Essential Aromatherapy

Petitgrain Oil

2008-04-15T01:55:00.000-07:00

Effects: Restoring, Stimulating

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Sweet, Floral, Woody

Combines well with: Bergamot, Lavender, other Citrus oils

Properties: Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Stimulant

Uses:

Acne
Anxiety
Digestive Problems
Exhaustion
Insomnia
Respiratory Problems
Stress

Contra-indications:
Petitgrain has antispasmodic properties therefore use during pregnancy is not advised.

Peppermint Oil

2008-04-08T02:53:00.000-07:00

Effects: Refreshing, Stimulating

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Stong, Fresh, Menthol

Combines well with: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary

Properties:
Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Decongestant, Digestive Aid, Expectorant

Uses:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Colic
Headaches
Indigestion
Insect Repellant
Migraine
Muscle and Joint Pain
Nausea
Sinusitis
Sore / Tired Feet
Toothaches

Contra-indications:
Peppermint has antispasmodic properties therefore use during pregnancy is not advised.

Patchouli Oil

2008-04-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Effects : Relaxing

Aroma : Base note

Scent : Sweet, Spicy, Woody

Combines well with : Geranium, Lavender, Neroli

Properties: Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative

Uses:

Anxiety
Cellulite
Chapped / Cracked Skin
Depression
Eczema
Increase Libido
PMS Symptoms
Scar Tissue
Water Retention

Contra-indications:
None known

Orange Oil

2008-03-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Effects: Refreshing, Relaxing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Fresh, Citrus

Combines well with: Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary

Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Detoxifying, Sedative, Tonic

Uses:

Anxiety
Cellulite
Consitpation
Depression
Diarrhoea
Digestive Problems
Dry, Sensitive, or Aging Skin
Flatulence
Indigestion
Insomnia
Muscle Aches and Pains
Nervous Tension
Respiratory Conditions
Stress

Contra-indications:
Orange has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy. Orange may irritate sensitive skin (use well diluted). Orange is also a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.

Neroli Oil

2008-03-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

Effects: Relaxing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Floral, Refreshing

Combines well with: Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood

Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Sedative

Uses:

Depression
Digestive Problems
Dry or Sensitive Skin
Flatulence
Headaches
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nervous Tension
Panic Attacks
Stress

Contra-indications:
Neroli has antispasmodic properties and should not be used during pregnancy.

Myrrh Oil

2008-03-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Effects: Toning, Rejuvenating

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Spicy (similar to musk)

Combines well with: Clove, Frankincense, Geranium

Properties: Analgesic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant

Uses:

Arthritis
Bronchitis
Colds
Cough
Digestive Problems
Mouth and Gum Problems
Stimulates Immune System

Contra-indications:
Myrrh should not be used during pregnancy.

Lemon Balm Oil

2008-03-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Effects : Uplifting, Refreshing

Aroma : Middle note

Scent : Fresh, Sweet, Herbal

Combines well with : Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Geranium

Properties : Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Sedative

Uses :

Acne
Cold Sores
Colds
Cough
Flu
PMS Symptoms
Stress

Contra-indications :

Melissa / Lemon Balm may cause skin irritation. Use well diluted. Do not use during pregnancy.

Marjoram Oil

2008-03-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Effects: Soothing, Warming

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Spicy

Combines well with: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Lavender

Properties: Analgesic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic

Uses:

Anxiety
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Bruises
Colic
Constipation
Digestive Problems
Flatulence
Insomnia
Muscle Aches and Pains
PMS Symptoms
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Sprains

Contra-indications:
Marjoram has antispasmodic properties so use during pregnancy not advised.

Lemon Oil

2008-02-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

Effects : Refreshing, Stimulating

Aroma : Top note

Scent : Fresh, Sharp Citrus

Combine well with : Chamomile, Lavender, Ylang Ylang

Properties : Antiseptic, Astringent, Antiviral, Stimulant

Uses :

Cellulite
Chilbains
Circulatory Problems
Cold Sores
Constipation
Corns
Gingivitis
Headaches
Insect Bites
Migraine
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Skin Tonic
Sore Throat
Tonsillitis
Varicose Veins

Contra Indication :
Lemon is a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds. Lemon should not be directly inhaled.

