Aromatherapy Basics

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

Aromatherapy is the science and art of using 100% pure and genuine essential oils to harmonize 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 and in the right proportion, essential oils have great benefits and can prove to be rewarding. Each oil have several properties making them very versatile. See Oils Used for detailed information on each oil.

The molecular count of these volatile oils is extremely small which enables them to pass through the dermis in our skin. Not many substances can do this.

QUALITY

The quality of an essential oil is predicted by the plant species, country of origin, soil, weather conditions and the method of distillation. Quality takes time, energy and money as most of these types of oils will be organic and/or wildcrafted. The price of these oils is usally higher.

Many commercial essential oil producers grow mass quantities, quickly. The more they can make in a short time frame makes more money. Many commercialy sold essential oils have been adulterated or stretched usually by using alcohol.

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; if there is an oil stain, it has been stretched with an oil. 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 is used for the mind and the respiratory system. 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

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.

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 skin care products containing essential oils.

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

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.

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 qulaified Aromatherapist.

•  Sufficient amounts and regular use of rose, jasmine, fennel and sage should not be used on children before puberty.

•  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

The Contact Dermatitis issue with using Essential Oils Daily:

It is true with some essential oils or with a high dilution of essential oils that one can come into a skin problem, most commonly contact dermatitis. This is because some essential oils are skin irritants and some can become sensitizing.

However, when blends are made without these essential oils, or a very low dilution of these essential oils, it is safe to use daily. Experience is the key here.

A child's skin is much softer and younger than our tough adults skin. When some essential oils or dilutions are made for an adult, and the user decided to try it on their child, the child may develop a rash or contact dermatitis. This is because the blend is too strong for a child and their skin reacts to tell you that it does not like it!

The most sensitizing essential oil is tea tree, and the only one I have had a problem using on a daily basis.

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.