Aromatherapy
How many times have you smelled a particular aroma, or blend of aromas and instantly have a flood of memories wash over you because it triggered a long forgotten time in your life? Who amongst us hasn't smelled chocolate chip cookies baking and not been transported back in time to a place in our childhood when life was sweet and simple, and our only worry of the day was if that cute little curly haired boy in our class liked us? (and in case you're wondering..... no..... I don't have chocolate chip cookie essential oil!! lol)
The power of aroma is something that cannot be denied, but a lot of the time it is something that many of us seem to not take notice of during the course of our busy lives. We're so wrapped up in all the worries and necessities of daily life that we quite literally forget to stop along the way and smell the roses. If we only knew the soothing properties that actually comes from the scent of a rose, perhaps we wouldn't walk past them in such a hurry.
Whether you are aware of it or not, or even if you just plain ol' don't believe, I want to help you see that certain smells have the ability to promote healing of our body, mind and spirit and also to help improve the general well being of our mental outlook on life. Not only do the scents themselves help promote healing of our minds, but certain oils applied to our skin have the powers to heal and improve it's appearance. Think about it....... what did our ancestors use before all of these chemical based products came onto the market? They used plants and trees. They used the leaves, bark, pulp and the oils that came from them. Why reach for a spray can of chemicals to soothe that sunburn when all natural lavender oil and aloe gel can do a better job? The lavender oil and aloe will actually HEAL the sunburn, and be honest, wouldn't the wonderful aroma of the lavender make you feel better while it's healing? In this case it serves a double purpose, because it heals the skin and relaxes our mind at the same time.
Would like to share with you some of the many wonderful properties I have learned about the wonderful art of aromatherapy. will attempt to give you a basic working knowledge of which oils blend well with others, and which ones clash and cause an upheaval in our senses. I will share some of my own personal "recipes" for several blends of oils that can help in a myriad of daily uses, from anything such as deterring and banishing pesky head lice (yuck!) to other things like soothing a burn; uplifting depression; skin care; home environment and also a sexy blend of my own favorite "love potion". :)
Aromatherapy has long been a passion of mine, and I am never without my trusty tried and true oils. I'm sure that at times I must sound like a broken record when someone asks me "What should I use for _______ ?" (fill in the blank) because a lot of the time my answer is "Lavender oil".
I was pleasantly surprised that lavender has so many healing properties, not to mention that it just smells heavenly. Of course I absolutely love patchouli oil too, and a lot of people don't like the smell of it, so as with anything, it's all a matter of personal likes and dislikes.
However, I hope that you won't avoid a certain oil just because you don't like the scent of it, because to do so would be to deny yourself something that can actually heal your body. If you are looking for scents that simply are pleasing to the nose, then of course stay away from the ones you find offensive. But, be informed... there is a big difference in essential oils and fragrance oils.
Essential oils are made from the flowers, leaves, bark and resins of plants and trees. Fragrance oils usually contain little to no essential oils at all (and sometimes contain lots of chemicals), and won't give you the same benefits as pure essential oils . Rest assured though that any fragrance oils you purchase from The Celtic Connection are of the highest quality, and the same goes for our essential oils.
So, with my brief (???) introduction written and out of the way, won't you please stay around and join me on the wonderful journey that I call "The Magick of Aromatherapy"? You've read this up to this point, so what's a few more paragraphs? :)
Before beginning, perhaps now is the time for a few basic definitions of some words or phrases you may come across several times.
ESSENTIAL OIL: An essential oil is extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, bark, resins, roots and trees. Do not be fooled by "perfume" or "fragrance" oils, as these are usually man-made and contain little to no actual oils of whatever it is supposed to smell like.
AROMATHERAPY: A method by which the use of certain essential oils are either combined or used alone to promote healing & well being by applying the oils directly to our body or by inhalation.
SYNERGY: Combining two or more oils to bring about a more powerful effect than using just one oil. Mixing them together creates a chemical compound that is different from the lone oil itself. An increased potency can be attained with a synergistic blend without increasing the dosage.
