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| A R O M A T H E R A P Y interview... Meet leading professionals in the world of a r o m a t h e r a p y Volume I MINDY GREEN CLINICAL AROMATHERAPIST RESEARCHER AUTHOR |
| A prolific writer and lecturer, Ms. Green has authored over 40 magazine articles and professional papers on botanicals. She is the author of Natural Perfumes and Calendula. Mindy is co-author of the newly released a r o m a t h e r a p y A Complete Guide to the Healing Art Second Edition |
AI: Mindy, I first met you in 1989 while attending a Medical Aromatherapy Seminar. That was about 20 years ago.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the last 20 years?
MG: Well, I have seen more attention in aromatherapy from the medical community. The
possible therapeutic benefits have encouraged a good deal of clinical studies and research
papers. However, most of this work is done outside of the US.
The Nursing community has shown a great interest in Aromatherapy and has made great
contributions to the industry.
The focus of my work is mostly education with Aromatherapy Skin Care and the Beauty Industry.
There has been tremendous growth in this area. However, to achieve positive results you have to
work with pure essential oils, organic essential oils whenever possible and clean ingredients.
AI: That is an important and interesting point. 20 years ago when I was introducing a line of pure Aromatherapy
products to the Natural Product Industry, I had to spend a great deal of time educating the buyers about the
difference of pure essential oils vs. synthetic fragrances. Yet, as you say, in Aromatherapy Skin care it is not just
about using pure essential oils because the essential oils are blended into a base lotion, creme, shampoo etc... The
base needs to have its own benefits in skin care and be free harsh chemicals.
Yet, when I visit different stores I am often amazed that many products are being promoted as an Aromatherapy
product because the base ingredients are replete with harsh synthetics and oftentimes there is not an essential oil
listed in the ingredients.
Do you think education of what makes a true aromatherapy product continues to be a challenge?
MG: Yes, I think there is still a big learning curve. Much of the responsibility rests on the
consumer. You have to be willing to read the labels, make determinations and choose wisely.
The term Aromatherapy has been misrepresented in a good deal of products and associated with
allergenic products such a dish washing liquids, laundry soaps and air fresheners. So, this is a big
problem.
AI: There are just so many Aromatherapy products in the marketplace. When it comes to Aromatherapy, I am a
purist and by nature, I am a minimalist. So my approach with Aromatherapy skin care has been the same. I select
a carrier oil and choose an appropriate essential oil (s) for a facial or body oil. I almost always have a pleasing
experience with positive results.
Do you think this is a reasonable approach?
MG: You can have great results this way. There are so many wonderful carrier oils available
today. Each one has different properties that can help with natural skin care such as jojoba oil,
olive oil, raspberry seed oil. When blending the essential oils into the carrier oil you can create a
wonderful synergy.
An important point I would like to make about blending is the recommended dilution of essential
oil used in the blend. First, more is not better. A 1-2% dilution of essential oil is a standard for
skin care formulas. Yet I have found that a .05% is just as effective. My point is two fold. At this
dilution the chances of the essential oil irritating the skin is drastically reduced. Secondly, there is
so much plant/botancial material used is the distillation for the essential oil, using less essential oil is
a regard for the conservation of the plant and recognition that each drop is precious.
AI: What inspired you to write the book on Perfume?
MG: For me it was important to get something out on paper that demystified the complexity of
the art of blending. You can blend three essential oils and have a really wonderful perfume, and
then build up to nine or ten. It was also important to me to encourage individuals to develop their
own intuition. The translation of Perfume is per (through) fume' (smoke) "through smoke".
Burning incense was the first perfume and had multiple benefits and played a key role in many
cultures.
Today, we still use perfume to change consciousness and moods. Yet, we can go further with our
intuition and intention in blending. We can calm stress levels, increase awareness, deepen
breathing to name a few benefits, all while smelling good.
I think of it as spiritual wellness. I hoped the book would encourage people to create their own
ritual and be part of the process through blending their own perfume.
