Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

by | Aromatics

Our 21st century living has created a pandemic of a different kind.  This pandemic has crept into people’s hearts and minds, giving rise to feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty and worry.  Difficulty making decisions, concentrating on daily tasks and a rising lack of confidence begin to erode our sense of purpose, accomplishment and personal power. What is this pandemic?  Very bluntly, it is called Stress.

 

Stress can be of an acute or chronic nature.  Acute stress comes on quickly and resolves quickly.  The mind-body connection can recalibrate and return to normal balance in a relatively short time. The mind-body loves normal, healthy balance; it functions best when this is its default setting.  Chronic stress is different.  A mind-body undergoing relentless stresses cannot find the way back to normal healthy balance in a short time.  The longer the stress level remains, the more exhaustion is experienced in the mind-body.  This can lead to physical illnesses and low immunity.  But the toll on the emotional functioning is overwhelming – and this affects all aspects of healthy, happy living.

 

Research has shown that certain essential oils have a calming effect upon the mind-body and if used correctly, can help balance out the over-reactions to stress. In Ayurvedic medicine, the stresses of the 21st century are said to have a negative effect upon the Root Chakra.  The Root Chakra is a foundational energy center – it is where our sense of security, trust and vitality “take root” so to speak! When we are not feeling grounded (“rooted”) in these qualities, it is difficult to proceed with daily activities, decisions and courage.  The Root Chakra is the base upon which all other chakras can draw strength. Stress knocks us off our Root Chakra.  In its place, we experience mistrust, fear, indecision and exhaustion. Exhaustion can occur on all levels of functioning:  mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.  As you can see, none of this is a healthy, happy place to be.

 

Enter Vetiver essential oil.  Vetiver belongs to the botanical family Poaceae (formerly Graminaceae), the botanical genus Vetiveria and is a cousin to sugar cane and lemongrass.  There are two naturally occurring species:  zizanoides and lawsonni.  The essential oil is distilled from the fibrous, filament, extremely long roots and is extensively used in perfumery as a fixative.  It has a deep, woody, earthy, sweet aroma. Its high concentration of sesquiterpenes accounts for most of its calming, centering effect upon the mind-body connection. Vetiver essential oil helps with resetting the nervous system, strengthening the immune system, improving local circulation, and reducing inflammation of joints, muscles and connective tissues.  For thousands of years, this grass has been used in India to prevent erosion along waterways and is currently used in several parts of the world for just this purpose.  Vetiver is used to improve the quality of drinking water.  It is said that a powder of this root, when added to wells and reservoirs, will transform cloudy, smelly and stagnant water into clean water. And that’s just the short list of what it can do!

 

During this covid year, we have seen more and more people succumb to the stresses placed upon them, their families and communities. It is no surprise that at the Wellness Centre, we have incorporated Vetiver essential oil into most of the blends that people are using.  The “Oil of Tranquility” has offered a much-needed break from the underlying, relentless stresses they feel.  Resetting one’s stress meter to a more manageable level is, in fact, a way of “circuit breaking’ the effects of stress on the mind-body.  Being such a calming, centering oil and because it is derived from the root of the plant, it has an affinity to help with the issues surrounding Root Chakra imbalance or blockages.  Strengthening and balancing the Root Chakra energy means strengthening and balancing one’s foundation. This translates into having a more positive effect upon the feelings of trust, security, confidence and vitality.  In turn, this affords the person a way to improve their level of concentration, decision-making, activities and courage.  And up the Chakra ladder it goes!

 

Vetiver essential oil helps ground after experiencing a shock. It helps one to get centered and assists with lessening flashbacks. This oil can assist with improved sleep. It helps to process grief. Vetiver offers a steady hand when the world seems topsy-turvy. And it helps support the adrenal glands, which are over-worked and/or exhausted because of prolonged stress. Spiritually, Vetiver is said to invoke wisdom, compassion and self honour. It helps one feel connected to both Earth and the Universe – with a knowing/understanding that we are not alone in this journey on Earth. It gives the gift of a sense of belonging.

 

Those who come to the Wellness Centre know that we offer two types of Vetiver essential oil: vetiver and Rhus Khus.   Both come from India, but only Rhus Khus comes from a specific area in northern India.  There is a saying:  All Rhus Khus is Vetiver, but not all Vetiver is Rhus Khus.  There seems to be a stronger, more magical effect associated with the northern Indian Rhus Khus than that of its relatives. However, all Vetivers will help reset the stress meter – some people may need stronger help at certain times than other people do.

 

The Stress Pandemic continues on.  Perhaps it’s time to include the Oil of Tranquility in your self-care practices to help offset the effects stress has on your mind-body-spirit.  This is something under your control at a time when the world seems out of control.  Vetiver is not going anywhere – it has been here to help for thousands of years and will continue to be here to help us navigate this pandemic.  This plant and its oil will not give in or give up!  It’s a great ally to have on our side.

Aromatherapy and Astrology

Aromatherapy and Astrology

by | Aromatics

In recent weeks, there have been several people asking about “magical aromatherapy” and use of aromatherapy with astrology.  I often answer with, “Isn’t all aromatherapy “magical” in its way of creating changes to our thoughts, feelings and actions? Is it necessary to link a scent to a sign?”  Looking at their faces, it was apparent that these were not the answers they were looking for.

