Vita Danzare

Issue 59 '12

pure
extraordinary essential oils since 1988
Inspiration comes to me from having the privilege of spending every day in the company of essential oils. Plant wisdom has guided me for 40 years in my personal and business life and I have been enriched beyond measure by its blessings. I personally evaluate and connect with every essential oil that arrives at Rae Dunphy Aromatics, and I listen carefully to hear the message in each one. Sometimes the song is loud, and sometimes very subtle. It is always joyful. We purchase carefully and as directly as we can and do our best to get the real story behind each oil. Price for us is not as important as quality, growing method and relationship to the producer. It is very important to us that you experience results in your work with our essential oils. We believe if you haven't tried working with our products you will be delighted. Let us help you be successful.

In This Issue...
4 A Farmers Story: Searching for True Frankincense..................Andrea Butje 6 The Blue Oils: Natures Anti-Inflammatories.....Katharine Koeppen, LMT, MTI 11 Childrens Personal Care and Aromatherapy......Green Valley Aromatherapy 14 Burnout...................................................Valerie Cooksley, LMT, OCN, FAAIM 17 In Touch with Valerie Cooksley ..........................................Practitioner Profile 21 Essential Oils Restored Voice.......................................................Joy Watson 23 My Crazy Mother: Part II A Daughters Caregiving Journey......Trish Neufeld
Articles presented in Vita Danzare are copyright to respective authors. All Rights Reserved.

Vita Danzare
A Canadian Publication

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Disclaimer: Vita Danzare is published quarterly. Advertisers and contributors assume sole responsibility and liability for the accuracy of their claims and statements. The opinions and views expressed in articles do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, Editors or affiliates of Vita Danzare, nor can be held responsible for the misuse of essential oils or any other usage methods discussed within these pages. It is in no way intended to replace professional medical advice. You the reader are responsible for your actions. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved Vita Danzare Reproduction in part or whole without written consent is prohibited. ISSN #1918-7106 BN #83550 7740

A Farmers Story: Searching for the True Frankincense

by Andrea Butje, LMT, Clinical Aromatherapist

Mark, an essential oil distiller in South Africa, has sent me two kilos of his Frankincense essential oil, distilled from the resins he acquired on his trip. Here is Marks story, in his words: Mark has always been deeply interested in Frankincense from Arabia and Somaliland. Arabia and Somalialand are the homes of the highest quality Frankincense gums found on the most ancient plantations. He decided to travel into that world to network in the frankincense and myrrh industries, and he immersed himself in a fascinating place rooted in antiquity. After a six-hour journey over the Ogaden desert in a 12-seater Beech craft plane, he arrived in Somaliland. No commercial airline tickets are available and one can only be offered a seat on this service if affiliated with one of the many nongovernmental organizations that have interests in these remote parts of Africa. Somaliland lies in the north of the Horn of Africa with its coastline running east to west along the Gulf of Aden. Its coast runs north to south along the Indian Ocean. It is only officially recognized as an independent land by itself and Somalia. This remote land has an age-old frankincense and myrrh industry where tribal owners and the co-operatives manage the resin. Traditional Arabia encompassed both sides of the Gulf, from Yemen to Somaliland, and the highest quality gums come from these very plantations in Somaliland. After a safe landing at Hargeisa airport, Mark set off for Erigavo in the Sanaag province the town is situated on a coastal escarpment at over 2300m above sea level. He was greeted warmly, in surprisingly perfect English. The following morning, they were off in the Land Cruiser headed for the Dhallo valley, heart of frankincense country. They carved their way through the outskirts of town and twenty minutes later, they were standing on the edge of the

escarpment overlooking the Gulf coastline and the ancient groves of frankincense trees, Boswellia carteri. After they ascended the pass, Mark entered into the ancient groves of frankincense trees that had been owned and harvested tribally for millennium. There he saw thousands of Frankincense trees, with their bulbous-based trunks and their flaking and thick stems. Mark remembers thinking that not only was he standing in a perfumed garden of delights, but that it was probably the very garden that yielded the gum that became a gift for the baby Jesus.

Photo Courtesy Mark After some time they set off for a village called Gudmo Baria. The local children were extremely intrigued by him and tugged, laughed and stroked him. It was here that Mark encountered an even rarer tree, Boswelia frereana. This tree is endemic to this area and the gum is locally known as maydi. This gum is highly sought-after by the Yemeni who use it, among other things, for dental hygiene. Boswelia frereana is rarer than the Boswelia carteri locally known as beyo, and is sold at a higher price. The gum is induced to flow by shallowly injuring the bark of the trees with a tool known as a mengaaf. The milky sap immediately begins to appear. After a period of six weeks, twice as long with the maydi, the harvester returns to find air-hardened extrusions known as tears. Continued...page 5 4

A Farmers Story: Searching for the True Frankincense

by Andrea Butje, LMT, Clinical Aromatherapist

Continued...page 4 These are then scraped off with the mengaaf into a special basket. The tears are taken and stored in aerated lean-tos with palm fronds where they are cleaned and graded according to size and color. After much bartering and an interesting lunch, farewells were made and they departed with a few kilograms of the worlds finest frankincense resin. The next morning they made their way to the port of Maid. According to locals, most Central African people, including the Rwanda and Burundese, had their origins here. The next port of call was the town of Berbera where the myrrh gums, locally known as Malmal and Haddi respectively, are harvested in the same fashion as frankincense. However there are more species involved: Commiphora myrrha commonly known as myrrh and commiphora guidotti known as opoponax. The harvesters on the ground in their plantations and the owners of the co-op have set the stage to begin the export of the gums down to Marks distillation plant in South Africa.

Marks visit to this wonderfully unspoiled country was a spiritual experience for him. Flying back to Nairobi airport, he was greeted with a wonderful sight Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro through the same window at the same time. He completed his journey and returned successfully from a mystic, ancient land. Andrea is changing the Aromatherapy educational paradigm through her inspired approach to teaching and creating community. After Andrea taught her first Aromatherapy Certification Program in 1998, she continued to grow the Aromahead Institute into a premier resource for aromatherapy information and instruction. The Institute offers exclusive online and in-person educational resources.

Visit Andreas websites below.

