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Aromatherapy Basics

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy is the science and art of using 100% pure and genuine essential oils to heal mind, body and soul. Essential oils naturally contain vitamins, hormones, plant estrogens, antiseptics and antibiotics. They are all anti-bacterial to some degree and some are anti-viral while others are anti-fungal.

Used in moderation in the right proportion, essential oils have great benefits and can prove to be rewarding. These volatile oils have their own way of understanding our system and healing it, just as vitamins and herbs do. Essential oils know exactly where to go, do their job and then excrete out of our system.

So then, why has modern medicine been the first choice for hundreds of years when aromatherapy has been around for 5000 years? When the invention of synthetics began, it was less costly and easier to make than trying to extract the volatile oil from plants as there was no distillation method back then. The use of synthetics provided a ‘quick fix' whereas aromatherapy may take some time.

Today, people are finding that after years' use of synthetics their system is being damaged in some way. Some people find that they have become sensitive, allergic, or to the extreme, have developed cancer. Synthetics are found in most commercial products you use everyday. Also beware of certain natural products that cause harm to our system. Just because it is natural does not mean it is safe.

What enables essential oils to heal? The molecular count is extremely small which enables them to pass the blood-brain barrier and through the dermis in our skin. Not many substances can do this.

Did you know? Bacteria do not develop resistance to essential oils as they do to synthetic antibiotics.

Example-harmful natural substance:

Parabens (methyl, propyl & parahydroxybenzoate) – most commonly used synthetic preservatives that have a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and are generally safe to use, but may cause allergic reactions. Recent research reveals that the parabens induce estrogenic action on female/male hormones which increase the risk of breast cancer and reproductive abnormalties in young boys, leading to prostate problems later in life. – Routledge, E.J., et al "Some alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (parabens) are estrogenic."

QUALITY

The quality of an essential oil is predicted by the plant species, country of origin, soil and weather conditions and the method of distillation. Quality takes time, energy and money as most oils will be organic. A reputable supplier will care more about the oils and have more knowledge in this field. Some of them own their own farms, while others purchase directly from small farms owned by those who take pride in what they do. These suppliers are hard to find.

Unfortunately, most essential oil producers are farms that grow mass quantities, quickly. The more they can make in a short time frame makes more money. Many essential oils have been adulterated or stretched usually by using alcohol. Lavender is a prime example of this. These suppliers are easily found.

TESTING the oil

Essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly.

One method is to put one drop on a brown paper bag and let it diffuse (evaporate). The next day, they should be no mark left on the paper. A common sign that the oil has been stretched with alcohol is to see a ring. Please note that some of the base notes and resins will leave a mark and the oils that have colour, may stain that colour.

This next method takes some skill. Inhale the oil for a good few seconds, and do this a few times. If you find that your nose is being irritated by a sharp after scent, it is mixed with alcohol. Each essential oil has its own distinctive scent which may linger in your nose, but it should be the scent lingering, not a sharp alcohol note.

APPLICATION METHODS

Diffusion

This method greatly benefits the mind and the respiratory system. The aroma is inhaled through the nose and into the olfactory system where our senses register the essential oil molecules. From there, they enter into the limbic system part of the brain. From the brain, into the lungs, to the blood stream and then excreted out of our system through urination or perspiration.

When would diffusion be beneficial? Diffusion is good for illness, stress, relaxation, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, clarity, focus and mental stimulation.

How many drops would one use in a diffuser? 4 drops for children and the elderly, and 8 drops for adults. Depending on the oils used, they last from 2-4 hours

How do you use a diffuser? Fill the bowl with warm water, light the tea light and add the essential oil(s) to the water. Be sure to keep an eye on the water…if it dries out, it will crack the glass bowl. Electric diffusers are handy as you place the desired number of drops on the cotton pad and turn it on or plug it in.

Mist

This method benefits the mind & body depending how it is used and what it is made for. No more than 1-2% should be used as mists are designed to be mild yet effective.

A facial mist is used for skin toners, anxiety, stress and respiratory complaints. A body mist is used as a skin tonic and should be soothing. A room mist is used for sleep, illness and disinfecting.

Skin

The skin is the largest organ on our body and has the duty of protecting our vital organs from disease and destruction. Essential oils can enhance the functioning of our skin by making our skin cells stronger and regenerate more effectively. As we age, our skin cells do not reproduce as they did when we were young.

The essential oils will absorb into the deepest layers of the skin and may push out any impurities. That is why it is said with aromatherapeutic skin care that your problem may get worse before it gets better. As the skin normally takes 28 days to regenerate, this may be a time of repair. The results should not be judged until that time has expired, unless an allergic reaction occurs. It is interesting to know that it is usually synthetic fragrance that causes allergic reactions, not the pure scents of plants. Therefore, those who cannot use scented products can usually use essential oils.

