Aromatherapy ~ Hope Gillerman

How Essential Oils Can Heal Us

I was thrilled to collaborate with my lovely friend Jenni Kayne on this excursion into the world of aromatherapy. We went on a field trip to Hope Gillerman’s charming studio cottage, to discover how essential oils can heal us and keep our systems working at an optimal level. Hope has been practicing the art of aromatherapy combined with ancient Chinese traditions for over 35 years.  She not only makes incredible therapeutic blends, but also is a healing body practitioner combining her years as a dancer to help with functional alignment. Her work can lower cortisol levels, help use Alexander techniques for postural issues, and improve injuries. I know working with her left my nervous system calm, peaceful and joyous! Some of my favorite blends include True Pure Breathing, True Relaxation, and Clear Mind. She even has some for jaw clenching and sinus relief. It is truly incredible how powerful these oils can be. Lately I have been reading The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health — Beauty — a Safe Home Environment. The more I study the world of essential oils, the more I become aware of how magical the world of natural healing can be in this area. Hope make sure the oils she uses are 100% organic, since if one molecule is off it can disrupt the whole blend. She also taught us how breathing the essentials help it enter our systems directly. The oils are antioxidants and detoxifying which make them so beneficial.  Before reaching for a cold medicine that may contain chemicals why not try breathing in the powers of plants through essential oils!~

For more all natural health remedies, see The Local Rose.

1) What draws you to the world of essential oils?
the healing potential of natures most powerful extracts coupled with the creative potential of aligning the beautiful complex scents and dynamic movement of these volatile essences.

2) What are three staples we should have in our homes and for what uses?
the more oils the better but for three staples, here are some hugely multi-functional oils

1 – Lemon for decongesting the liver, vitamin C, anti-microbial, uplifting, aides is balancing blood sugar. Also good for headaches, hunger, sore throat, acid reflux, sinus congestion, in skin care for scars and for deep cleaning. Easy to use in skin and body care products, you can drink or gargle a drop or two in warm water, diffuse, add to cleaning products. It is also a wonderful oil for people used to being out front or in the spot light as a way to help them find other gratifying pathways and peace of mind. A great oil to take on a vacation, I always have a bottle with me when i travel.

2 -Peppermint – as the quickest way to relax muscles and relieve pain while waking up the mind for sharper focus and heightening the senses. Also to freshen the air, repel bugs, clear sinuses, ward of a migraine, relieve tension headache, relax neck nd shoulder muscles, digestive aide – anti-gas anti-spasm, abdominal cramping, and good for PMS. This is an oil that stimulates creativity, new ideas while relaxing emotions and giving you a instantaneous way to come fully into the moment.

3 – A flower oil of your choice like lavender, geranium, clary sage, rose, neroli, jasmine, etc. You can choose an oil that fits you perfectly and use it to relax and soothe your nerves; put in your skin care products or a body oil to feel sensual and attractive; anoint your perfume pulse points or acupoints like the temples, in between the eyebrows, crown of your head to balance your energy, lift your mood an especially to transition back to your emotional/creative self especially after too long hours at the computer; to make a babies’ room smell beautiful, to make a your clothes closet smell beautiful, and Ok to use towards the end of pregnancy (except Clary Sage)

4 – bonus oil – if you can afford some good Australian or New Caledonian Sandalwood to relax your breathing, for its pure sensuality, a natural anti-depressant, for renewed vitality and as superior meditation oil.

3) Where do you source your oils from?
I work exclusively with organic and wild-crafted essential oil distributors in the US who have direct relationships with growers all over the world, i.e. they have been on their farms. I usually have three or four acceptable sources for each oil, each one a little different, and I pick the oil for its quality, authenticity, aroma, and to match the needs of the blend – for example I get my Vetiver from three different essential oils distributors.

4) What make your heart sing?
Neroli, sandalwood, bergamot but truly all the oils do and different ones at different times – I am not fickle, I am just hearing what my mind/body/spirit needs – this something anyone can tune into – like wine tasting. I believe, our sense of smell is the best way to judge if something is going to be good for us or harmful and that we should never ignore the warning of a bad smell.

5) Do you have a beauty secret using oils?
I like to add a thin layer of flower essential-oil-based balm as a finishing touch on top of makeup to highlight and moisten tops of cheekbones so that I am always treating my eyes with special care. Tension in and around the eyes is so hard on the psyche and make the face pull in.

6) What book is on your nightstand?
The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran