Welcome to the Northern Star College, Practical Potions Introductory, Apprenticeship Adventure

Your Aromatic Adventure Has Begun
Please Press Play – Jo Anna, our tour guide, narrates.

We are happy to have you join us to learn more about aromatherapy.

Welcome to the Practical Potions, Introductory Apprentice Ship Adventure.

This program is a deep dive into aromatherapy crafted from our 35-plus years of experience and commitment. Our journey began in a physical classroom in the late 1980s, evolved into an online program seven years ago, and is a robust program split into Introductory and Advanced segments today.

This isn’t a swift skim across essential oils; it’s a comprehensive exploration designed with hundreds of hours of research and experience, focusing on aromatherapy’s scientific and intuitive sides.

As we’ve transitioned online, we host a Facebook group for our community to connect, ensuring that shared learning and community remain. Our courses are frequently updated with the latest findings, accessible anytime—even in your pyjamas. We look forward to having you onboard!

Sincerely, Laurie and Robert

How to Navigate Your Adventure-

Units & Lessons:
Course Schedule:
All lessons will be available after you purchase the course.
Or if you are taking the Free Cruise, you will receive the first leg of the journey.

Please do one chapter at a time without too much peaking ahead. Moving sequentially will allow a more thorough experience.

To navigate through the chapters, scroll to the purple table of contents bar toward the top of the page. Press it to see the units and lessons. Then, tap on the lesson you wish to advance to.

Animated Helpers:

There are many animated helpers on this journey, like Jo Anna, the tour guide. If they ever get in the way of you pressing the “next” button to move forward in a lesson, hover over the animated figure with your cursor until an x appears. Press the x, and the helper will temporarily disappear. You may get the animated helper back by pressing the refresh button at the top of your screen. Also, the helper sometimes talks when you are trying to watch a video or read. If you hover over the character, a mute button will appear. Press the mute symbol, and the animation will be silenced. Press it again to resume its speech.

There is much aromatic territory to explore. Let’s Begin.

Enjoy Your Aromatic Adventure, and Welcome Aboard!

If you have questions about administration, please contact our office- Catherine nsc@northernstarcollege.com.
If you have questions about content, contact Laurie, selfheal@telusplanet.net

About the Instructors:

                                                                                                 

Robert Rogers

Robert has been a student of plant medicine for over 50 years, including 18 years as a clinical herbalist. He is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany. He is the author of over sixty books on medicinal plants in Western Canada. Robert has taught plant medicine for over 40 years, from casual herb walks to university classes. He is a popular speaker with international experience. He has been described as a true “green man” with an affinity to nature and an avid fan of our indigenous plants and mushrooms. Robert will discuss the botanical and healing aspects of essential oils throughout the course.

More about Robert-

Robert is the co-director of the Earth Spirit Medicine Program, and you can contact him at scents@telusplanet.net

You can also visit Robert at the Self Heal Distributing website at www.selfhealdistributing.com

Books By Robert Rogers

Visit Robert’s author page at
www.amazon.com/author/robertdalerogers

Laurie Szott-Rogers

More Background…..

Laurie has been an alternative health teacher for over 30 years. With Robert, she has had their wholesale aromatherapy line, Scents of Wonder, for over 30 years and has been involved in all aspects of the business.

Laurie creates blends for Scents of Wonder Aromatherapy. She is also the co-director of the Earth Spirit Medicine Program and the Wise Woman Within Intuitive Counselling Program at Northern Star College of Mystical Studies. Email- selfheal@telusplanet.net

Visit Laurie at the Self Heal Distributing website at www.selfhealdistributing.com

Books by Laurie Szott-Rogers

Visit Laurie’s author page at
www.amazon.com/author/laurieszott-rogers

Numerous animated guides on the Ship assist Robert and Laurie.
You will meet Bridgid, an ancient goddess, and Jo Anna, the tour guide. We also feature Don, the computer whiz; Jerry, the chemist; Trish, the botanical instructor; Jinny, the spa and beauty instructor; and Dr. Herb Botanic (not a medical doctor but an animated aromatherapist).

Let’s Go on This Aromatic Adventure Together!
Jo Anna, our tour guide, narrates it.

