Rhiannon Lewis, organizer and founder of Botanica, Sophie Gattefossé-Moyrand and Ségolène Moyrand-Gros opened the international congress on September 18, 2020.
For some it was morning, for others it was evening: The whole congress was virtual – a huge achievement and a big thank you to Rhiannon Lewis and everyone who contributed to this! It was worth it.
The famous story of René-Maurice Gattefossé and lavender oil corrected
There is probably no one in the “world of aromas” who does not know the story of the father of aromatherapy, René-Maurice Gattefossé. Thanks to Sophie Gattefosse-Moyrand and Ségolène Moyrand-Gros , we now know the real story:
“After the chemical explosion in which René-Maurice Gattefossé caught fire, he threw himself out the window and rolled around in the grass to put the fire out. He suffered first-degree burns. A gas fire developed, a bacterial infection that can be fatal – especially during his lifetime.
He then remembered the words of a farmer (who grew lavender for essential oil production) and now used lavender oil. So he knowingly treated the burn with lavender oil, and he did so with great success. “ The story has already been corrected here by Robert Tisserand.
Important input for all aroma care workers: The Gattefossé Foundation supports the introduction and implementation of clinically used aromatherapy with prize money of 10,000 euros for the winning project. Click here for more information!
Exciting lectures by Adriana Nunes Wolfenbüttel, Ruta Aldonyte, Jonathan Benavides and many more. There is not enough space here to go into every detail. The Botanica will provide a detailed summary (for a fee, in English).
Here are a few more excerpts from the presentations:
Great humanitarian aid in Madagascar by Moro L`Kaissi
Many hearts opened up during the lecture by Moro L`Kaissi, a surgeon specializing in cleft palates. In the lively presentation, she told of her incredible performance and how she used essential oils. They are happy for any financial support as well as essential oils. Check out their work!
Lectures on the subject of “effectiveness”
It is well known that scents immediately evoke emotions and are stored together with memories. Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist from the USA, describes associated learning in her lecture, with emotions as a key element.
- It explains why our olfactory preferences are not innate, but rather trained. And that new associations are formed with emotions , the first olfactory association is always the strongest.
- The odor intensity: If a fragrance / essential oil is used too intensely and strongly, this automatically leads to a negative attitude! In comparison: Listening to music is pleasant at normal volume, and unpleasant for most people when the bass is extremely turned up. It is the same with fragrances.
- Every person, with the exception of identical twins, has its own nose with its own receptors. Everyone has a different odor threshold and smells different. So take seriously any person who says that the smell is already too strong for them.
- From smell-associated memories to “how emotions can affect our bodies” reported Dr. Heart many other exciting aspects.
The lecture by Dr. Joy Bowles . She gave very essential inputs and groundbreaking thoughts for the aromatherapy of the future. The same applies to the distinction between essential oils for household use, in a therapeutic or medicinal sense.
Really essential thoughts that get many thought-provoking (hopefully). (This is one of the topics that there will be an article on the website in the future. The only reason I can keep this short.) If you already have more information about Dr. Joy, for your book or Aromatherapy Journal Club, click here .
“Just because essential oils are natural – doesn’t mean that they can’t have any side effects if used improperly!”
Safety in the use of essential oils
The highly topical lecture by Prof. Thomas Rustenmeyer on allergic contact dermatitis triggered by essential oils and the possibility of sensitization.
Here is a photo of an allergic contact dermatitis caused by tea tree oil. This was applied pure (!) To the palm of the hand every day.
Here is another case: Following a (very questionable) recommendation, this lady was advised to apply certain essential oils directly to your facial skin against your hay fever symptoms. (Note from the author: There are good mixing suggestions for hay fever: see Aromapraxis blog by Eliane Zimmermann .)
The basic potential for sensitization and how this works was also addressed. Every aromatherapist should deal with this well in advance, especially with aroma massages.
During and after pregnancy
Pam Conrad addressed many important issues related to pregnancy and postpartum. A call to use more individual oils and make sure that they are safe during pregnancy. And to educate pregnant women about this topic.
Basically, dilute sufficiently (max. 1-2%), know which oils can be used and NO internal consumption! Exciting book by Pam Conrad with many studies and experience: Women`s Health Aromatherapy by Pam Conrad.
Presentations for nursing
Jacqui Stringer expressed the importance of this
- the security aspect
- the cooperation of the team
- the documentation
- and there is constant evaluation and improvement in everyday care.
How essential oils can be used in oncology and palliative care was also part of the lecture. Very important inputs, which we will certainly address in ARTHES as well.
Madeleine Kerkhof, well known in the palliative field and through her work with CO2 extracts. Everyone could take something away from her lecture on dementia – it was just fantastic. If you want to know more about CO2 extracts and your work, click here .
Keyword sustainability
On Sunday afternoon it continued with presentations on the topic of sustainability, which stimulate thought. Ann Harman, for example, spoke of knowing her plants (in the botanical sense), their distillation products (which devices are used), oneself (and the knowledge) and their products (through analysis).
Christa Obuchowski moved many with her great pictures from New Mexico and her important statements! The Botanica is a full load of information and inspiring thoughts that will be with me for the near future.
It will be exciting to see how the scientific work with essential oils will continue!
I hope you were able to take something with you and say THANK YOU again to everyone who participated in Botanica 2020. In addition, a special thank you to Rhiannon for letting me write this article about the breathtaking congress. I’m already looking forward to the next time – Botanica 2022.
Do you have questions and inputs? Contact s.binggeli[at]arthes.ch .