AI: Most commercial perfumes are composed of synthetic fragrances. Some of the more expensive perfumes have
some essential oils in their formula. Channel No 5 reminds me of my mother. I loved watching her dress for an
evening out with my father the bedroom was full of the scent of Chanel...they were going to have an evening out
and my sisters and I were going to have the house to ourselves. I still can't resist walking past the Chanel counter
at a department store and picking up the tester bottle for Chanel No 5.
Do you think synthetic aromas have healing benefits?
MG: There is no doubt that synthetic (aroma chemical) smells from our past that trigger pleasant
memories are positive and noteworthy. As Aromatherapists we come from a different place -
purity and intention...pure essential oils from plants share a healing vibration. This is not present in
aroma chemicals.
AI: Your latest book, Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art has just been released.
What was your intention while writing this book?
MG: Both essential oils and herbs are Phytotherapy branches of the same tree. The original copy
of this book was published in 1995. I co-authored this book with Kathi Keville. We are both
trained Herbalists. We really wanted to express the dynamic modality and synergy of both in this
book.
Writing the second edition was great because there was so much more information and creative
ways to work with the essential oils and herbs that we wanted to add. Of course there was a good
deal that did not make it into the book but much of it did.
AI: The summary provided by the publisher for the book wrote: "A comprehensive guide to the art and science of
creating therapeutic essential oils and herbal preparations, and using them in health, beauty, body care, massage,
and more".
I could not agree more. It is a lovely book full of fantastic information. It will be a book I use for reference many
times. Congratulations, it is a great achievement.
The book shares a number of different ways to enjoy the benefits of Aromatherapy. What is your favorite method
of application?
MG: My absolute favorite is the bath. It is so wonderful...it really captures the mind, body, spirit
experience. For me, everything starts with emotion. So the Art of Bathing is my refuge. I just let
everything go in the water.
AI: What are some of your favorite essential oils to use in the bath?
MG: Well it depends. Lavender for a relaxing bath, Sandalwood and Frankincense for a
meditation bath... I could go on and on.
In many ways I relate to the essential oils as my friends. I have different friends for different
reasons. There are many different healing opportunities. I call on the what I need in any given
circumstance.
AI: How would you like to see the Aromatherapy movement grow and change in the coming years?
MG: I would like to continue to see individuals and companies act professionally. Education is key.
There needs to be more care given to the safety uses of essential oils, better product labelling and
fewer unsubstantiated claims.
Aromatherapy is a Healing Art. With responsible practice, it should be in the hands of more people
to enhance their quality of life.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the last 20 years?
MG: Well, I have seen more attention in aromatherapy from the medical community. The
possible therapeutic benefits have encouraged a good deal of clinical studies and research
papers. However, most of this work is done outside of the US.
The Nursing community has shown a great interest in Aromatherapy and has made great
contributions to the industry.
The focus of my work is mostly education with Aromatherapy Skin Care and the Beauty Industry.
There has been tremendous growth in this area. However, to achieve positive results you have to
work with pure essential oils, organic essential oils whenever possible and clean ingredients.
AI: That is an important and interesting point. 20 years ago when I was introducing a line of pure Aromatherapy
products to the Natural Product Industry, I had to spend a great deal of time educating the buyers about the
difference of pure essential oils vs. synthetic fragrances. Yet, as you say, in Aromatherapy Skin care it is not just
about using pure essential oils because the essential oils are blended into a base lotion, creme, shampoo etc... The
base needs to have its own benefits in skin care and be free harsh chemicals.
Yet, when I visit different stores I am often amazed that many products are being promoted as an Aromatherapy
product because the base ingredients are replete with harsh synthetics and oftentimes there is not an essential oil
listed in the ingredients.
Do you think education of what makes a true aromatherapy product continues to be a challenge?
MG: Yes, I think there is still a big learning curve. Much of the responsibility rests on the
consumer. You have to be willing to read the labels, make determinations and choose wisely.
The term Aromatherapy has been misrepresented in a good deal of products and associated with
allergenic products such a dish washing liquids, laundry soaps and air fresheners. So, this is a big
problem.
AI: There are just so many Aromatherapy products in the marketplace. When it comes to Aromatherapy, I am a
purist and by nature, I am a minimalist. So my approach with Aromatherapy skin care has been the same. I select
a carrier oil and choose an appropriate essential oil (s) for a facial or body oil. I almost always have a pleasing
experience with positive results.