 

Caveat 

The classes from Northern Star College comprise one part of your education and express the viewpoints of the instructors. Please make good, thorough decisions about your well-being. Get good medical advice when called for and seek medical attention for yourself, your family, and clients when necessary. Neither Northern Star College nor its instructors accept legal responsibility for how you use the information or products discussed in the program.

For administrative questions, you may email Catherine at nsc@northernstarcollege.com
For questions about content, email Laurie at selfheal@telusplanet.net

Copyright: Northern Star College-Laurie Szott-Rogers.

SCENTING THE SCENE

Enter the Aromatic World

(Taken from Scents of Wonder- Aromatic Solutions for Health, Beauty, and Pleasure – Laurie Szott-Rogers)

 

Welcome to Introductory Aromatherapy with Robert Rogers and Laurie Szott-Rogers.
We hope your olfactory journey will be deep, satisfying and full of learning.

Overview–

Welcome back to the Free Cruise portion of the tour. To help you get oriented on this journey, first, listen to your animated helper give an overview. She’s on the right side of the page. Click on her to start her talk.

Then, make your way to the Ship’s Library. Bring your laptop, notebook and a beverage.
To find the Library – From the main stairwell, go to Deck 4. Turn left, and the Library is the second door on your right.

Oh good, you found it! Thousands of books are on the rounded wooden shelves, collected by generations of herbalists and aromatherapists. Today, get comfy at a table, sit down, read an Introduction to Aromatherapy Below, and listen to the videos.

Free Cruise Passengers, Welcome Video

Introduction to Aromatherapy-

What has brought you here? Do you love the scent or habitually follow your nose into new adventures like this one?

Have you ever sniffed a scent so enticing that it lured you onto its path until you traced it back to its origin? When your nose has its way, you search for that evocative fragrance which drives emotion, reaction, and desire. Is there a scent from the past that haunts you, a memory you wish to recreate?

Possibly, you have entered the field of fragrant possibilities because a friend’s passion for scent enticed you. Maybe you heard in the media that a particular oil could be beneficial. Possibly, you have always loved plants, which was the natural evolution of your botanical studies. Or are you someone who suspects factory-produced chemicals and wants to avoid such products? In whatever way you begin, once you have experienced the ease, practicality, and diversity of essential oils, it feels enticing to explore more.

Essential oils are not for everyone. Occasionally, people do not gravitate toward natural scents or like to create their concoctions for beauty, cleaning, or healing. In this case, many commercial products satisfy their needs. However, for those who do, aromatherapy opens the door to creativity and self-sustainability. You can blend almost infinite combinations with the hundreds of natural oils available.

Essential oils can help you avoid chemical ingredients found in commercial products. With an arsenal of essential oils, you become empowered to stock your household with personally made, effective products, ranging from kitchen and bathroom cleaners to facial toners, cleansers, and masks. Creating gifts for others takes on a new dimension when you can individualize presents, such as bath salts, moisturizing oils, and facial creams. It is fun and exhilarating to make your products.

This enthusiasm for crafting personalized items with essential oils may evolve into a deeper exploration of aromatherapy. As your curiosity blooms, you embark on a personal journey that melds the joy of creation with the pursuit of knowledge.

If you decide to pursue learning, an online course will allow you to set your own pace. You may start with only one oil, but be aware the oils may slowly grow on you until you incorporate essential oils throughout the day for many tasks.

You have been smelling your whole life. Your sense of smell is a natural gift that awaits refinement. Aromatherapy offers a path to fine-tune this ability, turning it into a source of pleasure and practicality.

 

Smell- Our Oldest Sense

Smell is our most ancient sense, connecting us to reptiles and other animals whose sense of smell is far more acute than ours. This sense is closely tied to survival. Among the senses, scent is the first to develop in the human fetus, marking its significance in our early stages of development. This primitive aspect of humans is almost inseparable from our instincts. Our vocabulary proves this. Phrases like- “that situation just doesn’t smell right” or “that idea stinks” are concepts that link our sense of smell to our sense of survival.