The Blue Oils: Natures Anti-Inflammatories

by Katharine Koeppen, LMT, MTI
The following article is excerpted from a presentation given to the Texas Soapmakers Association by Katharine Koeppen, LMT/MTI. One of the hottest trends in skin care today is the use of botanical anti-inflammatory compounds. As the baby boomer population ages, they are ready and willing to pay top dollar for creams, lotions, gels and masques that will keep their complexions looking fresh and youthful. Whether you are creating products for a local boutique, web-based business or mass-market retailer, incorporating natural anti-inflammatories such essential oils will help you create products that satisfy this demand. The latest scientific research consistently points to inflammation as the initial stage of many illnesses and the primary cause of aging. Inflammation of the skin and its underlying tissues causes breakdown of collagen, epidermal and sub dermal cells, and the tiny capillary networks that feed them. Skin cells lose the ability to properly reproduce. The results can include redness, broken capillaries, rosacea, aging spots, adult acne, enlarged sebaceous glands, sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, under eye discoloration, sun damage and a host of other skin maladies. Among the most powerful aromatic antiinflammatories are the essential oils collectively known as the blue oils. Their namesake coloration ranges from a barely there tint to a deep, lush indigo. German chamomile was the first blue oil to undergo distillation, and 16th century alchemists were astonished by its colour. Chamomiles deep hue is due to the presence of chamazulene, a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon that does not occur naturally in the plant, but appears as an artifact of the distillation process. This anti-inflammatory phytochemical is present in most blue oils, but is by no means the only miracle worker responsible for their healing effects. Many sesquiterpenes and some sesquiterpene alcohols have strong antiinflammatory properties, including (-) alphabisabolol, germacrene-D, bisabolenes, dihydroazulenes, farnesenes and caryophyllenes. These compounds are present in significant quantities in German chamomile, yarrow, helichrysum, tannacetum and/or Cape chamomile. The exact botanical function of many of these phytochemicals is unknown, but some of them act as plant pheromones. Blending with the Blue Oils Developing formulas using this group of essential oils can initially be a bit intimidating to the budding aromatherapist. The blue oils all possess aromas which are unusual, quite strong, and to some... less than pleasant! Provided you remember a few guidelines, formulating a pleasing and effective blend is fairly easy.

Continued...page 7 6

The Blue Oils: Natures Anti-Inflammatories

by Katharine Koeppen, LMT, MTI
Continued...page 6 Less is best. Due to their high odor intensity, always use proportionately far less of the blue oils than other essential oils in your blend. When used with a heavy hand, blue oils will quickly dominate and ruin the aromatic balance of a synergy. For instance, one drop of German chamomile is equivalent in odor intensity to roughly five drops of lavender. And due to their particular molecular structure, this group of essential oils is therapeutically more effective when used in smaller doses. These aromatics are fairly expensive, making judicious use doubly important. Floral and citrus esters and alcohols complement the aroma of the blue oils nicely. Essential oils such as lavender, geranium, mandarin, petitgrain and bergamot mix well with the intensity of German chamomile or yarrow, and all possess properties that enhance or promote healthy skin. But dont restrict yourself to these phytochemical families. Cypress blends beautifully with any blue oil, and is a necessity in any synergy for broken capillaries or varicosities. And surprisingly, the peculiar floral/ fruity scent of Cape chamomile makes it one of the easiest oils to blend because it unexpectedly complements most other aromas. For anti-aging formulas, frankincense makes a great companion; it contains anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols of its own. Essential oils are natural products, but this does not necessarily mean that they are safe. The blue oils are largely benign but some, such as yarrow, are not suitable for everyone. Be aware of contraindications. This applies not only to end users of the finished product, but to product formulators. Be aware of product colour, and formulate accordingly. The rich indigo oils such as yarrow and German chamomile, even when used in fairly small quantities, can turn your products blue. Adding another heavily pigmented botanical ingredient, such as an infusion of calendula or St. Johns wort, can create an even more beautiful colour... or a muddy-looking mess. Choose ingredients that are both appropriate to the formula and contribute to an aesthetically pleasing end result. You get what you pay for Most of the blue oils come from flowering plants which have a very narrow geographic distribution and an extremely low yield when distilled. Hence their prices which invite a great deal of adulteration and mislabeling. A cheap oil is going to be altered, extended or perhaps substituted with a different species. Adulterated blue oils often contain irritating compounds that have frequently caused severe dermal allergic reactions. Cultivate relationships with suppliers you can trust to avoid poor quality and misrepresented products. A few more details The brief essential oil profiles that follow are by no means comprehensive, and focus primarily on skincare and stress management properties of the blue oils. These aromatics are healing too many different organ systems... too many to be covered within the scope of this article.

Continued...page 8 7

The Blue Oils: Natures Anti-Inflammatories

by Katharine Koeppen, LMT, MTI
Continued...page 7 In terms of aromatherapy, blue oils are the premier antiinflammatories, but many other essential oils share this action. Among them: rose otto, vetivert, frankincense, lavender and sweet orange. Many of these are also outstanding for skincare, so mix, match, and above all...have fun! Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus punctulatis) Plant Part: flowering shrub Country: South Africa Best uses: stress and anxiety, depression, insomnia Also good for: inflamed skin, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, neuralgia, tendonitis, rheumatism, sprains, shock, agitation, hyperactivity Contraindications: untested, so best to avoid in pregnancy Important Active Components: sesquiterpenes, including chamazulene <40%; 1,4-dimethylazulene Comments: This oil, which is not a true chamomile, is a relatively newcomer to the aromatherapy market and although it appears very promising, extensive research is as yet unavailable. German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Plant Part: flower Country: Germany, Slovakia, Hungary Best uses: allergic skin reactions; burns, sunburns; sensitive, irritated or chapped skin Also good for: acne, eczema, varicose veins and broken capillaries, itchy skin, hemorrhoids, hives, neuralgia, boils, muscular soreness with inflammation, eczema, bedsores, hyperactivity, stress, insomnia, stomach ulcers, painful menses, anxiety Hydrolat: toner for sensitive and acneic skin, skin reddened by rosacea or couperose, sunburn, bedsores Contraindications: early pregnancy Important Active Components: sesquiterpenols, including (-) alpha-bisabolol 11-30%, farnesol; sesquiterpenes 45%, including farnesene, chamazulene 3-8%; trace sesquiterpene lactones Comments: This oil is grossly subject to adulteration. Matricaria extract or bisabolene/ bisabolol (variations on the naturally occurring anti- inflammatory compound in German chamomile) is frequently found in upscale cosmetic preparations. Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum var. serotinum) Plant Part: flowertops Country: Corsica Best uses: severe skin trauma, surgical incisions, postsurgical care, plastic surgery Also good for: burns, sunburns, acne, cystic acne, eczema, capillary electrodessication, dermabrasion, scars, varicose veins, bruises, hematomas, sprains, couperose, rosacea, post-laser resurfacing or hair removal, stretch marks, sensitive skin, aging or mature skin, sun damaged skin, skin ulcers, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, liver congestion, poor circulation, phlebitis, nervous exhaustion, depression, heartache, sorrow Hydrolat: toner for sensitive and acneic skin, sunburn, skin reddened by rosacea or couperose, wound or incision wash, facial mist after plastic surgery, inflamed gums, dental surgery Contraindications: early pregnancy Important Active Components: sesquiterpenols, including bisabolol, nerolidol, eudesmol; sesquiterpenes 30%, including beta-caryophyllene, alpha- and beta-selinene, alpha- and betacurcumene , alpha- copaene, deltacadinene Comments: Helichrysum becomes somewhat ineffective in large doses. Not to be confused with the red, viscous oil known as Helichcrysum gymnocephalium, which shares few of the same properties. Continued...page 9

