Aromaceuticals

Calophyllum inophyllum, besides being a wonderfully alliterative botanical name, is a very useful vegetable oil that is sometimes known by its common names, foraha or tamanu. Calophyllum is produced by expression from the dried and aged seeds of calophyllum tree fruit, native to Madagascar and Tahiti.

This greenish oil is traditionally used for all manner of skin problems, including acne, eczema, boils, cuts, burns and insect bites. It contains phytochemicals which are anti-inflammatory in nature, as well as those which encourage phagocytosis.

Calophyllum is frequently and mistakenly described as an essential oil, since it is biochemically very active and often used in tiny amounts in aromatherapy blends. It is important to realize that this viscous, often grainy oil is a carrier, not a steam distilled essential oil. However, calophyllum's pronounced "butter pecan" aroma generally makes it undesirable used solo as a base carrier. It is best used in the manner of an herbal infusion such as calendula or St. John's wort oil, as an additive to boost the overall effectiveness of an aromatic synergy. The oil is a wonderful addition to any kind of blend involving wounds or skin infections of a very pustular nature.

A classic use for calophyllum in contemporary aromatherapy is in the treatment of shingles, where it is blended with ravintsara (Cinnamommum camphora ct. cineole) and topically applied to the lesions.

Clay is once more becoming popular as a natural healing remedy. Several weeks ago, I posted on clays for topical use. In October, two presenters at the AIA International Aromatherapy Conference touched on oral use of clays for detoxification. Recently, one of my clients offered a webinar on the same subject. 

Ingesting clay has been a common practice in Europe, where people have known of its healing benefits since ancient times. The practice is particularly popular in France, where Montmorillonite clay is mined. When the clay is hydrated, an electromagnetic charge is created that serves to gently draw toxic organisms and chemicals from the digestive system. Proponents of internal clay therapy claim that the practice results in improved digestion and skin health.

Not all clays are safe to ingest. It is essential to use a clay mined from noble earth and processed into an ultraventilated powder. Research quality clay sources carefully before attempting any internal use of medicinal clays.

To do a clay detox, dissolve 1 TBS of clay in a large (at least 8 oz.) class of water. Stir vigorously to dissolve. Let the mixture sit overnight. Upon morning rise, drink the water that has separated from the slurry at the bottom of the glass (Experienced clay users sometimes drink the slurry as well). Repeat daily for 1 to 2 weeks.

White Montmorillonite or kaolin clays provide a gentle detox, while green Montmorillonite clay has a stronger effect. Until you know how well your body tolerates the clay, it is best to experiment with a white variety. It is not uncommon to experience mild constipation for a few days while your body adjusts to clay therapy, and a few people may experience a very slight temporary increase in blood pressure.

Some American practitioners recommend ingesting large amounts (4 oz. or more) of clay on an indefinite daily basis, but I feel this is excessive, unnecessary, and a practice which encourages severe constipation. The European protocol described above is safer and far more sensible.

If you're squeamish about drinking clay, the taste of clay water is surprisingly mild and pleasant. A high quality clay has a sweet earthy flavor. I've tried several 2 week clay cures and have felt more energetic afterwards. I did notice a definite improvement in digestion.

If you're still bothered by the idea of drinking clay, baths offer an alternative method of taking a clay cure. Add 2 cups of clay to warm running bathwater, swirling the water to dissolve the clay. Soak for at least 20 minutes. You can add 6 drops of desired essential oils to enhance the experience. Fennel, grapefruit, juniper, geranium and bay laurel are all nice selections for a detoxifying bath.

Corsica is the source of many fine quality botanicals, including what are arguably the world's best essential oils. The island has also produced some very quirky natives, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Dr. Angelo Mariani.

Mariani was a chemist who was among the first to isolate cocaine from coca leaves. In the 1860s, he blended it with wine from his vineyards. The resulting beverage, known as Dr. Mariani's French Tonic or Vin Mariani, quickly became quite the rage among the elite of Europe. It was praised by many celebrities of the day, including Thomas Edison, Auguste Rodin, Queen Victoria and President William McKinley. Kings, emperors and popes ordered Vin Mariani by the case. Mariani was even awarded a gold medal by Pope Leo XIII for his contribution to "lifting the spirits." The Pope received a discount on his purchases, and in turn, lent his portrait to a poster promoting the wine.

