The air is perfectly quiescent and all is stillness, as if Nature, after her exertions during the Summer, were now at rest, wrote American John Bradbury in 1817.

The term “Indian Summer”dates back to the 18th century in the United States. It is usually associated with a period of considerably above normal temperatures, accompanied by dry and hazy conditions ushered in on a south or southwesterly breeze.  As I continue to sit outside late into the evening, even though Autumn is officially begun, I wonder what is the origin of the term itself.

Probably one of the most thorough studies of the topic was done by Albert Matthews at the beginning of the 20th century. Evidently, it was first credited erroneously to a Major Denny, who used it in his “Journal”, dated October 13th, 1794. Matthews, however, discovered an earlier usage of the term by a Frenchman named St. John de Crevecoeur, who wrote in a letter dated 17th January, 1778....Sometimes the rain is followed by an interval of calm and warmth which is called the Indian Summer; its characteristics are a tranquil atmosphere and general smokiness. Since the writer says, “it is called the Indian Summer”, obviously one could argue that the term had been used earlier, but by whom? And why Indian?

One explanation might be that the early native American Indians chose that time of year as their hunting season. This would make some sense, as the mild and hazy weather encourages the animals out, and the haziness of the air gives the hunter the advantage to sneak up on his prey without being detected.  Taking this idea one step further, Indians at that time set fires to prairie grass, underbrush and woods to accentuate the hazy, smoky conditions.  But Matthews pointed out that the Indians also did this at other times of the year.

Other possibilities are that the Indians made use of the dry, hazy weather to attack the whites before the hard winter set in; that this was the season of the Indian harvest; or, that the winds which accompanied the “Indian Summer”period were regarded as a favour or “blessing” from a “god” in the desert Southwest.

Another hypothesis, not at all connected with American Indians, was put forward by writer H.E. Ware, who noted that ships at that time traversing the Indian Ocean loaded up their cargo the most during the “Indian Summer”, or fair weather season.  Several ships actually had an “I.S.” on their hull at the load level thought safe during the “Indian Summer”.

As weather historian Bill Deedler [to whom I am indebted in the research of this piece] points out, there are several theories or possibilities of the explanation and origin of the term “Indian Summer”, yet no one theory has actually been proven.  Given the fact that it has been centuries since the term first appeared, it will probably rest with its originators.

Meanwhile enjoy the unseasonably pleasant weather while it’s here, because one thing is certain, it never lasts!

Open Day.
Fortunately, although not as warm and sunny as the day before, the weather held and some were able to dine alfresco at the Mill House.

Many had obviously made a very early start, and I was quickly shoulder-deep in cars as restless drivers surged about in search of a parking spot. Next year I promise that I shall have it better sorted (I hope!). In truth I had underestimated how many of you there would be - 90!

Sue Clarke kicked the day off in inimitable style.  Given the latitude, she would undoubtedly make an excellent stand-up comedienne. As it was, she rollicked through her talk with gusto and not a little satire. However, judging from her comments at the end of the day, I believe that her sideways look at aromatherapy and aromatherapists has become more focused. Aromatherapists are far more knowledgeable, committed, and caring than the media would have scientists believe!

Shirley Price was welcomed with rapturous applause, and not a little awe by younger members of the audience. Although I have known Shirley and Len for many years, I had never heard the story of their early years in aromatherapy.  My word they worked hard: I did not envy Len having to remove their double bed every morning to make way for lectures in their bedroom. Apparently all the other rooms were full of overnighting students!

As the “boards” began to warm beneath her feet, the Shirley of old emerged as radiant as ever: her enthusiasm for aromatherapy totally undiminished.  As the years rolled back, I wondered inwardly if she would ever really retire. Her sheer energy is amazing. Mind you Len runs her pretty close and, after almost fifty years of marriage, they are a tremendous team.

Len’s post prandial pastiche about the derivation of words used in aromatherapy was the ideal afternoon opener, and much appreciated by the classicists amongst us.  He seemed surprised that I still have my Max Muller Sanskrit Primer!