The Blue Oils: Natures Anti-Inflammatories

by Katharine Koeppen, LMT, MTI
Continued...page 9 Tannacetum (Tannacetum annum) Plant Part: leaves Country: Morocco Best uses: nervous stress, neuralgia, asthma, sensitive skin, grief and loss Also good for: itchy skin, bruises, couperose, rosacea, muscular pain with inflammation, hypertension Contraindications: pregnancy, small children, reproductive cancers Important Active Components: sesquiterpenes, including chamazulene <29%; 3,6-dihydrochamazulene Comments: Also known as blue tansy or (erroneously) Moroccan chamomile, this oil should not be confused with Ormenis mixta, an essential oil of often questionable origin. Nor should it be mistaken for common tansy (Tannacetum vulgaris) a highly toxic essential oil. Tannacetum is a possible substitute in some blends for individuals who cannot tolerate German chamomile. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Plant Part: flowertops Country: Canada, Slovakia, Bulgaria,Yugoslavia, Hungary Katharine Koeppen has been practicing clinical aromatherapy for nearly 20 years and is the owner of Aromaceuticals, a company specializing in high integrity essential oils. A nationally registered aromatherapist, she is also an educator, published writer, and dynamic speaker on healing and aromatics. Katharine studied aromatherapy with several industry luminaries and regularly attends conferences to keep up with the latest approaches in Best uses: problem skin, sensitive skin, allergic skin reactions, hormonal balance Also good for: styptic, couperose, rosacea, oily skin, eczema, wounds, incisions, varicose veins and broken capillaries, hemorrhoids, rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, tendonitis, anemia, sluggish digestion, stimulates bile production, cystitis, menstrual irregularity, painful menses, breast pain, endometriosis Hydrolat: varicose veins, skin reddened by rosacea or couperose, plastic surgery Contraindications: pregnancy, young children, neurotoxic with heavy or long term use Important Active Components: sesquiterpenes, including chamazulene, dihydroazulenes, caryophyllene; sesquiterpene lactone achilline Comments: This is oil with extremely strong odor intensity, requiring judicious use because of its high percentage of toxic ketones. Chemistry is quite variable and allergic reactions have been known to occur.
2012 by Katharine A. Koeppen. May not be reproduced without express permission of author. Aromaceuticals is a re g i s t e red trademark of Katharine A. Koeppen.

botanical and integrative medicine. Utilizing a bodymind approach, she often addresses a clients emotional and psycho-spiritual state while dealing with their physical illness or imbalance. She is a professional member of Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. She resides in Dallas, Texas, where she maintains a heart-centered private practice in aromatherapy, specializing in somato-emotional integration, cancer support and hospice care. When not experimenting with essential oils, Katharine can be found wandering the local botanical gardens or practicing ikebana.

www. aromaceuticals. com

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Childrens Personal Care and Aromatherapy

Green Valley Aromatherapy
Some childrens personal care products have been found to contain harmful chemicals. Natural alternatives are available and can be fun to make at home. There are many personal care products on the market for children: baby wipes, shampoos, bath products, creams and lotions. These products appear on the store shelves in all sorts of glitzy packaging, offering wonderful results that we cant possibly live without. After taking off the rose-colored glasses and reading the ingredient lists, one will find that some of the chemicals in these products have been linked with serious health concerns. Formaldehyde and Dioxane Found in Baby Products The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of environmental and health groups including the Breast Cancer Fund and the Environmental Working Group, recently tested a number of baby products and more than half of the ones tested were found to contain trace levels of formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane. Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals and are listed as probable human carcinogens. While there may only be small amounts of these chemicals in any one product, children may be exposed to several products every day, several days a week and those exposures add up. Parents & Healthcare Providers Speak Out In May 2009 more than 40 organizations representing 1.7 million parents and healthcare providers joined forces to urge Johnson & Johnson to remove formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane and other hazardous chemicals from personal care products, including their Baby Shampoo, by the end of 2009. Johnson & Johnson is already making formaldehyde-free products for the Japanese market, where the chemical is banned from cosmetics. Natural Alternatives Shampoos, baby wipes and bath products are very easy to make at home with little fuss or bother. The best essential oils for children are: Mandarin essential oil, Chamomile (R) essential oil, Petitgrain essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Manuka essential oil, Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil, Palmarosa essential oil, Helichrysum essential oil, and Chamomile (G) essential oil. To 30 mls of a natural shampoo, base cream or bubble bath base, add the following number of drops of pure essential oil: Newborns 0 - 1 drop 2 - 6 months 1 - 2 drop(s) 7 - 12 months 1 - 3 drop(s) 1 - 4 years 1 - 5 drop(s) 5 - 7 years 3 - 6 drops 8 - 12 years 5 - 9 drops 12 years and over 5 - 10 drops Hydrosols and Baby Care Products Hydrosols can help to keep things clean around your baby. Rose hydrosol is wonderful for cleaning sticky fingers and faces. It can also be used on a tissue instead of a diaper wipe to freshen up after a diaper change. Tea Tree hydrosol can be used to clean toys, changing areas, crib rails and car seats. Lavender hydrosol is very relaxing and anti-inflammatory. Continued...page 12 11

Childrens Personal Care and Aromatherapy

Green Valley Aromatherapy
Continued...page 11 Spray it around the crib at bedtime to help baby relax or make into a compress and apply to the cheek to soothe a teething baby. The Future of Baby Care Products Parents and healthcare providers must continue to lobby for safer childrens personal care products. In the meantime, finding natural ways to prepare such products can be rewarding and fun. *This is educational information and any opinions expressed here-in do not replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, see a suitably qualified medical practitioner.* 2012 Green Valley Aromatherapy. Green Valley Aromatherapy is a wholesale and retail supplier of pure essential oils and aromatherapy products.

www.57aromas.com

Looking for Events in Your Area?

Visit the websites below for current listings
www.cfacanada.com www.naha.org www.alliance-aromatherapists.org

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Floracopeia Foundations of Aromatherapy Retreat

with David Crow & Jade Shutes
Wednesday, Oct 17, 2012 ~ Sunday, Oct 21, 2012 Prama Institute ~ Marshall, NC
Continuing the tradition of extraordinary conferences produced by Floracopeia, we invite you to the Floracopeia Aromatherapy Certification Course Retreat at the beautiful Prama Institute outside of Asheville, NC, taught by David Crow and Jade Shutes. About The Retreat The Live Retreat is designed to be a highly interactive program to share the knowledge and information in our Aromatherapy Foundations Certifcate course as well as to provide time for experiential work for blending, client consultations, and interacting with the wide range of essential oils, base materials, and methods of application covered throughout the program. What makes this live program so unique is the interaction of the students with the instructors, the sharing of experiences, and the experiential work. David and Jade, co-authors of the Floracopeia Foundations Course, will be co-teaching the program to offer a very dynamic experience and education in the art and science of aromatherapy as well as the integration of Ayurvedic philosophy and principles in understanding ourselves and the essential oils.

