Anxiety is a feeling similar to fear. It is the appropriate emotional response to the perception of a danger. The danger may be external, such as an alarming situation or a natural catastrophe; or it may be internal, such as when an individual is in a conflict situation, either real or imagined, with his own conscience and moral standards of behaviour.

Internal dangers are the principal source of human anxiety. Often the patient is unaware of what he is afraid. He may assign his anxiety to his wife, his boss, or a nuclear threat, but these are conscious rationalizations for the most part. The real conflict is usually hidden from the patient, and concerns the self-imposed, unconscious inhibition of instinctual impulses which are regarded as unacceptable. His real fear may lie in the possibility of his carrying out his primitive instinctual drives, particularly those related to sexuality and aggression. The failure of an instinct to find an appropriate outlet may result in its inappropriate discharge, causing tension to be built up to the point where some means of relief must be found. This may result in peptic ulceration, hypertension, migraines, or a skin disorder.

The body, however, conforms to a general biological principle, that of homeostasis. This means that there are automatic regulatory mechanisms which keep the internal environment constant and relatively uninfluenced by sudden external environ-mental shifts. Similarly, in the mind, internal or external dangers are ‘buffered’, the defence being a neurotic reaction. This of course entails a price in discomfort, as does the defensive reaction of a fever (high pulse rate etc) in serious infections. These defence reactions take place spontaneously and automatically. As far as we are concerned the psychosomatic defence reaction to various anxieties is manifested by dysfunction in the skin.

The person with an unsightly skin disease has, however, a special cross to bear because of the irrational and often cruel attitudes of society towards skin abnormalities. We may be sure that repugnance and disgust, in most cases so out of proportion to the medical significance of the skin disorder, is a defensive social response growing out of unconscious fears connected with unhealthy skin. The best example of social irrationality of this kind is that associated with the disease leprosy. Affected persons, though not appreciably contagious or ill, are banished to live in leprosariums, supposedly to render others safe but fundamentally because humans are driven to excesses combating their unconscious fear of skin disease. It would seem, then, that mankind regards the skin as the psychological symbol of spiritual and moral purity. A blot upon it, therefore, may be unconsciously interpreted as a sign of moral impurity. Skin lesions are typically and irrationally regarded as ‘dirty and highly contagious’.

One must, however, beware of blaming all skin disorders on conflicts within the psyche. The flare-up of a skin disorder following an emotional upset is not proof that it is therefore a psychologically-caused (psychogenic) disorder. It is well known that exacerbations of many skin disorders occur under stress, diseases which may well have a real organic basis. For example, psoriasis, acne, or leprosy, which are by no means without their deep organic basis, may all be aggravated by anxieties or stress. On the other hand, the failure to identify an intense stress prior to the onset of symptoms by no means excludes the possibility that the disorder is psychocutaneous. In fact this pattern occurs more often than is realized. Prolonged tension without the benefit of a clear cause, will sooner or later become symptomatic. Patience and skill are necessary to detect the underlying anxiety in some individuals whose typical defence is a superficial serene equanimity. On occasions the skin lesion so successfully defends against the anxiety that the patient is actually unaware of the anxious feelings. Without time and psychological sensitivity, the doctor may fail to realize that emotional illness can be concealed behind such facades. The complete ‘poker face’ more often than not is evidence of repression of anxieties rather than psychic peace.

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Sage: (salvia officinalis) acne and oily skin, cuts, dermatitis, dandruff, gingivitis, gum infections, sores, asthma, antiseptic, eczema, gastric disorders, constipation, depression, diuretic, menopause, vertigo, flatulence, stimulant, leucorrhea and rheumatism, relieves itching, reduces sweating. Caution: Oil should not be used with alcohol; avoid with high blood pressure, epilepsy, early stages of cancer and stops milk in breast feeding mothers.

Sandalwood: (santalum album) oily, dry and mature skin, cracked and damaged skin, dehydrated skin, itching and inflammation of the skin, stomach disorders, flatulence, dyspepsia, urinary antiseptic, minor

bleeding, cystitis, depression, tension, insomnia, staph, chronic bronchitis, sore throats and irritating coughs.

Caution: Oil is toxic in excess, not to be used in cases of kidney disorders.

