Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
What is Aromatherapy?
Wikipedia defines it as follows:
"A form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as Essential Oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health."
"A form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, known as Essential Oils (EOs), and other aromatic compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health."
Some Cautions Concerning the Use of Essential Oils
As stated below, essential oils are highly concentrated. Keep all oils away from children. Certain oils should not be used by pregnant women. If you are pregnant consult your physician before using any essential oils. Citrus oils should not be applied before exposure to sunlight. Immediately discontinue use of an oil if any irritation occurs. Please thoroughly research any oil you are unfamiliar with prior to using it.
ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential Oils can be used in a number of ways. Using oils undiluted (or "Neat") is not recommended for the beginning aromatherapy student, as essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause serious skin reactions and allergies. Essential oils can be used in the bath, diffused in the air, or added to skin and hair care products and in many different essential oil recipes. The properties of the oils are invaluable when added to carrier oils for massage or general therapeutic application to the body.
The term "Aromatherapy" has become quite popular during the last decade. However, many products that are deemed aromatherapy have no therapeutic value and are not made from essential oils, but rather scented oils that may contain chemicals which can be detrimental to your health. When purchasing essential oils or products claiming to be aromatherapy be sure they contain 100% pure essential oils and not fragrance oil or scents. A health food store or trusted retailer of natural products will probably be your best bet when purchasing these products.
Click here for some common properties of the oils we carry.
Click here to see the oil blends that we carry
The term "Aromatherapy" has become quite popular during the last decade. However, many products that are deemed aromatherapy have no therapeutic value and are not made from essential oils, but rather scented oils that may contain chemicals which can be detrimental to your health. When purchasing essential oils or products claiming to be aromatherapy be sure they contain 100% pure essential oils and not fragrance oil or scents. A health food store or trusted retailer of natural products will probably be your best bet when purchasing these products.
Click here for some common properties of the oils we carry.
Click here to see the oil blends that we carry
ABOUT CARRIER OILS
Because essential oils are highly concentrated it is important to dilute them. To apply the oils to the skin, they can be diluted in what is called a carrier oil. Following are some common carrier oils and their uses:
Sweet Almond Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for premature aging, sensitive, inflamed or dry skin.
Borage Seed Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for regenerating and stimulating skin. Useful in treating menopausal problems, heart disease, psoriasis and eczema, and prematurely aged skin.
Grapeseed Oil: Can be sued on all skins. Good for muscle soreness. back pain and arthritic pain
Jojoba Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for inflamed skin, psoriasis and eczema, acne, and in hair and skin products. Highly penetrative.
Olive Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for rheumatic conditions and in skin and hair products. Olive oil is a soothing oil.
Safflower Oil: Can be used on all skin types.
Sesame Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for psoriasis and eczema, rheumatism and arthritis.
Wheatgerm Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for psoriasis and eczema and prematurely aged skin.
Sweet Almond Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for premature aging, sensitive, inflamed or dry skin.
Borage Seed Oil: Can be used for all skin types. Good for regenerating and stimulating skin. Useful in treating menopausal problems, heart disease, psoriasis and eczema, and prematurely aged skin.
Grapeseed Oil: Can be sued on all skins. Good for muscle soreness. back pain and arthritic pain
Jojoba Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for inflamed skin, psoriasis and eczema, acne, and in hair and skin products. Highly penetrative.
Olive Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for rheumatic conditions and in skin and hair products. Olive oil is a soothing oil.
Safflower Oil: Can be used on all skin types.
Sesame Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for psoriasis and eczema, rheumatism and arthritis.
Wheatgerm Oil: Can be used on all skin types. Good for psoriasis and eczema and prematurely aged skin.
Mixing Guide
Use the measurements to the right as a guide when mixing essential oils with the carrier oils.
ESSENTIAL OIL
1 drop
2-5 drops
6-10 drops
11-15 drops
16-20 drops
21-25 drops
26-30 drops
2-5 drops
6-10 drops
11-15 drops
16-20 drops
21-25 drops
26-30 drops
CARRIER OIL
1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon
1 ounce
2 ounces
3 ounces
4 ounces
6 ounces
1 tablespoon
1 ounce
2 ounces
3 ounces
4 ounces
6 ounces
Nothing stated in these pages should be considered as medical advice or to treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Only a licensed medical doctor can legally offer medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for individual guidance concerning specific health problems.