To learn more about this incredible retreat, click here

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Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Burnout

and totally rejuvenates the exhausted mind/body. By integrating the benefits of deep breathing with aromatherapy, you will be increasing oxygenation, enhancing relaxation, and balancing the sympathetic nervous system with necessary vital energy. Re-Charge Synergy Blend 6 parts Lavender essential oil 3 parts Basil essential oil 2 parts Pine essential oil 1 part Nutmeg essential oil Mix the essential oils in an amber glass bottle. Use a few drops in an aroma lamp or inhale from a tissue or use in an electric aromatherapy diffuser to disperse the essential oils into a room or office two or three times per day. Diet Avoid unhealthy, processed foods made with additives and preservatives. All these fast foods contain toxic chemicals, damaged fats and high levels of sodium and sugar that are devitalized, acid forming and rob your body of its energy. Junk foods cause your sympathetic nervous system to overwork and therefore stress your body (i.e. adrenal glands) even more. Eat small and frequent healthy snacks during the day to prevent fatigue and choose fresh, organic, and real whole foods. Potassium and iodine-rich foods such as sea vegetables (toasted nori, wakame, dulse) are recommended for nervous disorders because they are high in minerals. Alkaline-forming nuts and seeds, especially sprouted seeds, almonds, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds, are all excellent snack foods, as well as herbal teas and whole fresh fruits. Herbs Herbs known to balance, nourish and support the adrenal glands are called adaptogenic herbs. These include ashwaganda, holy basil, kava kava, licorice root, royal macca, Siberian ginseng and St. Johnswort. Continued...page 15 14

Introduction
Does nervous exhaustion and a state of physical fatigue have you feeling fizzled? Familiar among the healing professions, burnout is caused by a combination of factors, the most common being chronic stress, lack of fulfillment or positive feedback, and complicated by perfectionism. At this time of extreme weariness, realize that you are prone to catching colds and infections, as the immune system, as well as the neuro-hormonal system, has been overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion.

Holistic Solutions
Aromatherapy Essential oils naturally create balance and aid in regulating the central nervous system. There are many pleasing scents to choose from such as basil, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, neroli, nutmeg, patchouli, petitgrain, pine, rosemary, and ylang ylang. Inhalation is one of the most effective and direct methods to help you transcend exhaustion. Take the time to breathe in deep, life-affirming breaths several times during the day. Deep breathing oxygenates and nourishes every cell in your body,

Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Continued...page 14 Herbs that have a calming effect upon the nervous system are also useful during extreme stress and states of depletion and include hops, passiflora and valerian. These herbal medicines can be taken in capsule or herbal tea form. Hydrotherapy There are many wonderful relaxing and healthful benefits to the aromatic bath. However, a spa bath would integrate soothing music, soft lighting and pleasing scents to encourage renewal. This aromatic soak will relieve nervous tension via the essential oils and specific water temperature that encourages a sedative and relaxing state. Making time for yourself on a regular basis is key. ocean. Add the essential oils to the salt and mix well. Pour the aromatic salts into a drawn warm bath (94-98 degrees ideal for stress and burnout) and stir with your hand. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Lifestyle Strategies to refuel and re-energize your life are crucial in preventing fatigue and to build the bodys defenses and nourish the nervous system. Taking a midday catnap for 15 minutes can bring added energy. And since humor is always good medicine, add more laughter, your favorite activities and fun into your daily life. Light exercise will help with stress and encourage better sleep. Walking, yoga and dance are great forms of movement, especially when its done outdoors in nature. Prioritize your day so you complete your major tasks in the morning rather than in the afternoon when you may be less energetic. Be realistic in your expectations of yourself and others. Be careful not to over extend yourself and schedule your time accordingly and say no more if this is an issue for you.

Burnout

Conclusion
Putting yourself first and personalizing restorative treatments at home with pleasurable, lifeenhancing therapies will make a world of difference in your renewal of mind and body to prevent and ease burnout. Be well. Relax and Recharge 5 drops Patchouli essential oil 3 drops Clary sage essential oil 2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil 4 Tbls Celtic or Dead Sea salts Celtic and Dead Sea salts contain high concentrations of healthful minerals and trace elements that can be absorbed dermally through the water, which makes them perfect for depleted states. Also, they are completely natural, are alkalizing in nature and carry the energy of the Valerie Cooksley is a Holistic Nurse Aromatherapist, acclaimed author of eight aromatherapy natural health books and distinguished national lecturer. She is president of Flora Medica Essential Oil Co. and founder of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy in Houston Texas. Valerie personally mentors correspondence students in the NAHA, AHNA and NCBTMB endorsed Integrative Aromatherapy Certificate Program.

www.FloraMedica.com
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In Touch with Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM is a holistic nurse, clinical aromatherapist, health educator and acclaimed author who has passionately studied natural medicine for more than twenty five years. She is author of eight natural health books including the bestselling Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal/Prentice Hall and her most recent, Seaweed: Natures Secret to Balancing Your Metabolism, Fighting Disease and Revitalizing Body and Soul/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Ms. Cooksley is Co-founder and Director of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy in Houston, Texas, President of Flora Medica Essential Oil and Wellness Company, Regional Network Director for the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), Founder of the Houston Holistic Network and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) State Director for Texas. Valerie calls two places her home - The Woodlands, Texas and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Valerie holds six aromatherapy certifications including The International Program in Essential Oils/Advanced Studies at Purdue University in addition to education in Botanical Medicine at Bastyr University, and Advanced Medical Training in Endobiogenic Concept originating in France. Ms. Cooksleys clinical experience in nursing specialized in Infectious Diseases, Oncology, and Public Health. Valerie has instructed for both the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society and is certified in emergency response and triage in catastrophic disasters as a FEMA Community Emergency Response Team member for the greater Houston area. She is fellow of The American Association of Integrative Medicine, a Certified Therapeutic Lifestyle Educator and holds a certification in Raw Food Nutrition Science. What initially aromatherapy? got you interested in

I began my nursing career as an Infectious Disease/Isolation nurse and went on to specialize in Medical Oncology, becoming one of the first nurses in the U.S. to be nationally certified in Oncology Nursing through the Oncology Nursing Society in the eighties. I gave birth to my twin sons in 1986 and made the decision to leave my nursing career at that time and stay home full time and raise them. With the impetus of caring for my babies the best way possible, I began to study natural holistic medicine. I came to the realization that it made more sense to work with nature, rather than against it, to create health. I became seriously interested in nutrition, herbalism and environmental medicine. I studied botanical medicine at Bastyr Naturopathic College and soon after discovered my passion in aromatherapy. I have a cousin that is a medical doctor in France, and learned of the medical applications of essential oil therapy as it is practiced in that country. I studied with several European Continued...page 18