CARRIER OIL or BASE OIL: An oil that has basically no aroma and can be used to dilute the highly concentrated essential oils, so as to use them for massage. For example: You may only need one drop of a particular essential oil for a particular treatment. Obviously, one drop won't go very far, so it is mixed with a carrier (base) oil to cover a larger area. Base oils are vegetable, nut or seed, many of which have therapeutic properties of their own.
The following is a list of some oils that can be used as a carrier oil, and some of their uses, depending on which particular problem you are trying to address:
Sweet Almond: good for all skin types. Helps relieve itching, soreness dryness and inflammation.
Apricot kernel: all skins types, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed and dry
Carrot: premature aging, itching, dryness, psoriasis, eczema. Reduces scarring. Corn: soothing on all skins
Evening Primrose: multiple sclerosis, menopausal problems, heart disease. Excellent for treating psoriasis and eczema. Helps prevent premature aging.
Grapeseed: all skins types
Hazelnut: slight astringent action; good for all skin types
Jojoba: inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair care, all skin types; highly penetrative
Olive: rheumatic conditions, hair care, cosmetics; soothing
Peanut: all skin types
Safflower: all skin types
Sesame: psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, arthritis; all skin types
Sunflower: all skin types
Wheat germ: eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aging skin; all skin types.
I realize that several of the oils I have listed above are useful for a lot of the same things, but not all oils are available in all places, so I wanted to make sure you had a lot to choose from. However, most of these shouldn't be too hard to find, with some of them being available in most grocery stores.
When shopping for essential oils, look for shops that cater to natural and health concerns like a health food store or a shop that deals strictly in essential oils. Stay away from stores that are only concerned with perfuming the air and body. Essential oils are PURE plant oils; perfume oils are primarily man-made and contain little to no natural oils at all.
Always make sure when you are buying oils, that you are getting the actual oil and not just a cheap imitation. Price is usually a good indicator............ REAL oils aren't cheap. However, don't let yourself be ripped off by some unscrupulous dealer who is only interested in one thing, which is parting you from large sums of your ca$h!
Familiarize yourself with your local vendors. Ask questions.... lots of them! Anyone who truly knows their oils will gladly answer them. Shop around. Buy several different brands and experiment to see which ones give you the best results.
There are different "grades" of oils. The finest quality being more expensive than a much lesser quality. The rarest oils will undoubtedly fetch a handsome price. Keep in mind that no reputable dealer will sell all essential oils for the same price. Unfortunately, I can't really give you a reliable price guide since prices fluctuate with the availability of the oils.
Consider This Therapy For
Aromatherapy is one of those rare forms of treatment that can improve your quality of life whether or not it has any other benefits. That's just as well, because few doctors believe it has any significant effects on health. Whatever relief it confers, they speculate, stems from emotional response to aromatherapy's pleasing scents, rather than any physiological effects. Used as a comforting ritual to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and relieve anxiety, aromatherapy may indeed improve your well-being, relieve psychosomatic symptoms, and alleviate some emotionally-related disorders. For some people, it has provided a respite from insomnia. Others have found it an effective remedy for impotence. A few people even report that it eases the pain of arthritis and relieves postpartum discomfort. However, medical science can find no physical reason for these effects.
How the Treatments Are Done
Although many gift boutiques have taken to marketing scented candles, pomanders, and potpourri as "aromatherapy," genuine treatments rely on the use of highly concentrated essential oils extracted from various healing herbs. In most cases, these oils are produced by steam distillation or cold pressing from a plant's flowers, leaves, branches, bark, rind, or roots. The volatile, flammable oils are then mixed with a "carrier"--usually a vegetable oil such as soy, evening primrose, or almond--or diluted in alcohol before being applied to the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. Although you can pursue treatments under the supervision of a certified aromatherapist, many people simply use the oils as a form of home remedy.
There is a notable lack of agreement on such issues as the amount of oil necessary to achieve a desired effect, the most effective method of administration, and the length of time necessary to continue treatment.
However, some of the more typical approaches are as follows:
Inhalation: For problems with respiration, try adding 6 to 12 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel over your head, and deeply breathe the scented vapors.
