Hello natural beauties! Following on from the last post about Sal Battaglia’s AROMATREE book, I’d like to share 2 other lovely experiences from that day in Sydney: Shinrin-yoku (Japanese forest bathing) and the very powerful yakusugi oil.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, was created in Japan in the 1980’s as a way to invite people into the beautiful forests to simply experience the serenity, power and positive energy they provide. This was spearheaded by the director of the Japanese Forestry Agency to help people destress. He had himself been inspired by 17th century haiku poets, and the notion was to simply commune with nature. Not walking or running, not listening to a podcast, just being in the beauty of nature.
In this little guidebook we are invited to dip our hands and fingers in a stream, feel the trunk of an ancient tree, smell the fragrances of the forest and use all our senses to drink in the delights ofnature.
The benefits include, reduced muscle tension and stress in general, improved cognitive function and help with anxiety and other emotional disorders. I walk in the Australian bush all the time and I know it makes me happyas I get a kick from the beautiful eucalyptus oil and smells of the bush.The phytoncides (including essential oils) from trees and shrubs give us the immense connection to the divine while having our entire physical and emotional senses enlivened.
Of course I bought the little collection of Japanese oils and have bathed with them many times. Not only that, I also received a free gift …
And now to the very interesting and extremely limited edition of Yakusugi essential oil which would have already sold out by now.When I realised this oil was in short supply I did buy it and then opened it straight away. I said to the lady sitting next to me that I thought it had a moist fungal-like scent to it. Since then I also get a slight hint of Palo Santo.
Sal describes the scent:“a delicate, woody note with a sweet-resiny woody undertone”, and recommends the oil could be used as an enhancement to spirituality, and a stress reliever. The oil is high in sesquiterpenes but has had little research into its qualities. So if you get a chance to experience the oil, just enjoy!
This oil is also called Japanese cedar, and hails from the island of Yakushima. The oil is steam distilled from ancient fallen trees (deadwood) from Cryptomeria japonica, by a local producer. If you’re interested in this oil I’d sign up to the Perfect Potion email list in the exciting event that Sal is able to buy more of this precious oil.
I feel very fortunate to have this subtle yet powerful oil in my collection.
Hello natural beauties! Its been a while since we’ve seen each other but I am helping my elderly parents navigate their 90’s! I managed to escape the other day to a wonderful masterclass and an introduction to his new book, Aromatree, by the wonderful Sal Battaglia of Perfect Potion.
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
It’s not often I actually attend a specific aromatherapy workshop, and couldn’t even tell you the last time I did. I managed to see this event one night and thought “yep”, I’ll do that”. As I arrived at the Swissotel in Sydney I was surprised to see over 100 bubbly excited people jostling for good spots in the lecture room, was given information by lovely Perfect Potion staff, and took a seat. I have never heard Sal speak or present, and as the day wore on I realised I was in the minority.
The gorgeous AROMATREE book with illustration (and original painting) by Japanese artist
My neighbours to my left and right, gave each other knowing looks as Sal burst onto centre stage.
He’s wonderful isn’t he?
“I love his infectious enthusiasm.”
“He’s so knowledgeable.”
“I do all his masterclasses.”
And so it continues all day,, as I too get caught in the wave of his gentility, enthusiasm and brilliance. Where have I been the past 25 years? I suppose just working, and writing.
Aromatree, the book has been in the making for 30 years as Sal has gathered information and created hypotheses about essential oils and how they fall into categories:
roots and rhizomes
wood
resin
fruit
seeds
leaves
flowers
Sal looks at the oils in each category and invites us to experience the oil first, before we try and make judgements about what we think it should do. However the oils within the categories have some common properties.
Sal’s amazing text book – the original which I’ve had for 20 years and the 3rd Edition which is the latest
In each section we are taken on a journey: what oils belong to the section, what are the plant families and aromas, the botany, chemistry and symbolism, the properties of the oils in each category and how they work with our body and mind. There’s so much more but you get the drift. At the end of the book there are some more technical terms explained with loads of great references too.
It really is a gorgeous book, easy to read with lots of colourful illustrations. The cover artwork was created as a beautiful original painting by Japanese artist Tomoko Ichikawa. I highly recommend AROMATREE by Salvatore Battaglia, the true Svengali of aromatherapy.
Me and Sal with the colourful Aromatree book, personally signed by Sal with an inspirational message
As the time for launch comes closer, and the early bird discount will soon disappear, this fantastic online summit will appeal to all essential oil enthusiasts. Whether you are a dabbler or a seasoned pro I highly recommend you sign up for a full years access so you can listen to all the wonderful talks at your leisure. This summit has a few Australian speakers, and I’m happy to introduce them here today …
Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here:
NATALIE MILLER Clinical aromatherapist, Educator and Consultant
Natalie’s aromatic journey began many years ago. During her mid 20’s she’d become interested in holistic healing when she fell into a pit of depression. She looked at aromatherapy, crystals, and meditation, but never took them seriously. Instead, she focussed on her career as an educator, gaining a Bachelor of Education and Training, and a Graduate Diploma of Education. In her early 40’s, after falling into another depression pit, she came across two books which changed her view of the world – “You Sexy Mother” (by Jodie Hedley-Ward) and “Like Chocolate for Women” (by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan).
Inspired by these books, Natalie decided to write a “Living Life List” aka a bucket list. One of the many things on the list was to learn aromatherapy. Armed with this inspiration, she enrolled in a two-year Diploma of Aromatherapy course (nothing like jumping in the deep end). At the successful completion of her course, she started her business, combining her past experiences in the adult education, training and coaching arena with her aromatherapy knowledge. Aromatic Insights was born.