Lavender Oil

2008-02-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

Effects: Calming, Therapeutic

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Floral, Sweet, Woody, Herbal

Combines well with: Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Insecticide, Sedative

Uses:

Acne
Anxiety
Bronchitis
Burns
Catarrh
Chilbains
Circulatory Problems
Colds
Dandruff
Eczema
Flu
Headaches
Insect Bites
Insomnia
Muscle Aches and Pains
PMS Symptoms
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Skin Problems
Sunburn
Tension
Throat Infection
Wounds and Sores

Contra-indications:
Lavender should not be used during the early stages of pregnancy. Use Lavender with caution if you have low blood pressure.

Juniper Oil

2008-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Effects: Cleansing, Refreshing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Fresh, Woody, Sweet

Combines well with: Frankincense, Lavender, Rose

Properties: Analgesic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant

Uses:

Acne
Cellulite
Cystitis
Dermatitis
Disinfectant
Eczema (weeping)
Gout
Muscle Aches and Pains
Rheumatism
Sores and Ulcers

Contra-indications:
Juniper should not be used during pregnancy or if you have severe kidney disease.

Jasmine Oil

2008-02-15T00:50:00.000-08:00

Effects: Soothing, Relaxing

Aroma: Base note

Scent: Warm, Floral

Combines well with: Chamomile, Citrus oils, Rose

Properties: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Expectorant

Uses:

Anxiety
Catarrh
Cough
Headache
Lack of Confidence
Laryngitis
Mental Tension
Sensitive or dry skin

Contra-indications:
Jasmine is generally agreeable with most, but some allergic reactions can occur. Jasmine should not be used during pregnancy because of its antispasmodic properties.

Hyssop Oil

2008-02-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Effects: Stimulating

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Sweet

Combines well with: Fennel, Lavender, Tangerine

Properties: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Cold
Cough
Mental Tension
Sore Throat
Stomach Cramps
Water Retention

Contra-indications:
Hyssop should not be used during pregnancy, or if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.

Grapefruit Oil

2008-02-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Effects: Refreshing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Sweet, Citrus

Combines well with: Lavender, other Citrus oils

Properties: Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Stimulant

Uses:

Anxiety
Depression
Digestive problems
Water Retention

Contra-indications:
Grapefruit is a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.

Ginger Oil

2008-02-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Warm, Spicy, Woody

Combines well with: Cedarwood, Citrus oils, Eucalyptus

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

Arthritis
Bronchitis
Catarrh
Colds
Colic
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Exhaustion
Flatulence
Flu
Indigestion
Poor Circulation
Rheumatism
Sinusitis

Contra-indications:
Ginger may irritate sensitive skin.

Geranium Oil

2008-01-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Effects: Comforting, Healing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Floral, Sweet, Earthy

Combines well with: Chamomile, Cypress, Juniper

Properties: Anti fungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic

Uses:

Burns
Eczema
Edema
Fluid Retention
Neuralgia
PMS Symptoms (including swollen breasts)
Poor Circulation
Rheumatism
Tonsillitis

Contra-indications:
Geranium may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid use during pregnancy due to antispasmodic properties.

Frankincense Oil

2008-01-26T00:35:00.000-08:00

Effects: Uplifting, Relaxing

Aroma: Base/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Warm

Combines well with: Lavender, Neroli, Rose

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Expectorant

Uses:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds
Healing Wounds
Nervous Tension
Respiratory Conditions
Skin Care (mature/aging skin)
Uterine Tonic (can be used for heavy periods and massage following childbirth)

Contra-indications:
None known

Fennel Oil

2008-01-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

Effects: Clearing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Earthy

Combines well with: Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood

Properties: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Stimulant

Uses:

Digestive Disorders
Gout (combine with Juniper)
Nervous Tension

Contra-indications:
Do not use fennel during pregnancy or if you have epilepsy. Fennel may irritate sensitive skin.

Eucalyptus Oil

2008-01-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

Effects: Balancing, Stimulating

Aroma: Top/Middle note

Scent: Camphorous, Woody

Combines well with: Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram

Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Stimulant

Uses:

Air Disinfectant
Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns
Cuts
Decongestant
Flu
Headaches
Insect Repellant
Muscle Aches
Rheumatism
Sinusitis
Skin Ulcers
Urinary Infections
Wounds

Contra-indications:
Eucalyptus should not be used if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy and can be fatal if ingested.

