Where's the buzz?

By Sean Reagan

Looking for a gentle, non-invasive, and non-chemical way to heal your body and nurture your spirit? A healing practice that is both effective and sustainable?

Aromatherapy might be just what you need.

But it’s important to keep in mind that aromatherapy isn’t just a few minutes of a pleasant smell. Rather, it’s part of the broader field of plant medicine. It uses the essential oils of certain aromatic plants — lavender or pine, say — to promote well-being.
In other words, don’t leave the »therapy« out of »aromatherapy.«
William Siff, a trained herbalist and acupuncturist, who operates Goldthread Herbal CSA and Goldthread Herbal Apothecary in Florence, said that aromatherapy is fast moving onto the radar of health-minded people and health-practitioners alike.

»The emerging utility in fields of medicine is becoming quite huge,« he said.

This comes as no surprise to Siff. The immunization knowledge of plants is extensive, he said. When it comes to withstanding fungus and mold and related illnesses »the aromatic plants have been the most successful. We can take advantage of that.«

There are several popular methods of utilizing essential oils. Aerial diffusion dispenses the oil into the air for its fragrance and disinfectant potential. Direct inhalation can help with respiratory illnesses and decongestion, as well as promote emotional peace. Finally, there are topical applications, such as full body massage.

Aromatherapy can be effective for a broad range of illnesses that run the gamut from seasonal affective disorder to the flu. Siff has recently begun operating a distillery that utilizes pressurized steam to extract essential oils from plant material.

Working in conjunction with California-based company Floracopeia, Goldthread Herbal Apothecary plans to create a line of micro-distilled essential oils from plants found at local farms and fields and forests.It is a process that is both science and art. Essential oils make up a small portion of the plant itself — perhaps 1 percent. Large quantities of plants must be harvested, and harvested at the right time of the season — even the right time of the day — to ensure maximum efficacy.

Operating the distillery, said Siff, takes a lot more work. While many companies use propane or electricity to generate heat, he uses fire. »It becomes a much more deliberative process.«
Still, Siff is happy to take on the burden — it gives the company more control over the final product, ensuring that the essential oils that reach consumers will be of high quality.

The implications of aromatherapy, said Siff, »are huge. The types of things that harness something very old in our culture and bring it forward. It is very powerful medicine.«

Tony Lemos, director of Blazing Star Herbal School in Ashfield, agrees. She studied Natural Therapy at Raworth College in England and worked with North American herbalists, including Susun Weed.
In her practice, she said, »I do see more and more people turning to alternatives. I think that offering people an alternative is vital.«

»Food is our medicine,« she added. »We don’t have to separate them.«
Say that you’re hosting a winter party. You might burn Melissa, chamomile, and geranium to promote relaxation in your guests. However, the oils can also help stop flu virus from successfully traveling between guests.

The primary goal of aromatherapy, said Lemos, is to help stave off sickness. Often, when it comes to treatment, less is more. »Often you only need one to two drops of oil to get fabulous results.«
This can happen simply through your diet. Basil is a popular plant — aromatic in the garden as well as when chopped into a salad or perhaps a pasta sauce.

But it is also considered a general tonic, and by eating even a few leaves of it, you introduce into your system its power to calm the mind and ward off sickness.

Siff, too, points out that the healing potential of essential oils through aromatherapy, can be very simple. We are using what he calls »kitchen medicine skills« to make ourselves well.
»We can take care of ourselves with very simple things,« he said.

Lemos recommends that people who are interested in aromatherapy and essential oils begin by taking classes. »You need a good foundation be it through reading books or taking classes,« she said.
Certainly when you do, you are in good company. »I come at this from the perspective that I am saving the world,« said Siff.