Strewth, it is quite difficult to get this newsletter started. You would think that after eleven years I would have no problem, but my mind is blank.  I gaze idly through the window in search of inspiration. Patches of virginal Fair Maid of February catch the eye as they battle valiantly against the stormy blast.

Suddenly I recollect a gathering of galanthophiles at Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire, last February, pictured recently in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society.  Undeterred by snow, wind, or rain, these hardy individuals were there to celebrate the publication of the first monograph on snowdrops for forty years.

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis L.), usually considered the first flower of the year, though the Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis (L.) Salisb.) has perhaps the better claim, has never been of much account in physic, and has never been recognized.

Master surgeon John Gerard (1545-1607), whose very name is almost synonymous with herbal in England, says nothing is set down hereof by the ancient Writers, nor anything observed by the moderne. He calls it the Bulbous Violet, but adds that some call it the Snowdrop, the earliest mention of it by this name [Herbal or General Historie of Plantes, 1597], and it was known to all the old botanists as a bulbous violet.  I, however, prefer the sobriquet Fair Maid of February.

The generic name, Galanthus, is Greek in its origin and signifies Milkflower.  Nivalis is a Latin adjective, meaning relating to or resembling snow.

Interestingly Gerard speaks of it as not a native of England, though somewhat common in gardens, having been introduced from Italy.  It is a native of Switzerland, Austria and of Southern Europe generally, but where naturalized here spreads into considerable masses, and is plentiful wherever it occurs.

However it always surprises me that, despite its extreme hardiness, it shows such a marked preference or distaste for certain localities, even though there may be little variation in soil or altitude. In some areas snowdrops will grow and spread like wildfire but in others, with apparently identical conditions, they refuse to do anything. Does anyone know why?

Galanthus may be quite a small genus of some 18 species, but snowdrops are a promiscuous bunch: bring them together and when left to their own devices they produce some surprising offspring. There is always the feeling that one may just discover something new.

Such a discovery can have a strange effect upon some.  Alan Smith, a galanthophile who lives hereabouts, describes the stomach-churning emotion as ‘the special feeling you have for a first-love’.  Galanthus nivalis ‘Blewbury Tart’, a cheeky little double, was discovered by Alan in his home village of Blewbury, after which it is named!

By the way I am not sure that the estimable Gerard is quite correct, in saying that the plant has no medicinal use.  Checking further back, an old glossary of 1465, referring to it as Leucis i viola alba, classes it as an emmenagogue, and elsewhere, listed under the narcissi, its healing properties are stated to be ‘digestive, resolutive and consolidante.’

Needless to say the aforementioned monograph sold quickly out, and is now in its second edition. Snowdrops - A monograph of cultivated Galanthus is attractively produced with 212 beautifully clear photographs showing the texture and markings of a good many of the more than 500 snowdrops described. Whilst not cheap at £45, it is an absolute must for any dedicated galanthophile.
Now that I have started......
As several know, my passion for plants and oils is matched only by my enthusiasm for animals and automobiles. Often, when asked where I am, Jan and Justin blithely say that I am exercising the cars and polishing the dogs: they are not far wrong. However, as I imagine that more will permit (perhaps reluctantly) chatter about animals than cars in the newsletter, I curb my motormania but quest actively for any anecdotes about animals.
 
Pissed pachyderms!
I have just ordered some Marula for experimentation purposes, emailed Jacqui Le Sueur. My eczema is playing up at the moment so I plan to blend marula with Argan in equal proportions to which I shall add very dilute Melissa, Immortelle and Hyssop. I will report my skin’s response.....

Having lived in South Africa for seven years, it would be nigh impossible to not be aware of the Marula tree and its highly sought-after fruits; Marula beer and Amarula liqueur both being as delicious as one another. But let’s not forget the joys of the fruits, as indeed the elephants don’t. Herds of elephants walk incredible distances in search of fallen marula fruits. But not just any old marulas, however - they prefer fermented fruits.  They consume vast quantities with inevitable results! A group of inebriated elephants is a sight to behold and not one easily forgotten!     
  
