Aromatherapy is a branch of herbalism that employs the use of essential oils for therapeutic use. Essential oils are highly aromatic distillations of flowers, roots, stalks, bark, seeds, leaves, gum or rind of plants, trees or fruit. This holistic practice is now well recognized and utilized for aid in bringing about physical, mental or emotional change within a person.

Used by the Ancients for thousands of years, precious oils were the first medicines and perfumes. Incenses utilizing the oils perfumed places of worship. This science is increasingly being used either in conjunction with allopathic medicine or alone to provide a natural alternative to treating common ailments. Essential oils contain chemical constituents that nourish, energize, heal and protect the living plant increasing its immunity. Over the years, practitioners used these extracted oils to stimulate the immune system, balance our central nervous system, increase blood circulation, relieve pain and treat viruses, infections, wounds and skin ailments. When pure oils are placed directly on the skin, they enter into our bloodstream and can often impact our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Applications of essential oils diluted in a carrier are ideal for use in massage, reflexology and bodywork. In fact, the best place to put oil is either the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Inhale the fragrance from your hand. Rub it on areas where you have tension. It is possible to feel positive emotional and physical benefits from a single application of a few drops of oil.

Notably, mere inhalation of particular scents can also impact us in the same ways. In the emotional realm, essential oils were used to treat depression, anxiety, improve memory and promote self-confidence and a meditative state. Aromatherapy is the belief that certain scents trigger specific emotional or physical responses in people simply because the chemical constituents evoke them. Magical Aromatherapy is the practice of using the energies found within these same oils and floral waters or plant material to bring about a needed change. These energies are often focused for a specific intent by visualizing the intended goal. Aroma magick is created each time you use a particular scent for a particular purpose. Aromatherapists concern themselves with the effects of smell, magickal practitioners concern themselves with the energy of the plant.

Debbi Quinn

Blue Moon Herbals began as a means of taking control of my own health. I was first diagnosed with cancer in 1988, a time when "breast cancer" was not discussed as openly as it is today. Information on cancer and available options (both alternative and conventional) were not easy to find. Being unprepared and uninformed, I finally followed my doctors down the "yellow brick road" of conventional treatment. I am still amazed when I think of that time in my life, especially concerning the drugs; some corrosive enough to require skin grafts if dripped on the skin! In the early 90s, I vowed to take an active part in enhancing my immune system. With knowledge and a strong healthy body, I have faced my last two reoccurrences with success.

Working with meditation, massage, nutrition, reflexology and crystals, I nourished my body and fed my soul. I always had a love for aroma and wore scented oils from the time I was a teenager, Patchouli being my favorite. The choice became clear- to become a student of this ancient science.

Inevitably the frustration with products more confusing than effective, led me to research and study the various effects of essential oils, herbs, & essences, ultimately their connection on a vibrational level with the mineral world. I began blending my own oils and created a line of products blended with organic essential oils and botanicals, imbued resins, flower and gem essences and crystals. Alchemy at work? Without a doubt, but also embracing the aesthetics of organic perfumery- potions that evolve, enhance and enfold the very soul of the wearer- perfumes with a purpose.

Blue Moon continues today as a woman owned green business, solidly standing by the belief that we are caretakers of the earth. I receive all the gifts of nature with gratitude and continually strive to improve our offerings, combining aroma-therapeutic knowledge with a background in women's studies and developed in the magickal, botanical and Wise Woman traditions. It was a period of transformation, doing something I love. Today, I am known locally as the ?potion queen" and through Blue Moon Herbals, I am committed to helping you enhance your physical, emotional & spiritual well being through the use of pure therapeutic oils, herbs, flowers & crystals.