Aromatherapy Thursday - Orange

During this time of year the lovely orange blossoms have faded away and little oranges are slowly developing.  According to the Sunkist Website some oranges will mature as early as 5 months while some oranges will take an astonishing 18 months fully mature.  This wonderful fruit is used so frequently in our lives that we may not even realize how much oranges, and in general citrus, we consume or use.   Not only do we eat bushels of oranges as fresh fruit but we consume products that use it for flavoring and as a natural preservative.  We also use many household products that utilize the heavenly scent to clean and fragrance our homes.  It can be found as notes in perfume, shampoo, and other personal products.

You can purchase Sweet Orange Essential oil from Etsy shop RJsCloset at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RJsCloset?ref=seller_info

While there are too many types of oranges to mention in this blog, two that are commonly used in aromatherapy are simply called Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange.  Bitter Orange comes from a tree that is named the same.  It is very similar looking to other oranges but the fruit is too sour to eat whole and mostly grown for flavoring and the fragrant peel. The oil comes from cold pressing the peel and has a slight grapefruit scent, these characteristics gives it the name Bitter Orange.

This great print come from Etsy shop EarlyBirdSale at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/earlybirdsale?ref=seller_info

Sweet Orange oil is also produced from the peel of that fruit and a cold press process.  The difference is that Sweet Orange oil comes from an edible fruit which is why it is deemed sweet.   There are some subtle differences other than just the grapefruit like tone in Bitter Orange but overall in aromatherapy they can be used pretty interchangeably and will be based more on personal preferences.

Both Orange oils are very prized and inexpensive additions to your aromatherapy collection.  The fragrance is up lifting and can help relieve some people from symptoms of depression.  The invigorating scent can help you feel refreshed when struggling with emotional and physical fatigue.  It is said to help calm the nerves and raise your spirit, overall a very invigorating aroma.  It is also used in products because of its know antiseptic properties. 

Here are some fun products that use either Bitter Orange or Sweet Orange essential oils in their making:


The essential oil from citrus peels can cause photosensitivity so you should avoid sunlight if you have just recently used a massage oil or product that has the oil in it or at least be aware that you may be more inclined to burn.  It will, of course, depend on your skin type and the strength or the oils that you use.  Some people may fine they are highly sensitive while others may not have any issues at all.
Never use any essential oil (except lavender) neat on your skin; always mix with a carrier oil.

Please note that you should always consult your physician prior to using essential oils if you have any medical conditions.  Also note that aromatherapy should never take the place of medical treatment, physically and mentally.  Always do an allergy check prior to use.

Aromatherapy Thursday - Bee Balm - Wild Bergamot

When I lived in the Midwest I had a giant herb garden, approximately  50 feet wide by 70 feet long and in the shape of a tear drop (I was feeling creative at the time.)  It was trimmed with salvaged red bricks and along side this lush patch ran a path of small bricks that was also salvaged.  My herb garden was filled with so many amazing treasures and one of those was Bee Balm.


Just a small part of my garden in Wisconsin

I loved the Bee Balm because it was part of the mint family making it easier to grow than to contain.  One thing about mints is that if you do not keep them in a confined area they will completely take over your spaces (including the grass.)  Bee Balm is a wonderful plant it has many properties, it makes a lovely tea, and the plant itself is extremely pleasing to the eye.  Deep mint green leaves whirl up it stalk and at the end a blast of fire red flowers that look like exploding fireworks; simply beautiful!   Butterflys and humming birds are especially attracted these lovely blossoms making it an added bonus for planting them.

This beautiful Giclee Print of Scott Hamber's original art work  can be found in Etsy shop
Trillium Studios at
 http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrilliumStudios?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm also has other relatives and I stumbled upon one accidentally on a hike through my home land in Wisconsin.  At times I would get so frustrated with the short Wisconsin growing season and I often felt a little short changed, at least until something like my discovery of Wild Bergamot then I would feel in good gardener spirits again.  On this walk I noticed a plant that resembled a member of the mint family that donned a familiar tuft of flowers but in purple.  I took some home and it was only a matter of minutes that I was able to confirm that it was indeed Wild Bergamot.  Of course shortly after that I transplanted some from the hills on our property to my garden and it, like it kin, took off into a lovely little patch.

You can purchase seeds for the Wild Bergamot from Etsy shop Nature Maid Treasures at http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatureMaidTreasures?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm's fuzzy leaves are often used in tea.  Other people have described the flavor as being similar to oregano but I found it to be a little bit more on the order of other mints.  The tea is reported to aid in digestion; helping in a range of mild irritations such as flatulence and indigestion.  As with most things it is more up to the individual whether this truly works to relieve any of those symptoms.

Topically it has been used to help relieve things such as fungal infections and athlete's foot.  The Wild Bergamot had been used by Native Americans to treat wounds and for many other medicinal purposes.

This lovely handmade soap can be found in Etsy shop Goodies By Heather at http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoodiesbyHeather?ref=seller_info

I love lip balm and this wonderful selection can be found in Etsy shop Heavenly Honey Farm at http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeavenlyHoneyFarm?ref=seller_info

Bee Balm is another member of the mint family that can stimulate the senses when used in aromatherapy.  The essential oil comes from the flower head giving it a sweet citrusy floral scent.   It helps combat fatigue (which is always a good thing for me) along with having a calming affect.  The aroma is uplifting and can help you in those tense and stressful moments. 

As with all herbal, natural and aromatherapy products, Bee Balm should never be used in place of medical treatment or a visit to your doctors office for treatment.  Always consult your physician prior to use of any homeopathic or natural remedy.  Note always be aware and check for allergies prior to use of any new products.