The wild popularity of Vin Mariani led an enterprising American to develop a competing non-alcoholic beverage... Coca-Cola.

At certain times of the year, I receive multiple inquiries from ministers who are interested in using aromatics to enhance religious services. Although there are many types of religious incense available via church supply specialists, an increasing number of clergy seem to be interested in creating their own sacred aromatherapy blends, usually for anointing ceremonies. I enjoy helping them with their endeavors, but am often dismayed that they choose to use some dangerous essential oils without any prior aromatherapy training and little regard for their congregants' safety.

Today I spoke with a minister who was interested in purchasing large quantites of calamus, costus, cassia and cinnamon. When I expressed concern over the safety of these essential oils for his intended purpose, he was very skeptical. After all, they are mentioned in the Bible, and he spent a lot of time praying over his blends to "change their energy" (although he admitted having previously burned himself when using cinnamon essential oil).

This is a case of stupidity trumping spirituality. 

I've often said that anyone working with essential oils needs to have at least one safety data manual in their possession. When it comes to aromatherapy, those are my bibles. And here is what those good books have to say:

Calamus (Acorus calamus) - Calamus should not be used in aromatherapy. It contains beta-asarone, which is thought to be one of the most active carcinogenic compounds present in any essential oil. Beta-asarone is banned in this country as a pharmaceutical ingredient, and banned as a fragrance ingredient in a number of other countries. [My note: As a formulator, I would not want to be handling large quantities of this essential oil, or be anywhere near it, in any quantity, on a regular basis]

Costus (Saussurea costus) - When tested for the Research Institute of Fragrance Materials (RIFM) costus oil produced a severe level of dermal irritation in the majority of subjects tested. The lactones in costus oil can cause cross-sensitization to various species in the daisy family. Tisserand says "it would be wise to avoid... altogether."

Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia) - Containing roughly 75-90% cinnamic aldehyde, cassia is rated as a strong dermal and moderate mucous membrane irritant. The oil may be mildly phototoxic.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - Cinnamon bark essential oil contains 60-90% cinnamic aldehyde, a known contact allergen, dermal sensitizer and cross-sensitizer (Cinnamon leaf oil is somewhat less caustic). Dermal reactions can occur with exposure to very tiny amounts of cinnamic aldehyde, as can irritation to the mucous membranes with somewhat lower exposure. In regard to both cassia and cinnamon oils, Martin Watt says he "can see no sound reason for using these oils on the skin."

When faced with this information, how could one possibly justify making a "sacred anointing blend" with these essential oils? Which begs the question, "WWJD?"

References

Balacs, Tony and Tisserand, Robert. (1995). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone: London.

Watt, Martin. (1992). Plant Aromatics: Adverse Effects on the Skin of Aromatic Plant Extracts. Self-published: United Kingdom.

This fall, one of my clients gave me a jar of Greek bergamot preserves. He was very curious about how I intended to use them. The preserves are nice with cheese, and along with some of their syrup, make a particularly pleasant topping for chèvre. At Christmas, I was down to my last bit of preserves and decided to experiment in the kitchen. I was very happy with the result, which makes a perfect winter entrée. The recipe will serve 2-3.

Duck with Bergamot Preserves

1           large boneless duck breast, about 1 1/4 lb
1           bay leaf, finely crumbled
1/4 tsp  dried thyme, crushed
2 tsp     garlic, minced
1/4 C    cipollini onion, 1/8" dice
1/3 C    dry red wine
1 C       chicken broth, low sodium
1/4 C    Greek bergamot preserves*, rind cut in 1/4 " dice
salt       to taste
pepper  fresh ground to taste

Rub the duck breast with the thyme, bay, garlic, salt and pepper. Let sit for 30 minutes. Heat a dry sauté pan or skillet large enough to hold the duck breast. Add duck skin side down, sear briefly on high heat, and lower heat to medium high. Cook about 8-9 minutes per side for rare. When the duck is cooked, set aside and keep warm. Drain most of the fat from the pan. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Add the wine and deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce by 1/2. Add the begamot preserves, including some of the syrup that clings to them, along with the chicken broth. Reduce by 2/3 or until sauce thickens slightly, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Slice the duck breast very thin on the bias and serve with some of the sauce (which is also good over baked sweet potatoes!).

* Bergamot preserves can be found at Greek festivals and markets. If you don't have a local Greek community, they can be ordered online. Yes, the link says "pergamot", so something got lost in translation.