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In Touch with Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Continued...page 17 physicians and chemists, since it was important for me to understand the scientific foundation for this complimentary therapy. I went on to study other therapies including homeopathy, Ayurveda and other holistic therapies that I could integrate with aromatherapy. In fact, I coined the term Integrative Aromatherapy more than fifteen years ago when I co-founded the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy, with my colleague Laraine Pounds. Who, or what, inspires you most? I personally find it a most exciting time to be part of the integrative movement into the clinical setting as a holistic nurse. I am also inspired my students and clients whose gratitude and personal health are my greatest reward for teaching and doing this work. What is your greatest strength? One of my strengths is to inspire, guide and mentor people, whether it be my students, or patients I consult with, or leading a holistic network. I am able to transform highly scientific and complicated information into practical terms and make it more easily understood. I find that because of my nursing background, people connect with me as a responsible, empowering facilitator and teacher. However, I firmly believe that people heal themselves; I am merely in a position of influence. What is your greatest weakness? My greatest weakness may be to practice what I preach sometimes. I have to remind myself to practice good self-care on a daily basis. I am president of an essential oil company and director of The Institute, and mentor my program students, and write for several health magazines, so my work life is very full. I also have a home office and that makes it all the more challenging because work is always there. Finding balance is key for me, hence the importance of my daily meditative practice, yoga, vegan lifestyle, personal spiritual life and staying close to nature. What brings you the most joy? I am just in awe of nature, but I must say that helping others find their truth, health and changing their life for the better in natural ways brings me immense joy. I get a tremendous fulfilling feeling when I have assisted someone in making the personal connection in taking responsibility for their own health. It is very rewarding to empower someone in a way that can change them forever and for their highest good. I have come so far from my days of high end nursing and giving experimental chemotherapeutic agents and caring for out- patient radiation therapy patients. What is your personal philosophy? Everything we need to heal ourselves and the planet is available to us and is divinely inspired. Nothing is incurable and everything is possible. I also strongly affirm the naturopathic oath of first do no harm and believe that the immense power of the mind and beliefs is remarkable. I believe in integrative approaches and turning to nature to heal. What is your business philosophy? To do good, give honestly and with the highest intentions and it will come back to you. It was also a difficult lesson to learn first hand, that as someone in the healing profession, we must take money for our services. This was very hard for me in the Continued...page 19 18

In Touch with Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Continued...page 18 beginning, however I have learned that money is a form of energy and it must be in continual flow. Give back, donate a portion, re-invest into your business, help others with scholarships, support other teachers, healers and cottage industries by recommending their products and services. There is room for everyone, and quite frankly, I believe all healers, service- to- others, and energy workers are needed at this time. When are you most at peace? I am most at peace when there is harmony and balance within myself and when I am grounded and connected to my higher spiritual self and all living beings. The flow of energy ripples out to all I come in contact with. I love to sit outside at dusk and burn a bon fire in our fire pit. I use frankincense and myrrh resin and juniper berries, sage and other herbs to make it an aromatic ritual and more meaningful. I look into the night sky and at the stars and enjoy the quiet time. Mornings are also another time I treasure when the sun is rising and I realize I have been given a new day to be fruitful, productive and to work towards fulfilling my mission. I meditate daily and mornings are the best time for me to do this practice. I love the ocean and nature, and that is why I live both in Texas and by the ocean in northwest Florida. A few of my favorite hobbies are metaphysical jewelry making, gourmet raw food preparation, soap-making, and macro-photography, taking really close-up photos of botanicals, specifically the flowering species. Who has been your greatest influence? My father has been my greatest influence in my life, although he passed several years ago. I dedicated one of my books to him which was about nature. It was called Comforting Scents and was an aromatherapy journal full of aromatic poetry, biblical verses and plant descriptions. He loved poetry, nature and gardening. He encouraged me to always do my best, and to be a good student. I have a great desire to learn which I am confident I got from his strong paternal influence. I have a deep appreciation of nature and gardening as he did. He is the one who encouraged me to become a nurse because he saw how good I was caring for our farm animals when they were sick. He was 100% Italian decent, and very much from an old world culture. He did not believe in hospitals but home health care. He often doctored us, made his own soap, farmed the land, raised animals and was very resourceful. Where will you be 10 years from now? I have an insatiable and inquisitive mind, and love of reading and studying vibrational therapies and natural healing methods and consider myself a life-long learner. Because of my constant zeal for holistic education, I will continue to study with the most prominent integrative physicians and practitioners worldwide. I see myself teaching more educational retreats as well as continuing to lecture at conferences and mentor students through my certification program. I have a few exciting ideas for upcoming books, but do not have the time right now to pursue them. I will likely be turning some of the information into smaller eBooks in the near future. What is the role of aromatherapy in the health care system? I am seeing an increase in hospitals sponsoring nurses in becoming certified, and utilizing various forms of aromatherapy in different departments. I just returned from an American Holistic Nurses Association conference where I presented a Continued...page 20 19

In Touch with Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM

Continued...page 19 full day workshop on Transformative Aromatherapy in Progressive Healthcare. The topics I presented were Clinical Aromatherapy in Healthcare Today and First Response Aromatherapy which covered herbal and essential oil therapies used in aromatic first aid and psychological first aid. With the advancement of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the mainstream allopathic setting, I am observing many nurses and some physicians trying to catch-up to the wealth of information and effective healing tools available to assist with health and wellbeing. I first personally saw aromatherapy enter mainstream via pleasure and stress relief in the early 80s; now it is entering acute and critical care arenas in addition to long-term care, hospice and cancer care. What's the best result you've ever witnessed from aromatherapy? Honestly, this is difficult to narrow down to one case I have had the privilege of working with a mother whose only way of communicating with her five year old son who was dying and could not hear, see or talk, employing essential oil therapy. He had a rare brain degeneration (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses) which impaired all but his sense of smell near the end of his life. It was a very humbling and honoring experience to assist the family in communicating with him in a positive and meaningful way using aromatherapy. Ive witnessed aromatherapy having extremely phenomenal effects on wound healing when all else had failed. Also end of life care in helping ease the transition to the other side, peacefully, as the olfactory sense is often the last sense to go. But then again, I cannot discount the day to day successes I see in preventing illness in my own family and clients who are rarely sick, and children who have never had an ear infection, allergy or flu necessitating over the counter pharmaceuticals. What is the greatest challenge facing the field of complementary therapies? The greatest challenge I see facing the field of complimentary therapies is the balance between gaining recognition as an effective therapy, while 20 not taking the therapy out of the hands of the lay person which may prevent the common people from treating themselves with natural plant based healing and other integrative healing therapies. However, having said that, I also believe there should be standards in place for those who wish to practice these healing modalities as health professionals. Ultimately the responsibility for personal health is not in a magic pill or potion, or even the doctor or healer. The next generation, as this one is finding, will be in total control of their health. Bioenergetic healing will be irrefutable and measurable; vibrational medicine having the greatest challenge in this regard. Where do you see aromatherapy 10 years from now? Increasing numbers of medicinals will be delivered via the olfactory and respiratory system, and since essential oils are preventative, therapeutic, pleasurable to use and are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to affect the neuro-hormonal balance of the brain, I think there is great promise for aromatherapy and all its many and varied applications in our future. Also, the use of essential oils in vibration and bio-energetic therapies will continue to develop. In the future I see aromatherapy being of primary importance for prevention and treatment of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections (intensive aromatic medicine), given homeopathically and for psycho-spiritual growth.

