AROMATHERAPY NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL

NEROLI ESSENTIAL OIL

Not only has Neroli great therapeutic properties, but also has the most beutiful smell. It has a greatly relaxing effect on the body and mind, relieving muscle spasms, calming heart palpitations and has a wonderful rejuvenating and regenerative effect on the skin, helping to prevent ugly scarring and fighting stretch marks.

Neroli oil has a sweet, floral and slightly haunting aroma, the color is pale yellow and the viscosity is watery. It is one of the most expensive essential oils.

Care must be taken when buying neroli oil, as many suppliers adulterate the oil to increase their profits, as it is a strong smelling oil and even when diluted still has the most incredible smell. The oil sold by us is unadulterated and 100% pure. It is also known as 'orange blossom' and it takes about 1000 lbs. of orange blossoms to make 1 lb. of Neroli oil. The name is said to have originated from the Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille (Countess of Nerola) who used the oil as a perfume and to scent her bathwater and gloves. It is still an ingredient for making traditional smelling eau-de-cologne.

Orange petals are often associated with marriage, purity and brides, as brides traditionally wore orange buds in their hair.

Neroli oil is extracted from the small, white, waxy flowers of the bitter-orange tree by steam distillation and yields 0.8 - 1 %.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of neroli oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, a-terpinene, nerol, neryl acetate, farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerolidol, linalyl acetate, methyl anthranilate and indole.

Precautions

Neroli oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant and non-phototoxic yet must be used sparingly when a sharp clear head is needed, as it can be very relaxing. Again avoid in pregnancy and in epilepsy

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of Neroli oil are antidepressant, antiseptic, anti-infectious, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, cordial, deodorant, digestive, emollient, sedative and tonic.

Neroli oil is very relaxing and can relieve chronic anxiety, depression, fear, shock and stress and its calming effect can also be beneficial to the digestive tract. It can be used for intestinal spasms, colitis and diarrhea.

It helps insomnia, and as one of the essential oils with the most sedative effects is useful for treating depression, anxiety and shock and is also effective in calming heart palpitations, treating headaches, neuralgia and vertigo. It can help when a patient is convalescing and is a good general tonic.

On the skin, neroli oil can help to regenerate skin cells and is a rejuvenating oil useful to prevent ugly scar tissue, promote a smoother skin, fighting stretch marks and broken capillaries. Neroli oil not only smells exquisite, but can also relax and calm the nervous system, the digestive tract and is helpful in skin care.

• Burners and vaporizers As vapor therapy, neroli oil is useful for insomnia, nervous tension, headaches, vertigo, depression, as well as anxiety and shock.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath it helps with insomnia, headaches, neuralgia, nervous tension, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression, colitis, stomach upsets and diarrhea and for boosting the skin.
• Cream or lotion When used in a cream or lotion is not only fights stretch marks and broken capillaries on the skin, but also prevents ugly scarring. Its action of stimulating cell growth and cellular activity helps it to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin.

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AROMATHERAPHY CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL

CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL

Chamomile often grows as a weed and can be seen often at the side of motorways and hedgerows. It has quite a pungent odour, none the less this is a valuable plant. The dried leaves and flowers can be drunk as tea and the dried flowers make it an excellent rinse to enhance blond hair. It is used extensively in herbal medicine and also in Homeopathic medicine making it very safe for babies and small children.

German chamomile essential oil is extracted from Matricaria chamomilla (M. recutica) of the same family and is also known by the names of blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile and single chamomile. The Roman chamomile essential oil has a sweet, apple-like fragrance and is very light clear blue in color with a watery viscosity, while the German chamomile oil has a sweet, straw-like fragrance, is dark blue in color and its viscosity is medium.

Both Roman and German chamomile have excellent calming properties, but Roman chamomile is more effective for irritation, impatience and feeling disagreeable, and has great value in treating PMS and other menstrual and menopausal problems, while German chamomile is superbly effective on the skin, not only to sooth and calm, but to heal and for tissue regeneration.

German chamomile oil is mostly cultivated in Hungary, Egypt, Eastern Europe and France, while Roman chamomile is cultivated in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Morocco and France. Roman chamomile is a small perennial herb, with a hairy stem and feathery pinnate leaves, daisy like white flowers (larger than those of German chamomile) and grows about 25 cm high, while German chamomile grows about 60 cm high and has a hairless branching stem, with delicate feathery leaves and simple daisy like white flowers on single stems.