Sue Whyte’s talk about Aromatherapy in Palliative Care was most moving, and truly inspirational. I doubt that anyone did not “feel”something. Rarely have I sensed such spirituality, an inner calm filled the room. I believe that many would have wished her to go on and on, but the day had to close.  However if there are any who would like to know more perhaps they will let me know, and I shall have a word with Sue.
I think it probably the best Open Day yet. My sincere thanks to the speakers, the staff at the Mill House and, of course, to all those who came from far and wide to make it a memorable event.    

Fairest of them all!
I was absolutely thrilled to hear from Claire Fairest about her recent win at the National Beauty Awards. Open to anyone in the Health and Beauty Industry, Claire beat four other finalists to claim the coveted title of Aromatherapist of the Year.  Many congratulations Claire, and very well done!  I wish Claire Beaumont Health and Beauty Salon all success.

Perhaps Claire would now like to put herself forward for the prestigious UK Aromatherapist of the Year award, endorsed by the AOC (Aromatherapy Organisations Council).  Open to members of the AOC National Register of Aromatherapists, the lucky winner will receive a specially engraved trophy, a certificate, and loads of publicity through the AOC newsletter and other national magazines and in the press.  And if that’s not enough, a PR committee member will also get in touch with the winner’s local press and radio to arrange interviews to boost the winner’s practice! 

However, as the award is to be made on 5th October and nominations have to be received by 15th Sptember, I fear that this announcement will be a little late.  Next year perhaps?!

Meanwhile, if you have not already registered, now seems not a bad time to do so because its only £15 to join up until the end of 2002. A printable application form is available off their website <www.aocuk.net>, or call the office on 020 8251 7912.

Fighting flatulence.
Although I am prone to the occasional twinge of pain in the hips, particularly after several hundred miles of driving, and the odd grip of cramp in the “clutch” leg, I am truly very lucky.

My father [75] suffered a stroke a few months ago and is now living with me. From being incredibly active, swimming three times weekly and walking ten miles a day with the dogs, he is now very debilitated and dependent.  He is suffering incredibly painful flatulence/stomach upset/diarrhoea, probably to do with the umpteen (allopathic) medications he must now take, and of course his mood is very low.  Would very gentle stomach massage perhaps help?

I reach involuntarily for Helen Brett’s Complementary Therapies in the Care of Older People. 

Drugs clearly impact on the system because of reduced metabolic rate and excretory efficiency.  As a result of this, drugs tend to over-concentrate in the blood and a cumulative effect occurs.  This is especially true of sedatives, opioids and opiate analgesics.  Smaller doses are therefore required, particularly as drug non-compliance and medication error are said to be greater in the older population.

Flatulence may be associated with organic disease or, more commonly, is a result of swallowing too much air when eating or making a lot of intestinal gas during digestion.  Where people feel bloated, they may benefit from gentle abdominal massage or a reflexology treatment, which concentrates on the digestive, circulatory and lymphatic reflexes.

I read that suitable essential oils which could be added to the abdominal rub include peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum L.). Drinking peppermint herbal tea could also be helpful.

I thought that the collection of symptoms mentioned suggested, perhaps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  L. Parker [A guide to the use of aromatherapy in irritable bowel syndrome. Aromatherapy World: Nurturing Summer: 18-19 (1999)] is convinced that regular aromatherapy massage of the abdomen can help such sufferers, especially if it is combined with dietary and lifestyle advice.

When treating patients she uses a combination of oils such as marjoram sweet (Origanum majorana L.) and jasmin (Jasminum grandiflorum) for stress and anxiety, and peppermint and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a carminative or antispasmodic, and rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) or geranium (Pelargonium graveolens Heritier) for their antidepressant properties.  She found that, once the patients feel in control of their symptoms, they are then ready to embrace changes within their diet and lifestyle, which may then bring further relief.

More bird-brained comment.
Chickens are not the “bird-brains” popularly thought but can learn by watching the mistakes of other hens, according to new research. Christine Nicol at Bristol University says her research has revealed previously unsuspected signs of social intelligence.

Chickens can learn from more experienced chickens, with mother hens making good teachers. Cockerels take longer to learn though they are more persistent.  Chickens have shown us they can do things people didn’t think they could.  There are hidden depths to chickens, definitely, she told the British Association science festival in Leicester.

