The Herbal Woman: Introduction

The Herbal Woman: Introduction

Cleaning my Bathroom with Essential Oils

I decided to conduct an experiment using Essential Oils to clean my bathroom.

I have a cat that lives on my main floor, so chose not to use the essential oils in that bathroom. It is late and she will be closed into the adjoining room for the night. Cats do not tolerate essential oils very well. I learned this the hard way when I first started using oils. I had a diffuser going in the adjoining bathroom for 6 to 8 hours a day (this is where the kitty-box is). I would shut the diffuser off at night but after that many hours during the day – the room she sleeps in was pretty saturated with essential oils. This is a story for another time, but she was a sick kitty for a long time. She is now happy and healthy. She is a sweet cat with a very strong will to live a long life. I try not to use essential oils around her and move her to a different part of the house when I am preparing oils for use.

With that said – I used the bathroom where she will not be. I also use Norwex antibac cloths for cleaning. Essential oils work very well with these microfiber cloths. They are made with a combination technology of silver (antibacterial qualities in silver) and microfiber. These are great cloths and because of the antibacterial qualities of the fabric, I do not use chemicals to clean.

I have been using homemade baking soda, borax and essential oils to clean the bathrooms for about 5 years. Tonight, I filled a bowl with warm water, and 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. I cleaned the sink, the bathtub and the toilet with the cloth and water. My porcelain is clean and shinny. My faucets are also sparkling. The bathroom has a pleasant aroma and I am looking forward to taking a bath in the freshly cleaned tub.

After reading about Eucalyptus Oil in The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, I will be using eucalyptus oil throughout the fall-winter-cold-and-flu-season.

Eucalyptus:
• Latin Name: Eucalyptus globules
• Properties: Analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, (it is pretty much anti-everything and is a good oil to have in your apothecary closet).
• Mind and Spirit: Psychologically, eucalyptus oil serves as a refreshing and stimulation substance. It also assists concentration.
• Body: The expectorant activity of eucalyptus oil has the property of reducing the swelling of mucous membranes and of loosening phlegm, thus making breathing easier. Anecdotal evidence also indicates that eucalyptus oil supports the pancreas and lowers blood sugar. The clean, crisp smell results in easier and deeper breathing, and good clean air has always been associated in folk medicine with good health. This is valuable oil for treating the respiratory system. Eucalyptus stimulates the immune system.
• Precautions: When taken internally eucalyptus oil is toxic.

Happy Cleaning and Blessings,

Dorine

Skin Patch Test

I have wanted to put together a blend of Neroli, Ylang Ylang, and Sweet Orange for a while – this is a good blend for the end of the day, for a relaxing bath and/or massage. Using the 2% ratio for 1-ounce of carrier oil, I first made a synergistic blend and did the patch test with the blend on my right inner elbow.

Neroli:
• Latin name: Citrus aurantiun var.
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cordial, deodorant, digestive, stimulant
• Mind and Spirit: effective sedative, used as a natural tranquillizer for anxiety
• Body: relieves muscle spasm

Ylang Ylang:
• Latin name: Cananga odorata
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative
• Mind and Spirit: According to Susanne Fischer-Rizzi: “The spirit of ylang-ylang usually fits the person naturally drawn to it. Upon inhaling ylang-ylang with its heavy seductive, sweet aroma, one can imagine a fiery, temperamental passionate and erotic person with an awesome radiance and confidence, never losing her balance. She would always dress in bright and colorful clothing and loves to wear jewellery.” Ylang-ylang has tension-relieving properties and is beneficial for nervous depression that is accompanied by severe tension.
• Body: reduces rapid breathing and heart rate, lower high blood pressure, beneficial for treating PMS

Sweet Orange:
• Latin name: citurs sinensis.
• Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, sedative
• Mind and Spirit: The cheerful, sensuous and radiant nature of orange conveys warmth and happiness. It assists people to relax and unwind.
• Body: properties overlap with Neroli

Process:
1. I washed the area with a natural unscented soap and water. Rinsed well and patted dry.
2. I applied 1-drop of the synergistic blend to the crook of my right arm.
3. Closed arm (hand to shoulder) for five minutes.
4. Opened and closed once again.