I do wonder what John Donne (1572-1631) would have made of such a scene because, in ‘The Progress of the Soul’, he describes an elephant as Nature’s great masterpiece, The only harmless great thing......but drunk?!
  
Hauled to account.
I was astonished by your reply to Zoe Evans [Newsletter 131 - Allaying concern], scolded Pat Farrelly.  Your conclusion was that if the ECPI said it’s all right, well then, it must be all right. Gosh Charles, isn’t life wonderfully simple! The next time I want sound, impartial advice on say, cigarette smoking for example, I’ll just run along and ask BAT, shall I?

Upon re-reading my piece, I have to admit that I can understand perhaps why she comes to this conclusion.  However, in my own defence, let me explain.

Over the eleven years that I have been writing the Newsletter, I have referred several times to the potential dangers of phthalates.  I believe that I was one of the first to alert people to the dangers of “fragrance”oils, because of the extensive use of phthalates in them.  Also I have cautioned often against the purchase of cheap, exotic essential oils from countries like India and Egypt for the same reason. The main reason that we analyse every essential oil which we buy is to detect phthalates.  Why then, you may wonder, do I even mention the opinion of the ECPI [European Council for Plasticisers and Intermediates]?  Simply, in the case of such a contentious issue, I believe that people should be aware of the contra-argument so that they are encouraged to research further.

When I picked up first on the “Perfumes Scare”story in the Sunday Times, I contacted immediately several well-qualified scientists on the subject.  Although their opinions were sharply divided, most agreed that to date there was insufficient definitive research.

I understand that the differentiation between endocrine modulation and reproduction toxicity is difficult because there is considerable confusion over the two issues, and they are quite distinct from a toxicological point of view although their effects are often treated as similar.

The endocrine modulation/disruption hypothesis is generally taken to be a disruption of the hormone and endocrine system caused by exposure to chemicals that can mimic natural hormones.  It is generally assumed that this is from either diet (several phyto-oestrogens are known) or from exposure to synthetic chemicals either from pollution or as contaminants in food (pesticide residues, etc.). Some low molecular weight phthalates, such as alkyl phenols and their ethoxylates, were once implicated in this debate by Professor Richard Sharpe of the Medical Research Council’s Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, but he later retracted the original communication since both he and other workers were unable to reproduce the results.

Reproduction toxicity studies the effect of exposure of infants to external materials while in utero.  This concerns a one-off acute exposure (rather than long term exposure as seen with endocrine modulation) leading to the inability of the infant to develop sexually on reaching puberty. This is an effect normally described for male offspring. Hence the subjects are totally different toxicologically, although both will describe the inability of males to produce offspring, the endocrine disruption giving a higher than normal level of female hormones which causes the interference with testosterone, etc. whereas the reproduction toxicity effect relates to the inability, or reduced ability, to produce sperm.

Again phthalates have been studied in the reproduction toxicity issue and many references are given on the ECPI website, and some of this has been the basis for setting workplace exposure levels and restrictions for pregnant workers when handling some phthalates (the latest studies on higher phthalates as part of EU risk assessments have shown that no labelling is needed).

Having agreed [Newsletter 130 - Perfumes cause concern] that “Chemicals that pose a risk to fertility do not belong in cosmetics, and manufacturers should be made to list ingredients”several riposted, and I thought it only equitable to present the contra-argument. After all, as a mere reporter, I do not purport to be judge, jury and executioner.

The ECPI response, whilst cleverly contrived, I thought somewhat over the top. However, as I am not sufficiently qualified to comment authoritatively, I hoped that its sheer absurdity might tempt others to dispute its veracity.  “Be this the case” was intended to infer sarcasm: I failed, and I apologise.