In her research, chickens were put in a chamber next to a hen who knew to press a button to receive food.  The chickens that had a “teacher” were more successful than those that had to use trial and error to receive their food.

Ethical decisions about animal welfare must take account of research into animal behaviour, the festival was told.  For example, the Bristol study showed that chickens can navigate by the sun. So hens living in barns would need light to enable them to find their nests when the battery chicken ban came into force across Europe in 2009.

Behavioural biologists at Bristol also looked at how pigs were introduced at farms.  When unfamiliar pigs were mixed, they showed aggression which could result in lameness, slow growth, loss of litter and even death. Most animals in the wild avoid conflict to minimise injury.

Mike Mendl and his colleagues have shown that if pigs that are more or less aggressive than his current stock, this leads to less conflict than putting together those that are more evenly matched.

Meanwhile, at Oxford University, they are back in the lab., where rodents exhibited habitual night-time routines linked to escape events such as repetitive gnawing of bars near to where their cage was opened. Georgia Mason and her colleague Joseph Garner in the US have linked this stereotypic behaviour to rituals seen in autism, schizophrenia and the taking of some drugs.

Why, you may think, do I write about such matters?

A different sort of Kunzea.
Well, thank you again for your help. I am now off to round up several hundred sheep and sort out the lambs, e-mailed Pauhla Whittaker.  I don’t suppose you have all your alternative agriculture newsletters archived somewhere too???? I do, as it happens, but that is another project for the future, but in the present we do have a surprising number of farmer therapists.

Pauhla’s original question?  Can you tell me the difference/relative merits between Kunzea ericoides and Kunzea ambigua which I have just been given?

In truth I know little about Kunzea ambigua (Smith) Druce, except that its trivial name is Tick Bush and it is distributed through N.E. Tasmania and S.E. Australia. Kunzea ericoides J. Thompson, or Kanuka, is far more familiar, and I have written much about it in the past.

However I do recollect reading in Phytochemical Diversity: A Source of New Industrial Products a fascinating paper, entitled In Pursuit of Insecticidal Compounds from Plants.

Natural products have played an important role in crop protection over thousands of years. In the last two decades the industry has concentrated on evaluating chemicals from microorganisms and synthetic screening programmes.  However, limited success has led to a revival of interest in plants which in the past have provided the agrochemical industry with important lead compounds [J.P. Benner, Pestic. Sci., 1993, 39, 95-102].  Plants offer a wider source of chemical diversity than most synthetic based screens and this diversity warrants further study. Thus, it should seek compounds with, inter alia, activity against a range of target species e.g. mites, beetles, flies, caterpillars and ticks.

Early Australian settlers noticed that native animals often slept under Kunzea ambigua, and concluded that they were infected by ticks and other mites and insects from the bush, hence the trivial name.  Today, it is thought that animals were in fact seeking relief from infestations by brushing against, sleeping or lying under the bush.

Kunzeins considered.
Kunzea species contain insecticidal components, Kunzeins.  Kunzein 0 and Kunzein1 were isolated from the hexane extract of Kunzea sinclairii, which I first came across on Barrier Island, New Zealand. Both Kunzein 0 and Kunzein 1 show insecticidal activities towards a narrow range of insects. Although activity against mustard beetles (Phaedon cochleariae) and houseflies (Musca domestica) is greater than for some natural insecticides, activity against commercially important insects is much lower.

However, over 150 related plant species have been tested and over 30% found to be active. To date, as far as I know, an additional five novel insecticidal compounds, including one from K. ambigua, have been isolated from plants of related genera.

Of the six Kunzea species studied, ambigua, baxterii, ericifolia, ericoides, aff. micromera and sinclarii, three contained a higher percentage (up to x10) of the Kunzeins 0 and 1.  The ratio of these compounds varied both among and within species. All compounds isolated have a common syncarpic acid moiety.

Bush Sense prevails.
Interesting information on Kunzea. I too found it originally as a result of its reputed insecticidal properties as I was looking for something to put into my home-made fly and midge potion for my horses, replied Pauhla.  But what about humans?

