Category Archives: Aromatics, Fragrance

Be careful about what you wish for The recent history of aromatherapy in the 21st century has highlighted the difference between those set on an orthodox medical approach to therapy and those who relate more to complementary or alternative approaches. … Continue reading →

One of the most frequently asked questions in aromatherapy and about essential oils concerns their quality.  All users, domestic or professional, like to think that they use “good quality” essential oils for aromatherapy.  As human beings our natural inclination is … Continue reading →

Taxonomy is the science of naming things.  Botany is the science or study of plants.  Combining the two produces the scientific or Latin names that help identify species.  In recent years the population, and in particular gardeners, will have seen … Continue reading →

or How come we can buy essential oils all year round? First published in 2004 and still relevant! In a modern world, in the developed countries, we have lost sight of seasonal patterns.  Old timers will remember that it was … Continue reading →

The media has had a field day just lately, seeing toxic dangers everywhere arising from nasty chemicals in our immediate environment, and blaming them for the hitherto unexplained rise in allergies – as manifested by symptoms of eczema and asthma. … Continue reading →

Perhaps there are three schools of thought about this. All three would take into consideration the individual and their condition and set an objective for treatment. First would be a learned approach, a mixture of looking up a textbook and … Continue reading →

In the initial stages of Aromatherapy development in Europe little attention was given to perfumery as a source of facts, evidence, or inspiration. One of the key factors was the reluctance of fragrance brands and manufacturers to be associated with … Continue reading →

What is a triangle test Simply put, a triangle test is a study in which you compare 3 samples and pick out the one that is different. Of the three samples, one is different while two are the same. If … Continue reading →

Lavender revisited I always recall my first experience of the Lavender country of France. I was lucky, I was not confined as a tourist to the ‘lavender trail” or left to my own devices.  Due to my connections with the … Continue reading →

Rosewood excerpts Brazil Research trip (from private papers 2005 reporting investigation) Sustainability issues surrounding rosewood Rosewood was heavily used as a key ingredient in perfumes from 1930 -1980 and it is estimated that production was ~ 1000 drums per annum … Continue reading →

Can Cosmetics and Toiletries be Organic? The Haughley experiment demonstrated beyond doubt the viability and sustainability of organic farming.  The produce of organic farming whether arable, dairy, poultry, horticultural or livestock, is said to be better for human health.  Whilst … Continue reading →

Organic – What is it? What Can it be? In my first article on the subject I drew attention to the pioneers of the Organic movement and their objective of sustainability. Manure, soil and farming seem far away, remote to … Continue reading →

The Reality of Organics Undoubtedly the word ‘Organic’ has become a fashionable phrase in many sections of society. Organic food sold at premium prices is said to taste better and to have health benefits superior to orthodox farmed or processed … Continue reading →

THE PHYSICS OF MAGIC For many of us the practise and business of aromatherapy takes over our lives.  We become busy with clients and patients.  We become less busy with sourcing essential oils, leaving this to favoured suppliers or even … Continue reading →

Talking with fragrances© Aromatherapists seem to have a predilection to novelty and new ideas. Like a stamp or medal collector, something new hits the market and an instant success story is built around the product (for that is what it … Continue reading →