A Sidewalk Encounter Part I: I am Jack’s Violet Heart
This essay journals a chance encounter with violets on a February afternoon in 2016 which became the inspiration for several years of inquiry and the development of my Violet Heart Collection and Sidewalk Project flower essences. With the release of the first two formulas in the Violet Heart Collection this month, I wanted to share with you the story of how these blends came to be. Also, this is the second formula containing flower essences from my Sidewalk Project, focused on the power of place, the insight for which began with these same violets. The Sidewalk Project philosophy is: urban essences to heal urban dwellers. All Terracina Sidewalk Project flower essences are crafted using established urban flora, and infused with the perspective that urban plants create and carry the medicine to heal their urban human counterparts. I hope you enjoy part one of this story.
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Roman and German Chamomile, A Profile
Both species are now cultivated and utilized in many parts of the world for their aroma and therapeutic benefits; they are some of the most commonly used aromatic herbs in Western herbalism. While the small, daisy-like blooms of these species do not have a classic floral aroma, they certainly represent an important contribution of flowers in aromatherapy and herbalism.
Indeed, the argument could be made that Roman and German chamomile are cornerstone essential oils in modern aromatherapy, so versatile and effective are their therapeutic actions. Yet, they are two of the most gentle, non-toxic, non-irritating essential oils and herbs as well.
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How to Create Successful Essential Oil Blends
One of the great joys of aromatherapy is the process of crafting and experiencing essential oil blends. Each combination is unique in its aromas, therapeutic actions, emotional connections and inspirations, as well as its appropriate applications and uses.
While the organic, unplanned process of blending essential oils is a beautiful experience, which can produce lovely aromas for perfumery, it may not always be the best choice for making therapeutic essential oil blends.
Due to the time, effort, intention, and expense of creating an essential oil blend, it can be very frustrating when the results do not achieve the needs and desires you had in mind.
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