[əˌrōməˈTHerəpē]
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are concentrated plant extracts, for healing. These oils are distilled from plants and valued for their unique scents and therapeutic effects.
Using aromatherapy for healing
Scent is strongly connected to memories and emotions
The science behind your nose
The human olfactory nerve begins on the bony roof of our nasal cavity and ends with the olfactory bulb located on the underside of the frontal lobe of the brain, known as the olfactory cortex. The olfactory cortex includes the Piriform cortex, the amygdala (seat of emotions) and the Entorhinal cortex (connected to memories). From here the information is sent to the prefrontal cortex and the thalamus, which helps us distinguish different odors. Aromatic information is also shared with the hypothalamus and even the brainstem.
Our senses are complex and can support emotional and physical healing. Aroma is much like sound and light; tiny particles traveling in waves that can calm, support and heal the physical and energetic body.
What is a Certified Aromatherapist?
I completed my Level One Aromatherapy certification, which included 265 hours of in-person study covering anatomy, physiology, chemistry, taxonomy, and Latin for plant identification. I engaged in supervised case studies, passed multiple exams on chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and wrote a research paper on grief and essential oils, check out my blog post titled "Essential Oils and Grief."
In 2017, I obtained my certification, complementing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, which gives a foundation for understanding neurological functions and emotional disturbances. Building upon this, I have engaged in the practice of aromatherapy, developing both aromatic and topical formulations designed to support physical and emotional well-being.
In addition, I have experience with distillation and oil infusion, as well as incorporating plant-based medicine into my esthetics practice. I create nutrient-rich serums for skin care, prepare herbal steams to cleanse pores and ease sinus congestion, and create facial masks using ingredients sourced directly from the garden.
I specialize in formulating essential oil blends designed to support individuals coping with grief and loss. In 2019, I completed training and certification as a death midwife to enhance my expertise regarding end-of-life care and the dying process.
To contact me about aromatherapy please email: kldazllc@gmail.com
The Alchemy of Distillation
Humans have been distilling essential oils for more than 2000 years
The photos above feature Rose Geranium, or Pelargonium graveolens. Knowing plants' Latin names is a key safety measure because different species have distinct chemistries. For more information on essential oils and safety, check out my YouTube video on Essential Oil Safety.
I distilled the leaves of the Rose geranium plant to create hydrosol. Hydrosols are water-based solutions made by distilling fresh flowers, leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. To distill for hydrosols or essential oils, the plant material is added to water and heated to create steam. The medicinal oils from the plant come from the plant's pores (stomas) which open from the heat in the still and are carried by steam through a refrigerated coil then collected in glass. The steam holds the medicine, and once it cools the essential oil separates from the water and floats on top to be collected. The water distillate or hydrosol is known to hold about 20% of the plant medicine.
Hydrosols can be used for a variety of things from baking to cleaning. Skin friendly hydrosols can be used in place of skin toner.
I completed my studies through Stillpoint Aromatics in 2017.