SunRose Aromatics Thanksgiving Newsletter
November 17th, 2002
Vol. 2, Issue 18
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1. Welcome New & Old SRA Subscribers
2. Profile ~ Eucalyptus radiata & Myrrh
3. Thanksgiving ~ Harvest Home
4. Home for the Holidays Gift Ideas
5. This & That
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1. Welcome to SRA Subscribers.

Welcome to the SRA Newsletter, we hope you will find it informative and entertaining. Our goal is to share with our customers ~ information: featuring articles from SRA & others that will share their knowledge and expertise, any new products, specials that are going on and any news regarding the essential oil trade.

SRA welcomes feedback and comments from our readers!
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2. Profile ~ Eucalyptus radiata

Latin Name: Eucalyptus radiata
Common Name(s): Narrow Leaf Peppermint
Country of Origin: Australia
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Parts Used: Aerial parts

Major Chemical Constituents:
There are possibly up to six chemotypes of E. radiata. Two of these, a high cineole variety and a variety balanced in piperitone, alpha-phellandrene, cineole and para-cymene are commercially harvested.

Therapeutic Properties of Constituents:
* 1,8-cineole- antibronchitic, antiseptic, expectorant and respiratory, and anti-inflammatory.
* Alpha-pinene- anti-inflammatory, can cause skin irritation to sensitive skin. Alpha-terpineol - antiseptic, bactericide, expectorant.
* Limonene-bactericide, expectorant, fungicide, & sedative.

- Has an appealing scent when compared to other cineole oils and is preferred by children.

- Exhibits good expectorant properties and is ideal for helping the body clear respiratory catarrh.

The 1,8-cineole content increases the dermal uptake of other constituents in a blend by as much as 95 times, this effect is particularly useful in respiratory and anti-inflammatory treatments.

CAUTIONS:
External use only. Nontoxic, nonirritant and non- sensitising. When taken internally eucalyptus radiata (or any of the eucalyptus oils) are toxic.

Ref: Bush Sense - Australian E/O & Aromatics Compounds By: Mark Webb
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Profile ~ Myrrh

Latin Name: Commiphora myrrha
(commiphora - gum bearing)
(myrrha - bitter from the Arabic murr)
Family: Burseraceae
Country of Origin: North Africa (Somalia & Ethiopia), Middle East & northern India.
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Plant part used: The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the resin.

The natives make incisions in the bark of the trees causing the exudation of a yellowish oleoresin. Exposure to the air causes the resin to dry, harden and turn a reddish-brown. The dry resin is collected for distillation.

Note: After tapping, the trees require 6 months to 2 years to recover. It this time is not allowed because of economic hardships (or extra profits) the tree will wither and die.

Color: light brown to rich amber

Aroma: Hot, pungent, spicy, dry and sometimes resinous.

Note: Myrrh is one of the few essential oils whose fragrance is said to improve with time - so, age it well. However, be aware the oil can become gummy and sticky possibly due to polymerization.

Chemical constituents: According to Guenther ~ the oil of myrrh was reported to contain 1-pinene, cadinene, limonene, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, m-cresol, a tricyclic susquiterpene hydrocarbon acetic acid, formic acid, and some other unidentified sesquiterpenes and acids.

Due to the great variety of botanical species, myrrh oil will vary considerably in viscosity from water-like to thick and resinous. This would account for the wide variations in the color and aroma of the oil.

History:
Myrrh resin has a significant history dating back some 4000 years in healing, perfumery and in religious ceremonies. While myrrh had many uses in ancient medicine, the main areas were in wound care, oral (teeth and gum) problems, respiratory problems.

It was an ingredient of incense used for religious ceremonies and fumigation by the ancient Egyptians. It was also an ingredient of the famous Egyptian perfume 'kyphi', and was an important ingredient in embalming.

Because of its ability to preserve the flesh myrrh oil was used as a cosmetic ingredient. It was reputed to reduce wrinkles and preserve a youthful complexion. Egyptian women used myrrh in their facial preparations. It has a slightly cooling effect on the skin, and so would be especially useful in a hot dry climate.

Mind & Spirit ~
Myrrh unites the spiritual and physical being inspirational and grounding. One of the most renowned incenses along with frankincense. Myrrh is thought to enhance spirituality and may be used either in an oil burner or inhaled directly. Use it as a meditation aid or before any healing session.

Myrrh is particularly valuable for people who feel stuck emotionally or spiritually and want to move forward in their lives.

Energetics ~
Quality .......................... Yang
Planetary Association .... Saturn, Jupiter & Sun
Chakra .......................... Base (1) or Sacral (2)
Elemental Association .... Earth
Color Vibration ............... Red

Body ~
- Is said to be an excellent expectorant and as such is of value in bronchitis, coughs and colds especially where this is thick mucus.
- Also, Myrrh is said to prevent infection, clears toxins and promotes tissue repair.
- Myrrh is said to be a uterine stimulant and promotes menstruation thus relieving painful period.

