aromatherapy thymes, the magazine hit newsstands, bookstores,whole food markets, healthfood stores, spas, aromatherapy shops andholistic schools, and other fine retail stores fall of 2006. aromatherapythymes.com was founded and launched by Patricia Carol Brooks in 1999. Due to an overwhelming amount of traffic to the site, and positive emails from visitors - aromatherapy thymes, the magazine was born. Brooks states, “aromatherapy thymes magazine is here to help consumers see the true beauty of aromatherapy and highlight the therapeutic benefits of essential oils if purchased from a reliable resource and used correctly.”

aromatherapy thymes brings aromatherapy to the newsstands like no other publication, it is that passion that keeps us dedicated to the true essence of aromatherapy, BUT our readers keep us inspired and on the newsstands.

aromatherapy thymes timeline

1999 aromatherapythymes website launched 2006 our preview issue, the ‘lavender issue’ hits newsstands 2007 our official launch the ‘geranium’ issue, october 10  more hip than hip interview, october 24 mediapost review september 14 mr.magazine review, 2008 - march 9 mr. magazine names aromatherapy thymes one of the top 30 notable launches of 2007.

photo by Andrea Butje 

summer 2008 - the ’bergamot issue’
it’s going to be full of zest!

we are buzzing around  the office about the ‘bergamot’ issue. as we watched it unfold, as usual we have so much to share with our readers about this citrus gem! you can us the oil in skin care, wear it as a perfume, cook with the fruit and admire its alluring scent. 

stay tuned for more updates soon!
www.aromatherapythymes.com

essential oils are found in different parts of the plant:

flowering tops lavender.chamomile
grass lemongrass.palmarosa
leaves peppermint.cinnamon
peel lemon.bergamot.orange
seed cardamon.fennel
twig cypress.tea tree.eucalyptus
wood rosewood.cedarwood
gum frankincense

Because of their properties, essential oils are widely used in perfumes,
flavorings and medicines. The main methods are steam distillation, by compression, dissolving the oils out (extraction) or absorbing them, and by pressure and maceration (to separate into constituents by soaking). The methods used to extract the essential oil are time consuming and expensive and require a high degree of expertise. To maintain all of the therapeutic qualities, it must be extracted by steam distillation using extremely low pressure and low heat as not to defile the quality of the oil.

The name “essential” is derived from the Latin “quintessential”, meaning the fifth element. The fifth element was the vital element the alchemist sought to change base metals into gold. Each oil renders valuable health benefits when properly used in aromatherapy. Essential oils do not need to pass through the digestive system and can enter through the skin by massage oils, by various methods of inhalation, compresses or vaporizers. Essential oils interact with the body in three distinct ways: pharmacologically chemical change (through the blood stream), physiologically (effects the systems of the body) and psychologically (inhaled and a response is generated by the aroma). Given that it takes in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoonfuls of oil, the chemical complexity and high concentration of essential oils makes every drop valuable and powerful.

Once you understand the principles of essential oils, you will want them in your life forever.
www.aromatherapythymes.com 
 

our hope is that we leave our readers with a true appreciation of aromatherapy and the life of essential oils.

Aromatherapy is derived from two words, aroma - meaning fragrance or smell and therapy - meaning treatment. It is the practice of using essential oils to maintain and promote physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils have been around for centuries, used by many different cultures, in a variety of ways and as a form of holistic therapy. Research has shown essential oils to be some of the strongest metabolite agents; ridding the body of toxins and fighting infections. Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in holistic medicine.

The current interest in the practice of aromatherapy seems to emphasize the fact that nature is continuing to offer us ways to heal ourselves while allowing us to enjoy the beauty that is before us. Classed as a holistic therapy, aromatherapy is now offered by many hospitals that employ aromatherapist to enhance their patient’s general well-being and optimize their quality of life. The aim of aromatherapy is centered on the healing of the body, mind and spirit.The history of aromatherapy goes back thousands of years. Plant oils are mentioned several times in the Bible. Aromatic plants and essential oils were used in biblical times. Cleopatra was also known to use essential oils in her perfumery. The Egyptians used aromatic plant essences to treat both physical and mental health problems. In the East, Chinese doctors also knew the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. 