Interestingly, everyone perceives odour differently, so you may not like the same scent as your best friend. The receptors in our noses are all the same, but we do not experience fragrance like others.

Through socialization, we also learn what smells excellent or disgusting. For instance, some cultures enjoy garlic or curries, while others are less enamoured with pungent spices. There is individual conditioning with scents. We associate pleasant experiences and fragrances that co-occur as favourable. Bad experiences can make one scent unappealing for life. So, there is a lot of subjectivity in interpreting what scent we enjoy.

Delving into aromatherapy broadens our exposure to different smells. Like wine connoisseurs, we can develop an appreciation of odours that are unusual for us. Trying new essential oils will allow us to enjoy scents that initially seemed foreign or undesirable. So, if your nose says yes, join us on this aromatic adventure.

Here are a few more definitions to expand your aromatic vocabulary.

Essential Oils and Absolutes

Essential oils are potent extractions of plants obtained from all over the world. Many plants are wild-crafted, while some are grown in orchards or plantations. By steam distillation, growers extract the potent oils from specific plant parts—bark, leaf, root, berry, or sometimes flowers.

Fruit peels like lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit are often cold-pressed and accurately called expressed oils. Although the preparation of fruit peel oils differs from steam-distilled oils, they are often referred to as essential oils.

 

Certain flowers, such as jasmine, gardenia, and narcissus, release their scent through an alcohol or solvent preparation. The resulting extracts are called absolutes and are used mainly for perfumery.

Hydrosols (or floral waters) have slightly different properties than essential oils. They contain the water-soluble components of the plant, comprising a milder concentration of natural chemicals than essential oils. Hydrosols are usually softly scented and can be applied directly to the skin. Many of them are perfect for facial steams, as toners and refreshers.

 

The Practical
Potions, Aromatic, Adventure

Orientation:

Practical Potions Introductory is one of a two-part Aromatherapy Program taught by Robert Rogers and Laurie Szott-Rogers via The Northern Star College of Mystical Studies.

To Continue Your Adventure

First, please listen to your animated helper orient you.

Then, to get situated, make your way to the Ship’s Crow’s Nest -Climb the main mast from Deck 6; the ladder is accessible from the Navigation Deck. The Crow’s Nest is at the top of the mast ladder. Maurice, the shipmate you see peering through the telescope, will help start your day.

When you get to the Crow’s Nest, you can look at the notes on this page introducing you to aromatherapy.

In Today’s Lesson:

You may watch a short video on the history of essential oils. We will also discuss how to use essential oils safely. At the end of the page, you will find an overview of navigating the course and Robert’s substantial video on introductory aromatherapy.

The journal download at the bottom of the page will help you prepare for the journey ahead. Please get your copy as you leave the Crowsnest.

Introduction:

Take your time with these introductory aromatherapy concepts, as they are the program’s building blocks. Taking notes while reading the write-ups and watching the videos will help you remember the content. Instructions on navigating the ship’s rooms can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

A Brief Aromatic History of Essential Oils-Video (In the Ship’s Crow’snest)
The shipmate, Maurice, will narrate this Video.

Using Essential Oils Safely:

The following course promotes using essential oils safely and enjoyably.

If you are sensitive to essential oils, proceed cautiously, using your common sense and prior knowledge of your body. Although essential oils are natural, they can cause mild to severe reactions. Please do not take them internally; even a little of some essential oils can be fatal. Do not use or diffuse essential oils with children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Do not let infants, pets, or those without proper mental capacity near the oils.

Essential oils should not be used with pets—do not give them oils internally or put them on their fur, which they will lick. Even diffusion of essential oils may cause problems with some pets, so practice extreme caution. Some essential oils are more toxic, and some animals are more sensitive, but avoiding using them with your animals is best.

Keep essential oils out of your eyes. If they do get in, apply vegetable oil to the edge of a clean cloth and place this on the corner of your eye. This will attract the essential oil and works better than washing the eye with water.

Please don’t apply essential oils directly to the skin without dilution and patch testing on the thin areas first. This includes your wrists, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and under the ears, the same places you would apply fragrance. Some essential oils, like bergamot and lemon, can cause nasty burns if worn in the sun.