www.aroma-rn.com

Essential Oils Restored Voice

Joy Watson
I always refer to essential oils as God's little miracles. They have helped me on so many occasions. Here is a case study of one such occasion when I was able to help a young mother have her voice restored. Teresa is a married, 36 year old mother of two children, ages 5 and 13. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis three years ago. It has caused a lot of exhaustion and pain in her extremities. A little over a year ago, while she was living in Vancouver, she started having problems with her voice. She had had many bouts of sore throat, then one day she lost her voice for no apparent reason and she could hardly speak for two weeks, although her throat wasn't sore at the time. She saw her family doctor who referred her to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist who said she had vocal nodules. They are compared to callouses on the hands. The nodules were large and organized and could be removed with laser. She was told it was a simple procedure. She and her family were just in the throws of moving to California so she had to postpone surgery. Once settled in her new home, she returned to B.C. for the surgery. The microscopic description stated "Sections A and B are similar showing benign squamous epithelium lining the mucosa. The submucosa shows myxoid degeneration and a few lymphocytes and eosinophils consistent with vocal chord nodules." She was advised to not speak for two weeks, which was extremely difficult for her with a young family to care for and a personality that likes to be expressed. After returning home, her voice got worse and it was sometimes very painful to speak. She saw an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in California who told her vocal cord had been damaged by laser and was not likely to repair itself. Continued...page 22

21

Essential Oils Restored Voice

Joy Watson
She went to a Voice Surgeon who said there was a treatment that might improve her voice a bit but it would take 3 to 4 months for any improvement. I spoke with Teresa on the telephone and she was desperate. Her voice was scratchy, she could hardly speak and had to end the conversation quickly. My thought was, "Teresa has had enough to contend with, with the debilitating effects of M/S. What can I do to help her recapture her voice and ease her throat?" I prepared a blend of frankincense, Boswellia carteri (soothing on mind and emotions), thyme, Thymus vulgaris (tonic, stimulant, anti-spasmodic), cypress, Cupressus sempervirens (general restorative of nervous system) and cajeput, Melaleuca cajeputi (laryngitis), and advised her to use it once a day, applied liberally over her throat and chest. I also sent her a bottle of pure sandalwood, Santalum album essential oil and told her to apply 1 or 2 drops to her throat twice a day. The results were amazing! Within a few days Teresa's voice was back and she has had no further problem with it. That's over a year ago now.

Joy Watson is a CFA Certified Aromatherapist, Instructor, Massage Therapist and Reflexologist and has over 25 years experience in practicing and teaching holistic healing. She is a member and Past President of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists and has been actively involved with their Education Committee since its inception. She is also a member of The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). Joy is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and was trained in aromatherapy by Ann Roebuck at the Aromatherapy Institute in Toronto, Canada. She began her teaching career in 1988 when she designed an aromatherapy course for licensed massage therapists in Florida, and taught there for 4 years as part of their continuing education program. The Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre was established in 1996 and has become an international training centre with students in Canada, the United States, and in many countries throughout the world.

www.joyessence.on.ca

22

My Crazy Mother:
Editors Note: This article contains sensitive material that may be offensive to some readers. It has been published to illustrate the harsh reality of dementia and the accompanying strain on family caregivers. I am the only child. My mother would say that explains everything! For 10 years I had been happily gallivanting around the world. I would return to Canada (Vancouver) for various freelance film projects - anything from commercials to animated movies. This was until 2006 when I moved back to Vancouver permanently wanting to be live closer to my mom. At the time of my mother's diagnosis, she was the owner of a successful small business with 4 employees. I was working full-time, and in the middle of major renovations to a 1912 house. Within 6 months I had sold her company (I signed the papers crying over a Corona with my lawyer), had her drivers license revoked (brutal day), moved her into my house, hired a full-time nanny, renovated her suite in my newly acquired house, and rented out her home. During that time I was in shock, denial, and grieving

A Daughters Caregiving Journey

while trying to get an accurate diagnosis in order to get her on proper medications (see "sex drive"). I was also trying to adjust to her decreasing capabilities, such as her new lack of judgement (tricked me every time). Needless to say I was an emotional and physical mess, and was making crazy decisions, like getting a puppy - but that's another story... At the time of diagnosis, doctors told me I had "two good years" with my mom. I listened. I ultimately decided take the next two years off so I could spend time with the woman who had raised and supported me for 34 years. I removed myself from an industry that I loved to not feel the pressure of work. To continue to challenge myself, I pursued and completed a Masters degree in Communications (didn't help with my inherent issues the spelling). The doctors were right - I would get 2 years with my mom...maybe even 3. In that time I was able to spend a lot of quality time with her. I took her on trips to Austria, Czech Republic, Spain, Mexico, Hawaii, Victoria (British Columbia) and finally Thailand. The following story occurred less than 4 months after my moms diagnosis in 2008. These events forced me into a realization there was something really wrong with my mother even though she looked perfectly fine.

Part Three: Sex Drive

Sex Drive
June 25, 2008, 830am - My Moms Office My Mom: I put an ad on the Internet for a man... Me: You did??? I stop what I am doing and look up at her in shock. Me: Well, what did you say in the ad? My Mom: I want to have sex! Me: WHAT? I hear the words coming from my mother's mouth but I cannot believe what she has said. Me: You do? Whose name did you use in the ad? My Mom: My own. Continued...page 24 23

