Follow Your Nose part 1

Ever wondered why we humans have such a strong connection to smells?

        Well here’s the reason….smell is our most primitive sense. All the senses ancient humans were more acute than ours today.  The sense of smell was a crucial survival skill. Humans learned much about the medicinal use of plants from watching animals and as we evolved we managed to stay alive due to this powerful sense of smell. Our strong sense of smell is an evolutionary connection to health. This is still true today….if it smells bad, stay away or throw it away. Unfortunately today we are not as connected to the natural environment and plant based living. We have become out of balance with Mother Nature. But here’s the good news, essential oils can help fill that gap.

Essential oils are often referred to as the life force or soul of the plant.  It’s been found essential oils are the immune system of the plant, producing more scent when under stress to keep insects and other predators away.  (Michael Scholes, Labofflowers)  Myself and many others consider essential oils distilled from plants to be some of the most important medicines of the 21^st century’ and are perfect allies to help bring us back into balance.

Plant kingdom

Plant kingdom

I've been thinking a lot lately about how lucky we are to have the plant kingdom so generously share its gifts with us.  Plants provide us with both food andmedicine.  Early humans figured this out eons ago, by observing the plants animals ate (and those they didn't eat) and by also a bit of trial and error.    

         As an herbalist and aromatherapist I’m familiar with using all parts of plants for healing purposes.  But for the purposes of this post, let's focus on aromatherapy … and why plants produce essential oils in the first place.

Plants produce essential oils for 2 reasons; protection and communication. Essential oils protect the plant from pathogens, viruses and microbes like bacteria and fungi that may destroy the plant.  The scent may deter predators, insects or mammals who may eat the plant.  The “fragrant cloud” surrounding the plant may attract a species of bee that will help the plant reproduce by cross-pollination when it visits other plants. 
        The natural world is fascinating and works harmoniously to support all living creatures including humans.  Since nature is so good at adapting it isn’t surprising that plants containing essential oils also protect humans against disease.  Humans began distilling plants for essential oils several thousand years ago. They knew they were onto something!  When a plant is distilled the resulting liquid oil is the soul of the plant.  The "soul of the plant" is extremely powerful -- a little goes a long way!
         We are blessed to have these powerful healing drops gifted to us from nature. Touch of Earth essential oil blends are crafted with therapeutic intent in mind just like mothernature. For more information on these unique blends go to www.touchofearth.com

Mental Health

Hello to everyone out there in blog land,

I came across some interesting information I thought I might share with you guys. For more reading on this subject click on the link below.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease have risen from the 24th leading cause of death in the United Kingdom to the 10th in the last 20 years. Dementia is now one of the top 10 (and fastest rising) causes of death. Not including the untold human cost, dementia costs the UK economy £23 billion a year. -The Lancet, March 2013

Here are stats for US

Between 1999–2000 and 2005–2006, the US death rate per 100,000 for dementia increased from 559 to 695 (24%) but doubled from 135 (92,927 deaths) ... www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118887

Touch of Earth's Mindfulness blend contains 3 oils that have historical folkloric application as well as studies for prevention of dementia. They are Rosemary off., Peppermint and Lemon Balm. This is a great blend to diffuse or put on forehead and/or wrists. Always dilute essential oils when putting on your body, especially the face area.

Touch of Earth.com