To the Egyptians it was a herb dedicated to the sun, to cure fevers, and to the moon, for its cooling ability. It was also recognized as a soother of nervous complaints and was used in shampoos, cosmetics and perfumes. German chamomile contains azulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This blue crystal is not actually present in the plant, but forms in the oil and only a small quantity is needed to be effective. Both chamomile oils are extracted from the flowers by steam distillation, with the Roman chamomile yielding about 1.7 % from fresh flowers and German chamomile yielding about 0.2 - 0.4 %.
The main chemical components of Roman chamomile oils are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, caryophyllene, and propyl angelate and butyl angelate. The main constituents of German chamomile oil are chamazulene, a-bisabolol, bisabolol oxide A, bisabolol oxide B and bisabolone oxide A.

Precautions Both types of chamomile oil are considered non-toxic and non-irritant, yet since they do have emmenagogue properties when used in high concentrations, they should NOT BE used during pregnancy and likewise by Epileptics

The therapeutic properties of Roman chamomile oil are analgesic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-depressant, anti-neuralgic, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, sedative, nervine, digestive, tonic, sudorific, stomachic, vermifuge and vulnerary.

The therapeutic properties of German chamomile oil on the other hand are analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cholagogue, emmenagogue, hepatic, digestive, sedative, stomachic, vermifuge, vasoconstrictor and vulnerary.

Roman chamomile oil is used for This essential oil can be used with great effect on children when they feel irritable, impatient, teething or colicky. Women find it great to relieve PMS. In general it is good for abdominal pain, gall bladder problems, as well as for throat infections. it furthermore helps to relieve allergies, hay fever and asthma. For the skin, it can be used to calm acne, eczema, rashes, wounds, dermatitis, dry and itchy skin and other allergic conditions in general.

For babies it can be used in a very diluted form (NO HIGHER THAN 1% DILUTION) to sooth an irritated and teething baby and helps for colic, diarrhea and gastric spasms. It can be added to baby's bath mixed in a little carrier oil  or as a massage after the bath to relax baby ready for sleep. I can assure you babies loved being massaged and my little grandson at a few months old used to hold up his foot for me indicating he wanted a massage.

German chamomile oil slightly more expensive than the Roman chamomile this essential oil has a calming effect on the mind and body and is excellent in treating any type of inflammation - be that internal or external - and is very effective on urinary stones (bladder gravel) as well. It stimulates the liver and gall bladder, thereby improving digestion and is valuable in treating menstrual and menopausal problems. On the skin, it is a miracle worker and calms red, dry and irritated skin, as well as calming allergies, eczema, psoriasis and all other flaky skin problems. It is high in -(-a)-bisabolol which promotes granulation (healing) and is also a great tissue regenerator.

Both Roman and German chamomile have calming and relaxing abilities, especially on the nervous and digestive systems, regulating and easing the menstrual cycle. They have soothing and healing influence on the skin, as well as being a potent remedy for inflammatory conditions.

• Burners and vaporizers Roman chamomile can be used in vapor therapy, for nervous complaints, headaches and migraines.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath Roman chamomile can be used in a blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath, to assist with allergies, anorexia, addiction, colic, insomnia, back pain, muscle pain, arthritis, post-natal depression and bowel disorders, whereas German chamomile can be used for asthma, measles, mumps, PMS, menopausal symptoms, as well as rheumatism.
• Lotion and cream Roman chamomile can be used in a cream base for diaper rash, burns and sunburn, while German chamomile is useful in general skincare, especially in treating allergic skin.

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AROMATHERAPY ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer. These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.  

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should be avoided as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.

• Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.
  
  
• Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with  some other health conditions. If in doubt always consult a qualified practioner
  
  
• Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.
  
  
• Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.
  
  
• Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.
  
  
• Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.
  
  
• Essential oils are flammable. Keep them out of the way of fire hazards.

