Introduction to Aromatherapy

Essential Oils vs Aromatherapy Oils

Essential oils must be distinguished from aromatherpy oil, as the latter commonly refers to a term used for diluted blends of oil or scented oils used for burners. Essential oils are however, oils distilled, expressed or compressed from plants and herbs by special processes . The strengths of essential oils are powerful and they are generally therefore not used neat as they are harmful if applied in the undiluted form. Carrier oils like hazel, almond, grapefruit, wheatgerm, jojoba oils are used to dilute essential oils. Essential oils affect the user at the physical and emotional levels. The emotional influence of these oils can be better understood if one were to reflect on the effect of perfumes and scents on the temperaments of people generally.

• For the layperson, essential oils are therefore recommended for therapeutic use and not as medication.

Basic Precautions

1 Essential oils are not to be taken orally.

2. Essential oils are not to be used neat (except for Lavender, Tea Tree and Peppermint.)

3. Some essential oils not to be used by pregnant women or any one suffering from epilepsy.

4. Some essential oils like lemon, bergamot, lime, grapefruit may cause skin pigmentation if used on skin which is exposed to sunlight.

5. Essential oils are not to be used in substitution for other medication.

6. When in doubt consult your physician on the use of such oils.

Some Common Essential Oils

Recommended Home Kit The list of oils below is recommended for a starter kit in the home. These oils should be sufficient for the purpose of easing common aches and pains, for uses as antiseptics and for scenting rooms, baths and for message oils. Below is a brief mention of the characteristics of the oils. The Chart supplied indicate the ailments for which the oils are used.

1. Lavender- (Lavandula officinalis) One of the most versatile of essential oils.
2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinilis ) -It is an antiseptic and iis a stimulating oil. The oil is clear in appearance with a sharp herbal aroma.This oil is not to be used neat.
3. Eucalyptus- (Eucalyptus globulus)-This oil is an antiseptic. It is also a stimulating tonic. This oil should not be used neat.
4. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - Also known as Ti Tree. IIt is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.This oil can be used neat.
5. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)- Geranium is a pale oil with a sweet rose aroma. This oil is not to be used neat.
6. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)- This is a clear oil with a sharp mint aroma. It is an antiseptic and a stimulant.This oil may be used neat.

Uses & Methods

1. As massage oils - Essential oils are generally used diluted in message oils : 10ml base oil to about 5 to 8 drops of essential oil. Base oil used are : sweet almond, hazel, wheatgerm and jojoba, to name a few.
2. As room fresheners- Add some drops of oil to water, rosewater or alchohol and use as room sprays.
3. As hair rinse - Rinses provide an easy way to use essential oil. A few drops of essential oils are added to water and the mixture is applied directly to the hair usually after a shampoo.
4. As inhalant- This is an effective way of using essential oils. Drops of essential oil on a handkerchief or in a face steamer eases sinuses and such discomfort.
5. As scents - Blend essential oil in carrier oil or alchohol to use as perfumes.
6. As insect repellent - Drops of essential oils are added to carrier oil and applied to affected areas.Essential oils added to water can be used as room sprays. Use oils in pomanders in wardrobes.
7. First aid for burns, cuts, insect bites, rashes
8. Mouth rinse - Essential oils are added to water for mouth rinse for sore throats or to treat gum problems.
9. Baths - A few drops of essential oils are added to warm bath water as stimulants or relaxants.

Some favourite blends

• Lavender - Bergamot- Geranium
• Eucalyptus- Rosemary-Peppermint
• Rosewood - Bergamo- Lavender - Mandarin
• Ylang - Ylang - Lavender - Lemon<
• Mandarin- Geranium - Lavender- Lime

 

Chart – Of Oils For Common Ailments

Ailments	Type of oil	Method of use
Aches & pains, depression	Bergamot	Use a few drops of Bergamot in carrier oil together with drops of lavender, rosemary or ylang ylang to use as message oil.
Bites & stings, headaches	Chamomile	Use a few drops of Chamomile in carrier oil and apply to affected areas.
Sinus, cold, flu, headache	Eucalyptus	A few drops of this oil can be used in a handkerchief as an inhalent. Use a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to affected areas. Use a few drops of the oil in a face steamer and inhale. Heat some drops of oil in water over a burner, relax and breath in the scented air.
Skin irritations, problem skin, menstrual problems.	Geranium	Use a few drops in carrier oil and apply to affected areas. Geranium can also be used in some water and heated over a burner as aromatherapy oil. A few drops of Geranium can be added to bath water.
Cuts, burns, bites, headaches.	Lavender	Use a few drops of Lavender in carrier oil and apply to affected areas. Lavender can be used neat. To relieve headaches apply along hairline at the back of the neck, the forehead and the temples. Add a few drops of Lavender to water and heat over a burner.
Digestive problems, headaches	Peppermint	Peppermint can be applied neat. For headaches apply along hairline at the back of the nect, forehead and temples. Use as a massage oil by adding a few drops to carrier oil.
Warts, spots, acne, insect bites, cold sores, minor cuts & abrasions, coughs & colds, gum problems, sorethroats.	Tea Tree	Tea tree can be used neat on affected areas as an antiseptic. For sorethroats - gargle water treated with a few drops of Tea Tree oil.
Hair loss, memory, flu, cold.	Rosemary	Add a few drops (5-8 drops) into some water in a bowl, massage mixture into hair - to treat hair loss. To keep mind alert and to improve memory burn some drops in some water over a burner. This method is also used for preventing & treating colds & flu.

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