According to Mark Webb’s excellent book Bush Sense, which I still do not have in stock, anecdotal feedback from users of the oil have shown it to be helpful in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, rash, undernail infections and leg ulcers, and most helpful for the treatment of chilblains. The oil has been found also to ease the pain of insect bites, minor burns, recurring shingles and migraine.

The oil has been tested and prescribed by a number of therapists, nurses and pharmacists in Northern Tasmania, and it is their evidence that led to it being registered for use under the Australian Therapeutic Goods Act for the temporary relief of arthritic and rheumatic pain, influenza, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety.
  
The steam-distilled oil contains alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, globulol, viridiflorol, biocyclo-
germacrene, alpha-terpineol as major components, with trace amounts of calamenene, spathulenol, citronellol, ledol, and limonene, according to Mark.  I shall have to take a closer look.

Is it more, or less, efficacious than Kanuka?  On the basis of what I know so far, I would think that they are much of a muchness.  I suspect that much depends upon whether you come from Australia (K. ambigua) or New Zealand (K. ericoides), and I’m not being flippant!

One final thought on Tick Bush.  Despite its chemical arsenal, it often falls prey to the webbing caterpillar which may be controlled by physical removal or by an application of  a systemic insecticide.  It’s worth doing because, under cultivation, K. ambigua grows into a handsome shrub which attracts numerous birds and colourful soldier beetles (Cantharidae) when its creamy-white, honey-scented flowers appear. Which reminds me....
 
British Bush Tucker?
The first study of the “wild plant”economy in the UK - which employs 2,000 people and has a turnover worth tens of millions of pounds a year - was presented at the aforementioned science festival.

Hew Prendergast, head of the Centre for Economic Botany at Kew Gardens, said elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.) were the largest product in the wild plant economy - 100 tonnes a year of elderflowers, worth £10m, were picked from hedgerows, to be made into cordials and other drinks.  More elder plantations are being established to meet the demand, which is rising rapidly, he said.  An opportunity, perhaps?

Or how about Britain’s fungal economy? Tiny compared with Continental Europe, it still turns over £400,000. Most collecting takes place in Scotland, which seems safer than the New Forest where a battle for the fungi has broken out between residents and Italian collectors, and provides 350 seasonal and 20 full-time jobs.

Other wild crops include nettles (Urtica dioica L.) in Cornwall - two tonnes a year are harvested to wrap around cheeses - wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) in southern Scotland,
seaweed for laver bread, and sloes to make sloe gin. It all seems to be abuzz in  the British countryside.

Bulgaria fares worse than expected.
Contrary to expectations [Newsletter123], exceptional climatic conditions in Bulgaria have prevented the maturation of half of the rose buds (Rosa damascena Mill.) and caused the harvest to fall 50% against estimate. This is unheard of in the last 30 years. This has triggered a buying war and an upward spiral in prices. The average price of a flower has risen 70%, thus getting close to the price of a Turkish flower.  Yields have fallen also by 7 to10%. It would not be surprising if Bulgarian prices increased to Turkish levels.  Those who took up our special offer of Bulgarian Rose Otto in June probably got quite a bargain!

One of the reasons why sometimes your parcel doesn’t arrive!
Ringgg!! Ringgg!! I grab hurriedly for the phone.  Hello!  Hello!  Anyone there! Quick! Quick! It’s a general alert!  What? Where? Who?, I mumble into the mouthpiece, quite non-plussed. It’s the Rotherham Post Office, a rather frantic voice replies. Yes? Your parcel, it’s got white powder falling out of it! What is it??!! Quick!!

My mind races. I have visions of police cars rushing to the scene, crammed full of officers clad in protective clothing; Rotherham grinding to a halt; a helicopter hovering over Mount Farm with half the SAS aboard; arraignment before President Bush even.  Horrors!

It transpires that Parcelforce has given Mrs. Smith’s parcel a right thumping, and a bag of 5 kilos of Sodium Hydroxide pellets has burst. Phew! The Post Office accepts my explanation, and I am on the loose again.

Seriously though, it is good to know that the vigilance of our postal service is still in place.
While September 11 is seared on the soul of America, the events of October were in many ways more insidious.  Spores of Bacillus anthracis - anthrax - distributed through the United States Postal Service killed five people and infected a further 18 - and still no one has been caught.

