stimulamt

Benefits:Used to improve appetite , also used in treatment of anorexia, Colic, cramps, Flactulence, Halitosis, heartburn, Indigestion and Vomiting. It is a beautiful oil to be used for treatment of mental fatigue and nervous strain

The Oil and The Chakra: Cardamom is the oil of stability. It is perfect to use when nervous exhaustion is meddling with our concentration and general contentment. It is relaxing yet helps us be determined. Cardomom also gives us 'Joie De Vivre'.

Clary Sage

Latin Name: Salvia Sclarea

Country of Origin: South Europe, France, Russia, Italy, England, Spain, Morocco

Obtained by: Steam Distillation from flower stalks or partially dried leaves and young twigs

Latin Name: Salvia Sclarea

Floral aroma: Top Note

Scent: Sweet, Warm-Spicy

Safety Data: Do not use if pregnant or if consuming alcohol

Action: Anti Inflammatory, Anti Spasmodic, antiviral, relaxing, sedative, tonic, hypotensive and antidepressant.

Benefits: Helps to reduce excessive production of sebum May be used to help greasy hair and dandruff. Reduces blood pressure and relieves muscular pains. Relaxes spasms in bronchial tubes and helps anxiety in asthmatics. Also helps with painful periods and is useful for menopausal and menstrual problems. Can accelerate labour and is helpful in easing post natal depression. Clary Sage lifts the spirits and is used for many conditions associated with nervous or stress related problems

The Oil and The Chakra: I Chose this particular oil for our blend because this oil also resonates with our reproductive organs, balances hormones and is a very important essential oil for women’s reproductive issues. Spiritually Clary sage is inspiring. It stimulates the intuition and dream world without disconnecting one from the body. Giving us the power to soar whilst still staying deeply rooted.

Ylang Ylang

Latin Name: Cananga Odorata

Country Of Origin: Comoros, Madagascar

Obtained by: Distilled fresh flowers picked at night

Floral aroma: Base Note

Scent: Rich, sweet, spicy-floral and balsamic

Safety Data: May cause headaches and nausea. Do not use on babies and children. Use in low dosage

Action: Relaxing, Uplifting and Aphrodisiac

Benefits: Ylang ylang is a sedative, euphoric, anti spasmodic, circulatory stimulant, regulates sebum secretion, antiseptic. It is used to regulate extreme emotions, low confidence, low libido, palpitations, hypertension and to regulate very dry or oily skin

The Oil and The Chakra:I had to make this oil part of my blend. Ylang Ylang is all about harmozing and balancing. It helps to harmonize masculine and feminine energies and can help integrate the healing elements of the Divine Feminine. Ylang Ylang also instils sexual confidence, insight and clear vision. It allows us to let go of deep seated beliefs that hinder our growth and embrace Harmony, Peace and Inner Truth. 

If you want to join us on this Journey you can find more details HERE

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Taking The Ride Home

Oooo what a ride !!!! How Beautiful life is when we manage to find our place and purpose.

It all started 7 months ago when I decided to throw in the towel, to leave the rat race , to give up security and embrace passion, love and dedication.

I have been a qualified Aromatherapist for 12 years now but I have always had to practise Aromatherapy in my free time, as a part time, kind of a hobby. I was working full time as an Accounts officer for a long number of years. This gave me security, it also gave me the opportunity to continue to study, buy raw materials for me to work with and obviously help with expenses at home. But I it never felt right. I always felt dead. Something inside was missing. A void I could never fill. It got to be so bad that I was getting physically sick and I was only in my element when I was working with my oils and most importantly of all when I was working with people, beautiful people.

My mum came to the rescue as always. She always does J and always did J Well she has been a TV presenter and producer for the last 35 years and she came up with the idea of Producing and Presenting a Health Tv weekly programme as a family. I was to have an Alternative Therapy section in the programme as well. I was not thrilled at the idea at first as my self-esteem was never optimal and the thought of standing in front of a camera gave me the shivers. But my Mum is a very persuasive person and we gave it a go last year. This is the 2^nd year that our programme is running on local Tv Station One and it is doing brilliantly. We grew as a family, as a team and it empowered me to the point that with my husband’s support I decided to leave my full time job last August .

Guess what?? It was the best decision I have ever made.

What amazes me the most is the fact that from the day I took this decision opportunities keep presenting themselves. It feels like I have opened a portal which was always there but which I had never tapped into. Now I know what Paolo Coelho means by : ‘When you really want something the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’

So how am I spending my working days now? Apart from managing my house, taking care of my family and all the duties that go with all this and our weekly TV Programme, my main objective is still raising awareness on Essential Oil Use at Home. I hold regular workshops throughout the year and each time the participants ask for more so I am currently working on that. Consultations, Blending, Research and Studying take the rest of my time.

Advanced Clinical Aromatherapy Course in Dublin is next on my list this year.

Well this is my Ride Home, The place where I was always supposed to be. It feels right and I feel whole and fulfilled.

I am barely covering my expenses but I am Rich. 

I am sometimes exhausted beyond repair but I’m Happy.

I am Home and I am finally ME.

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