Do you think this is a reasonable approach?
MG: You can have great results this way. There are so many wonderful carrier oils available
today. Each one has different properties that can help with natural skin care such as jojoba oil,
olive oil, raspberry seed oil. When blending the essential oils into the carrier oil you can create a
wonderful synergy.
An important point I would like to make about blending is the recommended dilution of essential
oil used in the blend. First, more is not better. A 1-2% dilution of essential oil is a standard for
skin care formulas. Yet I have found that a .05% is just as effective. My point is two fold. At this
dilution the chances of the essential oil irritating the skin is drastically reduced. Secondly, there is
so much plant/botancial material used is the distillation for the essential oil, using less essential oil is
a regard for the conservation of the plant and recognition that each drop is precious.
AI: What inspired you to write the book on Perfume?
MG: For me it was important to get something out on paper that demystified the complexity of
the art of blending. You can blend three essential oils and have a really wonderful perfume, and
then build up to nine or ten. It was also important to me to encourage individuals to develop their
own intuition. The translation of Perfume is per (through) fume' (smoke) "through smoke".
Burning incense was the first perfume and had multiple benefits and played a key role in many
cultures.
Today, we still use perfume to change consciousness and moods. Yet, we can go further with our
intuition and intention in blending. We can calm stress levels, increase awareness, deepen
breathing to name a few benefits, all while smelling good.
I think of it as spiritual wellness. I hoped the book would encourage people to create their own
ritual and be part of the process through blending their own perfume.
AI: Most commercial perfumes are composed of synthetic fragrances. Some of the more expensive perfumes have
some essential oils in their formula. Channel No 5 reminds me of my mother. I loved watching her dress for an
evening out with my father the bedroom was full of the scent of Chanel...they were going to have an evening out
and my sisters and I were going to have the house to ourselves. I still can't resist walking past the Chanel counter
at a department store and picking up the tester bottle for Chanel No 5.
Do you think synthetic aromas have healing benefits?
MG: There is no doubt that synthetic (aroma chemical) smells from our past that trigger pleasant
memories are positive and noteworthy. As Aromatherapists we come from a different place -
purity and intention...pure essential oils from plants share a healing vibration. This is not present in
aroma chemicals.
AI: Your latest book, Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art has just been released.
What was your intention while writing this book?
MG: Both essential oils and herbs are Phytotherapy branches of the same tree. The original copy
of this book was published in 1995. I co-authored this book with Kathi Keville. We are both
trained Herbalists. We really wanted to express the dynamic modality and synergy of both in this
book.
Writing the second edition was great because there was so much more information and creative
ways to work with the essential oils and herbs that we wanted to add. Of course there was a good
deal that did not make it into the book but much of it did.
AI: The summary provided by the publisher for the book wrote: "A comprehensive guide to the art and science of
creating therapeutic essential oils and herbal preparations, and using them in health, beauty, body care, massage,
and more".
I could not agree more. It is a lovely book full of fantastic information. It will be a book I use for reference many
times. Congratulations, it is a great achievement.
The book shares a number of different ways to enjoy the benefits of Aromatherapy. What is your favorite method
of application?
MG: My absolute favorite is the bath. It is so wonderful...it really captures the mind, body, spirit
experience. For me, everything starts with emotion. So the Art of Bathing is my refuge. I just let
everything go in the water.
AI: What are some of your favorite essential oils to use in the bath?
MG: Well it depends. Lavender for a relaxing bath, Sandalwood and Frankincense for a
meditation bath... I could go on and on.
In many ways I relate to the essential oils as my friends. I have different friends for different
reasons. There are many different healing opportunities. I call on the what I need in any given
circumstance.
AI: How would you like to see the Aromatherapy movement grow and change in the coming years?
MG: I would like to continue to see individuals and companies act professionally. Education is key.
There needs to be more care given to the safety uses of essential oils, better product labelling and
fewer unsubstantiated claims.
Aromatherapy is a Healing Art. With responsible practice, it should be in the hands of more people
to enhance their quality of life.
Format: Paperback
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 inches
Pages: 256
ISBN-13: 9781580911894
ISBN-10: 1580911897