SALVATORE BATTAGLIA Aromatherapy Educator, Author, Herbalist
Salvatore Battaglia has been passionate about natural therapies for most of his life. He holds qualifications in natural therapies, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Salvatore’s dedication to aromatherapy has seen him hold positions in professional associations within Australia and government committees to ensure that the educational standards of professional aromatherapy are maintained and improved. Salvatore has been teaching aromatherapy since 1988. He is the author of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy which was first published in 1994. This book is an internationally acclaimed textbook for the study of aromatherapy and has been translated into Japanese and Korean.
In 2018, Salvatore completed the third edition of the book. In 2016 he was made an Honorary member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) for long-standing commitment to aromatherapy. He is the founder and co-owner of Perfect Potion whose purpose is to naturally enhance people’s lives. He shares his passion and love of the world, natural therapies and aromatherapy with his wife, Carolyn Stubbin and his beagle, Charlie.
MARK WEBB BSc., Author, Educator, Aromatic Medicine Practitioner, Formulations Chemist, Reiki Master
Mark Webb has a Bachelor’s degree in Science majoring in Biochemistry, Plant Physiology & IT followed up with Diplomas in Massage (Remedial, Lymphatic), Aromatherapy and additional studies in Aromatic and Herbal Medicine.
He is the author of “Bush Sense – Australian Essential Oils & Aromatic Compounds” and is extremely passionate about the aromatic plants of his home – Australia – and how they can be better used within the Aromatic Therapies space. The long awaited 2nd edition of “Bush Sense” will be released in the first quarter of 2019. He’s worked in the biotech industry conducting research and development using aromatics to formulate dose forms and applications for clinical trials for some fairly serious conditions & diseases, including Avian Influenza and Dengue Fever.
Mark is a formulation and cosmetic chemist who consults internationally across a wide variety of industries including aromatics (terpenes, EOs, CO2s), the newly emerging Hemp and Cannabis industries (Endocannabinoids), cosmetics & personal care, food & beverage, nutraceuticals & pharmaceuticals.
He’s a passionate educator to thousands of students internationally over the past two decades of many topics including all aspects of the aromatic world including – aromatic chemistry & pharmacology, toxicology, internal & external dose forms & application methods, Australian aromatics, aromatic prescribing techniques, the aromatic toolkit or “materia medica” and CO2 Extracts.
He can be contacted for further information on aromatic sourcing, education opportunities, new product formulation, and development or for a personal consultation at – mark@aromamedix.com.
Suzanne is a botanical perfumer from Australia and author of “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. She has been a qualified Aromatherapist for over 20 years and continues to write her blog “suzannerbanks.blog”, and sometimes even has time to post a video on Youtube too. During her time working with natural essential oils and extracts, Suzanne has had a wide variety of scented experiences: producing aromatic experiences for major Sydney events, corporate events and retreats including an intensive week meditation retreat with Deepak Chopra – “Seduction of Spirit”.
All this has culminated in her unique botanical perfumes, which are a reflection of Suzanne’s love for the divine scents of nature. Suzanne believes we need to simplify our life and reduce the amount of artificial chemicals in our environment. And what a better way to start than to use all natural botanical perfumes? She continues to practice relaxing, healing Aromatherapy treatments and has had the honour to treat a long list of clients including Kylie Minogue, Louise L. Hay, and Doreen Virtue.
Helichrysum italicum “everlasting”. pic via calphotos.berkeley.edu
Aw this cute little daisy comes from the Asteraceae family along with the chamomiles, sunlfowers, safflower, marigold, globe artichoke, echinacea and chrysanthemum among many others. Also referred to as “immortelle”, can you guess what this essential oil is good for ? Immortality and the fountain of youth spring to mind when I think of everlasting, it’s great for skin and has many other benefits.
I was very excited to get a new bottle delivered the other day. It has a sweet, honey-like aroma with undertones of spice. Sometimes called the “curry plant”, everlasting does have a complex scent, maybe with a hint of curry – but don’t let that put you off. A few drops of this beautiful oil may be all you need to electrify and bend and add depth and sweetness to the scent. You may find everlasting n a 3% blend (see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba) or on it’s own but it will be more expensive this way.
Helichrysum bracteatum – essential oil does not come from this Helichrysum but you may recognise this flower from your local florist
In aromatherapy today everlasting is used for:
– formulations in skincare to promote cell growth and act as an anti-inflammatory agent
– as a stimulant to the lymphatic system to aid lymphatic drainage and therefore allow the skin to expel toxins more efficiently
– aiding the symptoms of dermatitis and excema
– diminishing scar tissue
– healing wounds
– coughs, coughing and asthma
– according to Salvatore Battaglia (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy) everlasting is great for liver inflammation and the organs of the gall bladder, spleen and kidneys – all the organs helping in detoxification of the body. We can see how this relates to lymphatic drainage too.
infinity = immortality
I use everlasting energetically as a way to connect us to our immortality. The Fountain of Youth lives within us if we are able to see we are simply a manifestation of the energy of our spirits. Our souls will return to the oneness of the universe when our mortal bodies fade away. It’s seems so poetic to use the french word ‘immortelle’ for this beautiful oil, and I encourage you to use it with this thought in mind.
The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder c 1546 pic via en.wikipedia.com
Here a a few recipes for our sweet immortelle:
1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend
For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.
***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.
suzannerbanks 