A taste for lavender?
Do you have a recipe for Lavender ice cream? I was asked recently. Amazingly, I do!

A few years ago, on a warm June afternoon, there was a knock on the office door. Hi!  I’m Robert Kourik, and I have something for you. He placed on my desk a beautifully illustrated book - The Lavender Garden - and, with barely another word, left as silently as he had come.

A landscape consultant and garden writer whose articles have appeared in many magazines, Robert Kourik is author also of Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally and co-author of Cooking from the Gourmet’s Garden, amongst other titles.  He lives and gardens in Northern California.  What on earth he was doing in Churchill, I shall probably never know.

However, in this attractive book, which profiles his sixteen favourite lavender varieties, there is a yummy recipe for lavender ice cream, graciously provided by Nora Pouillon, owner of Restaurant Nora in Washington D.C.  There are also several other scrumptious suggestions. If you are a cook, and fancy adding lavender to the menu, this is definitely the book for you.

The smell of lavender?
Of all the essential oils that we stock, lavender oils (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) are the ones about which we receive the most questions, particularly their sensory properties.

Never very good at describing smells, the sensory evaluation of lavender is a nightmare because of inter- and intra-individual differences, I tend to leave the evaluation to the individual.  However here are a few hints to get you going.

According to several publications, the odour characteristics of lavender oil are described with reference to its constituents as follows: cis-3-hexenol and derivatives - fresh, green; butyl and hexyl esters - fruity, fatty; undecatriene - herbal, green; 1-octen-3-ol and derivatives - herbal, earthy; linalool, lavandulol - fresh, floral; the ocimenes - fresh, aromatic, spicy; etc., etc.  Where do you begin? Steffen Arctander , for example, describes the odour character of lavandulol alone as being oily, herbal, warm-rosy, somewhat reminiscent of geraniol and a spike-like note!

As I say, I leave it to you. Enjoy this month’s Comparison Pack!

A sticky subject!
Several have telephoned me, and have even sent samples of agglutinated globules, enquiring how to blend Poplar Absolute (Populus balsamifera L. subsp. trichocarpa (Torr. & A. Gray) Brayshaw).  Interestingly some seem to have no problem at all, or are too kind to call me, but I have to admit that I have tried with little success. Fed up and glued up, I thought that I would ask the Canadians to come up with a solution. Obviously the answer was not on the tip of their tongues, because it has taken a few weeks to obtain a credible reply!  Joking apart, I am extremely grateful for their unremitting efforts.

For best results when blending, they advise that the absolute should be slightly warmer than room temperature. Add warmed Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C. Schneider) to the absolute [they have been using 10% concentration of the Poplar], shake until emulsified, then leave until the tar-like residue has settled - this may take up to 24 hours.

The dark green jojoba mix is now ready to pour into bottles and use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, antiviral, antibacterial, hepatic, lymphatic stimulant, anti-spasmodic, anti-tussive, wound healer and nervous system tonic. They suggest that it is safe to use, at this level of dilution, directly on the skin even when the area is irritated.

The tar-like residue that settles to the bottom of the container should be separated from the jojoba and used in creams that need high concentrations of components to rebuild damaged cells and muscle fibres. When blended with Peppermint (Mentha piperita L. var. officinalis Sole) or other analgesic oils, the mixture provides considerable relief for deep joint pain, injured bones and muscle tears. In cases of pneumonia or pleurisy, the residue of Poplar ‘tar’ can be mixed in a cream with Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) and Himalayan Cedarwood (Cedrus deodora G. Don. f.) to provide relief and clear the symptoms.  This same blend works well for asthma when applied to the base of the throat.

If wishing to blend the Poplar Absolute with alcohol, there will only be a slight separation with grain alcohol, but greater separation with isopropyl alcohol.

Finally....Watch what you eat!
What could be worse than finding a black widow spider crawling among your bananas, as Vicki Bell in Weymouth did last month? Well, how about finding a lizard’s head in your vegetarian ravioli, as an Australian woman did recently when she poured the contents of her Lean Cuisine into a bowl in her Canberra home?! [Natural Products, September 2002]  

 

charles@essentiallyoils.com
 

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