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AROMATHERAPY ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL

ESSENTIAL OIL~ROSE

Although this essential oil is expensive it is one of the best all-purpose oils to have around. It not only fights depression, grief, anger and fear, but looks after your heart and digestive system, while being the most wonderful remedy for female problems especially at the time of the menopause for that is often a time in a woman's life where she looses her self esteem and confidence, Rose has that ability to restore that confidence in her. It is also one of the best oils to use on the skin helping to restore balance but especially good for preventing broken capillaries for as we age, these capillaries become more fragile.

Rose oil has a deep, rosy, fresh aroma, the color ranges from clear to a pale yellow or greenish tint. The origin of rose oil 'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was thought to have been crimson. Anicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, used the rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia. Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are still a symbol of love and purity and are also used to aid meditation and prayer.

It takes about 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make one ounce ( 29.57 ml) of rose otto - or to put in a different way 40,000 kilograms to make 1 liter of rose otto.

Extraction Rose otto oil is extracted from the fresh flowers, picked before 8 am in the morning, by steam distillation and the yield is 0.02 -0.05 %. The heat used in the distillation process is carefully controlled, as the aroma can be damaged if the heat is too high.

The chemical composition of rose oil is one of the most complex and contains more than 300 known compounds, yet the main chemical components of rose oil can be listed as -citronellol, phenyl ethanol, geraniol, nerol, farnesol and stearpoten with traces of nonanol, linalool, nonanal, phenyl acetaldehyde, citral, carvone, citronellyl acetate, 2-phenylmenthyl acetate, methyl eugenol, eugenol and rose oxide.

Precautions

LIKE ALL ESSENTIAL OILS DO NOT USE IN PREGNANCY OR IF SUFFERING FROM EPILEPSY AND ONLY USE DILUTED AS IN A 1% OR 2% DILUTION
The therapeutic properties of rose oil are antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, choleretic, cicatrisant, depurative, emmenagogue, haemostatic, hepatic, laxative, nervous system sedative, stomachic and a tonic for the heart, liver, stomach and uterus. Rose oil soothes and harmonizes the mind and helps with depression, anger, grief, fear, nervous tension and stress and at the same time addresses sexuality, self-nurturing, self esteem and dealing with emotional problems. It is most helpful for poor circulation and heart problems, which would include heart palpitations, arrhythmia as well as high blood pressure and is also used to boost the liver and gall bladder. For the respiratory system  rose oil assists in cases of asthma, coughs and hay fever, and in the digestive system for liver congestion and nausea. Rose oil has a clearing, cleansing, regulating and purifying effect on the female sex organs and can be used for regulating and balancing hormones, irregular menstruation, functional infertility, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, uterine bleeding and other uterine disorders, while having a general toning effect on the uterus. On the skin it is most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin, while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action, which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation as well as skin redness and is useful in eczema and herpes.  

Rose oil gives a feeling of well-being and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful for the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and in skin care.

• Burners and vaporizers In vapor therapy, rose oil can be helpful with allergies, asthma, baby blues, headaches, migraine, nervous tension and as a relaxant. It is particularly effective to fight depression, anger and grief, while dealing with emotional problems, sadness and loss.
• Blended massage oil or in the bath As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, rose oil can help with allergies, baby blues, asthma, hay fever, headaches, depression, migraine, nervous tension, depression, grief, stress, sadness and also to boost poor circulation, calming the heart, stimulating the liver and gall bladder and for general skin toning.
• Lotions and creams When rose oil is included in a cream or lotion, it stimulates the skin, while moisturizing and hydrating, boosting all skin types and being particularly beneficial to dry, mature and sensitive skin. It helps to reduce skin redness, fight inflammations, as well as fix broken capillaries on the skin and also acts as a general skin tonic with its astringent properties.

One of my favourite skin creme blends is a blend of Rose and Frankincense essential oils to which I add a little of Vitamin E. It makes an ideal blend for mature skin

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AROMATHERAPY BENZOIN AND LIME ESSENTIAL OILS

Benzoin

This resinous oil has a great calming and uplifting effect on the mind and helps to comfort the sad and lonely, while boosting circulation and easing respiratory disorders. At the same time it boosts the skin's elasticity, while calming redness, itchiness and irritation. Benzoin oil has a sweet, warm and vanilla-like aroma and is golden brown in color, with a treacle-like viscosity.