The science and practice of modern aromatherapy and concepts began with a French chemist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. Around the year 1910, Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of lavender oil after severely burning his hand in a laboratory explosion, and needing to cool it down, put his entire hand into a vat of pure lavender essential oil. The pain was gone almost instantly. Over the next few days his burn healed with no scars or infections. This led him into a lifetime of research and discovery on the subject of essential oils. 

From the fields, the picking and handling of many farmers, and field laborers…help bring essential oils into the stores and finally into our life. The true value leaves us speechless here at Aromatherapy Thymes.

why eucalyptus? 
Winter time is cold and flu season and eucalyptus is well known to keep the flu at bay. besides being one of the best antiseptics for the home this historical oil is one of nature’s best cleansers of the environment.  

introducing eucalyptus 
A fresh and fun look 
by Misty Rae Cech, ND

It is said that the eucalyptus tree is one of the most useful trees in the world. Belonging to the Myrtacae family (the same family as tea tree), the name eucalyptus means ‘well-covered’ which refers to the little cap that covers the flower before budding. A tall, water-loving tree, eucalyptus is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, reaching heights of between 300-480 feet. Growing in damp marshy areas on moist land and clays eucalyptus is often found on hillsides or moist valleys in deep rich soils. Native of Australia, where it was regarded as a general ‘cure-all’ by the Aborigines, there are over 300 species and 700 varieties of eucalyptus. The trees have been used for everything including mulch, shade, fuel and hardwoods. It is also wind breaking and malaria fighting. Its extensive root system absorbs vast amounts of water. It is due to this phenomenon that it has been intentionally planted in marshy, malaria infested areas in an attempt to dry up and purify the soil and air.

The German botanist and explorer, Baron Ferdin and Von Muller suggested that the fragrance of the trees might prove antiseptic. It was in 1855 that the French government sent seeds to Algeria and consequently many of the disease ridden areas were converted to healthy dry ones.Eucalyptus oil was in huge demand during World War I, as it was used to control a meningitis outbreak and for the influenza of 1919. Today the major eucalyptus producing countries include China, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Russia, and Chile. With over 50 pounds of plant material needed for one pound of oil, eucalyptus was first distilled in 1788, when doctors John White and Dennis Cossiden used its oil in treating problems of the chest. The first works of the antiseptic and bacterial properties of the oil were published in Germany.

Eucalyptus is also known to help with asthma and bronchitis. Extracted from eucalyptus peperita, the original oil introduced to Europe was called ‘Sydney peppermint’ and quickly became popular. Historically used for its powerful natural medicinal qualities, eucalyptus globulus (also known as Tasmanian blue) is both an antiseptic and an analgesic. Interestingly, when seen from an aerial view the blue gum forest emits an ethereal blue haze. A refreshing scent with rich cineole and slightly camphoraceous, with a typical eucalyptus smell. Blue gum blends well with other essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, melissa, pine, tea tree and juniper. Eucalyptus is one of the most universal and versatile of essential oils. Some of its many properties include analgesic, antiseptic, deodorant, expectorant and vermifuge (anti-parasitic).Today, eucalyptus oil continues to be a familiar ingredient in chest rubs, general antiseptics, decongestants, cough remedies, muscle and joint ointments. When used externally, eucalyptus is both non-toxic and non-irritating and is a must for every natural first aid kit and home medicine chest. 

Cautions: Eucalyptus should be used in dilution, and avoided during pregnancy. 

to order the eucalyptus issue visit: http://www.aromatherapythymes.com/subscriptions.htm

each roundtable, as to the the next featured oil is exciting,
and it is always a staff decision!

why geranium?
Geranium is one of the editorial directors favorites that became the the entire staffs. we sniffed, diiffused, wore and even ate geranium and the color of this plant is so bright and beautiful we all had our hands up when the final decision was made.

introducing geranium
Fresh, rosy and forever lingering in the air

Geranium oil is produced from a number of different varieties of the pelargonium. Escorting civilization before, during and after the ancient Greeks geranium continues to be used for its lingering fragrance and as an alternative medicine with amazing therapeutic properties. Pelargonium graveolens is one of the many fragrant species of Pelargonium used as a source of geranium oil. Geranium was regarded as an excellent healing agent that assisted in the body’s repair of cuts and bone fractures. It was also used by the North American Indian tribes who drank a tea made from the powdered roots of the plant to help combat dysentery (severe, often bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever) and untreated cuts and ulcers