Tea Tree: (melaleuca altemifolia) acne and for many skin treatments, disinfectant for Candida and fungi, strong antiseptic, respiratory problems, immuno stimulant, cold, influenza, cold sores, blisters, thrush, shingles, chickenpox, wart.

Caution: Take care when using pure oil, irritant to mucus membranes if % is too high.

Thyme: (thymus vulgaris) Affects respiration, is an antiseptic, digestive stimulant, pulmonary disinfectant, insomnia, rheumatism, raises low blood pressure.

Caution: Avoid oil with high blood pressure.

Ylang Ylang: (cananga odorata) combination skin, balancing for dry and oily skin, promotes healthy hair, relaxation, insomnia, anxiety, depression, circulation, regulates heart, aphrodisiac, impotence, frigidity, sedative.

Caution: Avoid with low blood pressure. Excessive use may cause headaches and nausea.

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Essential oils are the volatile or end product of the plant metabolism. They are generated and stored by the plant in special cells and are extracted by steam distillation, cold pressing or effleurage – a form of extraction using fats. Scent globules can be found in different parts of the plant and this will influence the method of extraction such as flowers-rose, jasmine, neroli, roots-angelica, vetiver, seeds-anise, coriander, caraway, leaves-sage, geranium, thyme, bark-cinnamon, fruit rind- citrus oils and resin-sandalwood, frankincense.

Essential oils have various properties – antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and one should not think that a higher dosage means better success in treatment. Essential oils can have negative side effects if over dosed. For treatments it is therefore advisable to make a blend from herbs which are beneficial for the illness. Every herb works at a different level and when you mix, for example four or seven herbs in a blend to treat an illness, the benefits of all herbs are combined and possible negative side effects of a single herb are reduced or eliminated.

Essential oils are fat soluble – when applied via the skin, through massage the essential oils can reach organs to be treated through the connective and lymphatic tissues, also the circulatory system . The molecular structure of essential oils is very fine and as such is able to penetrate the cell walls of the skin. They work very quickly. For example, garlic oil rubbed on the soles of the feet will be expired out by the breath 10 minutes later.

Plant oils and essences interact with certain areas of the brain which stimulate, balance, or have a sedating affect. They have shown to have a similar effect on the energy field that surrounds all of us. When an odour is inhaled it goes directly to the left side of the brain. The sense of smell is the only sense that is not filtered through other organs but goes directly to the limbic system in the brain via the olfactory bulb along the olfactory tract.

The limbic structures influence our survival and sexual responses, creativity and intuition.

There are many methods of application, vaporising in water, baths, footbaths, sprays, inhalations and massage. All these various methods have been of assistance in the treatment of depression, sleep disorders and stress just to name a few.

Essential oils work well as an adjunct to other types of treatment and compliments Flower Essence Therapy such as Bach Flower and Australian Bush Flower Essences. They can greatly enhance the effectiveness of some medical procedures and in some cases have reduced the dosage of prescribed medication.

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Herbal Poultice

Poutices are an effective treatment, directly applied, for stubborn blackheads, boils, spots and wounds. Fresh herbs are best for a poultice. Crush the leaves and stems to a pulp on a wooden board with a rolling pin or in a blender. Spread the herbal pulp on a piece of linen, place on the affected area and then bind with a dry cloth. Fresh or dried herbs can be steamed and used as a poultice. Take the softened, warm herbs and put them onto a piece of woven cloth and place on the affected area. Then cover with a woollen cloth and fasten with other cloths so it is air tight. Poultices can be left on for a few hours or overnight.

How to Make a Basic Cream

Bee’s wax 30 g, 120 ml vegetable oil, 30 ml herbal infusion, decoction or flower water, 6 drops essential oil. Melt beeswax in top of a double saucepan. Add oil slowly, beating constantly. Remove from heat, then slowly add herbal water beating constantly. Once mixed slow down to a steady stir until mixture has cooled before adding the essential oils. Basic moisturising lotion: bee’s wax 30 g, 90 ml vegetable oil, 60 ml herbal infusion, decoction or flower water, 6 drops essential oil. Melt beeswax in top of a double saucepan. Add oil slowly, then trickle in herbal infusion. Remove from heat, once mixture has cooled down to body temperature add essential oils. Stir until mixture is thoroughly blended then decant into bottles. Shake vigorously to prevent separation.

