Essential Oils

This Profile is for the herbal preparation and is not meant for peppermint essential oil use.  Botany Mentha x piperita (Laminaceae) X  means this plant is a hybrid, a cross between two plants. Although there is some controversy over which two, it is generally accepted that spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica) brought about peppermint. Parts Used: Leaves Common Names: Peppermint Southwest Habitat: While not native, it can be found in moist areas - it likes to keep its feet wet. It can be found actually growing in the water of a flowing stream. I have encountered it […] See More

Botanical Name: Monarda fistula var. menthafolia (Laminaceae) Common Names: Bee Balm, Oregano de la Sierra, Wild Oregano, Mountain Oregano Southwest Habitat: Grows in colonies, usually found in riparian habitats or dry stream beds. Occasionally found away from water in small depressions in the ground where a bit of extra moisture collects. Fairly easy to cultivate in Flagstaff gardens where its spreading nature is welcomed since it is such a useful plant. Available at Native Plant and Seed in Flagstaff. Energy & Tastes: Spicy, very warming Chemistry: Very spicy aromatic due to phenols of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol. These give the […] See More

During the colder, darker months of the year, we spend more time indoors. This increased indoor time is also when the airborne viruses of colds and flu are most active. One of my favorite health promoting activities during this time of year is to use an ultrasonic diffuser with essential oils. I find this approach effective because the diffused oils are spread throughout a room in the same way as the airborne virus. We can catch a cold or the flu by being in an enclosed space where people are coughing and sneezing. The particles of aromatic oils diffused throughout […] See More

The validity and safety of essential oils are two areas of ongoing confusion in the alternative healing community. This article gives my views on these challenging topics. Education v Marketing Some of the gatherings and classes in the industry are advertised as education when, in fact, they are nothing more than a sales pitch. There is nothing wrong with making a living selling a product, but be honest about what you are doing. Don't call it education if all you are doing is promoting products from one company. With any type of class, talk or gathering centered on essential oils, […] See More

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae, also known as Holy Basil) is one of the most revered medical and spiritual plants in India and is becoming increasingly popular in this country. The use of Tulsi as an essential oil is less known. However it is one of my favorite oils and it makes a valuable addition to any home pharmacy or healing practice. Extraction: Traditionally, much of the tulsi on the market has been grown in India. In recent years, more growers in the US are have joined in. It is not considered a difficult plant to cultivate. It is often grown […] See More

This is a hot topic in the essential oil community these days and an area with much confusion. One group uses the occasional few drops in a drink, food or herb preparation. Another group recommends much higher amounts that to me seem scary and dangerous. A third group says to never, ever use these concentrated oils internally. Who to believe... what makes sense? To be honest, I think we are making this issue way more complicated than it needs to be. If someone wants to use an essential oil internally, the safest and easiest way is simply to use the […] See More

Our Foundations of Herbal Medicine program spent the weekend working with and learning about essential oils. Each time I teach this part of the course, it always strikes me how much I learn from the experience of interacting with the oils. My understanding of them deepens and my appreciation of this field grows. Watching people’s faces melt in delight the first time they inhale a Silver Fir or a Rose Attar makes this one of my favorite topics to share. In this article, I want to share some recent insights I had while working with the oils. Education v Marketing […] See More

Every parent has a "Line" when using herbs with children. Crossing the Line means that outside help is required, whether it be a professional herbalist, a naturopath or an MD. It is important to acknowledge the Line and to think about where it is. Various factors effect the position of the Line and it is different in each situation. Two issues to consider are: Where is the nearest hospital or urgent care facility? Travel time to outside help plays a role in how soon one makes that decision. Five minutes to an urgent care facility is very different than the […] See More