Results:
The outside right area of my right arm had some swelling. No pain, no discomfort, just some swelling. Two hours later, the area is still a little bit swollen – still no pain.

I repeated the process, using the crook of my husband’s arm. His arm also had some swelling but not as much as mine, and two hours later, all swelling is gone.

I added two tablespoons (1-ounce) of almond oil to the bottle and will use one teaspoon of it later tonight as bath oil and/or massage oil. It smells great.

The recipe:
2-drops Neroli
5-drops Ylang Ylang
5-drops Sweet Orange
2 T. Sweet Almond Oil


Test #: Clary Sage:

Process (using my left arm):
1. I washed the area with a natural unscented soap and water. Rinsed well and patted dry.
2. I applied 1-drop of Clary sage to the crook of my left arm.
3. Closed arm (hand to shoulder) for five minutes.
4. Opened and closed once again.

Results:
No adverse affects.

Clary Sage:
• Latin name: salvia sclarea
• Properties: Antidepressant, antispasmodic, deodorant, sedative, tonic
• Mind and Spirit: dispels depression, especially when arising from nervous burnout. Clary sage may be used to center and ground scattered thinking and absent-mindedness
• Body: Its antispasmodic properties make it useful for helping with cramps in the lower back. This oil promotes oestrogen secretion, helps in menopause when symptoms such as hot flashes, dizziness, headaches, night sweats, are prominent.

Blessings,

Dorine Doyle King
The Red Phoenix Feng Shui

Essential Oil Treatment for Acne

Acne is usually a problem beginning in puberty, but it can appear at any time. It is a result of a hormone imbalance, and can also be cyclic – usually around the time of premenstrual syndrome.

Essential Oils, a sensible diet, exercise, and fresh air will often clear up the problem Lymphatic flow is increased, allowing toxins to be taken away and circulation is improved, which allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the skin. Acne is bacterial and inflammatory. Essential Oils can help with the healing process.

Stimulants such as smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea and chocolate should be avoided. Sometimes, eliminating dairy products, especially cream and hard cheese will help. Fruits do not necessarily help but eating vegetables will. Vitamin A helps a lot (carrot oil – is a rich source of beta carotene and a natural source of vitamin A.

MASK:
Ingredients (normal skin):
2 ounces Green Clay
3 teaspoons Cornflour
Mix together and keep in a jar. Use 1 tablespoon of this mixture to enough of the liquid ingredients to form a paste, then add your essential oils to the paste.

1 T. Mask mixture (above)
1 Egg yolk
1 t. Water

Essential Oils (combine these and then add one drop to the mixture above):
2 drops Geranium
1 drop Bois de rose

Blend together to form a smooth paste and leave on the skin for 15 minutes. Rinse off and apply a facial treatment oil. Dab the face with a tissue.

Icelandic Facial Sauna:

Steam treatments are easy to do at home – all you need is a glass or ceramic bowl, boiling water 2 towels and your essential oils.

First, make a blend of the following essential oils:
Fennel
Lemon
Lavender
Neroli

Next:
Place a towel on your table
Put 2 cups boiling water in a glass or ceramic bowl
Place the bowl on the towel
Float 2 drops of your essential oil blend in the bowl of boiling water

Cover your head with the 2nd towel, making sure that the sides are closed. You’ll need to come up for air every now and again, but plan to be under the towel for about 5 minutes.

I like to play soothing or meditative music while doing this.

You can get your essential oils via mail order, or here in Minneapolis at places like the Wedge Co-op (on Lyndale just off Franklyn) or a place here (Minneapolis) on Grand Ave S., called Present Moments. The Wedge also has green clay.
Good Luck and let me know how it works and if you like it!