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“There are herbs to treat every illness” said Sebastian Kneipp, one of the best known herbalists in Europe. Using herbs to treat illness is as old as the existence of human beings. Even meat-consuming animals like cats and dogs cure themselves by eating grass. Herbal tinctures, infusions, decoction, vinegar’s and oil can be all used in skin and hair care preparations.

Herbal Tinctures

These are an alcoholic extract from herbs. Tinctures have a big advantage over dried herbs since they have a longer shelf life and are easy to take. Everyone can make their own tincture. The quality of your own tincture depends on the herbs you use. For best results use only fresh herbs. Tinctures are traditionally used as medicine, one teaspoon of tincture is equivalent to one cup of herbal infusion. They can be used externally in the bath, or as compresses, cosmetics, inhalations, facial steam, ointments, creams and for wound washes.

Method: herbs are cut and are placed in a glass jar, filling only three quarters. Add sufficient overproof alcohol, to cover the herbs. Shake it daily and keep it in a warm place for four to six weeks. Then strain the herbs and bottle your own tincture in smaller bottles or leave the herbs in the alcohol – whatever you wish.

Why not start today and make your first batch of tinctures from wild crafted herbs such as Hawthorn, Stinging Nettle, St Johns Wort and Yarrow which you can harvest throughout the year. When you take your own tincture take it as a medicine and not as an alcoholic drink even if your brew tastes like it. Drink some water after taking a tincture. N.B. Pure alcohol suitable for making tinctures is not readily available in Australia, however, you may use Smirnoff vodka or fruit alcohol’s. When using dry roots, seeds or bark, grind to a powder cover 30g (lOz) of herbs to 250 mis of alcohol.

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Anhydrous Lanolin

Pure lanolin is extracted from the wool of sheep. It is closely related to the oil produced in the sebaceous glands in human skin. Wool fat has been used to make cosmetics since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Apple has anti-wrinkle properties and is helpful for oily and blemished skin.

Apricot

Is beneficial for a sallow or oily skin. It enlivens a wan complexion and makes it less wrinkle prone.

Apricot oil: is colourless and odourless. It is a very light oil and emollient. Can be used for all skin types to protect the skin from dehydration.

Arrowroot

Is soothing to the skin particularly when made into a gel. It may also be applied as a powder to which essential oils can be added, also used as a facial mask.

Avocado

The Chorti women rubbed their hair and bodies with avocado oil to keep them soft and resilient. The oil is used to protect the skin from getting burnt by the sun and the rough elements such as wind and rain. Avocado is especially good for skin revitalisation and strengthens dehydrated, ageing and damaged skin.

Banana

Is a rich moisturising fruit and is good for dry and aged skins with under active sebaceous glands.

Bee’s wax

The use of bee’s wax in cosmetics goes back in time to the ancient Greek’s, when the first cold cream was invented. It is used as an emulsi-fier in cosmetic creams, ointments and lip salves. Bee’s wax is high in vitamins and minerals which benefits the skin. It is non toxic and doesn’t clog or block the pores of the skin from absorption of the essential oils and herbs. It creates a protective lining on the skin and prevents dehydration.

Buttermilk

Is a soothing, slightly acid, astringent which also has a bleaching effect. It is suitable for all skin types and great for the summer months, when the skin needs to be cooled. It has been used as a folk remedy for the skin for centuries. Compresses with buttermilk are beneficial in treating skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis.

Cabbage

This is suitable for acne and pimples, and is beneficial for promoting the healing of fresh scars

Carrots

These stimulate cell reproduction, moisturises and are beneficial for sensitive, dehydrated ageing skin.

Castor Oil

Is soothing to the skin and promotes healthy hair. It has remarkable drawing power. Castor oil will draw carbuncles, tick heads, splinters as well as any infection from any part of the body you put a poultice or pack on

Cocoa Butter

Is a solid fat from the cocoa plant. It melts at skin temperature and is very emollient and lubricating.

Coconut Oil

Is a semisolid saturated fat used in cosmetics as a lubricant for the skin and hair.

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