AROMATIC MOOD-ENHANCEMENT
By Chrissie Wildwood
Copyright © 1998

With the current emphasis on biochemistry and the pharmacological activity of essential oils in vitro, we must not forget the true value of our healing art - the subtle, yet profound effects of aroma upon our inner sense of well-being. Indeed, the efficacy of aromatherapy massage (and other external treatment with essential oils) is largely attributable to its ability to promote relaxation and engender joyous feelings.

Despite attempts by odour researchers to categorise the psychotherapeutic effects of inhaling specific essential oils, generalisations can be very misleading. Much depends on the physical and emotional state of the individual, their aroma preferences and odour associations. Ìdiosyncratic responses present few problems for the experienced holistic or intuitive aromatherapist, who is happy to "go with the flow". however, the subjective element of aromatherapy is unacceptable to conventional medical science, with its unrealistic emphasis on measurable results and objective analysis. To the materialist, a rose is a collection of molecules; to the poet, it1s a manifestation of beauty. From the holistic perspective, both viewpoints are valid.

Of course, the advancement of scientific knowledge in relation to essential oil pharmacology and toxicology (safety is paramount) is to be welcomed.
Sadly, however, in an attempt to represent themselves as "scientific", aromatherapists are increasingly rejecting the intuitive approach to healing. Oils are often chosen for the named aliment or disease organism, irrespective of the person's aroma preferences. The new breed of aromatherapist may also play down the importance of relaxation and the aesthetic element of aromatherapy.

The intuitive therapist, on the other hand, knows that aroma preference is often a reflection of our needs at a given time. As our physical and emotional state alters, so might our choice of aromas. Above all, by enabling a person to relax deeply, to let go of their cares - even for just a while - aromatherapy has the potential to activate the body's own innate self-healing processes. No mean feat!

Incidentally, a branch of medical science which does accept wholeheartedly the mind/body interrelationship, particularly the influence of emotion upon the body's immune defences, is the relatively new science of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Since the 1970's, research into PNI has given scientific credence to what traditional healers have always known: that emotional disharmony can manifest as physical symptoms, and that positive feelings enhance health and vitality.

Returning to essentials oils, as every aromatherapist knows, smell impulses, unlike the signals of the other senses, bypass the part of the brain that gives rise to our intellect - the neocortex - and go directly to the behaviour centres, the limbic system or "smell brain1. This part of the brain is still largely uncharted territory, although we do know that it is concerned with our instinctive drives such as emotion, intuition, memory, creativity, hunger, thirst, sleep patterns, libido, and more. Aroma, as a result, can evoke memories, feelings and images, and possibly move us to actions without our even releasing it.

Interestingly, certain substances are capable of passing through the protective "blood- brain barrier1, and thus affect brain cells directly. These include oxygen molecules, nutrients from food, alcohol, nicotine, opiates and possibly essential oils. Certainly, receptors for drugs like benzodiazepene and cocaine are located throughout the brain, including the olfactory bulb - a part of the brain which actually extends into the nose. Without the appropriate receptor with which to bind, such drugs could not work. As Professor Susan Schiffmann of Duke University in the USA points out: Now, they did not evolve over millions of years so they could be ground to bind valium when it was invented, so why are they there in our noses? My guess is that they might be there to bind things that we smell, natural substances that have cut similar effect."

The phenomena associated with altered states of consciousness also arise from the limbic system: out-of-body sensations, visions of white or golden light, religious ecstacy, euphoria - experiences which are known to practitioners of advanced methods of meditation, or as a result of taking hallucinogenic drugs. So, in view of what we know about of the sense of smell, the ancient idea that incense has the power to elevate the human psyche to other dimensions of awareness is not as far-fetched as it once may have seemed!

The practice of burning aromatic barks and resins over smouldering charcoal is increasing in popularity. When inhaled outdoors or within the walls of a lofty church or temple, incense can be enjoyable - even therapeutic. When burned in the home, however, the smoke usually becomes overpowering. Therefore, if you are interested in exploring the mood-elevating potential of incense, it's far more pleasant to diffuse essential oils in a purpose-designed "burner" or electric vaporiser.

To progress the subject of ambient aromas, which will be continued in subsequent newsletters, let's begin with the ancient and enigmatic aroma of cistus.

Cistus - (Cistus ladaniferus). Plant Family: Cistaceae. Synonyms: Labdanum, ciste, rock rose.