If you suffer epileptic episodes, avoid any of the stimulating oils, such as sage or rosemary. People with epilepsy should never ingest stimulating oils.

Some essential oils may affect asthmatics. If you have allergies to specific plants, be cautious about using essential oils from the same plant or plant family, as they are known allergens. Sometimes, the allergy is only to the pollen and will not apply to the oil- but approach slowly.

On the other hand, many people with allergies to petrochemical perfumes may find essential oils surprisingly refreshing. I know I can use them, but chemical-based perfumes negatively impact me. Many of our students are charmed by the scent of essential oils and repulsed by petrochemical-based scents. Reactions, of course, are highly personal and subjective.

Store essential oils in a very safe place. Ensure your bottles have drop inserts so the oil comes out slowly. This may involve moving bulk essential oils into smaller bottles for dispensing. Some essential oils may interfere with medications, mainly when used internally, which we rarely advise. Keep away from children in a secure, locked cupboard.

Essential oils do well in a cold, dark environment, like a fridge. Could you keep the lids on tightly? Certain essential oils oxidize quickly and should be used within a couple of years. Oils that oxidize will be mentioned in the Cautions section as you proceed through the course.

Essential oils suggested for illness and disease are meant as adjunct therapy ideas, but always consult the best possible experts before proceeding.

This course is not meant to replace medical treatments or prescriptions.

Aromatherapy is an evolving field; only some things about how oils react with medicines and individual chemistry are understood.

Certain essential oils interact with drugs. This is especially true if you ingest the oils, which we generally do not advise. We have tried to include the newest research on this topic in the course, but more information is constantly emerging. Always be cautious and monitor your reactions.
Pay special attention and do extra research on your own if you are on medicine for diabetes or the cardiovascular system.

How to Navigate this Course:

Video- Vanessa- Please Press the Play Button

Please follow the directions for where to show up on the ship for each course. Always bring a beverage and a notepad. 

Making Time for What You Love:

Academic success depends partly on commitment and consistency. Setting aside 7-20 hours per week is a good strategy. Could you arrange this time off with others in your family or work? Mark the times on your calendar. Leaving all homework until the last minute (known as the heroic approach) creates stress. It helps to work with a schedule and make time each day to do what you love. But, mostly, have fun and enjoy the excitement of creative achievements!

Create a Get To-Do List
Robert has asked Jack, a second-year student, to narrate the Video Below on Creating a Get-To-Do-List.

Visualize Your Life Aromatically:

For now, envision how you might use aromatherapy in your life. Imagine yourself using all-natural cosmetics you’ve made. Start the morning by brushing your teeth with a naturally flavourful tooth powder you have created. Spritz your face with an aromatic hydrosol, scented with rose or orange blossoms, to cleanse and tone—shower with a liquid peppermint soap that refreshes you. Then, drive to work in a car enlivened with a lemon-lime scent. Return home and get or receive a foot rub with some relaxing mandarin ointment. Spray your spouse’s pillow with a hint of lavender, or have a chamomile bath so you both sleep soundly, embraced by gentle scents.

Understanding how to use essential oils safely will allow you to make everything from simple healing remedies to cleaning tools and personal products. You will no longer rely on toxic, commercial products!

An Introductory Video on Aromatherapy
with Robert Rogers:

Aromatherapy Introductory from Laurie on Vimeo.

These authors and this school accept no liability for any claims, now or in the future, arising from the use or misuse of any remedy, recipe, or application herein.

This information is for Northern Star College’s Aromatherapy Students only. It is not for sale, copying, or redistribution except where permission is granted. But you can copy and paste the online version of this course into your notes for use. This will allow you to have a hard copy to refer to.

Information researched from references is cited on the course’s Reference Page. These references have been used repeatedly throughout this writing.

Now, return from the Crowsnest and enjoy everything the ship offers.

Accessing and Using Your Practical Potions Journal-Interactive Downloads:

You can click to download. Then, you can check the download file on your browser to find the file. The download button at the bottom of this page will allow you to open the exercises in PDF form for your Practical Potions Journal. Press print to make a physical copy of the journal.