It is extracted from the tree Styrax Benzoin tree which grows in Java, Sumatra and Thailand and grows to 8 meters (20 feet). It is also known as gum benzoin, luban jawi (meaning frankincense of Java), Benjamin or Styrax benzoin. Deep incisions are made in the trunk of the tree, from which the grayish colored sap exudes. When the resinous lump becomes hard and brittle, it is collected from the bark.
Benzoin, also known as gum Benjamin, is one of the classic ingredients of incense. In ancient civilizations it was used in fumigation and it is also an ingredient of 'Friar's balsam', an aid to respiratory problems. It is also used as a fixative in the perfume industry.

Chemical composition

Benzoin oil's main chemical components are benzoic, cinnamic acids, benzyl benzoate, benzoic aldehyde, vanillin and coniferyl benzoate.
Precautions
When concentration is needed, it is best to avoid using benzoin oil as it can have a very relaxing effect. and like other essential oils do not use in pregnancy and if epileptic
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of benzoin oil include the following; antiseptic, anti-depressant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and vulnerary.
Benzoin oil can be used for bronchitis, coughs, colds, wounds, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, scar tissue, circulation, nervous tension, stress, muscle pains, chilblains, rashes and mouth ulcers.
Benzoin oil's greatest benefit lies in that it has a calming effect on the nervous and digestive systems, a warming effect on circulation problems and a toning effect on the respiratory tract.

Lime

This clear smelling citrus oil can help lift depression and lighten your mood when feeling blue. It is used to fight cellulite and to tone the skin in general. Lime oil has a sharp, citrus peel smell and is pale yellow to light olive in color. Originally from Asia, it is now cultivated in most warm countries, especially Italy, the West Indies and the Americas. It is an evergreen tree growing up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) high with smooth, green leaves, stiff sharp spines and small, white flowers. The fruit is green and although there are many varieties they usually measure about two inches in diameter. It was introduced into Europe by the Moors and from there it migrated to the Americas. Ships transporting it were called 'lime juicers' and ship crews depended on it to prevent scurvy, because of the high vitamin C content.
It is used to flavour ginger ale and cola drinks, and also used in the perfume industry.

Lime oil can be extracted by expression or by distillation - the peel of the unripe skin by cold expression or the peel and /or the whole ripe fruit by steam distillation.
lime oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fruit rinds and since it is distilled it does not have a phototoxic effect on the skin where by the expressed oil does.
Chemical composition
The main constituents in the distilled lime oil, like the one we sell is a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, 1,8-ceneole, linalool, borneol, citral and traces of neral acetate and geranyl acetate.
Precautions
Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing if the oil is obtained by steam extraction, yet the oil obtained from cold expression can cause photosensitivity in strong sunshine and can irritate the skin and as usual do not use in pregnancy and if epileptic.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of lime oil are antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative and tonic.
Lime oil is useful to cool fevers associated with colds, sore throats and flu and aids the immune system while easing coughs, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as helping asthma. Lime oil can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.
It can be helpful for arthritis, rheumatism and poor circulation, as well as for obesity and cellulite and has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.

Lime oil is beneficial to the immune system, easing infection in the respiratory tract and relieving pain in muscles and joints, while revitalizing a tired mind and banishing the feeling of apathy, anxiety and depression.

LIME AND BENZOIN BLEND
I like to use these two essential oils together in a blend, where the Benzoin is relaxing and soothing and good for anxiety. The Lime is uplifting and good for depression, both are great for the respiratory tract especially for sinusitis. Lime essential oil also stimulates the appetite so very helpful when getting over illness or in the case of depression where the appetite was diminished. In a blend for massage I would use a 2% dilution but equally they are effective in a burner

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LAVENDER A VERY VERSATILE ESSENTIAL OIL

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Lavender is from the same family as Rosemary and can be used in much the same way as Rosemary in cooking, often used in French and Moroccan dishes, it is relatively easy to grow and has a multitude of uses but here I want to talk about the use of Lavender as an essential oil.

