Herbalism or Aromatherapy: Which is Better?

Herbalism: An ancient practice of using various parts of plants (e.g., leaves, roots, bark, and flowers) for their medicinal properties.

Aromatherapy: An ancient branch of phytomedicine that uses volatile organic compounds extracted from various parts of plants (e.g., leaves, roots, bark, and flowers)

What is Herbal Medicine?  

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Animal aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils and other aromatic substances to promote the well-being of animals. Like humans, animals can experience benefits from aromatherapy, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and physical health support. However, it's important to note that animals are generally more sensitive to scents than humans, and not all essential oils are safe.

August is International Peace Month. This is a difficult concept to grasp as we observe, or in some cases, are directly involved in the horrible conflicts occurring in almost every corner of the globe. Most of us can’t deeply understand why this is happening. The news and social media just serve to muddle the facts, sensationalizing people’s agony, loss and pain. How can we...

Hydrosols are a much gentler version of essential oils and can be safely used on babies, children, and animals.

Recently, when my pup had an eye infection, I soaked a cotton pad with Elemi hydrosol (gifted to me by Jirbie Go) and gently pressed it onto her closed eye several times a day (a new cotton pad each time). Within two days the infection was completely gone.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)...

Aromatherapy isn’t just about essential oils. Various products that fall under the aromatherapy umbrella are absolutes, resinoids, CO2 extracts, and hydrosols. Each of these products originates from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many plants; however, the extraction method will determine the end product.

In this educational blog, we delve into the world of hydrosols, also...

Aromatherapy can be described as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of the body, mind, and spirit.  

Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the chemistry of the essential oils combined with the art of marrying the essential oils to create a...

Aroma is strongly linked to memories. A person may catch a whiff of perfume and be immediately transported back to memories of their grandmother, who used to wear the fragrance. The memory can be a positive or negative one based on their relationship with their grandmother. This is called an odour-linked memory. In other words, there is a link between aroma and experiences, especially...

In June, we observe PTSD Awareness Month to shed light on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a complex condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. COVID-19 was a trigger for PTSD in many people. PTSD can even occur indirectly through an association with a friend or family member who has experienced a traumatic event.

The onset of PTSD can...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Aromatherapy can be effective for many conditions related to physical and emotional issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. Evidence-based research and anecdotal evidence have firmly established the benefits of aromatherapy and specific essential oils on mood. 

A sub-classification of Aromatherapy is Aromachology. Aromachology relates to...

Oftentimes when I am at a social event, I am asked what I do. I am sometimes hesitant to say I am an aromatherapist because reactions can vary – amusement, blank looks, and occasionally interest. But I am an aromatherapist and proud to be one, so I hold my head up high and proclaim I AM AN AROMATHERAPIST!

This often leads to the question, “What is aromatherapy anyway”? What I...