Correcting confusion?
I have been sent a copy of your Newsletter 130, emailed Geoffrey Lawler, Chairman - ARWG [Aromatherapy Regulation Working Group]. 

You make statements in there [National Register widens remit] referring to the aromatherapy regulatory process and I thought it important that some of these were corrected.

I enclose a statement which hopefully offers some clarification.....

The ARWG welcomes the move by the AOC to open up its register to any aromatherapist that meets its required standard.

It is important to state, though, that this is still the AOC register and is therefore separate from the ARWG and it does not form part of the ARWG’s regulatory process. The ARWG is working to define the criteria for a unified register for the whole profession and only then will a single register be established under an independent regulatory body.

There is no transitional or pre-transitional register for the ARWG and all those who are on a register belonging to an aromatherapy organisation will have to apply to the new register along with all therapists who are not currently registered with an organisation.

This is how it has been with other professions that have gained voluntary or statutory self regulation.

The ARWG has firstly to establish a system of voluntary self regulation for the profession and then to consider seeking legislative powers to enable this to have statutory backing.

Geoffrey emailed later.....There is nothing wrong with the information as such, it is just that some therapists are reading it the wrong way by thinking that this is an official, independent, transitional register and therefore it is important to be clear.

I couldn’t agree more, but I am becoming confused.

Of course I am happy to correct any statements which I make (on this occasion, by the way, based almost verbatim upon a Press Release from the AOC), so long as such correction is warranted.

I contacted Joyce West, the Chair of the AOC [Aromatherapy Organisations Council].....

As far as the AOC are concerned everything in the Press Release is correct.  The AOC register is the foundation on which the ARWG and then the statutory register is being built. The final statutory register will require an application to be made by therapists but the purpose of the AOC register which will evolve into the ARWG register is to make the transition as straightforward as possible.

Fine: but what about the article - “Registration Scare” - in the current issue of International Therapist [The Journal of the Federation of Holistic Therapists]?.....

Do I have to go on this [AOC] Register to practise?  No, you do not. By their own admission the AOC states that “This is the Pre-Transitional Register for statutory registration.” In a number of years it may become the Transitional Register and then the AOC hope that it might in time become the real Statutory Register. In other words it has no more validity than any other Register currently available.  What’s more, the AOC will not be the group controlling the Register. It will have to be done by an independent body with the support of the whole industry.

Joyce comments.....

As for other organisations appearing to diminish the status of the AOC Register, this may be part of the reluctance to accept the inevitability of regulation and I am sure that in the fullness of time you will see a change of attitude.  The AOC has been dedicated, particularly in the last year, to building bridges and this is already bearing fruit.

In which case I am absolutely delighted, because a year ago [Newsletter 120 - All for one, one for all] I wrote......

Once there is one register for all aromatherapy practitioners, the Government will surely be more willing to consider the question of statutory self-regulation for the profession.  To do so at present would be pointless, for there is still much bridge-building to be done.  It might not be a bad idea to make peace with the FHT for a start.

To put this into perspective, it should be appreciated that the FHT also has a Register of
Practitioners which contains over 10,000 names.  What’s more it’s absolutely free for Members to join. If and when any Statutory Register is put in place this Register as well will be available for transfer into the new one.

Am I less confused?  Perhaps.....there seem to be an awful lot of registers..... some at least seem to be getting to grips with the problem.....I wish them well.....but do keep us up-to-date with what’s going on!

Does the cap fit?
All Reformers, however strict their social conscience, live in houses just as big as they can pay for. [Logan Pearsall Smith 1865-1946: Afterthoughts (1931)]

In the aforementioned International Therapist  there is a thought-provoking article, “The hidden cost of essential oils”, by the charismatic Chrissie Wildwood, in which she draws our attention to the environmental issues connected with the supply of Rosewood (Aniba spp.) and Sandalwood (Santalum album L.): I shall not dwell on them here, because I feel that all should read Chrissie’s article if they can. However, as an essential oil supplier, it places me in a quandary. Should I remove Rosewood and Sandalwood from our list?