Like all essential oils do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding and in epilepsy and a known allergy

Lavender is the only essential oil that can be used neat on the skin (its extremely rare for anyone to have a reaction) and very useful to have in the first aid kit for MINOR burns where the skin is unbroken and the appropriate first aid routine as taken place first i.e. placing affected area into cold running water for 20 mins. It helps prevent scaring, its good to apply with a cotton bud on spots (unbroken skin) and insect bites and in fact applied onto pulse spots like the wrists, backs of knees and temples, neck etc. will help avoid being bitten in the first place. However for massage of large areas a 1% dilution for the head and face and 2% dilution for the body in a suitable carrier. If adding lavender to a bath either dilute in carrier oil and if you have no carrier it can be diluted in some milk and added to the bath.

It's one of the most popular of essential oils in Aromatherapy and has been used in healing in one form of another for centuries. Dried lavender bags have been used in time gone by to deter moths and insects in linen drawers as well as to fragrance them. It was used as an antiseptic back in Roman times who used it to cleanse their skin and wounds and the word comes for the Latin "Lavare" meaning to wash. Lavender was also very popular in Elizabethan times and English lavender was cultivated around Mitchum Surrey and now cultivated extensively in Norfolk.

It's properties were discovered or rather re-discovered by the French chemist Gattefosse quite by accident when he burned his hand and having no water to cool it he plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil, he noticed how well the burn healed with no scaring and so heralded the birth of modern Aromatherapy.

It can lower blood pressure so can make the user feel a bit dull and drowsy so some caution is needed. It has a calming effect on the mind and can help insomnia however only in small doses if too much is used it will have the opposite effect. It's good for muscular aches and strains and beneficial for the respiratory system helping ease catarrh, laryngitis and colds (a couple of drops to some hot water for inhalations). It helps menstrual cramps massaged over the lower back and abdomen. Its good for headaches either a drop neat on the temples or better still added to some tepid water to make a compress to apply across the forehead

On a spiritual level Lavender helps stabilises the physical, etheric and astral bodies therefore induces a calm state of mind and helps dispel anger and soothes the spirit and helps dispel negativity.

There are so many ways to use this valuable essential oil both neat on the skin for spot treatments in dilution for massage and in the bath, as an inhalation, on pillows to help insomnia and in a burner and can be made into a room spray (a few drops of the essential oil added to some water add a drop of liquid detergent this acts as an emulsifier to disperse the essential oil throughout the water and can be placed in an atomiser

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AROMATHERAPY ANTI-AGEING FACE CREME

 RECIPE FOR AROMATHERAPY ANTI AGEING/ANTI WRINKLE FACE CREME
Before using any new product particularly on the skin its a good idea to patch test on a tiny area where you wish to apply it and leave it unwashed and alone for 48 hours, if there is no reaction then its safe to go ahead and use the product.
WARNING THIS RECIPE MUST NOT BE USED BY PREGNANT/NURSING WOMEN, THOSE SUFFERING FROM EPILEPSY OR CHILDREN
Aromatherapy oils MUST NOT BE USED UNDILUTED and for the face the dilution is 1%, this is because the face is close to the nose and therefore the limbic system.

For this recipe you will need a base creme and its best to obtain one from an aromatherapy supplier as they are designed to be used for blending. The active ingredients in this recipe are the essential oils themselves and not the base creme.

Essential oils
Frankincense
On the skin this oil helps regenerate helps smooth out wrinkles, it has a firming action, and helps balance sebum levels. The ancient Egyptians used this essential oil in mummification, therefore if it helped preservation it makes sense that it will help preserve the skin.

Lavender
Helps promote new cells again has a balancing effect on the skin and speeds up healing, so its especially effective at dealing with break outs.

Patchouli
This essential oil is also a good skin oil, particularly for rough dry areas and soothing for inflammed areas.

You will also require the contents of a Vitamin E capsule or a few drops of wheatgerm oil (which is high in Vitamin E) this extends the shelf life of the creme but more importantly Vitamin E is a powerful anti free radical agent and helps sooth the skin.

This creme is best used at night however if used during the day you would require the addition of a sun protection factor as UVA light ages the skin (see earlier articles on the skin)

To make a 1% dilution the ratio is as follows 1drop of essential oil to 100 drops of carrier oil/creme

1% dilutions

• 5 ml:1 drops
• 10 ml:2 drops
• 15 ml:3 drops
• 20 ml:4 drops
• 25 ml:5 drops
• 30 ml:6 drops

Therefore if you use a 30 ml jar of base creme you will need 6 drops of essential oil in total so for this recipe add 2 drops each of Frankincense, Lavender and Patchouli, add the contents of the Vitamin E capsule and stir well with a clean spatula. The preparation should last for 3 months and should be kept in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

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AROMATHERAPY

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WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? 