Diffusion: Aromatherapists often suggest spraying oil-containing compounds into the air. This technique is said to calm the nerves, enhance a feeling of well-being, and even to improve respiratory conditions. In any case, it freshens the air. Commercially available spray units can be used. Add 10 drops of an essence to 7 tablespoonfuls of water. If you will not be using the entire amount at one time, add 1 tablespoonful of vodka or pure alcohol as a preservative. Shake the mixture and fill the sprayer.
Massage: Rubbing aromatic oil into the skin may be either calming or stimulating, depending on the type of oil used. Some people use it as a remedy for muscles sprains and soreness. Most preparations contain 5 drops of essential oil blended with a light base oil. A higher concentration could irritate the skin.
Bathing: Use no more than 8 drops in a bath. Add the oil to a tubful of water. You can also add 10 to 15 drops to a Jacuzzi or hot tub, 4 to 5 drops to a foot bath, or 3 to 4 drops to a hand bath (for chapped skin). If you shower, after washing yourself, dip a wet sponge or cloth in an oil-water mixture and apply to your skin while you are under the spray. Do not use this technique if you have any skin allergies.
Hot and cold compresses: For muscle aches or pains, bruises, or headaches add 5 to 10 drops of oil to approximately 4 ounces of water. Soak a cloth in the solution and apply to the sore area. Other aromatherapy techniques include placing 2 or 3 drops of essential oil on a pillow or shoe rack, heating the essential oil in a ring burner, or sprinkling the oil over the logs in a fireplace.
Warning: Never take aromatherapy oils internally. They are extremely potent and many can be poisonous.
What Treatment Hopes to Accomplish Fragrant oils have been used for thousand of years to lubricate the skin, purify infectious air, and repel insects. However, aromatherapy as we know it today dates from the late 1930s, when René-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, dunked his badly burned hand into a container of pure lavender oil. Amazingly, the pain and redness disappeared and the burn healed within hours. In later experiments he found that other oils also alleviated skin problems. Other French scientists who were impressed with his research, developed techniques that are still in use today. Aromatherapy first appeared on this side of the Atlantic in the early 1980s, when there was an upsurge in the popularity of "natural," non-toxic healing methods that cost less than conventional medications and produce fewer side effects. Practitioners in California used essential oils to treat everything from viral and bacterial infections to depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted diseases. They insisted aromas could heal wounds, stimulate the immune system, cure skin disorders, improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and even improve memory.
According to these enthusiastic therapists, fragrant oils had the power to heal malfunctioning ovaries, kidneys, veins, adrenal glands, and many other organs. However, none of these claims has ever been scientifically substantiated. Indeed, relatively few attempts to verify aromatherapy's purported benefits have ever been made at all, and of those, only a few have delivered promising results. In one trial for arthritis pain, some of the participants were able to reduce the dosage of their potent anti-inflammatory drugs. In another study, the scent of lavender successfully put insomniacs to sleep. Other research has documented improvement in cases of erectile dysfunction, and a reduction in pain following childbirth. However, attempts to prove that aromatherapy can cure shingles have failed (although fragrant creams can reduce some of the pain). And a 1958 paper extolling the ability of essential oils to fight and conquer infections could cite no positive human or animal tests.
Advocates of aromatherapy propose a variety of mechanisms for its reported effects. The most widely accepted theory suggests that fragrances do their work via the brain. When aromatic molecules enter the nasal cavity and stimulate the odor-sensing nerves, the resulting impulses are sent to the limbic system--the part of the brain that's believed to be the seat of memory and emotion. Depending on the scent, emotional responses then kick in to exert a calming or energizing effect on the body. Alternatively, some proponents suggest that certain aromas may work by stimulating the glands, prompting the adrenal glands, for example, to produce steroid-like hormones that fight pain and inflammation. Others believe that the essential oils, whether inhaled or rubbed into the skin, react with hormones and enzymes in the bloodstream to produce positive results. Whatever the truth of the matter, aromatherapists assign specific properties to each essence.
Here are typical claims for some of the more common essential oils.
Lavender: Heals burns and cuts; destroys bacteria; relieves depression, inflammation, spasms, headaches, respiratory allergies, muscle aches, nausea, menstrual cramps; soothes bug bites; lowers blood pressure.
