6 Tips for Selecting Essential Oils for Clinical Use

Just like wine, a number of factors affect the quality of an essential oil, including:

• Where the plant was grown.
• What part of the plant was used.
• How it was grown.
• What the climate was like.
• How it was harvested.
• When it was harvested.
• How it was produced.
• How it was stored following production.

The quality of the finished product may be compromised if any one of these steps is not carried out optimally for that particular plant. So, how can we ensure that the essential oils we buy are of a quality suitable for clinical aromatherapy?

1. Know your supplier. Start by developing a relationship with a supplier you can trust. Try to deal with suppliers either who distill their own material or who deal directly with reputable distillers. Suppliers usually will provide a small sample of the oil for you to check before purchasing larger quantities.

2. Use the Latin names. Order by the Latin name, and always check labels for the correct botanical name.

3. Perform your own tests. Make sure the oil is pure and not extended or diluted by using the organoleptic testing techniques we have learned so far. Educate your olfactory senses: Smell, taste, feel, and look at oils from many different samples and sources to gain experience.

4. Do not rely on price as an indicator of quality. Be aware that a higher price does not necessarily mean a higher quality. It is important to check all oils thoroughly regardless of the price. Note that a price that is very low comparatively may indicate that an oil is not as labeled, is diluted in a base oil, or is otherwise adulterated. Many expensive oils, such as rose and neroli, are sold diluted in a base oil such as sweet almond.

5. Gas chromatographs. Gas chromatography (GC), mass spectrometry (MS), and similar additive-revealing techniques can analyze oils. This can be particularly helpful when purchasing large quantities. However, chemical analysis does not always reveal the presence of adulterants and an experienced technician must carry out the analysis of the MS. In addition, a GC must be conducted for each batch, so the cost can be very prohibitive for small distillers. A GC is not always a guarantee of quality. One test does not replace another. It is best to use all available tests in combination.

6. Organoleptic testing is still the ultimate test. Build your experience. The very best way to gain experience and familiarity with pure essential oils is to sample as many pure oils and synthetic oils as possible and document the differences.

February is American Heart Month: Make Prevention a Priority

** Note, new 2011 heart disease guidelines for women have been released since this blog posted. The new guidelines include:

• Keeping cholesterol level at 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less
• Keeping blood pressure at 120/80 mm Hg
• Having a fasting blood glucose under 100 mg/dL
• Recognition that diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis increase heart disease risk in women

For a summary of the 2011 new heart disease guidelines for women, click here.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2009 alone, about 785,000 Americans had a coronary attack. But--there is good news. We can reduce the chance of developing coronary heart disease by making prevention a priority. It’s time!

February is American Heart Month, a national campaign to share information about heart disease and to raise awareness. Do you know the signs? A heart attack may feel sharp and sudden, but many start slowly. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute posted their “Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs” video to help you identify the warning signs.

Whether or not you or a loved one have suffered with heart disease, prevention is a year-round campaign. Download your free ACHS Wellness Guide for more heart health and how-to information!

Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata has traditionally been used to support healthy cardiovascular function. Studies show hawthorn acts on the myocardium. It increases the force of contraction and lengthens the refractory period, increasing coronary blood flow and cardiac output, and reducing oxygen consumption.[1] For more information about the active constituents and medicinal uses of hawthorn, download our hawthorn monograph HERE.

References
1. Chang Q, Zuo Z, Harrison F, Chow MS. (2002) Hawthorn. J Clin Pharmacol, 42:605-12.
2. Pittler MH, Schmidt K, Ernst E. (2003). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med, 114:665-74.
3. Schwinger RH, Pietsch M, Frank K, Brixius K. (2000). Crataegus special extract WS 1442 increases force of contraction in human myocardium cAMPindependently. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol, 35:700-7.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, naturopathic doctor, or Registered Herbalist before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.

Essential Oils for Winter

As winter unfolds its many surprises--cold temperatures and short, gray days among them--it's a great time to enjoy adding warming and uplifting essential oils into your seasonal blends. Warming essential oils like cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum and ginger Zingiber officinale have fresh, spicy aromas that blend well with citrus oils like grapefruit. Citrus oils are pleasant to use during the winter season because their fresh, uplifting scents can help support healthy emotional well-being.

Air Purification Formula with Cinnamon Essential Oil

• Clove Syzygium aromaticum oil: 3-drops
• Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil: 3-drops
• Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 3-drops
• Peppermint Mentha piperita oil: 3-drops
• Pine Pinus sylvestris oil: 3-drops
• Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis oil: 3-drops
• Thyme Thymus vulgaris oil: 3-drops
• Water (distilled): ½-oz
• Alcohol: ½-oz

Directions: Mix the essential oils with the distilled water and ethyl alcohol in a 1-oz amber bottle. Place in a pump-action atomizer or blend 5-10-drops of each of the oils, and place in a vaporizer.

More information about cinnamon, ginger, and grapefruit essential oils to come!

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, heal, or prevent disease. You should always consult with your primary care physician, a naturopathic doctor, or a Registered Aromatherapist before making any significant changes in your health and wellness routine.