It is the systematic use of essential oils in Holistic treatments to improve physical and Emotional well being. Essential Oils are extracted from plants and possess distinctive therapeutic properties, which can be used to improve health and prevent disease. Both their physiological and psychological effects combine well to promote positive health. 

Essential Oils can be applied in a variety of ways such as in massage, baths and inhalations. They are readily absorbed into the skin and have gentle physiological effects and Aromatherapy is an especially effective therapy for stress-related disorders and a variety of chronic ailments

Aromatherapy has its roots in ancient civilisations i.e. the Ancient Egyptians and the Romans used plants and herbs and oils extracted from these for religious, medical and cosmetic purposes and in the Ancient Egyptians used Essential Oils for Embalming and Preserving. 

What are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic, volatile substances extracted from a single botanical source by distillation or expression. They are found in leaves, the hairs on leaves, in flowers, in tree bark or roots, in fruit pulp and peel. Similar to animal hormones, they are sometimes referred to as the plants’ ‘Life force’. The cells containing essential oils are generally close to the surface but they can only be seen with the help of a microscope. The essence is either stored in the cell where it is made or, as is the case with citrus fruits, moved to special storage sacs. 

Essential Oils are: 

• Aromatic, have a distinctive and often fragrant smell 

• Volatile, evaporate quickly in the air and to varying degrees depending on the oil 

• Very powerful when neat, are usually blended with a carrier oil for massage purposes 

• Flammable, must be kept in a cool place away from heat and/or naked flames 

• Soluble in oil and alcohol, (in water they will form a suspension) 

• Liquid, exceptions include Rose Otto and Benzoin, which are semi-solid Non-greasy, despite their name, the oils are generally light and not oily Expensive, producing the plants and extracting the oil is labour intensive and thus not cheap.

WHERE DO ESSENTIAL OILS COME FROM? 

Essential Oils come from various parts of the plants. Some plants only produce one oil e.g. 

• Basil oil from Basil leaves 

• Carrot from Carrot seeds 

• Pine from the needles and sometimes the cones of Pine trees 

Other plants produce several oils from different parts e.g. each Sweet Orange tree produces three essential oils 

•Petitgrain from the leaves and branches 

• Neroli from the blossom 

• Sweet Orange from the peel 

THE SAFETY OF ESSENTIAL OILS 

How should oils be stored? 

Essential oils are delicate and expensive; it is therefore wise to look after them. They should be stored: 

• Away from extremes of temperature, heat will evaporate them and cold can affect their composition 

• In dark, amber/blue glass bottles, essential oils are sensitive to ultraviolet light, they should not be stored, or bought in plastic because it affects the molecular structure of the oil 

• In tightly sealed bottles, to protect them from evaporating in the air and to stop contact with the air from changing their composition 

• Out of the reach of children. 

Are Essential Oils Safe? 

Used correctly essential oils are very safe, mainly because they are used in such tiny amounts. When used in the wrong dilutions and in the wrong conditions they can produce adverse effects. Certain oils should never be used, under any circumstances and some should not be used for specific conditions. 

N.B. Essential oils are very strong and should not be swallowed. If oil gets into the eye rinse it immediately with lots of water. If necessary seek medical advice. 

N.B. Essential oils should never be used in the first three months of pregnancy. For the rest of the term, Mandarin is the only oil, which may be used. 

N.B. & ONLY USE THAT IF AN EXPERIENCED, QUALIFIED & INSURED AROMATHERAPIST 

HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK ON THE HUMAN BODY

What are the specific effects of Aromatherapy?

Using Essential Oils affects the Human Body 

• Pharmacologically, essential oils are chemical and so are humans. Once essential oils have been absorbed into the body, either through the skin or inhalation, the chemicals in the oils enter the blood and other body fluids and interact with the chemistry of our bodies e.g. hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters are all chemicals and the presence of another chemical (the essential oil) can affect the way they work. 