My Crazy Mother:
Continued...page 23 I cannot believe it - any of it. My mom has put an ad on the Internet for a manand she has just told me in a whisper, at her office that she wants to have sex? Worse still, she put her own name in the ad? Thats not even safe to do! My mother has lost her mind, but she seems perfectly capable to tell me about it... This is not my mother. Not only is she is the most conservative woman on the planet, never drinking, never smoking, she has only had a few sexual partners in her whole life. Although we had had a very strong relationship, we had never discussed sex. She grew up in the 60s and the age of The Cleavers; I in the 80s in the age of Madonna. She was much too shy to ever talk to me about sex, and I never wanted to embarrass her. The day after I got my period I came home from school to a book lying on my bed. Did you get the book? That was the extent of our sex talk. The doctor had warned me - but I hadnt believed her. I didnt believe my mother would ever exhibit these symptoms. There is one more thing you need to know, people with this illness often lose their sexual inhibition and because of this they often exhibit sexual behaviors - in public the doctor went on...people with this disease have been known to take their clothes off, touch themselves, or someone else, in public.Oh, thank god - I thought to myself, thats one thing I dont have to worry about - this is my mother youre talking about. I would do something like that (with the right amount of alcohol) - my mother? ha. She would never-ever do anything like that... A few weeks later I pick my mum up at her office for an emergency road test (a test she thinks the doctor had requested). But it was me that scheduled it (and begged the road test people for the safety of all those on the road) after she pulled into three lanes of oncoming traffic and nearly killed us both. An hour prior to this incident, we were meeting at my office for lunch. She had gotten lost and parked on the other side of the city. I called the police and reported her as a missing person. That night I drove to her house stole the keys (and the car) and left a

A Daughters Caregiving Journey

note telling her the doctor didnt want her driving. She refused to listen. I was outsmarted. In the morning she had taken a taxi to my house and used the spare key. After the road test a woman calls from the Motor Vehicle's Office. My mother had failed the test. The official letter would be sent to her in the mail. I am devastated. My mother, the strong, courageous independent woman who ran her own company has lost her license. Our lives are changing at a pace I cant keep up with. I vow to do everything in my power to protect her, and help her maintain her independence for as long as possible. I tell her I will find her a driver and he will drive her everywhere she needs to go. I go to bed early that night with the aid of a sleeping pill the doctor has prescribed.

Part Three: Sex Drive

My mother 1999 Beautiful and vivacious..

Continued...page 25 24

My Crazy Mother:
Continued...page 24 I wake up in the morning to a voicemail: Hi darling its your mother, dont worry about your mother, she is going to be fine, and youre going to find me a driver and hes going to drive me around and sleep with me...okay darling, bye-bye." What? Did she really say that? I replay the message over and over again...yes, she said it. Okay. I call her and am careful to explain - that the person I hire to drive her will not be her sexual partner. She tells me she understands and that she will be happy with just a driver. The following day there is another message: Hi darling its your mother. Have you found me a driver yet? Make sure he can have sex...Okay? I love you, bye-bye. Okay, in all honesty, Im devastated, but I laugh my head off at the message. I think it is so funny I cant believe it. This is not my mother, this is hilarious. But a few moments later, Im heartbroken, this really is - not my mother. This is the point where her decline really begins. For the next few weeks, I slide into a bubble of denial and try to pretend nothing is wrong. It had only been just over a year since I had moved back to Vancouver because I wanted to be closer to her. I

A Daughters Caregiving Journey

had left in my mid-twenties trying to get as far away from her as I could (I made it as far as Edmonton, and then I came back to visit every 6 weeks). The further I went the better our relationship became. My mother had always wanted more of me than I could give. She wanted me to be her partner, her companion. I wanted to be out with friends traveling and living life. After I moved away she began to live her own life. Thats when things started to get really good between us. By my early 30s I had made it as far as Toronto, but I wanted to move home because I wanted to be close to her and I didnt want to lose time with her in the later years. A few Sundays later I call her from my cell phone as I am on my way over for breakfast Can I bring anything? Im on my way over." She replied, You can bring me a man who will sleep with me. My bubble bursts. Were still here? Listen Mom I say almost in anger, Im not finding you a man, okay? It is not my job to get you a man!, I yell through my cell. Tricia, I want you to find me a man who will sleep with me! Mom, who do you think I am? Do you think I have men hanging out of my pockets? What do you think that I have a catalog full of men to choose from? I scream so loud I almost lose my voice (and then feel instantly bad about it). Almost without hesitation she says: Can you bring the catalog when you come for breakfast? I shake my head in disbelief. You have got to be kidding? I have enough on my plate without worrying about trying to get my mother a sexual partner. Im grieving, working full-time, and in the middle of a major renovation on my house. I am trying to get a more specific diagnosis in order to stabilize her on medication which means more doctors, specialists and tests and all she wants is me to find her a man who will sleep with her? This is unbelievable. Continued...page 26 25

Part Three: Sex Drive

My Crazy Mother:
Continued...page 25 I dont speak to her for a week. Im back at work in my little bubble pretending everything is okay. It feels good, I convince myself things are fine. Then I get a call that changes everything. Ivy, her employee and friend is delicately trying to relay this message to me: Your mom has been watching porn at the office (its open concept). What? PORN? Oh my gawd I think. Porn? This isnt my mom. I ask Ivy just to make sure it is as bad as I think, "Ivy, has my mom ever watched porn before at her office?" Ivy tells me No Trish, when a screen of porn has popped up on her computer from some website, your mom, she yells for me -Ivy!, Ivy! come and fix my computer and I go and fix it for her." I cant be in denial any longer. I call my mom and ask her about it. Tricia no one saw me, she says, then she goes on to tell me how she brought a little outfit to work with her. Which outfit is that? I ask without wanting to hear the answer. The one your father gave me when we got married. Listen mom, I say sounding like a mother myself, "You cannot watch porn at the office, do you hear me? Do you understand? If you watch porn at the office again you can no longer run your company. My mother hears me and says okay, Tricia, I wont. The next day Ivy calls again. I have no choice, that night I force her into retirement and take over managing the company. I begin planning a retirement party. Over the next few weeks as I struggled with the constant thoughts about what she could and could not do for herself, she continued to ask me to find her a man to have sex with. I wondered if it would ever end. One afternoon as I contemplated the possibilities, I remembered a story she had told me about the day

A Daughters Caregiving Journey

her mother had died. As my Granny lay in her hospital bed she asked my mother to brush her hair - my mother had refused saying she didnt need it done. After my Granny died my mother had been plagued with guilt. "Why didnt I just brush her hair? Who was I to judge what she had needed or didnt need?" My mother would say to me ravaged by guilt. "It was a simple request which would have made her feel good, I should have done it she had said to me on many occasions. Was finding my mother a man the same kind of request? Was it my place to decide what is good for her or what she needed? It would make her feel good. Was it a simple request like brushing my Grannys hair? I decide I could not judge. If my moms request is for me to find her a man that is what I am going to do for her. I called Kristina Youre never going to believe what I need you to help me with... she laughed Okay, but we need to make sure the guy is bonded!. My mother has given me a grocery list of the most extraordinary kind. I look through the Yellow Pages looking for a company that is bonded, Hi, this is a strange request, I'm calling on behalf of my mother, she would like a man. Oh sweetie the woman says, I get calls like this all the time... And somehow, the woman at the male escort service has made me feel better. I tell her I will call her back, I want to make sure this is really what my mom wants. A few days later: I dont want sex with a man I don't know, my mom says. Immediately I'm relieved. She has come to her senses, she knows it was a crazy idea. I feel a sense of happiness, my mother is back. She then says I want a man who I can have coffee with, go to the movies, and have sex! Continued...page 27 26