Study Abroad with ACHS: Mediterranean Herbs and Essential oils in Greece June 4-9, 2011

If you've always wanted to learn more about Mediterranean herbs and essential oils, this program is a must for you! Led by ACHS President and Wellness Expert Dorene Petersen, Guerilla Distiller Robert Seidel and Guest Lecturer Aromatherapist & ACHS Governing Advisory Board Member Mindy Green, this program provides hands-on experience working with Mediterranean herbs and essential oils for therapeutic use including: making preparations, harvesting cultivated and wildcrafted botanicals for distillation, essential oil distillation, and therapeutic blending of essential oils.

This program is held on the beautiful island of Syros, Greece, in the heart of the Cyclades, amongst wild thyme and other aromatic Mediterranean botanicals. Enjoy the relaxing, healthy lifestyle of a Greek island amidst a wide variety of Mediterranean plants and herbs. Greece is the birthplace of the “father of medicine” Hippocrates, who believed the body should be treated as a whole and that food should be our medicine. This program is an opportunity to immerse yourself in this ancient land. Syros is close to Mykonos and Santorini and not too far from the island of Cos where Hippocrates founded a medical school and began teaching his ideas. Syros is an enchanting location for this residential session.

For more information about travel and lodging, course curriculum, and how to get started, view complete information on the ACHS website here: http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=208&id=61

For more information about Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold and Chios, Greece Summer Session in Greece, CLICK HERE.

ACHS in Now An Approved Member of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades

We're now an approved member of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT). Membership in IFEAT further evidences our dedication to supporting sustainability and fair trade of essential oils and to providing comprehensive resources with the latest aromatherapy research for ACHS’s professional aromatherapy programs.

“IFEAT is an important organization for our industry,” says ACHS President Dorene Petersen, “because it fosters education about sustainable practices and emphasizes the importance of international communication and cooperation. IFEAT is at the forefront of any legislative regulatory changes that can affect the essential oil industry. Ensuring our students are up to date on this information is essential.”

“IFEAT conferences bring together industry leaders with a sincere dedication to protecting the health of our industry,” Dorene says. “It’s wonderful to be able to attend these conferences, learn from and talk with other industry experts, and to then share this information with ACHS students and other industry professionals. This active dialogue not only ensures the health of our industry, it reaffirms our global commitment to environmental stewardship.”

To read the full-length press release, visit ACHSedu on Facebook Here.

Watercolor Journaling Class on the Island of Syros, Greece

BY Jacqueline Newbold

I will be teaching Watercolor Journaling in Greece on the island of Syros. This class is offered through the American College of Healthcare Sciences, May 27-June 2, 2011.

A lot of people enjoy writing in journals, taking field notes, collecting memorabilia and souvenirs of their travels, and drawing little sketches of their journeys. I call this art journaling but I take it a step further and incorporate watercolor with my art journals.

Watercolor journaling is a wonderful way to slow down and savor the moment, recording your journey in a unique and memorable way. With your journal under your arm and a few painting supplies, you will be ready to capture memories of your Greek Island experiences. This dynamic class will motivate artists of all skill levels to record their journeys in a creative and unique way using watercolor and mixed media. Students will explore ways to make their watercolor travel journal interesting and reflective of their experiences through painting the Greek landscape and the essence of the Greek lifestyle. Some of the techniques I will be teaching include watercolor painting, drawing, color theory, incorporating mixed media and how to make quick-on the go-watercolor sketches.

>> To learn more about the ACHS study-abroad class Watercolor Journaling in Greece with Jacqueline Newbold, including travel details, click here: http://www.achs.edu/course-desc.aspx?pid=207&id=61

>> To visit Jacqueline's blog Art in My Heart and learn more about watercolor journaling, click here: http://djnewbold.blogspot.com/2011/01/watercolor-journaling-class-on-island.html

The USDA Proposes New Guidelines to Make School Lunches Healthier

It's no secret there is a childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S. Statistics from 2007-2008 indicate that about 16.9% of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years are obese and the prevalence of childhood obesity continues to increase.[1] Yet, many of us are still surprised when we see the numbers. What is being done about this? Do we know why obesity persists? There are several theories ranging from increased sugary drink consumption to bad eating habits to an overall lack of education, access to healthy foods, and supervision. It very well may be a combination of all of the above.

So what is being done? In an effort to fight childhood obesity, the USDA announced January 13 new proposed guidelines to make school lunches healthier. These would be the first changes in 15 years and would include cutting salt and fat and adding more fruits and veggies to cafeteria selections. Under the proposed new guidelines[2]:

• School meals would have calorie limits.
• Salt would be cut by half over 10 years.
• Most trans fats would be banned.
• More fruits and vegetables would be included in each meal.
• Only low-fat or nonfat milk would be served.
• Meals would see increases in the amount of whole grains and eventually will include only whole grains.
• Breakfast would include both grain and protein, not one or the other.

For more information about the proposed guideline changes for school lunches, read the HealthDay article "U.S. Aims to Make School Lunches Healthier" here.

Have a suggestion? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Post your comments here or to ACHS Facebook at www.facebook.com/ACHSedu

References
[1] Ogden, C., PhD & Carroll, M., M.S.P.H. Prevalence of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, Trends 1963-1965 Through 2007-2008. Web. Accessed online 1/14/11 at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm
[2] HealthDay. (2011). U.S. Aims to Make School Lunches Healthier. Web. Accessed 1/14/11 at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_107653.html