As a long-term conservationist (40+ years), the answer would appear comparatively simple: withdraw them immediately. But will this deter you from buying them elsewhere?  I fear not.  For example, I note that Sandalwood is included in the FHT’s Essential Oil Kit for VTCT NVQ level 3.

“Ask awkward questions of suppliers and encourage them to investigate the provenance of every herb, essential oil and related product they sell”, urges Chrissie. I have no argument with that, but may I suggest also that the FHT and the like stop “teaching”endangered oils?

Remove the demand, and the supply will surely disappear.

Furthermore why do not teachers suggest well-researched alternatives to Sandalwood and Rosewood or, better still, reasons why there is no need to use them at all?  Although it might mean that many authors, including Chrissie, have to review what they have written before, it would be a step in the right direction. None of us is blameless.

Lightening up!
Just received the latest Newsletter which I scanned rapidly in the vague hope that there might be some suggestions for SAD [Seasonal Affective Disorder]? Any ideas......?

Officially, three million people in Britain suffer from the winter blues, although the actual figure is probably higher.

SAD is associated with winter depression and summer hypomania. Typically, individuals feel depressed, they slow down, and generally oversleep, overeat, and crave carbohydrates in the winter. In the summer, patients feel elated, active, and energetic. 

Although many variables may be resonsible for SAD, light exposure appears the most logical explanation. Many mammals exhibit seasonal variation in activity level, sleep patterns, and appetite, and are extremely sensitive to changes in day length.  The key hormonal change may be a reduced secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland and an increased secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Melatonin supplementation may improve SAD because it not only increases brain melatonin levels, but also may suppress cortisol secretion [Yu H.S., Reiter R.J., eds. Melatonin biosynthesis, physiological effects and clinical applications. Boca Raton, USA: CRC Press. 1993].

The antidepressive effects of full-spectrum light therapy have been demonstrated in well monitored, controlled studies not only in SAD, but also in clinical depression [Rosenthal N., Sack D., Gillin C., et al. Seasonal affective disorder: a description of the syndrome and preliminary findings with light treatment. Arch. Gen. Psychiat. 1984; 41: 72-80].  The antidepressant effect of light therapy is probably due to restoring proper melatonin synthesis and secretion by the pineal gland leading to re-establishment of the proper circadian rhythm.

St. John’s Wort (SJW) extract, standardised to contain 0.3% hypericin, at a dosage of 300mg three times daily has been shown to improve SAD [Kripke D., Risch S., Janowsky D. Bright white light alleviates depression. Psychiat. Res. 1983; 10: 105 112].  However, although effective on its own, SJW extract is more effective when used in combination with light therapy.

Since the cause of SAD appears to be light-related, the treatment goal is to extend light exposure on winter days. Therefore it would probably make sense to introduce full-spectrum lighting throughout the house and pursue conjunctive therapy with night-time melatonin (3mg 45 minutes before retiring) and SJW or 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin and is ten times more powerful than the controversial supplement tryptophan. 50-200mg of 5-HTP has proven especially useful to people experiencing sleep problems, so I am told.

Essential oils?  I am advised that you could try oils such as Basil, Black Pepper, Rosemary, Thyme, etc., to counteract fatigue and lethargy. Some say that “sunny”oils, particularly the Citrus family, can assist: Grapefruit, Orange and Petitgrain are favoured.  Vaporising grapefruit in the home or office seems to stimulate the mind as well as lifting spirits.

Nutrition also can reduce SAD symptoms.  Red and orange foods, such as dried apricots, red peppers, beetroot and kidney beans all seem to help - and this, I am assured, is not just a fanciful association with sunny colours: they each contain nutrients that combat depression and are classed as Yang foods in terms of energy.