Part Three: Sex Drive

My Crazy Mother:
Continued...page 26 My mother has just decided now the right time for a relationship and Im supposed to find a man for her. Suddenly finding a sex partner seems much easier. People have sex for the sake of sex, or payment. How am I supposed to find a man who wants to take on a newly diagnosed woman with dementia? Impossible I say to myself. A few days later I decide I have to believe anything is possible. I put an ad on Craig's List: "Daughter looking for partner for her mother: someone to have coffee with, someone to go to the theater, do 'things' daughters shouldnt know about. I also say, she has some memory loss." In 24 hours I got 16 replies. Nearly all of them said "who doesn't have memory loss? One man in particular "John" I liked a lot. He seemed warm and genuine. After a few conversations I set up a date for my mom to meet John for ice cream. After the date with John my mom and her driver met me downtown for lunch. I was very excited to hear how it had gone. I was sure she would like John, he was nice, and charming and into politics just like she was. So, how was it? I asked her. Hes too old for me!" What? He's 5 years older, she's 64 and she has dementia.

A Daughters Caregiving Journey Part Three: Sex Drive

A few hours later I get a call from John, he enjoyed her company, she was beautiful and smart, he loved her enthusiastic personality, and he would love to see her again. I cannot believe it. There was no changing her mind. Months later I realized by the time my mom met with John, her medications had kicked in. The medications help to manage these erratic/ abnormal behaviors. Alzheimer's medications take months to establish as the doctor slowly increase the doses to ensure the patient can handle the increase. It actually hadn't been my mother on a crazy-sex-drive-kick. It had been a woman with Alzheimer's who's inhibitions/real personality had been altered by a progressive disease. The real point I am trying to make here with this story - is how important it is to have an accurate diagnosis. This has to be done (especially important in the early stages) in order to obtain accurate medication. Once my mother's medications were adjusted in her system, she became normal again (for a period of time). I remember her even telling me that she felt better, she felt clearer in her mind. And the sex stuff - gone, never to come back. It really hadn't been my mother. It had been the disease.

Trish Neufelds passion for film began at age12 when her father gave her an old VHS video. At 15 she volunteered for Shaw Cable Television. Dismayed over lack of programming available for her age group, created the television series Sports Cast at age 16 and which ran five years and won numerous awards for Best Youth Programming in Canada. By 22, Trish had produced and directed the award winning documentary Mi Pasion also nominated for a Leo Award from the B.C. Motion Picture Association. In 2004, Trish produced an short film The Porcelain Pussy and then went After Trishs mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008, she took a few years of to care for her while simultaneously completing a Masters degree in Communications from Royal Roads University. Recognizing the importance of family legacies she is now looking forward to blending her skills in video production to build a "Living Legacies" She has just started a company Memory Box Movies. A full service videography business dedicated to preserving family legacy stories for generations to come.

Please visit the blog at: www.mycrazymother.ca or email her at: mycrazymama@gmail.com
27

Educational Resources

Alliance of International Aromatherapists

Public education through scientific research & educational programs. Supporting the responsible use of essential oils in a harmonious relationship with modern medicine. www.alliance-aromatherapists.org

East-West School for Herbal & Aromatic Offering dynamic aromatherapy Studies.
education for health care practitioners. We offer a wide range of professional programs from Foundations to Advanced graduate programs. Live and distance learning education available. www.theida.com

Aromahead Institute Aromahead Institute

School of Essential Oil Studies. We offer students the finest in Aromatherapy education through a 235-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program and a 400-hour Scholars Program. The programs are taught online or in-person (Ithaca N.Y.) www.aromahead.com Andrea: 941-323-3483

Integrative Aromatherapy Certificate Program Nationally accredited correspondence

training in the art, science & bio-energetics of essential oil therapy with personal mentoring from best-selling author and holistic nurse aromatherapist, Valerie Cooksley, RN. Blending supplies, books, manuals and education contact hours included. www.FloraMedica.com

Aromahead Institute Components Database

An in-depth search-able reference database to find medicinal actions, therapeutic behaviors, and research on the components of essential ils. http://components.aromahead.com

OK in Health Established in 2003, OK in Health is

based in Penticton, Canada and covers in and around the Okanagan, Vancouver, Kootenays, anywhere in BC and Alberta, across Canada, western USA and Ireland. We provide workshops, health care practitioner's listings, articles, health tips, recipes, and more, for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being. www.okinhealth.com

Aromatherapy Today An international journal with information relevant and interesting for both professional aromatherapists and anyone with an interest in aromatherapy. www.aromatherapytoday.com Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists
The Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists fosters continuing growth, quality and high standards of education and practice within the aromatherapy profession and provides on-going information about quality of aromatherapy products and services to the public. www.cfacanada.com

National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Reviving knowledge of the

medicinal use of aromatic plants and essential oils, and restoring aromatherapy to a true holistic professional art & science. www.naha.org

Marketplace

Green Valley Aromatherapy

Wholesale and retail supplier of top quality aromatherapy products since 1995. Pure essential oils, therapeutic blends, carrier oils, cosmetic bases, hydrosols, books, bottles, boxes, kits, diffusers, chakra products and more! Online oil profiles and monthly newsletter. www.57aromas.com Toll Free Number 1-877-572-7662

Oshun Supply

Online wholesale supplier of essential oils, cosmetic ingredients and an extensive selection of packaging, since 1996. www.oshunsupply.com

New Directions Aromatics

Essential Oils & Blending Supplies Certified Organic, Wildcrafted & Unsprayed. www.aromaticsinternational.com

Aromatics International

New Directions Aromatics, your supplier for the finest, purest, natural products at honest, competitive prices. www.newdirectionsaromatics.com

Prime Ingredients

Aura Cacia

Aura Cacia makes aromatherapy accessible with our unparalleled selection of essential oils and ready-to-use skin care products formulated from 100% pure essential oils, to provide true aromatherapy benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Add the simple pleasures of aromatherapy to your everyday life with Aura Cacia. Visit us at www.auracacia.com

Specialty oils - Exotic butters - Aseptic Coconut Products. Functional & Natural Ingredients for Food, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals www.qualityfirst.on.ca

Rae Dunphy Aromatics

Extraordinary essential oils since 1987. www.raedunphy.ca

Vaporizers.ca

Divine Essence

Living the aromatic experience! Over 240 essential oils including 115 certified organic. Certified by Ecocert Canada since 2000. A leading Canadian company since 1994. Now Producer of Canadian Coniferous Essential Oils! www.union-nature.com

Sales Email: sales@vaporizers.ca Support Email: support@vaporizers.ca Toll Free: 866-35-VAPOR (866-358-2767) Phone: 613-679-7600 www.vaporizers.ca

Vita Danzare
www.vitadanzare.com