It is true that aromatics have been used for thousands of years to invoke the blessings of the supernatural, receive support from the otherworldly and obtain protection strength, wisdom and love from celestial beings and guides.  The ancient belief and action that our prayers and wishes were sent to the heavens on aromatic smoke can be found in many cultures from around the world.  So it could be that there have been certain scents associated with the planets, signs and elements used in astrology.

So I went looking for some information on astrology and aromatherapy connections and found what I was looking for in Richard and Iona Miller’s book, The Magical and Ritual Use of Perfumes. Here are a few notes taken directly from their book.

The attributes of scents in Astrology can be divided into three types:

  1. Scents that correspond to the four elements
  2. Scents that correspond to the planets
  3. Scents that share harmonies with the signs of the zodiac

The simplest division of the astrological signs of the zodiac is into the four elements: 

Fire element:       Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water element:  Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Air element:        Gemini, Aquarius, Libra
Earth element:    Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

This division reflects the division of the circle, as a symbol of wholeness, into four quadrants.  This division is an expression of the potential characteristics of Balance, Solidity and Regularity. Historically, attributes assigned to these four elements were used to explain our existence.  Fire and Air were thought to express masculine qualities – active, positive, creative.  Water and Earth were thought to express feminine qualities – passive, negative, receptive or yielding.  These qualities could be found in both women and men. If balanced, one was considered “whole”.

Those of you familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will recognize the use of 5 elemental categories for diagnosis and treatment within TCM. Mind-body therapists and many energy healers will describe function, flow and dis-ease with terms relating to the elements. Elements are also considered when classifying the energies and healing potential of crystals.  So it is not a stretch to see that astrology also attributes elemental properties to its practice.  Each astrological element is further described in Millers’ book – see if you can identify the similarities to elements found in TCM, energy healing and crystal therapy:

Fire is known as the spiritual element and is associated with aspiration, energy, purification and transformation     (action, passion, destruction & rebuilding)

Water is the universal medium, the unfathomable depths of the human subconscious
(all about emotions & feelings)

Air is associated with breath, soul and flights of the imagination
(thoughts, thinking & analysis)

Earth expresses solidity, practicality and represents the physical body
(substance, grounding & foundation)

The ideal, or perfected, person is one who is a combination of all these forces/elements in balance.

Some of the aromas associated with these four elements include:

Fire:       Coriander, Basil, Cinnamon, Olibanum
Water:  Jasmine, Lemon, Birch, Spikenard
Air:         Galbanum, Fennel, Lavender, Mastic
Earth:    Vetiver, Verbena, Dill, Rose

It is thought that when one needs to balance their elements, you can inhale and/or apply an aroma from the element or elements you need in order to restore balance and wholeness.

Most people know their zodiac sign. The Millers list several aromatic oils for each of the 12 astrological signs.  These were chosen for their ability to support the tendencies and traits of each sign. Other authors may have other aromas to add, but this is a fair place to start:

Aries:       Coriander, Pine, Basil, Cinnamon, Tarragon, Cardamon
Taurus:    Geranium, Dill, Jasmine, Myrtle, Patchouli, Vanilla
Gemini:   Anise, Lavender, Mace, Basil, Mastic, Bay
Cancer:    Jasmine, Aloe, Lemon, Lavender, Orris, Spikenard
Leo:          Cinnamon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Ambergris, Olibanum, Allspice
Virgo:       Mastic, Olibanum, Lavender, Spearmint, Fennel, Bergamot
Libra:       Rose, Birch, Galbanum, Cypress, Spearmint, Cedar
Scorpio:   Musk, Pine, Allspice, Galangal, Ginger, Violet
Sagittarius:  Hyssop, Dill, Clove, Aloe, Cedar, Pine
Capricorn:    Cedar, Vetiver, Wormwood, Myrrh, Bay, Cypress
Aquarius:     Myrrh, Spearmint, Pine, Bergamot, Cypress, Eucalyptus
Pisces:          Violet, Patchouli, Nutmeg, Cedar, Anise, Pine

And so, you may ask, how would you use these oils?  Good question!  Find your zodiac sign and its element and choose an oil that you like.  Sit quietly and gently inhale this oil with the intent of supporting the qualities of your element and zodiac sign that you feel you need or want to enhance.  Feel the aroma enter every cell in your body as it infuses you with these qualities. Visualize yourself with these qualities. As you go about your day, have your chosen oil handy for sniffing any time you need to remind yourself of the qualities you are strengthening.  This is an “aromatic memory anchor” that will help you to stay on track with your plan.

Another way would be to take an aromatic bath using oils that support your sign and its elemental category.  Luxuriate in the aroma, warm water and quiet time just for you!  Or make yourself a massage oil and apply it to areas where you have stress or areas that are known to be associated with your astrological sign.  Drops on a tissue, in a spray or on your pillow at night are other ways to invite the aroma into your world.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.  Have fun exploring the oils and aromas associated with your sign.  Discover for yourself what works / doesn’t work for you.  Support the positives and diminish the negatives. Know that you are following an aromatic tradition that goes back many, many generations.  The power of the perfumes is for real!