Finally, some SAD sufferers have found acupuncture a great help. A point on the ear, called Shen Men, “The Gate of Heaven”, stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the brain’s “happy” chemicals.        

Well that’s me sorted until the clocks change!

Randonnée!
I can hear you now.  Randonnée?  What on earth is he on about?

Strictly, in French, a randonnée is a promenade, but en voiture a drive, à pied a ramble or, if you are so inclined, à cheval a pony trek. 

Hard-pressed for a word to describe our forthcoming get-togethers in London and Edinburgh, my mind kept wandering back to splendid motoring events in France [I knew that I was not going to curb my motormania for ever!]. As members of the Amicale Facel Vega (a rather stylish French marque, but sadly now long extinct), Jan and I are invited regularly to join the Club for a randonnée.

On the first occasion we had not an idea what to expect. Personally I anticipated endless, hair-raising, Gallic-style, driving up and down the Alps, interspersed perhaps with the odd pit stop for a demi-tasse and a baguette.  I could not have been more wrong. Apart from driving, somewhat slowly for my taste, between venues, we were rarely en voiture. A little time was spent à pied viewing some outstanding examples of France’s architectural heritage, but by far the most was passed in most convivial company discussing everything but cars and sampling what France does best. Be this a randonnée, I’m all for it!

Having chosen the word, I set about finding the location.  Fortuitously, through membership of another organisation, I had the opportunity to join The Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL). Having resigned my membership of London clubs when I left the City years ago, I took this chance to renew old associations.

The League was founded in 1910 by Sir Evelyn Wrench to foster international understanding. The League’s Patron is H.M. The Queen and its Royal Charter requires ROSL “to give service to the Commonwealth and humanity at large.” It has a long history of welcoming writers, diplomats, travellers and business people to its premises as both conference visitors and members.

The London clubhouse, near the Ritz Hotel, in the heart of the West End is within walking distance of the main shopping streets and theatres.  It has an attractive garden backing onto Green Park, just 400 metres from Buckingham Palace, and Green Park Tube station is just a short walk away. 

The ROSL clubhouse in Edinburgh is located at 100 Princes Street and overlooks Princes Gardens and has unrestricted views of Edinburgh Castle.  The best shops, restaurants, places of historical interest and the railway station are all within walking distance.

I think them ideal venues for our randonnées.  Now all I have to do is fix some dates and find some speakers. 

Entrapment?!
Black Spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al.).....I have been using this oil for the past couple of years and would definitely agree with Victoria Plum with regard to the extra-ordinary energy this oil has.  Very spiritual and very grounding.  It blends wonderfully  with vetiver and/or nagamotha for use in grounding or assisting in times of trauma.  Also a lovely blend to use in a body oil before meditation or yoga practice.  I have also found it beneficial for musculo-skeletal conditions where warmth is required - in this case I tend to blend with black pepper, coriander of plai.  Blended with citrus oils such as sweet grapefruit or Shamouti orange, black spruce becomes grounding and yet uplifting and enlivening.  This blend is beneficial in massage and for use as a body oil, and is also great in a diffuser, says Jacqui Le Sueur.

I think that some of you might like to hear a little more from Jacqui and Victoria: I wonder if I can persuade them to speak!

Finally.....
Being over 60 myself I am ever-mindful of those entering the twilight of their lives, and especially those of them who are not so well-off.

Therefore I am truly delighted to assist Hoxton Health Group, which is a registered charity (No. 802875) that provides low cost complementary health care, exercise classes and healthy living groups for Hackney and City residents over the age of 60, in their quest for......
An Aromatherapist for 5 hours per week,
plus some home visits for house-bound older people.
Pay: £17.50 per hour on a self-employed basis.

Contact:
Paluize Dietze, Hoxton Health Group, St. Leonard’s, Nuttall Street, London N1 5LZ.
Tel/Fax: 020 7301 3289.  Email: hoxton.healthgroup@talk21.com

charles@essentiallyoils.com
 

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