Peppermint: Alleviates digestive problems; cleans wounds; decongests the chest; relieves headache, neuralgia, and muscle pain; useful for motion sickness.
Eucalyptus: Lowers fever; clears sinuses; has antibacterial and antiviral properties; relieves coughs; useful for boils and pimples.
Tea Tree: Fights fungal, yeast, and bacterial infections; useful for skin conditions such as acne, insect bites, and burns; helps clear vaginitis, bladder infections, and thrush.
Rosemary: Relieves pain; increases circulation; decongests the chest; relieves pain, indigestion, gas, and liver problems; lessens swelling; fights infection; helps alleviate depression.
Chamomile: Reduces swelling; treats allergic symptoms; relieves stress, insomnia, and depression; useful in treating digestive problems.
Thyme: Lessens laryngitis and coughs; fights bladder and skin infections; relieves digestive problems and pain in the joints.
Tarragon: Stimulates digestion; calms neural and digestive tracts; relieves menstrual symptoms and stress.
Everlasting: Heals scars; reduces swelling after injuries; relieves sunburn; fights infections such as bronchitis and flu; treats pain from arthritis, muscle injuries, sprains and strains, tendonitis.
Who Should Avoid This Therapy?
Many essential oils can trigger bronchial spasms. If you have asthma, do not use any form of aromatherapy without first consulting your doctor. If you have any skin allergies, do not use essential oils in your bath. To check whether you are allergic to an oil, place one drop on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if it produces a reaction. As with any medication, it's best to avoid aromatherapy during pregnancy. Be especially wary of sage, rosemary, and juniper oils. These herbs have been known to cause uterine contractions when taken in excessive amounts. Infants and young children are especially sensitive to potent essential oils. Keep the oils away from their faces. Do not use peppermint oil on children under the age of 30 months.
What Side Effects May Occur?
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, taking them internally can easily lead to a toxic overdose. Do not ingest even the tiniest amount without your doctor's approval. Except for lavender, do not use any highly concentrated, undiluted oils on your skin. Be careful to keep the oils away from your eyes. Close your eyes while inhaling aromatic vapors. Many essential oils will cause skin irritation if used too frequently. They can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight, making it easier to burn. Excessive inhalation of fragrant vapors can cause headache and fatigue. Remember, too, that certain oils, such as peppermint, can cause insomnia rather than relieving it.
How to Choose a Therapist
If you choose to pursue aromatherapy under the guidance of an expert (which is not a bad idea), start by checking for availability of a certified aromatherapist in your neighborhood. Several of the organizations listed under "Resources" conduct certification programs and can provide referrals. There is no formal licensing procedure for aromatherapists in the United States, so you will find that it is offered by a wide range of practitioners with licenses in other fields, including chiropractors, psychologists, and massage therapists.
When Should Treatment Stop?
If the treatments seem to help, they generally can be continued as long as needed. However, if you develop an allergy to any of the products you are using, stop treatment immediately and seek another form of therapy.
See a Conventional Doctor If...
Continued symptoms, or the development of new ones, are a signal to check with your doctor. Many seemingly minor symptoms can be evidence of a serious underlying problem. You owe it to yourself to get a professional diagnosis whenever your condition changes for the worse.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.
Almond, Sweet
Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty.
Texture: Slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin. Absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.
Apricot Kernel
Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca
Aroma: Faint
Texture: Somewhat oily, absorbs semi-quickly.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage blends.
Avocado
Botanical Name: Persea americana
Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick, leaves a fatty, almost waxy feel to the skin.
Color: Deep olive green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Borage
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Aroma: Light and sweet.
Texture: Thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Cocoa Butter
Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao
Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less noticeable in refined cocoa butter.
Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate. Breaks into pieces.
Color: Yellowish tan.
Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Evening Primrose
Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis
Aroma: Light and sweet
Texture: Thin, leaves only a trace of oiliness on the skin.
Color: Medium yellow.
Notes: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid quickly.
Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera
Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.
Texture: Thin but leaves a glossy film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear, has an almost unnoticeable tinge of yellow/green.
Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent remaining. I have heard mixed reports on the shelf-life of grapeseed (some have said it goes rancid rather fast). I usually go through a bottle of grapeseed once each six months and have not discovered any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area.
Hazelnut
Botanical Name: Corylus avellana
Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.
Texture: Thin and only leaves a slightly oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: It is said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin.
Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis
Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.
Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.
Color: Yellow.
Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a somewhat pricier oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.
Kukui
Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana
Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.
Texture: Thin. Absorbs well, leaving only a trace oily feeling on the skin.
Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is a somewhat more pricier oil. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Macadamia Nut
Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Aroma: More fragrant than sweet almond and some of the other nut oils, it is very sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.
Texture: Thick and leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells somewhat like olives).
Texture: Heavy and rather oily.
Color: Light to medium green.
Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.
Peanut
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae
Aroma: Like Pecan, it is extremely light in aroma with a slight fatty, nutty quality.
Texture: Thick and leaves a very oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is said to be a good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.
Pecan
Botanical Name: Carya pecan
Aroma: Extremely light with a hint of a fatty, nutty aroma.
Texture: Medium thickness, leaves a slight oily film on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said that it goes rancid somewhat quickly. I have used only one bottle of Pecan oil and did not discover any problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area during my use of the oil over about 4-6 months.
Rose Hip
Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta
Aroma: Mild and perhaps earthy aroma.
Texture: Light and leaves only a hint of oil on the skin.
Color: Virtually clear.
Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid rather quickly.
Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends
Below are 17 blends that can be used in a diffuser. Create any of the blends (most are in batches of 10 or 20 drops) by adding the proper amount of essential oils to a dark-colored glass bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember...be sure and familiarize yourself using reputable sources for the safety and contraindications of all oils you choose to use! Make the smallest possible blend first to make sure you like the blend before doubling, tripling, etc. the recipe. Please remember that thicker oils (vetivert, pachouli, oakmoss, sandalwood, benzoin) must be carefully used in nebulizing diffusers; check the instructions that come with your diffuser for specific information. Please be responsible to find out the specific safety precautions and contraindications of the oils in the blends you choose to use.
Please note that these are posted for personal olefactory enjoyment and are not organized for any specific therapeutic or psychological benefit.
Blend 1
1 drop Jasmine
5 drops Lime
3 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Cinnamon
Blend 2
12 drops Patchouli
5 drops Vanilla
2 drops Linden Blossom
1 drop Neroli
Blend 3
1 drop Jasmine
3 drops Sandalwood
4 drops Bergamot
2 drops Grapefruit
Blend 4
10 drops Lime
7 drops Bergamot
2 drops Ylang Ylang
1 drop Rose
Blend 5
4 drops Bergamot
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Ylang Ylang
Blend 6
5 drops Spruce
3 drops Cedar (Virginian)
2 drops Lavender
Blend 7
4 drops Rosewood
5 drops Lavender
1 drop Ylang Ylang
Blend 8
5 drops Rosemary
1 drop Peppermint
3 drops Lavender
1 drop Roman Chamomile
Blend 9
6 drops Bergamot
11 drops Lemon
3 drops Spearmint
Blend 10
5 drops Bergamot
4 drops Lavender
1 drop Cypress
Blend 11
5 drops Spearmint
5 drops Lavender
9 drops Sweet Orange
Blend 12
5 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Rose
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Scotch Pine
Blend 13
1 drop Jasmine
6 drops Sweet Orange
3 drops Patchouli
Blend 14
4 drops Ylang Yalng
4 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Bergamot
Blend 15
7 drops Sweet Orange
2 drops Vanilla
1 drop Ylang Ylang
Blend 16
6 drops Juniper
3 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Cinnamon
Blend 17
9 drops Sandalwood
1 drop Neroli
Acne Blend Ingredients:
1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
10 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
2 drops bergamot essential oil*
1 drops geranium essential oil or without bergamot:
1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
12 drops lavender essential oil
7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
1 drops geranium essential oil
Special Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after applying this oil since bergamot is a phototoxic oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get called "bergaptene free" that eliminates the phototoxic properties of the oil.Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the essential oils and tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for a minute or two. Apply a small amount to the face, neck or back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside the ears. Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed.
