The Goddess "Hera" was the queen of the Gods and wife of Zeus. Her feminine appearance appears in images accompanied with lions, birds, flowers and fruits. Depicting the nature of the human female body.
Hera represents the cycles of growth and change in nature. She symbolizes "The goddess of marriage and the life of a woman."
Women have come along way since mythological times. The typical development of three archetypes of women; starting with being a youthful maiden, then blooming into the time of motherhood, and transforming into the wise woman.
This wise woman finds herself in a world with more choices. Living in the 21st century has granted a longer lifespan. Giving her the opportunity to evolve into the a new phase of her life. The modern woman! Utilizing the knowledge and experience gained in a lifetime while being present and in the moment to fulfil goals and dreams.
A woman is a goddess by nature. The acceptance of natural stages of life while nurturing feminine virtues, gives recognition to an inner strength. Supplementing healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition, exercise, maintaining good sleeping patterns and tuning into our senses can go along way in sustaining health and vitality.
With my thirty five years of experience in living, learning, teaching and practicing Aromatherapy. I am confident to say, when essential oils are formulated properly and applied in simple applications through personal care products, diffusers and body massage oils, they provide a luxurious way to find equilibrium.
Growing evidence demonstrates that certain essential oils help relieve tension, reduce anxiety, support healthy sleep patterns and improve and repair the appearance of the skin.
For this article I have chosen three essential oils that I personally have adopted in my daily self-care routine.
Australian Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum)
Sandalwood essential is well-known in Aromatherapy and is mainly used to calm and relax the nervous system. Growing evidence is proving that Australian Sandalwood and its major chemical constituents’ alpha and beta santalol, has beneficial effects on reducing inflammation (Sharma et al) and skin repair. (Kaur M.) and rejuvenate the skin.
Using this essential oil can be play a supportive role in reducing stress anxiety and can also compliment natural skin care.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
When it comes to improving well-being. Sleep is the remedy! In a study conducted (Lyung Bok Lee et, al 2014) Clary sage was found to reduce anxiety, depression and be supportive in promoting good sleeping patterns. Reduction of stress and anxiety later in the day, is beneficial to healthy sleeping patterns. Clary Sage essential oil has a high range of linalal acetate which contributes to its smoky herbaceous aroma and its antiseptic properties.
Rose Otto (Rosa damascene)
The exquisite scent of rose essential oil says it all. The aroma has been cherished since the beginning of time and for good reason. Rose petals produce a delicate rose floral aroma that consists of many compounds. The essential oil has a beautiful deodorizing effect which will help eliminate unwanted body odour that can be caused by hormonal changes. Rose Otto essential oil was also found to reduce elevated levels of adrenalin through brief inhalations (Sugawara et, al 1998 and help reduce dehydration of skin during times of stress. (Fukada et, al 2011)
Use each one of these oils and discover them on their own, while tuning in with yourself! You may be surprised of the results!
Formulation of the above three oils produces an enticing aromatic perfume that consists of, a rose floral notes, with bouquet of herbaceous green floral of clary sage, anchored with the soft wood scent of sandalwood.
Synergy Formula
- 35% Rose Otto (Rosa damascene)
- 35% Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
- 30% Australian Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum)
References
Blundell, S., & Clark, I. (2006). The sacred and the feminine in ancient Greece (1st ed., p. 12). Routledge.
Fukada, M., Kano, E., Miyoshi, M., Komaki, R., & Watanabe, T. (2011). Effect of "Rose Essential Oil" Inhalation on Stress-Induced Skin-Barrier Disruption in Rats and Humans. Chemical Senses, 37(4), 347-356. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjr108
Lee, K., Cho, E., & Kang, Y. (2014). Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil. Phytotherapy Research, 28(12), 1897-1897. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5268
North-O'Connell, J. (2004). The Crone: Light of the Sun, Dark of the Moon. The Beltane Papers. Retrieved 8 March 2021, from.
Sharma, M., Levenson, C., Bell, R., Anderson, S., Hudson, J., Collins, C., & Cox, M. (2013). Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Cytokine/Chemokine Production in Skin Cells by Sandalwood Oils and Purified α-santalol and β-santalol. Phytotherapy Research, 28(6), 925-932. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5080
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this educational service is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy does not accept responsibility for any problematic situations experienced by you or anyone to whom you give treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in the course is intended to provide a medical diagnosis or offer a treatment.