Free Cruise-New.pdf1-1D

–Practical Potions- Directions Map

Orientation-

Please give your animated helper a few minutes to help orient you to the page.

In this leg of the cruise, we will help you choose the best tools for your aromatic needs, whether diffusers, burners, or aromatic sprays.

Please grab a beverage and notepad and join us in the Blending Lab for your reading and video lecture.
Head down to Deck 2 using the forward stairwell. Take a left and walk straight until you see the sign for the Blending Lab on the right, adjacent to the Distillation Deck. When you arrive at the Blending Lab, you can start reading your notes below. You will also have videos (Lectures) to enjoy.

Methods of Getting Essential Oils into the Air:

Essential oils can influence moods and psychological states by simply breathing. How we respond to various oils depends partly on individual tastes and memories.

If we associate lavender with an older aunt we loved, we may have a more positive association with that oil than someone with a different memory.

The oils have specific chemical properties, allowing them to calm, excite, or balance. Although relaxing in small quantities, an oil like lavender can stimulate at a higher dose.

As you learn about the essential oils and fill in the scent impressions sheet, you will have a record of your feelings and memories about each scent. This is a great building block for creating personal products you love.

Diffusers:

A diffuser becomes invaluable for getting oils into the air. A suitable “air pump type” diffuser will break up the molecules of the oils, making them accessible while you breathe. We do not recommend putting oils on light bulb rings, as the heat will destroy many of the fragile, healing compounds in the oils. Here are pictures of 2 types of diffusers and an accompanying video.

A Video on Choosing A Diffuser

Humidifiers:

Many people have the urge to put essential oils into their humidifiers. Theoretically, this makes sense because it is an excellent way to get the oils into the air. However, oils destroy many types of plastic. If your humidifier is made from plastic and has no special compartment for oils, do not use essential oils in this machine.

Burners:

Burner-type diffusers are pretty and relatively inexpensive. Please choose one with adequate space between where you place the candle and the oil. This prevents the oil from becoming toasted. Although this style of diffuser is often pretty, it does not utilize oil as effectively as an air pump style:

 

 

Jewellery Diffuses Oils:

You may also wear a diffuser. Some necklaces have pads to drop the oils onto, and others have chambers to insert the oils into. This is a subtle way to enjoy the oils.

I have sometimes experienced leakage from some necklaces, so be sure yours does not drop from the top from overfilling before wearing, or your clothes may become spotted with oil drops.

 

Moira the Mermaid- Video- A few more ways to diffuse essential oils-
Press Play and get ready to write down her suggestions!

 

Making an Aromatic Spray:

Another way to use essential oils is to drop them into a spray glass bottle of 70%-distilled water,  25% Everclear or other clean, clear alcohol, and about 5% essential oil. You may replace the alcohol with a solubilizer, which will be explained more in Practical Potions 2.

If I were to use the spray in the bathroom or kitchen, where there is a higher level of odour, I would opt for a higher essential oil ratio. The essential oils chosen also need to be considered. Some, like mints, have a powerful scent, while others, like orange, are less potent.

Remember to shake the bottle well before using it. This is important, as oils will often float to the top of a bottle and be used in one spray. Do not spray the mix on anyone; the oils may irritate the skin. Do not mist too close to your walls either, or you may notice an oil build-up on them over time.

Good essential oils to create a room spray are orange to balance or spearmint to invigorate. Any single oil or mixture can be used. Determine your preferences while considering the purpose of the oil and, of course, the cost when making your choice.  Label your mixture with ingredients and warnings, as it can be fatal if an animal or human drinks it.

People also used to think essential oils would diffuse well if put onto a light bulb. This is not an effective medium. The light bulb is too hot, and the oils burn.

Beauty Products- Essential Oils on Skin:

Essential oils also make great beauty enhancers for hair, skin, and the bath. You can make an array of products with essential oils.

In this course, we will seed many ideas and create tailor-made products, and this topic will also be continued in great detail in our Advanced Aromatherapy Course.

To Create a Blend-Proportions for skin application, beauty and massage mixes:

Mix 0.2-5% essential oils with 95-99.8% vegetable oil.

Use very dilute amounts of essential oil 0.01-1.0% on the face or delicate skin.