Air FreshenerIngredients:
4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend keeping the safety data of the chosen essential oil(s) in mind
1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not) or 3 ounces of distilled water.
Example blends of essential oils that may be used:
20 drops lime
14 drops bergamot
4 drops ylang ylang
2 drops rose
15 drops clary sage
9 drops lemon
6 drops lavende
20 drops rosemary
8 drops grapefruit
4 drops peppermint
2 drops spearmint (optional)
5 drops bergamot
5 drops spearmint
Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use since an air freshener, by its nature, will come in contact with all those in your household.>P?Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 4 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add 30-40 drops of essential oil. Essential oils can very in strength. You may want to try 20 drops at first especially if you live in a household with someone who is sensitive to strong aromas. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.
Arthritic Joints Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
20 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Black Pepper
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Gently massage into arthritic joints using a small amount of oil.
Balm for Cuts and Scrapes
Ingredients:
3 ounces vegetable carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or infused oil such as calendula (infused oil of calendula can supply added therapeutic benefit).
1 ounce grated beeswax (Many herbal stores and health food stores sell pure beeswax.)
40 drops lavender oil
40 drops tea tree oil
4 ounce wide-mouth jar
Directions: Place the beeswax in a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave using a reduced power setting if you have one. You can also melt the beeswax in a pan on the stove using a low heat setting. Beeswax is hard to remove from pans, so please keep that in mind. In a separate pan, slowly and gently heat your carrier or infused oil. Pour the warm carrier or infused oil into a bowl, add the melted beeswax and then stir very well. Add the lavender and tea tree essential oils and again stir well. Close the jar and wait until the ointment has cooled before using.
Remember that all bowl, pans and utilensils that you use will be hard to clean afterwards.
Sesame
Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum
Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent. May overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Texture: Mildly thick, leaves an oily film on the skin.
Color: Light yellow.
Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.
Shea Butter
Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii
Aroma: Nutty, fatty.
Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature.
Leaves an oily/waxy feeling on the skin.
Color: Off-white/cream.
Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.
Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Aroma: Faint and sweet.
Texture: Thin and does not leave an oily residue.
Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.
Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined oil.
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before.
For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.
Hazardous Essential Oils
The list shown below contains essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is safe to use if it is not on this list.
Ajowan
Trachyspermum copticum
Almond, Bitter
Prunus dulcis var. amara
Arnica
Arnica Montana
Birch, Sweet
Betula lenta
Boldo Leaf
Peumus boldus
Broom, Spanish
Spartium junceum
Calamus
Acorus calamus var. angustatus
Camphor
Cinnamomum camphora
Deertongue
Carphephorus odoratissimus
Garlic
Allium sativum
Horseradish
Armoracia rusticana
Jaborandi
Pilocarpus jaborandi
Melilotus
Melilotus officinalis
Mugwort
Artemisia vulgaris
Mustard
Brassica nigra
Onion
Allium cepa
Pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Rue
Ruta graveolens
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Thuja
Thuja occidentalis
Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens
Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children.
Bath Oil
Ingredients:
2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
20 drops lavender or 15-20 drops of your own blend of essential oils (be sure they are EOs that do not provide skin sensitization)
Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or cobalt glass bottle. Do not use all 2 ounces of bath oil in one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4 ounce (7-8ml) of the bath oil blend to your bath water. If you intend to use this bath oil with children, ensure that the oils that you have selected are safe for administration to children and use a smaller amount of the blend in the child's bathwater.
Mix well to ensure that the blend has dispersed well in the tub and hop on in. It's best to add the bath oil just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the oils don't evaporate before you get into the tub. Using this bath oil blend is safer than adding pure EOs directly to the bath water. This is because the EOs can settle in one spot on your skin and cause irritation.
Bath Salt Recipes
Ingredients:
1 cup Dead Sea salt, regular sea salt or Epsom salt, or a blend of two or three of these salts.
5-8 drops of your selected essential oil or essential oil blend. Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use.
Directions: Place the salt mixture into a bowl. Add 5-8 drops of your chosen essential oils. Mix very well with a fork. Add the mixture to a pretty jar or container that has a tight fitting lid. After a day, you may wish to mix well again to ensure that the oils have blended very well. Do not use the entire cup of salt in one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4 cup (about 2 ounces) of the bath salt to your bath water.