The woody, perennial herb is native to South Africa and  is produced in Egypt, France, Algeria, Morocco and Spain. Pelargonium graveolens has also been recorded in Zimbabwe. the geographic source of an aromatic plant is an important consideration in selecting an essential oil. Climate, soil fertility and the time of harvest are all important factors affecting the quality  of the oil. This is particularly the case with geranium oil. The geranium plant flourishes in mild and subtropical climates. Actual time of harvesting is dependent on the stage of plant growth and the scent of crushed leaves should turn from a lemony to a rose scent. Only leaves and young shoots should be used because this is where most of the oil is derived and harvesting wet plants will cause poor oil recovery during distillation. The herb is cut in the morning in sunny, dry weather. Distillation begins after a few hours of field drying. There are several types of geranium oil, the main ones being Reunion or Bourbon, Algerian, Moroccan, and French. A true Bourbon type available from Reunion is considered the bestand oil derived from it receives a premium price in the market. 

the geranium issue is now a collector’s issue, to read the entire feature on geranium …order your copy today!
@ http://www.aromatherapythymes.com/subscriptions.htm

during the victorian era, rose geranium was often kept in parlors where fresh leaves were always available to revive the senses.
 

our first featured oil  ’lavender’ was simple,
lavender is one of the most used and valued plants
in the world. what better plant to launch
the preview issue of aromatherapy thymes,
than lavender. everyone agreed and so it was…

introducing lavender
Sequim lavender festival - celebrating lavender

The lavender plant is rich in lore and splendor. Its use dates back to ancient times; the early Egyptians, for instance, believed fragrances were emanations from deities and wrapped their mummies in lavender-dipped shrouds. The Greeks used lavender to combat insomnia and aching backs; and in Rome they poured lavender oil into their public baths to scent the water and restore their skin. Rome they poured lavender oil into their public baths to scent the water and restore their skin. The Romans were actually the ones who bestowed the pale purple plant with its name: Lavandula officinalis (Lavare meaning to wash). Lavender oil was also mentioned in the Bible - it was what Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet. And by the 17th century, the plant was so popular that it had gained a reputation for warding off the plague; all one had to do was affix a small bouquet to their wrists. A member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes sage, thyme, savory and oregano, lavender has many medicinal benefits. It has been known to soothe headaches, heal insect bites, treat burns, calm the spirit and comfort the stomach. Considering its array of therapeutic properties, this evergreen shrub can easily be classified ‘The Swiss Army Knife of Herbs.’

Typically, when one mentions lavender production, one thinks of the South of France. And while the French are indeed the world leaders, in North America, Sequim, Washington is the lavender capital. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley, which is located on Washington Olympic Peninsula, is cradled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Park, making it an ideal microclimate for growing lavender. The weather is actually quite similar to the Provence region of France where this healing herb is native. As a result, several farms in Sequim have nurtured thousands of lavender plants in dozens of varieties from sweet whites to crisp purples; each with a particular function: Grosso with its long stems and large blossoms is used to make dried bundles; Provence is ideal for sachet mixes since it loses its blossoms upon drying; English lavender is best for cooking and oil distillation and Spanish lavender is used for landscaping because of its butterfly-like whorl of petals and long bloom season.

the lavender issue is now a collector’s item and the most ordered issue, to read the full article, get your copy now!
@ http://aromatherapythymes.com/subscriptions.htm 

welcome to the beautiful world or aromatherapy!

We hope you enjoy visiting here and reading all the topics, as much as we love putting together aromatherapy thymes…it is where you can stay informed, be renewed and of course pick the perfect essential oil for your health, home or just for the beautiful aroma! we truly explore the art and science of aromatherapy!

 ”aromatherapy is one of nature’s many gifts.whether that gift comes from rose petals, peppermint leaves or juniper berries, we are all touched, in some way, by the quiet fingerprint of plants.” patricia carol brooks, eic