Blends that are made for skin application are not only used for the benefit of our skin, but the benefit of healing one inside. A blend can be applied to the skin for the purpose of healing a torn ligament or for the promotion of joint health.

A dilution of 1% or less (1 drop essential oil to 5 ml carrier oil) is used for face creams, general use on the body and children. Babies under two years of age require great care.

Good quality carrier oils are apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil and jojoba. The more expensive ones include hazelnut, evening primrose, calendula and camellia, and are used as part of the carrier. The more expensive oils do require refrigeration as they do not have a long shelf life (except evening primrose). Be careful with infused oils as the carrier may be one that does not last.

What is the common ingredient in commercial skin creams? Mineral oil, a by-product of petrolatum (gas)...and it is natural. It has a very large molecular count and cannot enter through the dermis. Furthermore, it can cause allergic reactions and skin damage. Our body recognizes mineral oil as toxin.

How does alcohol affect your skin? Alcohol dries the skin as it evaporates. Have you ever noticed that even with daily use of your skin cream that your skin still continues to be dry?

Why is alcohol a common ingredient in skin cream? Alcohol bonds water and oil together. Without it, separation may occur.

Bath

The bath is a very versatile method of using essential oils as almost any complaint can be eased by soaking in the tub. The same amount of drops is used as the diffusion method and the essential oils can be added on their own or in a carrier such as sea salt. The reason to use salt is to dispurse the essential oils so they do not cause skin irritation.

BLENDING

It is good to start blending with two or three essential oils. Essential oils are blended by top, middle and base notes. This guideline tells us approximately how long essential oils will stay in our system and have an effect on us. This also will depend on your weight and how well your lymphatic system works.

Top 3 hours

Middle 4-12 hours

Base up to 72 hours

As you can see, if one made a blend with all base notes and used this blend everyday, the essential oils may not be excreting one's system at any time.

On the other hand, if one made a blend with all top notes and used this blend everyday, the essential oils would be excreting the system much faster and may not have a lasting or therapeutic effect.

Be cautious how some essential oils are used regardless of their note. Some may be too strong to be used as a top note, even though the essential oil is a top note. i.e. thyme and lemongrass.

Remember, essential oils are concentrated plant material. Only a small amount is required to achieve the desired effect.

THERAPEUTIC USE FOR HEALING

This is the type of aromatherapy I specialize, in that there is a holistic approach. The symptoms are not treated…the cause of the symptoms is treated. This theory is very important if one is to use essential oils to achieve results.

Why does aromatherapy take time to heal oneself? It takes time for one's system to become weak and damaged. It also takes time for one's system to heal. Aromatherapy heals the stem of the problem; it will not cover up the problem. Sometimes, the problem may get worse before it gets better, especially with the skin.

Most essential oils have a shelf life of five years as long as they are kept in a cool, dark location at all times. All citrus oils have a one year shelf life and some oils such as sandalwood, rose and jasmine have an indefinite shelf life.

Why do all Healthy Scents products have precautions? So that the consumer is informed that the essentail oils in each product may have some effect on those who are sensitive to the precaution or for those who may have become weak due to ill health or aging. Much time, effort and skill has been put into each blend to ensure its effectiveness and that its safe to use.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

•  Read up on the precautions of the oil(s) you plan to use, especially for diffusing when others are present.

•  Using essential oils to boost you cream is not effective so do not waste your oils. The molecular count of essential oils is very small, therefore can enter through the dermis. Commercial creams generally cannot absorb through your dermis as the molecular count is too large (mineral oil based creams).

•  Do not use undiluted essential oils on your skin unless it is lavender or tea tree. Some are extreme skin irritants and some are skin sensitizers. Some commercially sold oils may not pure or may be of low quality, thereby causing more problems.

•  Pregnant women, children under two years of age and the elderly who are not in good health should not use essential oils without the advice of a Registered Aromatherapist.

•  Sufficient amounts and regular use of rose, jasmine, fennel and sage should not be used on children before puberty. These essential oils may affect their hormones.

•  The citrus essential oils can burn your skin in sunlight. Bergamot is not suitable for use on the skin.

•  Do not believe everything you read. Learn yourself.

•  Do not take essential oils internally;

•  Always use essential oils in moderation. Too much may cause headaches, nausea or sleeplessness.

•  When taking medication, be sure the essential oils you are using will not interfere. Warfarin is a blood thinning drug that should not be combined with certain essential oils.

Babies - birth to 2 years of age

Young Children - 2 to 5 years of age

Children - 5 years of age to puberty

Adults - past puberty

Potentially Unsafe Essential Oils for the beginner:

Aniseed, basil, bay laurel, birch, black pepper, camphor, cinnamon, clove, fennel, hyssop, juniper, lavandin, lemongrass, nutmeg, oakmoss, oregano, sage, spike lavender, tarragon, red thyme, verbena, wintergreen (toxic) and yarrow.