Blessings,

Dorine

First Appointment -- Postponed!

We had to postpone the Mom’s Feng Shui Appointment today -- she is not feeling well (just a cold).

I snail-mailed her some information: a cover letter, what to expect in a Feng Shui Consultation, info on the Red Envelope Tradition, and an initial Consultation Checklist.

I am finding that canceling today was a good thing. She had questions about some of the info. This will give her a little extra time to digest it. She will call me Monday to set up telephone time, to go over her questions, do some explanations, and work thru the Consultation Check list. This will give me tons of background info to incorporate into future appointments. I will not rush her to do anything she is not ready to do. Breaking it down further into smaller chunks is better.

She is a very cool 79-year-old woman. I am figuring this will take at least a year. She understands many things and is very open to discussion about Sprit, Spiritual things, and Feng Shui.


Blessings,


Dorine Doyle King
The Irish Swede

Project 2010 – Lighten Her Load so She Can Think

I have begun a new project.

My client is 79 years old. She is still very vibrant and independent. However, she has been suffering from a few ailments, as she gets older, in particular high blood pressure and Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a complication of chronic gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a disease in which there is reflux of acidic fluid from the stomach into the esophagus (the swallowing tube). It most commonly causes heartburn. Sometimes, the medications make her dizzy. The dizziness causes her stress, concern that she may fall, get hurt, and end up in a nursing home. Dying in a nursing home is her biggest fear. Her daughter calls her every day to see how she is doing and to be sure, she is OK.

A few weeks ago, she was suffering from the dizziness almost all of the day and was feeling nauseous. Her daughter was concerned. The daughter talked to her that morning but when she tried to call her in the afternoon, she did not answer the phone. The daughter was busy at work, so called her Mom about 7:30PM. When her Mom did not answer the phone – she thought that maybe she had gone to a movie with her sister. She called again about 9PM – no answer. She called at 9:30 – again, no answer. She called again about 10PM – no answer. She left a voicemail that she was going to bed and would not call her again, but when she got in, she should call the daughter. Well, the daughter called her Mopther at 10:30 – still no answer. Now, she was beginning to get worried. The last she had spoken to her Mother, she was not feeling well and was dizzy. The daughter continually dialed her Mother's telephone number, let it ring, when it went to voicemail, she hung up and dialed again. She did that for an hour. At 11:30PM, the daughter got dressed and asked her husband if he would drive the 45 minutes from their house to her Mother's house with her. Reluctantly, he agreed. The daughter continually dialed her Mother's telephone number for the full 45 minutes of the drive. Now, the husband was also concerned.

They got to the Mom’s house; rang the doorbell three times – no answer. The daughter forced open the screen door and turned the key in the lock – scared about what she would find inside her home.

Well, well! The Mom did not hear 2 hours of phone calls, nor did she hear the doorbell or the forcing open of the screen door, but she did hear the key turn in the lock! (Go figure, the ears of a Mom!) She was sleeping and did not hear a thing!

The daughter cried tears of relief most of the way home… The next morning, she called her Mother to tell her they have new rules. The Mother is to call the daughter every morning when she wakes, and every night before she goes to bed. The daughter will call her somewhere in-between. That evening as they were discussing (and chuckling) about the new rules and how concerned the daughter was, she told her Mother that she HAS to think about moving to an apartment, preferably closer to the daughter. The daughter cannot be driving 45 minutes one way and another 45 minutes home in the middle of the night again.

Eight years ago, the daughter wanted her Mother and Dad to move to an apartment closer to her. At that time, the Dad was ill and suffering from a weakened heart and all that went with that. Had they moved eight years ago for the Dad, the Mom would be in the place she needs to be now. She would still be living on her own, she would still be independent, but in a smaller place, with no stairs, and closer to the designated daughter.

The Mother told the daughter she does not want to move. The thought of moving is overwhelming to her. The daughter told her there are new rules and they need to begin the process of lightening her load so she can think. They contacted me to help. This lightening of the load so she can think, is the focus of our project.