Skin & Hair ~
The efficacy of myrrh for the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcers is legendary. This is due to its antiseptic, astringent, anti fungal (blended with tea tree) and anti inflammatory properties. It is specially valuable for:

- wounds that are slow to heal
- for weepy eczema
- athlete's foot.
- ideal in skin creams for deep cracks on the heels and hands.

Precautions ~ External use only. Nonirritant, non- sensitising, possibly toxic in high concentrations. Avoid during pregnancy.

Note: Due to its extensive use in foods and oral products, myrrh essential oil has been tested extensively for toxicity for ingestion. It has been approved for use in food by the FDA (USA) and The Council of Europe. It has also been tested for dermal irritation due to its extensive use in perfumery and is considered safe. The British Herbal Compendium 1992 list contraindications for myrrh as 'none known'.

Because of the uncertainty of the mix of chemical constituents in myrrh, a contraindication for internal use is a wise precaution.

Normal precautions should be observed when using any essential oil.

Recipe ~

Transition/Moving On ~
Myrrh ..............4 drops
Cypress ......... 3 drops
Eucalyptus ......3 drops
Nutmeg ...........2 drops

Ref:
Kerr, J. Aromatherapy Today Journal Vol.23, Sept 2002
Guenther, E. The Essential Oils Vol.4, (1952) pp. 344-348
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to AT.
Watt, M - Frankincense & Myrrh
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3. Thanksgiving ~ Harvest Home

This year sure did fly by! Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. The first of all those delicious holiday 'aromas' wafting through the house.

It is a year now that SunRose has been writing this eNewsletter. Thank you for the support and feedback during this year. We are 'repriniting' last years passage on Thanksgiving.

To celebrate their first harvest of Indian corn, enough to insure a food supply for the coming Winter, the Pilgrims in 1621 held what was then called the Harvest Home.

The original Harvest Homes celebrated in England featured the Corn Mother, the representation of the Grain Goddess.

Harvest Home continued through the entire harvest season until the last crop was in and it featured 'feasting and drinking' to the point that it sometimes interfered with the work of the harvest day.

By the late 16th century it had become custom not to begin the celebrating until the harvest was complete and the crops were safely in storage.!

Interestingly, the deeply religious Pilgrims marked this First Thanksgiving not with prayer but with the instinctive Pagan feasting and celebration, games and contests.

It was actually Abraham Lincoln who in 1863 declared the fourth Thursday in November a day of Thanksgiving, that the holiday took on a religious significance.

We at SunRose wish all our 'aromatic friends' a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday .. and our thanks for your continued support thru the years!
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4. Home for the Holidays Gift Ideas ~

The holidays are fast approaching.! Schedules are hectic, not enough hours in the day.

Avoid the lines in the mall and sitting in traffic, get cozy and visit our 'Holidays Gift Idea' page.

For stocking stuffer ideas, the lil gift to give the teacher, or just a sweet lil thinking of you gift. Please visit: http://sunrosearomatics.com/catalog/holiday.html

FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50.00. UPS Ground. This offer is valid thru 12/20/02

Please mention this in the comments section on the order form.
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5. This & That ~

The flu/bronchitis season is upon us. As much as we would hope to heal ourselves holistically, there comes that time when traditional medicine is necessary. I had a severe case of bronchitis and yes, went to the Doctor and took my meds. We have to know when to seek traditional medical care. Don't wait. This flu/bronchitis thing is crippling.

We have been receiving calls recently, asking about 'Medicinal Grade Essential Oils' or 'Therapeutic Grade' and does SunRose carry them. It seems there is a company in the Southwest that is using this marketing tool (because that is what it is) and also charging exorbitant prices for their oils. Even more I am told then the infamous MLM company that we all know.

There is NO such grading system in this country at this time that I am aware of. The FDA would most definitely be involved in anything that is labeled 'Medicinal Grade' or 'Therapeutic Grade' . The bottom line is .. know your supplier, there are many wonderful companies out there that do not resort to this type of marketing hype or 'extortion' (as I see it) in the pricing of their essential oils.

With the holiday season fast upon us.. please remember that many folks do not cope well at this time of year. Even though we are all so caught up in our own worlds.. please pay attention to your family, friends and neighbors.

For all those traveling over the holiday, safe journey.

~ til next time
Rosanne
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SunRose Aromatics Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Products.

visit us: http://www.sunrosearomatics.com
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Rosanne Tartaro
Owner | SunRose Aromatics, LLC
roe@sunrosearomatics.com
http://www.sunrosearomatics.com