Cistus is a small, sticky shrub native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. The essential oil is captured by steam distillation of the leaves. It is a pale yellow liquid with a very strong, sweet, dry-herbaceous, musky aroma. Its odour effect is generally perceived as warming and restorative. In ancient times, the aroma was regarded as an aphrodisiac!

Principal Constituents of Florial's Cistus ladaniferus (GLC trace dated 20/04/98):

Alpha pinene (46,62%), camphene (5,91%), limonene (1,64%), cineol 1,8 (0,27%), para cymene (2,22%), bornyl acetate (3,35%), terpinene 4 ol (1,84%),
borneol (3,82%), myrtenol (1,17%), viridiflorol (2,83%).

Summary of Aromatherapy Uses: Bedsores, infected wounds, skin ulcers, bronchitis, coughs, colds and1 flu, as a fumigant when infectious illness is around, as an ambient aroma to facilitate meditation, Helpful during convalescence or when suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Aesthetic Blending Guide: Cistus oil blends well with Angelica (roots, seed or leaf), Atlas Cedarwood, Coriander, Chamomile (Roman or German), Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Lavandin, Frankincense, Juniper, Inula, Pine, Rose, Lemon, (and other citrus oils), Neroli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vetiver. However, the oil is highly odoriferous and will predominate your blends unless used sparingly.

Cautions: The oil reputedly stimulates menstruation, so avoid during pregnancy. Use sparingly, for it has a powerful aroma.

Vaporising cistus Oil

Cistus is an intriguing oil. Although some authorities describe it as having a soporific effect, in my experience it can be very stimulating. While composing blends for this article and inhaling the aroma for several hours, my mind became so hyperactive that I was unable to sleep that night! On subsequent occasions, however, I have experienced its gentler side. For instance, if used in very low concentration, especially if combined with Roman Chamomile and Mandarin, it can indeed soothe a frantic nervous system.

But of course, you must experiment with the oil in order to discover how it affects you personally. You might like to begin with some of the aromatic compositions explored in this article. As you can see, each blend has been given an evocative name to suggest its possible mood-enhancing effect. No doubt, your blending skills will take you in many other directions. Have fun!

AROMATIC FORMULAE

Cistus oil is quite difficult to blend because it tends to overpower the aromas of other essential oils. One way to overcome this problem is to use a cistus-based compound in your vaporising blends (see below). These can be used by the drop, exactly as you would use undiluted cistus oil. The result is a more interesting, multfaceted aroma.

Cistus-Based Compounds

Measure the essential oils into a clean, dark glass essential oil bottle of 5 ml capacity. Shake the bottle until the oils are thoroughly mixed. If you like the aroma, use 6-8 drops in the vaporiser. Or, you may prefer to mix a few drops of the compound with other essential oils of your choice.

1. Deep Amber (sombre, woody notes)

6 drops Cistus - Cistus ladaniferus
18 drops Atlas Cedarwood - Cedrus atlantica
12 drops Clary Sage - Salvia sclarea

2. Citron Amber (refreshing notes)

6 drops Cistus - Cistus ladaniferus
15 drops Lemon - Citrus limon
8 drops Clary Sage - Salvia sclarea

Quantities in Blends

The quantities of essential oils in the following recipes are given in drops per 20-30 ml of water, which is about right for most vaporisers. otherwise, follow the manufacturer1s instructions and adapt the blends accordingly.

Cistus Lullaby (soothing)

2 dops Citron Amber Compound
1 drop Roman Camomile - Chamaemelum nobile
3 drops Mandarin - Citrus reticulata

Sultry Nights and Roses (intoxicating)*

3 drops Deep Amber Compound
1 drop Rose Otto (or 2 drops Geranium - Pelargonium X asperum)
2 drops Ylang ylang - Cananga odorata

Lazarus (warning, restorative)
1 drop Cistus - Cistus ladaniferus
2 drops Inula - Inula graveolens
2 drops Coriander - Coriandrum sativum
1 drop Cinnamon - Cinnamum zeilanicum

Seranade (uplifting, joyful)

1 drop Cistus - Cistus ladaniferus
2 drops Grapefruit - Citrus paradisii
3 drops Bergamot - Citrus aurantium bergamia
2 drops Neroli - Citrus aurantium

* Certain floral compositions are not only colloquially referred to as intoxicating or narcotic (in the language of perfumery the terms are synonymous), but in sufficiently high concentration they can also be intoxicating in the medical sense of the word, resulting in headache and slight nausea. In the right quantities, and if the fragrance is perceived as pleasing, sweet-floral scents lull the senses into a dreamy, relaxed state.