Every dresser drawer, cupboard, closet, buffet, curio cabinet, and storage area is so full of “stuff” -- it is packed solid with pictures, photos, clothes, toys, books, knick-knacks, etc… You would never know she is such a secret hoarder! The house you see is neat as a pin and so clean you could about eat off her floors! However, the inside of any cupboard or drawer is PACKED AS SOLID AS A BRICK! This is excess EARTH energy.

The Mother’s 4-pillar chart is also packed full of EARTH. The Mother is a Metal Sheep with Earth, Earth, and more Earth supporting her. She is very structured and organized, goal oriented and unwavering. She is solid -- the salt of the Earth. She will NOT move easily.

I am moving forward with this difficult project. I know I need to protect myself, and watch how I approach this Mother and daughter and the Mother's home. I need to remain respectful and sensitive to her concerns and needs, but keep her moving forward toward the next phase of her life.


Blessings,

Dorine Doyle King
The Irish Swede

Career is Your Journey in Life, Activities You Love to Do

A client contacted me today with some questions about her Career Gua. She is a young woman who has just gotten her Masters Degree and is applying for jobs, and asked what she can do to get the Career energy moving. I know her house well and have a copy of her floor plan, so was able to help her immediately. She has a missing piece in the Career Gua. This also happens to be the Gua of her front door. She also has some issues sleeping and suffers from anxiety. Here are just a few things I told her:

1. Get your bed away from that stairway wall! This is a decision you need to make for a number of reasons. Health, emotional support, etc... there is a lot of coming and going energy from that wall. It is not supportive. You need a good solid wall behind you. Stairways are for taking you from one space to another. You don't want to be going anywhere when you are sleeping. You want to be able to rest and be renewed. If you are "traveling" all night, you are not resting. Move the bed!


2. You need a solid headboard on your bed to support you. Something/someone needs to have your back. A headboard will offer a lot of support.


3. You need a footboard for protection. It too, should be a solid footboard. However, when lying in the bed, your will want to be able to see over the footboard so you can see what is coming at you. You will be more prepared for what comes your way.


4. Because you have a bathroom en suite, you should be sure the drains are closed at night and the lid to the toilet is down. The drains in the bathroom drain away your energy. You are trying to rest and rejuvenate while you are sleeping and the drains are sucking your energy away. Also, keep the bathroom door closed while you are sleeping. One more little bit of added protection.


5. You are lucky enough to have a home office space. You need a desk. Your desk should face the doorway when you are sitting at it, so you can see what life is bringing your way and what opportunities are coming your way. You should have a solid desk with a "wall" in the front of it, not an open table-style desk. This will offer you protection. You need a high-backed chair to sit on at your desk. The high back offers you support and the desk front offers you protection. You need both.


6. Enhance your Helpful People Gua with a metal wind chime, something grey, or something metal. You will need Helpful People to refer you to and offer you a job.


7. Add a picture of a mountain to your office decor. This represents your upward climb. A turtle picture or figurine will represent longevity and tenacity.


8. Make sure your front door is easily seen from the driveway. It is very evident as to where the cars live at your house, but where do the people live? The Energy/Chi needs to be able to find you. Be sure you have some decor around your front door to bring in the Energy -- since it is Christmas/Winter time, maybe some Christmas lights in a tree or some garland around the front door. This will draw attention to your front door. Remember, your front door is in your Career Gua and you are trying to attract Career Energy/Chi.


9. Use your front door. Even if you park in the garage, enter your house through your front door. Ring your doorbell as you enter. You are announcing your arrival. The Energy/Chi will begin to know you. You will also be inviting the Career Energy/Chi to come into your house. Your front door enters in Career. This will be very important while you are applying and interviewing for jobs.


10. You need to get up every day and make a schedule. Your schedule will need to focus around you, your Career, applying for jobs, and interviewing for jobs.

Blessings,

Dorine King