2-5% essential oil to carrier oil is a more common proportion for a more hardy mix for the body of a healthy, non-allergic, non-pregnant adult. But, the amount used also depends on the chosen essential oil, as some are mild and some are super potent.

Use subtle amounts and gentle essential oils for children (over three years of age, except for essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, which should not be used for children under 10) and people in a delicate state.

Bedtime-on skin, in a bath or on the pillow:

Put a few drops of lavender, neroli, Roman chamomile or lemongrass essential oil onto your pillow to help soothe your overworked or ruffled psyche. If you do not like the idea of oils being in direct contact with your pillow, use a Kleenex or cotton ball as the receptacle and place that inside your pillow cover.

Alternatively, place the essential oils and water in a glass bottle with a spray top. Spritz around your sleeping area.

The Applications for Aromatherapy are Endless!

I use aromatherapy in every aspect of my life- at work, driving, and home. I start the day by washing my face with Neroli hydrosol, a toner/cleanser.

After breakfast, I wipe my kitchen counter with hot water, adding a drop of lemongrass oil.

I end my day with an aromatic bath and a lavender and Roman chamomile pillow spray. We will discuss these topics further in the course.

The possibilities are limitless. As essential oils are potent substances, you should learn about the cautions and use common sense. Aromatic pursuits offer much room for practicality and creativity.

 Caveat-
Essential oils are generally safe when used responsibly. Please read and understand the cautions. Everyone is different and may have unique sensitivities and reactions. Also, please know when to seek medical help for yourself and your family. Review the cautions from the previous chapter here –: https://northernstarcourses.com/lesson/d-aromatherapy-i…r-daily-routines/

We at Northern Star College, Self Heal Distributing, and Scents of Wonder do not accept liability personally or as a company for any accidents or reactions to the essential oils or blends. Please use the products carefully and responsibly.

You will learn about 90 essential oils in this course. Here is a sneak preview of one.
The Free Cruise Sample-

Essential Oil of Ginger

Overview-

After listening to Jo Anna, your animated tour guide, give you an orientation. Please take a look at the material below. There is a video featuring ginger oil, accompanied by an animated presenter sharing information about the rest of the journey. You can also peek at the highlights of the upcoming adventure package. To conclude, there is a short deep dive and transformation cartoon summarizing some of the treasure you collected on the journey.

Please head over to the Ship’s Library to read the notes below on Ginger and to watch the video. You will notice rooms on the Ship can transform to suit your needs.

From the main stairwell, go to Deck 4.
Turn left, and the Library is the second door on your right.
You have time to grab a beverage and choose your favourite seat.

Get nice and comfortable, read about ginger, and view the video below.

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Steam-distilled rhizome

From China, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Class: Contains monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones.

Top 3 Constituents: Zingiberene, ar-Curcumene, beta-sesqui- phellandrene. (Lawrence 1995)

Favourite Use: For headaches and to relieve nausea.

Skin: Dilute and apply to bruises and sores to reduce pain and aid in healing.

Respiratory-Diffuse with other essential oils for catarrh, chronic bronchitis, congestion, cough, and sinusitis.

Add a drop into saltwater and gargle for a sore throat or tonsillitis. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 429

Digestive: Ginger is unbeatable as a digestive, but should be used in its dried form, herbally, rather than as an essential oil for internal use.

According to Purchon and Cantele, pg. 62, Ginger tones the digestive system and stimulates the production of gastric juices. It can increase appetite, aid digestion, and relieve cramps and spasms in the intestines and uterus.

It can also be diluted and rubbed onto the belly for digestive issues. It is a well-known antidote for travel sickness.

A 2015 study examined the effects of inhaling ginger essential oil after surgery. It showed that ginger essential oil significantly reduced nausea and vomiting postoperatively. Complement Ther Med. 2015 Dec;23(6):827-31 Epub2015, Oct 30

Muscular – Ginger shines as a natural pain reliever. Dilute and use in rubs for arthritis, fatigue, muscle aches, pains, injury, sprains, circulation, and rheumatism. Sheppard-Hanger pg. 429 Use in concentrations no higher than 1-2%.

