Blog

My word of the year is ‘transilience’, a trait we all need, in order to navigate these uncertain and volatile times. There is no need to remind you of the ever-growing list of uncertainties such as...

I have been asked to speak to a group of undergraduate doctors in their final year of study about aromatherapy. I am both ecstatic and honoured to share my passion for aromatherapy with a group of ...

I was reading about permaculture so that I could improve my gardening skills, so I was therefore excited to see a Guardian article announcing that the word of the year was ‘permacrisis’. What immed...

The wounded healer archetype has its origins in Greek mythology and shamanic traditions. Images of the wounded healer permeate religion, philosophy, and art and are now used in psychotherapy, couns...

The complexity of the immune system is considered secondary only to that of the nervous system.The immune system is classified in two broad categories. The innate immune system (non-specific immune...

In the chapter on immunity in the second edition of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, I introduced the important role of microbes.1

In Chapter 32 – The Immune System of the second edition of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, I introduced the role of microbes by quoting Simon Mills, internationally acclaimed herbal medicine pr...

In traditional aromatherapy, Indian sandalwood, Santalum album, is commonly used in skincare for dry and sensitive skin. The oil is soothing and cooling, and reputed to have anti-inflammatory activ...

For my Aromatherapy & Shinrin-yoku Webinar, I had originally intended to go to Japan to take you on a tour of the distillery producing our Japanese pure essential oils. Unfortunately, I was no...

What is shinrin-yoku? Many cultures have long been aware of the unique relationship we have with nature. In Japanese, shinrin-yoku is defined as ‘forest bathing’ or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere

Several years ago, I wrote a blog to dispel the concern that it is not safe to diffuse essential oils around cats. I did -and still- err on the cautious side by recommending that it is not a good i...

Personally, I think it is unfair that she has singled out ‘aromatherapy’ and those businesses associated with ‘new age’ movement, as her criticisms are relevant to so many corporations that are inv...

Excessive harvesting of sandalwood trees from the wild without a strategy for replanting has substantially reduced the availability of sandalwood in India. This has resulted in global shortages and...

The 8th March was International Women’s Day (IWD) and this year’s campaign theme was #BreakTheBias.The official IWD website states that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult fo...

Perfect Potion’s Happy & Calm blend is such a beautiful and simple blend of sweet orange, lavender, Roman chamomile and frankincense. The warm, resiny aroma of frankincense comforts the soul an...

In preparing for my first webinar for 2022, I have referred to the most up-to-date research – which is constantly being updated and revealing the true nature of COVID-19 related anosmia. Much of wh...

I recently came across a very interesting paper exploring how stress and depression impair the immune system. Furthermore, the study found that emotional stress can weaken the body’s ability to dev...

This morning I came across a beautiful heartfelt article in the Guardian by Chibundu Onuzo reflecting on the last two years of the pandemic, and how she has come to appreciate the character trait ...

In the midst of the long-extended lockdowns that we were experiencing in most places in Australia, I did an online search which involved the words - pandemics, mental health and spirituality. At th...

Many of us have had to deal with the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic; associated with COVID infections, lockdowns, travel restrictions and disruption to our normal life. I was hoping th...

I am so excited to announce the topics and the dates for my 2022 webinars. These webinars will go for approximately 45 minutes and will be free of charge. Please click the links for each webinar fo...

By Deby AtterbyPublished: 2021Pages 359 Australia is blessed to be home to a diverse range of aromatic plants, from which some unique and very potent essential oils are produced. In 2000 I was so ...

A recent study reported that one in five people who experienced smell loss as a result of COVID-19 reported that their sense of smell had not returned to normal eight weeks after falling ill. The r...

I have always been passionate about aromatherapy as it allows me to flourish; however, what does it mean to flourish?For example, this year we have just established an aromatic garden and it is so ...

Aromatherapist, educator and author Sharon Wood has done an amazing job continuing the legacy she began many years ago when she created Emgoddess.

In preparing for my Aromatherapy and Mindfulness Masterclass earlier this year, I had the honour and privilege of interviewing  highly-esteemed Rev. Daiko Matsuyama: deputy head priest at Taizo-in...

A 2021 report published in Nature Reviews examines the role of the gut microbiota in modulating immune responses to vaccination

In preparing for my next masterclass, Aromatherapy and Mental Health, I began researching the impact of the pandemic on mental health. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has been ...

Today is World Gratitude Day. It is wonderful that a day has been dedicated to gratitude. Today, and I hope every day, we can find reasons to express our gratitude. Researchers have now identified ...

While several studies have indicated that healthy dietary patterns may play a role in improving the immune response, this was the first study to examine the association between dietary patterns and...

Somehow, I knew I was destined to be involved in a life involving scent. Ever since I was a young child I would often sneak into my parent’s room and privately indulge in my mum’s alluring collecti...

I need to start this blog by disclosing that I have just received my second AstraZeneca jab, and to be honest, I am now feeling very relieved. I hope that as more vaccines become readily available ...

The editorial of the Winter 2021 edition of The Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine by Susan Arentz states that, like other health professionals, naturopaths and herbalists are i...

The concept of biophilia suggests humankind is shaped both cognitively and emotionally through the interactions with nature. However, the prevailing view held by many Western societies is that huma...

In the second edition the title was Subtle Therapies.  The change to Biofield Therapies has disappointed several individuals, so please allow me to explain why I decided to change the title of the ...

Today we explore Chapter four - the spiritual dimension of scent of my new Volume III of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy.  Many aromatherapists acknowledge the effect of scent on our psyche. W...

At the 2018 NAHA conference I spoke of The role of scent in culture and spiritual practices, and how this has helped establish a framework for the practice of aromatherapy.  In preparing for this p...

This is the most difficult message I have ever had to write. I was hoping time would heal, but sometimes it cannot. My kokoro is sad. Kokoro, by the way, is a beautiful Japanese word relating to th...

I was fascinated and intrigued and wanted to learn more about this incredible person. I love reading historical biographies that document the history of medicine, and the 18th century was indeed an...

One of the very important issues that Thayer addresses in her thesis, The Adoption of Shamanic Healing into the Biomedical Health Care System in the United States, is the appropriation of indigenou...

Scent is like music to the sense of smell; evoking emotions, memories and imagery. It is the most abstract of the senses: we are often lost for words when trying to describe a particular scent. At...

Create your own Blends - Thyme oil has been referred to as one of the most important essential oils in aromatherapy. It is always important to be aware of the chemotype being used. I have been meti...

They market themselves as having the best quality essential oils and claim to be authorities on the medicinal use of essential oils. These companies typically target individuals with little formal ...

I would like to share some insights into the beautiful oils which are the heart and soul of Soul Comfort. Often when I create a blend, I begin with one essential oil as the foundation of my blend. ...

Creating the Limited Edition Chakra Essential Oil Blends collection has been a passion of mine for the last two years and I am ecstatic with the outcome.

I introduce you to the principles of subtle therapies and energy medicine. We examine the scientific evidence for the existence of chakras and review the results of a study which confirms the relat...

In 2013, Carolyn and I took my Dad back to Italy for his 80th birthday to visit the town where he had spent his childhood. It was wonderful to reconnect with my family in Sicily during Easter.

In Volume III of The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Subtle and Psyche, (coming soon!) I examine the spiritual allure of scent and why so many cultures use scent within their spiritual practices.