• Physiologically: physiology is the way our body works. Essential oils can affect this by changing the chemical messages and impulses sent around the body and thus changing the way the systems of the human body function e.g. if an oil has relaxing and de-stressing properties, it may help to relieve the symptoms of stress displayed by our bodies e.g. slowing heart rate and breathing rate or encouraging tense muscles to relax. 

• Psychologically: the way essential oils affect our mind is more difficult to describe, mainly because everyone’s mind id different. However, our sense of smell is closely linked to our memory so that particular smells can cause particular responses: e.g. if you dislike the smell of Roses, Rose oil is unlikely to relax you; if Jasmine reminds you of a good holiday then its smell will bring back happy memories and provoke a positive response. 

General effects of Aromatherapy

There are certain effects from using essential oils which result from most treatments, especially since relaxing and/or hands-on application methods like massage and baths are very common in aromatherapy. 

General effects include:

• Reduction in Stress & Tension 

• Feeling of Well-being, Balance and Calm 

• Antibacterial effects of oil help the body to heal and support the immune system. 

How do essential oils penetrate the skin? 

There are two ways that oil can safely penetrate the body: 

1. Smell/Inhalation 

2. Absorption via the skin Ingestion, i.e. swallowing them is not safe. 

Smelling & Inhaling Essential Oils. The Nose & Olfactory Tract Smell is the fastest way for Essential Oils to penetrate the body. The molecules travel up the nose and there are two results: they send a message to the brain and nerves which respond to the new smell and they pass into the blood stream via the lungs and the respiratory system. 

In order to understand how this works, it helps to understand the structure of the Olfactory Tract. 

Most of the nose is concerned with breathing: inhaling air into the body and exhaling it out, however it is the organ of smell and thus very important in a therapy based on the power of aromas! At the top of the nose there are two areas of pigmented tissue known as Olfactory Membranes. They contain the olfactory, or smell-sensing cells, which have fine hair-like protrusions called cilia. The olfactory cells connect to nerves in an area known as the Olfactory Plexus. Once triggered, these nerves send messages along the olfactory Nerves to the Brain, particularly the Limbic System. This is the area of the brain that deals with Memory, Emotions, Our Basic Instincts and Mechanical Functions. When essential oil molecules pass over the olfactory cells, it is thought that these cells trigger receptor areas, which send an impulse via the olfactory plexus and nerves to the brain. Here the information is processed and interpretated (with either positive or negative associations). Depending on the interpretation, the brain sends messages to other parts of the body to elicit a response e.g. Grimace! The brain may also react to different chemicals in an essential oil and produce particular effects e.g. a relaxing or sedative substance may cause the brain to send out a message of relaxation either to the whole body or a particular part. 

How do Oils Penetrate the Skin? 

Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. In order to understand this, it helps to understand the skin’s structure. Being the largest human organ it is water resistant, but extremely minute substances, such as the molecules of an essential oil, can enter the tiny pores of the Epidermis, as well as penetrating through the hair follicles and the sweat glands. From here they enter the blood capillaries in the dermis. Once the oil reaches the blood and the circulation it is transported around the whole body. 

BLENDING & CARRIER OILS

Essential Oils are almost always used in a blend. They are blended with Carrier oils for use in massage and in some cases, baths. The correct blend is very important because essential oils are potentially toxic if used undiluted. They are also highly concentrated and will therefore not go very far in a massage on their own! 

What is a Carrier Oil? 

Carrier oils are known as fixed oils because unlike essential oils, they do not evaporate when heated. They are extracted from plants, flowers, nuts and seeds and those generally used in aromatherapy do not have a strong smell as it might interfere with that of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain fat-soluble vitamins e.g. A, D, E and K, minerals and proteins in differing amounts, so have healthy benefits of their own. 

Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy are:

• Of vegetable, nut or seed origin 

• Refined preferably cold-pressed 

• Stable, not volatile 

• Used neat 

• Non sticky 

• Lubricants for aromatherapist’s hands thus giving a smooth massage. 

There are several suitable carrier oils, which can be used alone or in a blend with other carriers. Some are lighter than others and often the thicker denser oils, which are more expensive and may be used, mixed with a lighter oil to make them go further. Lighter oils are better for a full body massage because they allow smoother movements whereas the thicker oils are more useful for massage on a small area. 