Osteoarthritis–
A growing cluster of clinical trials suggests that applying diluted ginger to the skin can calm arthritic joints.

In a 2022 three‑group randomised trial (135 people, Iran), a daily ginger skin patch worn for nine weeks cut knee‑pain scores on the WOMAC scale by roughly 40 %—significantly better than usual care alone.​
Brieflands. https://brieflands.com/articles/koomesh-152794)

A 2024/25 RCT with 90 participants compared bedtime knee‑massage using a 3 % ginger essential‑oil dilution versus plain sesame oil. Both helped, but the ginger group experienced a greater reduction in pain and stiffness after four weeks.​ Okc Massage Clinic

A 2023 systematic review & meta‑analysis pooled eight RCTs on topical essential oils for musculoskeletal problems and found a moderate pain‑relieving effect in osteoarthritis—ginger‑based blends were among the better performers.​ MDPI https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37259296/

The evidence for ginger relieving osteoarthritis isn’t huge yet. Still, it is consistent with ginger’s known anti-inflammatory and warming actions, and it aligns nicely with what many therapists observe in practice.

Ginger is an anti-parasitic. It increases drug and herb absorption.

Protects the liver.

Immune: Add ginger to a bath or massage blend to alleviate chills, colds, flu, fever, and infections. Ginger helps raise body temperature, especially in the core. It can also reduce a fever by increasing sweating.

Mental: Mind-stimulating but grounding, warms flat emotions, helps sensitive people protect themselves.

Perfumery: Spicy, Top-Mid note; Odour intensity 4.

Blends with Nutmeg, bay, cajeput, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, lavender, lemon, myrtle, spearmint, orange, black pepper, lemon, lime, cedar, thyme, pine, clove, coriander, vetiver, petitgrain, and patchouli.
Genito- Mix 4 drops of essential oil with one teaspoon of carrier and rub into the tummy clockwise for relief of menstrual pain, or tummy ache.

Mythology: The ginger plant may increase courage. It was believed to attract wealth and serve as an aphrodisiac. In A Druid’s Herbal, pg. 170, ginger amplifies love spells with its hot and spicy nature.

The shape of ginger is intriguing and has triggered the imagination of many. It suggests an affinity for the digestive system, according to the doctrine of signatures, a belief that linked a plant’s appearance to its ability to heal.

Cautions: Ginger can be an irritant to sensitive skin. Please do not use it on children under 3. It has limited internal use. Ginger can interact with certain medications, including those used to treat heart conditions, blood thinners, and diabetes. It is slightly photo-toxic. The dermal sensitization is low, with concentrations of EO below 0.5% in leave-ons.

More Research–

Multiple studies listed on PubMed confirm ginger’s potential as a cancer-fighting herb. Notably, a study from October 2015 investigated the possibility of creating new cancer drugs from ginger’s active components. This research highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of a compound in ginger called 6-shogaol, which is a promising source of new anticancer treatments. Another significant study revealed that 6-shogaol is 10,000 times more potent than the chemotherapy drug Taxol in targeting the fundamental cause of breast cancer malignancy—the stem cells. These cells generate the tumour’s growth by producing more cells. According to the researchers, while Taxol had a negligible impact at concentrations up to 10,000 times higher than 6-shogaol, the ginger compound demonstrated significant effectiveness in attacking these cancerous cells.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27346834 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26477795 

The Ginger Video-

Press the play button to access it.

Fill out the Scent Impressions Sheet in Your Journal for Ginger

Ginger Soother Tea

The ginger deva brings so much relief! Ginger tea made from organic ginger root is always a good option.

Add boiling water to one of these options:
a) Freshly grated ginger root- 1 tsp. Per cup.
b) Dried ginger powder- 1 tsp. Per cup.
c) 1 drop of essential oil of fresh ginger, stirred into 1 tsp of honey.
Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes and enjoy the taste and aroma of Ginger Soother.

Add the grated ginger or ginger powder to a cup of heated or steamed milk to make ginger chai. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep it hot with a tea cozy.

