Rae embodied uncompromising love, generosity and grace and is missed by everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. She inspired all those around her to follow their authentic passions and to do so with love, grace and gratitude. Her understanding of the natural world, plant medicines, essential oils, inspirational books, healing methods and heart healing opportunities was encyclopedic and absolutely unquantifiable!!!
Her legacy lives on, under the direction of her husband Jeff, and in-service to her customers of a lifetime.
To honour her departure, every May we issue an annual limited release of an aromatic roll-on blend that Rae created years ago, Heart’s Embrace. This powerful synergy of three heart-centered oils - Rose, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang – is a wonderful tonic for the physical, emotional, and spiritual heart. We suggest you use this roll on as a luxurious perfume to help revel in joy, as well as something to turn to in times of grief, anxiety or depression.
Rose, Jasmine & Ylang Ylang
For as long as memory reaches back, all peoples of the world have associated the scents of Rose, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang with love, matters of the heart, and with the connection between people. This trio of oils is a powerful support for both troubles and joys of the heart. Somehow, Rose, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang seem to provide just what we need, but there is so much more to these oils that makes them vital tools in our essential oil arsenal.
Rose Otto and Absolute - Rosa Damascene
Rose, the divine flower, prized by cultures for thousands of years, is perhaps the richest and most complex in symbolism of any plant. It has always represented love, beauty and divinity. The Persian poet, Sadi, saw Rose not only as an object of great physical beauty, but also as a symbol of spiritual attainment and transcendent desire. When we speak of Rose as a heart tonic, it is not only as its emotional supporter - Rose is also a strong tonic of the physical heart. Used in conjunction with Jasmine and Ylang Ylang it helps support the healthy function of the heart. The solvent extracted oil of Rose absolute is traditionally used for emotional, spiritual and psychological benefits as well as for perfumery. It has long been regarded as the “Great Mother” of oils, nurturing the heart, ego and a passion for life - much as a mother would for her children.
Both Rose otto and Rose absolute are turned to in matters of the heart. Rose assists in balancing our sleep habits, helping to alleviate sleep disorders. It eases the pain of sadness, anger and depression. Rose might well be one of the most powerful oils for help with postpartum depression. Turn to Rose in times of shock, bereavement, grief and melancholy. Do not overlook the hydrosol of Rose. It is softening, hydrating, stimulating, astringent and disinfecting to the skin.
Jasmine - Jasmine Grandiflorum
The solvent extracted oil of Jasmine is chemically classified as an ester, consisting of approximately 65% Benzyl acetate. This makes Jasmine a sedative, antispasmodic and expectorant. Jasmine is one of the top oils used during childbirth as it relieves pain, strengthens contractions and eases fear and trepidation. As well as having a positive effect in childbirth, Jasmine has a positive effect on the emotions of the post-partum mother or anyone who needs the comforting, uplifting effect of these special oils. Like Rose oil, Jasmine is a powerful tonic to the physical heart, aiding in reducing blood pressure. It also is a good addition to treatment of the reproductive system.
In the emotional realm, Jasmine brings an openness of spirit and mind that helps one understand and accept all matters of the heart. To this end, Jasmine and Rose together would be essential in cases of sadness and grief as well as post-partum depression. Jasmine also improves mood and helps bring calm to one’s psyche. Jasmine is wonderful to apply before public speaking to give confidence and clarity.
Ylang Ylang Extra, Grades 1, 2 and 3 and Complete - Cananga Odorata
The steam-distilled oil of Ylang Ylang is produced in many different grades:
Ylang Ylang Extra is considered the finest of the Ylang oils, with the oil being removed from distillation around the one hour mark.
Further oil is removed at progressively longer times and classified as Grades 1, 2 and 3.
Finally, there is also oil sold worldwide that is a combination of Grades 1, 2 and 3 called Ylang Ylang Complete.
Timing for removal of the essential oil is not regulated worldwide, therefore each distiller produces slightly different oil.
Ylang Ylang Extra is always sweeter and more floral than the other grades available. Chemically classified as an ester it has properties similar to Jasmine. It is a potent choice for physical heart and circulatory conditions, such as high blood pressure and problems with micro-circulation (spider veins and varicose veins).
Ylang Ylang Grades 1, 2 and 3 and Complete are chemically classified as sesquiterpenes. This chemical classification is known for its anti-inflammatory, vascular dilation and antiviral benefits. It is oil worth considering when dealing with depression and anxiety (particularly Extra and Grade 1). In synergy with Rose, Ylang Ylang can be very effective in these cases. Ylang Ylang is perhaps one of those most popular choices as an aphrodisiac, perhaps even all matters of sexuality. It helps awaken sensuality and soften the emotions in such cases where there is a reluctance or fear. It softens the hard-hearted, either learned or innate, and allows one to see the divine in oneself and the world.
This oil is also perhaps the most powerful of the heart oils being considered here. It is a strong regulator of blood pressure and heart palpitations. (Mention is made in Baudoux’s text that it can be used to treat arrhythmia and myocardial infarction, though I have not been able to find statistical support for this claim. I mention it here in support of the evidence that Ylang Ylang is a powerful heart oil.)
This blend of Rose, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang is a true case of synergy: the interaction of two or more oils in which the total effect exceeds the sum of their individual effects. These oils should be an important part of anyone’s essential oils collection - rarely will they not be appropriate!
Patricia-Marilyn Dubé, clinical aromatherapist