The integration of traditional Mexican herbs with essential oils is a unique twist to aromatherapy one can find at South Tucson’s own, Alchemista.
Located at 1250 S. 4th Ave., Alchemista offers a variety of aromatherapy products.
Aromatherapy is the usage of pure plant extracts, also known as essential oils, as a form of healing. Soaps, lotions, body oils, salts and scrubs are some of the products that make up the different options you can use in the therapeutic techniques of aromatherapy.
Yerberias are common across the South Tucson community, but the rare combination of herbs with oils is a one-of-a-kind approach that Alchemista explores.
“What I really want to get to is helping the Hispanic, or mostly the South Tucson area, realize that there are very inexpensive ways that they can bring wellness to their home,” said Sonia Rodriguez, founder and operator of the company. “And it’s just within a short drive away from them. They don’t have to travel across town to receive the same type of products and the same type of information.”Rodriguez has a degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Arizona and started exploring the field of aromatherapy more than 10 years ago. Her interest in herbs was sparked while visiting her grandparents in Mexico where she was drawn to learn about natural remedies and she found their healing aspects to be very effective.
Herbs like arnica, which is good for bruising, is traditional in Hispanic culture and incorporated in some of skin products. In Mexico, it is also common to use rosa de castilla, a type of red rose petal, and that is another component in many of their products, especially scrubs.
“So now, you’re getting the benefits of the original herbal plant combined with aroma-therapeutic benefits,” said Rodriquez.
The modern practice of aromatherapy began in 1937 by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who coined the term ‘aroma-therapie.’ According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy’s origins trace back for centuries all over the globe. Evidence has been found throughout Europe from the 16th century as well as discovered in different pharaohs tombs.
According to Rodriguez, the most common problems her customers are trying to relieve are stress, insomnia and anxiety.
“I have a very acute sense of smell, so I use water and lavender to spritz around the house and it just changes my mood entirely, so it’s really very helpful,” said customer Laurie Hebert.
Education is a main part of what Alchemista has to offer. Plans to start bilingual classes at the Fourth Avenue store are in the works.
To keep up with its growing popularity, Rodriguez opened a second location on North Oracle Road in Casas Adobes Professional Plaza that also has a spa offering aromatherapy treatments.
“It’s an interesting course working with the essential oils and learning how to utilize them in combination with the herbs so you can get the best out of both worlds,” said Rodriguez.