Solar Plexus Warmer Massage Oil –
2 drops ginger EO
1 drop cardamom
1 drop black pepper
3 drops sweet orange
In 10 ml of MCT Coconut oil, or a carrier of your choice, rub it clockwise onto your belly.
Also use on hands and feet if they are chilly. Warms cold extremities and may ease digestive upset.

Mars, God of Life’s Battles, Salt Soak –
When you are at the end of your rope after a tough day. Try a nice hot bath and supportive essential oils.
1 cup Epsom salts
4 drops ginger EO
2 drops vetiver for grounding.
Add the essential oils to the Epsom salts just before your bath. Mix into the water very well.

For Free Cruise Students about to Disembark from the Ship.
Take a Peek at our Introductory Apprentice Ship Adventure.

Awaken your inner alchemist with our introductory course in Practical Potions. This journey into the art of aromatherapy is more than just a course—it’s a transformation. With over 70 hours of rich content, exercises and study, our modules are designed to ground you in the aromatic world of essential oils. Dive deeply into the properties of 90 individual essential oils and over 45 carrier oils. Create personal and home care products, and explore these natural wonders’ beauty and healing potential.

Emily, the Ship’s Meditation Instructor, Narrates this Short Video

A Peek Into the Modules:

• Scenting the Scene– and Introduction- Learn the aromatic language, get an overview and learn the magic of diffusion.
• Chemistry– Get grounded in the science of the chemistry of oils.
• The Scent Impressions Sheet – Sniffing the Oils- to–Access, develop and keep scent memory
• Learning the Properties of 90 individual essential oils – the tools to give you the knowledge to build expertise in each family of botanicals-
• The Lamiaceae Family- The Devas of Versatility,
• Create a Toothpaste, Pillow Mist, Foot Bath, Massage, Bath  & Shower Recipes
• The Lauraceae Family The Devas of Healing
• Make Ravensara Chest Rub-
• Work Intuitively with the Council of Plants and The Dorothy Maclean-Plant Attunement Technique
• Become a Magi of Mood and make emotion-enhancing blends
• Toxicology-Introductory Brew Your Potions Safely.
• The Myrtaceae- Devas of Breath! Create Tea Tree Hand Cleaner.
• The Genie of Cleaning- Simple Recipes for the home and car to create sparkle
• Coniferae – The Forest Devas,  Try Baba Yaga’s Simple Furniture Oil
• Distillation and Hydrosols – The Wizardry of Plant Elixirs
• Compositae– Devas of Calming- Create Calming Chamomile Salve
• The Geraniaceae Family– Devas of Beauty.
• The Enneagram – Know Yourself and Your Clients
• Burseraceae– Devas of Spirit, Blend Spirit of the Temple – Diffusion Blend.
• The Gramineae Family – Devas of Grounding
• The Zingiberaceae Family– Devas of Spicy Soothing-
• Carrier Oils- The Alchemy of Dilution and Enhancement- Address Skin Issues- Acne, Aging Skin, Hair Elixir-
• Gentle with the Wee One, Faery Baby’s Skin Oil-
• Creating Practical Potions & Perfumes – Introduction
• Medical Aromatherapy– Introduction
• The Interview Template, Good Questions Lead to Clear Responses-
• Create An Aromatic Pleasure Kit-
• Honour the Devas with student presentations.
• Enhance Your Knowledge and Skills – Receive an Introductory Aromatherapy Certificate upon completion of all steps.

Might You Like To Join Us- Video

The Deep Dives and Transformations Video-Unit 1, Press Play

After over 35 years, we are still excited about aromatherapy. We wish you to bring these potent genies into your life, move away from harmful toxins, and create your day authentically with your Inner Alchemist and the synergy of Mother Nature!

If your inner alchemist is excited to blend and create, join us and start your journey

To join us, go here- Northernstarcourses.com

We do not offer refunds. So, you can use this Free Cruise to determine if this path is right for you. Please get in touch with us with any comments or questions. Laurie at selfheal@telusplanet.net   Robert at scents@telusplanet.net

More aromatic adventures are available for Practical Potions Apprentice Ship students. Please refer to your course curriculum and proceed on your journey!

Free Cruise students may now disembark. It has been a pleasure having you on board!

To join us, go here- Northernstarcourses.com