Mix well to ensure that the salt has dispersed well in the tub and hop on in. It's best to add the bath salts just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the essential oils don't evaporate before you get into the tub. Using this bath salt blend is safer than adding pure EOs directly to the bath water and adds minerals and other beneficial properties of the salts.
Aromatherapy Blend for Bruises
Ingredients:
1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil
8 drops Helichrysum
Directions: Mix the Helichrysum into the carrier oil well. Apply lightly to bruises 1-2 times a day.
Calming/Relaxing Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
10 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix the oils well and add to a clean, air-tight dark glass container. Massage gently into the feet of the individual who requires increased calm. Giving yourself a foot massage with this relaxing oil is also delightful. Roman Chamomile has a strong sedative effect, so do not plan to drive or concentrate after using this blend.
Carpet Deodorizer
Ingredients:
10 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lemon
20 drops Lavender
1 16 ounce box of baking soda
Directions: Add the baking soda to a large bowl and then add the essential oils. Be sure to mix the oils into the baking soda well. Since lemon essential oil is normally yellow, it is essential that it is mixed well into the baking soda so that no undiluted lemon oil stains your carpet. This blend may be adapted to use your favorite essential oils, but strive to add essential oils that offer antibacterial and disinfectant properties to give the deodorizer an added benefit (the oils in this blend work to accomplish that). After you have blended the oils into the baking soda, the deodorizer can be stored in a glass jar or airtight container.
Instructions for Use: Sprinkle the deodorizer onto your carpet (use of a discarded but clean large spice container that has holes for "shaking" out the spice works well for this). Allow the deodorizer to work its magic for 10-20 minutes and then vacuum normally.
Shower Gel
Ingredients:
4 ounces unscented shower gel (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented shower gel, lotion and shampoo)
40 drops of lavender or your favorite essential oils (be sure that the oils that you choose to use are gentle to the skin, and always do a skin patch test first).
Directions: Add the essential oils to the 4 ounce bottle of unscented shower gel and mix extremely well. You do not want to have pockets in the shower gel where the oils collect as the concentration of essential oils could cause skin irritation and also because your gel will not be fragranced thoroughly. Use as you would any shower gel.
Dry Hand Lotion
Ingredients:
8 oz. unscented lotion (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented lotion, shower gel and shampoo)
10 drops Patchouli
20 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Carrot Seed
Directions: The best way to blend the oils with the lotion is to pour the lotion into a bowl, add the oils and then mix very well. Once mixed, add the lotion back to the bottle. Patchouli, sandalwood and carrot seed oils help aid with dry skin. The patchouli and sandalwood oils have a lovely rich scent when blended together. The carrot seed oil is wonderful for the skin, but is a little harsh in aroma. Borage and Evening Primrose are wonderful carrier oils for helping the skin. If you have either of these oils or can afford to get a small quantity, add a little to your lotion for to give your skin even more nourishment. It is always wise to do a skin patch test first on new blends first before using often to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity to the blend.
Facial Toner
Ingredients:
1 oz. vodka
3 oz. witch hazel
10 drops Grapefruit
5 drops Tea Tree
5 drops Cypress
Directions: Add all ingredients to a 4 oz. bottle and shake to mix all ingredients. Be careful when adding the essential oils. The first time you make this recipe, add only 10 drops at a time and test on a small area of your skin to insure no reaction before adding more oils to reach your desired strength. Shake the toner well before each use to disperse the oils.
Hair Conditioner
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Jojoba carrier oil
3 drops Rosemary
Directions: Mix the Jojoba and Rosemary in a small bowl (tiny condiment bowls work great for this). Wet your hair with warm water and then apply the conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for 15-30 minutes. Then, wash your hair as normal. Jojoba and rosemary are helpful for dry hair. The rosemary is also said to be helpful in aiding dandruff.
High Stress Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
15 drops Clary Sage
10 drops Lemon 5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix the oils well and store in an air-tight, dark glass container. Massage gently into the feet. As the feet have the most pores in the body, I like to give myself a foot and leg massage with this synergy. As a foot massage can also aid stress relief in and of itself, this seems to be a great combination.
Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
10 drops Roman Chamomile
5 drops Clary Sage
5 drops Bergamot
Directions: Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow to aid you in falling asleep.
Menstrual Cramps Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
15 drops Peppermint
10 drops Cypress
5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix oils well in a clean, dark-colored glass container. Gently message a small amount into the abdominal area.
Mouthwash
Ingredients:
4 oz. Water
4 oz. Vodka (vodka may be substituted for water or a pure rosemary tea infusion)
4 teaspoons Liquid Glycerine (available at many drug stores) - optional and simply sweetens the mouthwash
10-12 drops Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil 5 drops Myrrh (optional - Myrrh can assist in mouth and gum care)
Notes: This recipe makes a rather minty mouthwash but as it contains no added flavorings, it is not as sweet or strong as commercially available mouthwashes.
Scented Hair
Ingredients:
2 drops of Rosemary, Lavender or Sandalwood
Directions: Apply 2 drops of your chosen essential oil to the bristles of your hairbrush and brush your hair well. The oils will leave your hair with a wonderful aroma.
Shampoo
Ingredients:
7 oz. of unscented shampoo (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented shampoo, shower gel and lotion)
1 tablespoon jojoba (optional, but can supply the hair with added nutrition)
20 drops Patchouli
20 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Ylang Ylang
Directions: Add the essential oils to the bottle of unscented shampoo (you may wish to either use the unscented shampoo once to make more room in the bottle for the oils or discard a little bit) and mix extremely well. You do not want to have pockets in the shampoo where the oils collect as the concentration of essential oils could cause scalp irritation and also because your shampoo will not be fragranced thoroughly. Use as you would your normal shampoo.
Shoe Deodorizer
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons baking soda
20 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lemon
10 drops Lavender
Instructions for Use: Sprinkle the deodorizer lightly into shoes in the evenings or at times when the shoes will not be worn for a few hours. You will not see a "cure" for smelly shoes the first time you use the deodorizer. The magic occurs after regular uses.
Perfume
Ingredients:
25 drops Sandalwood
3 drops of either Rose, Jasmine or Neroli
1 tablespoon of Jojoba carrier oil
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Dab a drop onto your pulse points. Please note that this blend has a heavy concentration of essential oils and is meant to be used sparingly. As with any new oils and blends that you use, do a skin patch test prior to using regularily.
Stuffy Nose Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
15 drops Eucalyptus
13 drops Pine
2 drops Peppermint
Directions: Blend the oils together in a clean dark-colored glass container, preferably one with an orifice reducer (a built-in dropper insert). Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale occassionally to help clear a stuffy nose.
Vanilla Room Spray
This is a wonderful method of creating an affordable, sensuous vanilla room spray. This recipe calls for making your own vanilla extract. You can use your homemade extract in food recipes as well!
Vanilla Extract
8 oz. clean, dark glass bottle and cap
7-8 ounces of vodka (inexpensive varieties do work well)
2-3 fresh, high-quality 6" vanilla beans. They should be dark, and the bean should have consistent coloring on the entire bean.
Muslin (available at fabric stores) for straining Vanilla Extract
Directions: Carefully cut the vanilla beans lengthwise. Then, cut them into small pieces, about 1/4" - 1/2" in length (about 2 cm). Put all the vanilla pieces into the bottle. Then pour the vodka into the bottle leaving enough room to shake the bottle well. Cap well. Allow the extract to sit in a dark area for 30 days, shaking the mixture daily. After 30 days, carefully strain the extract through the muslin fabric to remove all vanilla bean pieces and particles. You may need to strain the extract several times. Rebottle into a clean bottle.
Vanilla Room Spray
4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
1.5 ounces of distilled water
1.5 ounces of vanilla extract
Up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oils if you would like to add to the vanilla aroma. Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use since an air freshener, by its nature, will come in contact with all those in your household.
Directions: Fill the spray bottle with 1.5 ounces of vanilla extract and 1.5 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add up to 10 drops of your essential oils if desired. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.
