November

Aromatherapy Awareness
Aromatherapy is increasingly being used by European physicians as a way to compliment orthodox medical care. Awareness of essential oil treatment has increased dramatically. There are a growing number of Aromatherapy Practitioners in Germany, England, France, and Australia in response to more and more people choosing aromatherapy treatment for themselves. NewBorn Essentials News will begin to feature reports on the therapeutic uses of aromatherapy oils. We believe aromatherapy can enhance emotional, physical and mental health.

Aromatherapy is Successful in treating Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a hair loss disease that can affect men, women and children. The factors that activate the onset of alopecia areata and the mechanisms of its development are not fully understood. Circumstantial evidence suggests alopecia areata is an auto-immune disease where cells of an individual's own immune system prevent hair follicles from producing hair fiber. Although alopecia areata is not life threatening, the pressures of an image orientated society can make hair loss psychologically devastating for those affected.

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of 84 patients diagnosed with alopecia areata, those who had daily scalp massages with essential oils generated more hair growth than did the patients using the placebo oils in the control group. An aromatherapy treatment consisting of the essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood in a base of jojoba and grape seed carrier oils, was given to 35 patients while the 28 patients in the control group used the carrier oils alone. The study was conducted over a 7 month period, with follow ups at 3 and 7 months, at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Scotland. The results were published in Arch Dermatol, November 1998.

Cedarwood, lavender, thyme and rosemary oils have properties that stimulate hair growth. These oils have a long history of being used for alopecia however, this was the first controlled trial to evaluate this form of therapy. A 54% success rate with aromatherapy compares favorably with published success rates for conventional therapies such as diphencyprone (38%).

In The Spotlight – Citronella
The summer star of all essential oils is Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). Many people already know that it has been used for years in candle form to repel biting insects. Citronella comes from the tropical grass of Southeast Asia. In addition to being a natural insecticide, it is often used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Citronella has a strong lemony scent and natural antiseptic qualities. Therefore it may be applied to mosquito or other insect bites to relieve itching and swelling. Citronella oil is inexpensive and a 15ml bottle should cost no more than $10. A few drops can be placed on the melted wax of a candle (but not directly on the flame). Add a few drops to your sunscreen and apply on the skin. As with all essential oils, if you experience a skin reaction, wash the affected area with a vegetable oil to dilute and remove.

Summer Saviors
Summer has arrived and again, we will have to share our outdoor activity with the insect world. But there is a way for us all to live in harmony: fly-away aromatherapy insect repellent. Fly-away is a 100% natural blend of citronella, cedarwood, lavender, and other essential oils that we love, but bugs hate. Most insect sprays contain DEET, a harsh insecticide that over time can have a devastating effect on our immune systems. Small children are vulnerable to DEET poisoning because they are more likely to accidentally rub their eyes or ingest the DEET from their hands and fingers. There is no DEET in fly-away which makes it safe and effective for the skin, clothing and the air we breathe. Live and let the insects live.... just let them fly away!

Hopefully most of us do not go out into the sun without at least an SPF 15 protective block. Even with a protective sunscreen, the skin can burn and dehydrate from sun exposure. Soothe is a sunburn relief spray that starts the healing and hydrating process immediately. Our formula contains purified water, whole leaf aloe vera juice, vitamin e oil, plus lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils. Soothe relieves the pain from burns on contact, which makes it useful for minor kitchen burns, winter windburn, and of course, sunburn. Just a few spritz' and your skin is left silky soft and feeling fresh. It is an important product for the natural medicine cabinet all year round.

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