Most people believe that essential oils and aromatherapy are interchangeable. Aromatherapy primarily focuses on the physical body and in some cases emotional wellbeing. This completely limits the spectrum of essential oil use. We are more than the physical body. We function consciously or subconsciously through the other bodies: emotional, spiritual, and mental as well as the physical. The literature of the Talmudic period and based on the Torah (The Bible) the writings gives us images of body and soul in harmony. “Just as Hashem fills the world, so does the soul [neshama] fill the body. Just as Hashem sees but cannot be seen, so does the soul see but cannot be seen. Just as Hashem is pure, so is the soul pure” (Berakhot 10a).
This is an exciting time to use essential oils as a tool to awaken as a whole body, mind, and spirit (Nefesh, Neshama, and Ruah). The Sages teach us that caring for our whole self is like “rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash kodesh” (the Holy Jewish Temple). Each part of us is a living stone of the Body’s Temple. When we start the restoration or rebuilding of our outer being, “cell by cell” and deep within, we are creating both the inner court and outer courts of our Body’s Temple. This is a step towards rebuilding the physical Beis HaMikdash.
Emotional properties of essential oils:
Although the emotions evoked by smells and fragrances are highly personal, there seems to be a certain correlation between the scent of some essential oils and the “moods” they create.
Mood properties essential oils moods Alertness Assertiveness Concentration Confidence Contentment Creativity Focus Happiness Joy Peace Performance Positive Restfulness Self-awareness Self-esteem Self-image. The mood created by a particular smell has a lot to do with the limbic system in the body, and this is the oldest and most ancient system in the brain.
Alertness Bergamot, Black pepper, Grapefruit, Peppermint, Rosemary, Frankincense
Assertiveness Basil, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ylang-Ylang, Lime, Saffron
Concentration Lemon,Basil, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Frankincense, Chamomile Roman, Myrrh
Confidence Cypress, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Pine , Balsam, Myrtle
Contentment Cypress, Lavender, Bergamot, Orange, Sandalwood, Cloves, Ylang-Ylang
Creativity Bergamot, Lemon, Frankincense, Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Cloves, Myrrh, Cistus
Focus Thyme, Lemon, Fennel, Bergamot, Basil, Cypress, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Onyca
Happiness Orange, Rose, Jasmine, Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon, Geranium Cistus
Joy Sandalwood, Frankincense, Lemon, Petitgrain, Orange, Bergamot, Etrog
Peace Chamomile Roman, Neroli, Juniper, Frankincense, Melissa, Yarrow, Spikenard
Performance Bay, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lavender, Jasmine, Myrtle
Positive Basil, Lemon, Grapefruit, Myrrh, Patchouli, Geranium, Frankincense, Onyca
Restfulness Lavender, Geranium, Clary sage, Neroli, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrtle
Self-awareness Cypress, Clary sage, Jasmine, Coriander, Cloves, Sandalwood, Galbanum, Hyssop
Self-esteem Jasmine, Geranium, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Hyssop, Myrtle, Balsam,Galbanum
Self-image Orange, Lavender, Melissa, Neroli, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Bay, Pine, Nutmeg , Hyssop
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HOLY FOOT SOAK TO HEAL YOUR HEART
It is Jewish custom to visit a Mikvah before the High Holidays especially before Erev Yom Kippor. However a little known Sephardic Jewish custom is to soak feet before Rosh Hashanna a symbol to walk with holiness for a sweet new year of blessings and good life in the upcoming year.
Seven Oils for a Holy Foot Soak
Frankincense 3 drops
Myrrh 2 drops
Cassia 1 drop
Spikenard 2 drops
Cypress 1 drop
Sandalwood 2 drops
Cistus-Rose of Sharon 3 drops
Blend with 25 drops of Pomegranate oil Add some dead sea salt and rose petals
Add the blend to a Large warm foot bath soak for 15 -20 minutes.
Copyright 2011 by Rivka Sari
