Healing oils

"May this basic handbook gently lead you and your loved ones to better health,” writes Dr Gulrukh Bala in her book Essential Oils — Your Key to Inner Fragrance. Bala elaborates, "In our world there is so much stress that more and more people are now looking for peace and harmony through natural healing methods.” Her 72-page handbook tells us of the benefits of essential oils — volatile liquids distilled from plants including roots, stems, leaves, seeds, etc. These oils give energy, insulate the nerves, are vital for the development of the brain and help maintain body temperature, she states. Bala not only mentions the different therapeutic plants but also lists the ailments they help cure or lessen. The common procedure of using these oils include applying two or three drops of the oil directly on the affected area of the body and massaging it gently nine times or by any multiple of nine.

Coriander is used by the Chinese for toothache, nausea, hernia, etc. "I recommend coriander as a herb in your daily cooking,” Bala adds, it helps arthritis, colds, oily skin, migraines, etc. Indian monks are known to eat several black pepper corns daily to maintain their energy and stamina. Black pepper benefits sprains, chills and colds as well. In one of the eight chapters entitled "Oil Blends,” Bala observes that addictions to drugs and cigarettes can be controlled by a combination of basil, nutmeg and sandalwood oils amongst others, whereas a dependency on alcohol and sugar benefits from lemongrass, rosemary and fennel, amongst others. Oils stay perfectly well for two years if stored in sealed, tinted glass bottles in a cool dark place, notes the author but they are not to be worn with any other perfume, she cautions.

Bala: oils for curing ailments

A PhD from the Open University of Complementary Medicines, Calcutta, Bala lectures extensively on holistic healing. Kaika Clubwala, a meditation instuctor at the Chopra Center for Well Being, New York, writes that Bala’s "healing courses have had a profound impact on the quality of both my professional and personal life. Her humility, sincerity, wisdom and dedication are evident through all her teachings.” Bala has also published a book called Crystals — A Relationship, written at the same time as Essential Oils, "a culmination of so many queries from my students in India and the US.... People have reached a point in their spiritual awakening and are more than ready to trust the magical healing properties that lie in crystals and oils.”

"I do hope you have enjoyed reading this book and will be able to connect with your own inner fragrance,” the author concludes. Anyone seeking guidance can contact Dr Bala between 7.30 to 9.30 a.m. or 9 to 10 p.m. at 23827812. Priced at an affordable Rs 40, the handbook makes easy and informative reading. The book is published by Suman Book Centre, 88, Princess Street, Bombay 400002.

S. J. P.