Recommended carrier oils are: 

Grapeseed Evening Primrose Calendula Sweet-Almond Avocado Macadamia Wheatgerm Jojoba Peach-Kernel 

DILUTIONS What are the correct dilutions? 

Dilutions depend on two factors i.e. the treatment and the scale of the treatment. The following are just guidelines and the more experienced Aromatherapist will adapt them according to circumstances. Treat dilutions and blends like a medical treatment i.e. a prescription must provide the right drug and dosage for the condition and patient. The same care should be used to create blends i.e. use the right oils for the problem in the appropriate amounts. For a treatment to work, just like a prescription, the quantities and qualities of both essential oil and carrier oil must remain constant. 

How much Essential Oil should be mixed with Carrier Oil? 

Usually from 1 % to 2%, the maximum dilution should be 2.5% of Essential Oil. 

How do I work out & measure these percentage? 

1 % equals one-drop essential oil to 100 drops carrier and 2% blend equals two drops essential oil to 100 drops carrier. 

Does that mean I have to count out 1OO drops of carrier oil? – No, 100 drops of oil is equivalent to 5mls or one teaspoon, therefore 1 % dilution would be one drop of essential oil per 5mls and 2% would be two drops per 5mls. 

Are there any instances when these dilutions are wrong or need changing? Use a maximum 1 % dilution when treating:

• Clients with sensitive skin 

• The elderly 

• Children 

• The weak/convalescent 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding 

How much oil is needed for different treatments? 

Full body massages require about 20-25mls carrier oil i.e. 8 drops essential oil per 20mls. 

For face massage only about 5mls of carrier is required i.e. 1-2 drops of essential oil per 5mls. 

Absolutes may contain traces of solvents so a weaker solution i.e. 1 % blend should be used. 

Baths essential oils float or sink so drops should not be added directly to the bath water but should be mixed with a small quantity of an emulsifier such as a fragrance-free shampoo, bath gel, liquid soap or even full cream milk before adding to the bath. 

Those with sensitive skin should use a lower concentration and take care with those oils known to cause skin irritations. 

Burners use two drops of the chosen oil in water 

Compresses soak the cloth in 100mls of water and add two drops of the chosen oil. 

Steam inhalations use one drop of essential oil to a bowl of hot water, two for a stronger effect. 

N.B. When using essential oils, always be very careful if in doubt, don’t. 

How Long do Blends Last? 

The average shelf life of a blend lasts approximately 3 months however by adding 10% Wheatgerm oil this can be extended to approx. 6 months. 

Can oils be used undiluted? 

Only in specific circumstances i.e. Lavender or Tea Tree, though some may be sensitive to the latter. Blending Oils that blend well Oils that are in the same botanical family to which they belong blend well i.e. the citrus e.g. Grapefruit & Lemon etc. 

Botanical Families & Examples Woody Cedarwood & Pine Herbaceous Marjoram & Clary Sage Citrus Bergamot & Lemon Floral Geranium & Rose Resinous Galbanum & Frankincense Spicy Ginger and Black Pepper 

A general guide to blending can be gained by looking at the ‘Note’ of the individual oil. The Note is a measure of the volatility of the oil, of which there are three main categories.

Top Notes 

• Fresh & light in aroma 

• The fastest acting • The quickest to evaporate 

• The most stimulating & uplifting to both mind and body 

Middle Notes 

• Moderately volatile 

• Primarily affect the functions of the body systems e.g. the digestive system etc. 

• Affect the general metabolism 

Base Notes 

• Are rich & Heavy 

• Slower to evaporate and therefore mixed with top notes, help to ‘hold back’ the volatility of that oil 

• The most sedating & relaxing 

A Frenchman named ‘Piesse’ developed the categorisation of oil notes during the 19th century. He classified aromas according to their harmony with other oils and based their grade on the musical scale; each aroma forming perfectly balanced chords or harmonics when combined with other oils. The simplest ratio being 3:2:1 i.e. Three drops top note, two drops middle and one drop base. 

Contra-indications for aromatherapy are the same for any massage with the proviso that certain oils will not be suitable depending on the client’s condition. 

MPB (c)




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