Cypress Oil

2008-01-10T23:54:00.000-08:00

Effects: Relaxing, Refreshing

Aroma: Middle/Base note

Scent: Sweet, Refreshing

Combines well with: Citrus oils, Juniper, Lavender

Properties: Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diuretic, Expectorant

Uses:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Cough
Edema
Haemorrhoids
Menopause Symptoms
Menstrual Symptoms
Muscle and Nerve Tension
Oily Skin and/or Hair
Rheumatism

Contra-indications:
Cypress has antispasmodic properties and is therefore probably best avoided during pregnancy.

Clove Oil

2008-01-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Base/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Fresh

Combines well with: Lavender, Orange, Ylang Ylang

Properties: Analgesic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

Bronchitis
Colds
Indigestion
Infected Wounds
Insect Repellant
Mouth Sores
Muscle and Nerve Tension
Room Disinfectant
Toothache

Contra-indications:
Clove is highly irritating to the skin and must be diluted to concentrations less than 1% prior to use.

Clary Sage Oil

2008-01-03T01:09:00.000-08:00

Effects: Warming

Aroma: Top/Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Spicy, Herbal

Combines well with: Geranium, Lavender, Rose

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Sedative

Uses:

Asthma
Depression
Digestive Problems
Exhaustion
Muscle Cramps and Spasms
PMS Relief
Respiratory Problems

Contra-indications:
Do not use Clary Sage during pregnancy. Clary Sage is highly sedative - do not use before driving or other activities requiring a high level of focus and concentration.

Cedarwood Oil

2007-12-31T17:14:00.000-08:00

Effects: Soothing, Strengthening

Aroma: Base note

Scent: Woody

Combines well with: Bergamot, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Properties:

Antifungal, Antiseptic, Astringent, Expectorant, Sedative

Uses:

Arthritis
Bronchitis
Cellulite
Cystitis
Dandruff (blend with Rosemary)
Skin Conditions (such as acne, eczema, oily skin)

Contra-indications:
Cedarwood may cause skin irritation to sensitive skin. Do not use during pregnancy.

Citronella Oil

2007-12-28T00:26:00.000-08:00

Effects: Refreshing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Grassy, woodsy

Combines well with: Bergamot, Cajeput, Cedarwood

Properties: Antiseptic, analgesic, stimulant

Uses:

Insect repellent
Rheumatic pain
Stomach pain

Contra-indications:
May cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Chamomile Oil

2007-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Effects: Soothing, Relaxing

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Sweet, Herbal, Fruity

Combines well with: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender

Properties:

Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Digestive Stimulant

Uses:

Acne
Blisters
Boils
Colitis
Depression
Digestive Problems
Flatulence
Gout
Headaches
Indigestion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Neuralgia
Nervous Tension (anxiety, fear)
Rheumatism
Skin Conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis)

Contra-indications:
Chamomile may cause skin irritation. Not to be used in early pregnancy.

Cajeput Oil

2007-12-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

Effects: Clearing

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Camphor, Medicinal

Combines well with: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Tea Tree

Properties: Analgesic, Antiseptic, Expectorant, Insecticide

Uses:

Bronchitis
Colds
Earache
Laryngitis
Lung Congestion
Neuralgia
Rheumatism
Skin Conditions (such as acne)
Toothache

Contra-indications:
In high concentrations, Cajeput may cause skin irritation.

Black Pepper Oil

2007-12-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

Effects: Stimulating

Aroma: Middle note

Scent: Warm, Peppery

Combines well with: Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood

Properties:
Diuretic, Expectorant, Stimulant

Uses:

Chilbains
Colds
Constipation
Digestive Problems
Flatulence
Heartburn
Indigestion
Loss of Appetite
Muscle Aches and Pains
Sinus Congestion

Contra-indications:
Black Pepper may irritate sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Avoid use during pregnancy.

Bergamot Essential Oils

2007-12-08T23:37:00.000-08:00

Bergamot

Effects:
Refreshing and uplifting

Aroma:
Top note

Scent:
Sweet, Spicy

Combines well with:
Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender

Properties:
Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic

Uses:

Abcesses
Acne
Boils
Chicken Pox
Colds
Cold Sores
Cystitis
Flatulence
Loss of Appetite
Mouth Infections
Sore Throat

Contra-indications:
Bergamot is a photosensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds. Bergamot has antispasmodic properties and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy.

Basil Essential Oil

2007-12-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

Basil

Effects: Uplifting and stimulating

Aroma: Top note

Scent: Fresh, Sweet, Spicy

Combines well with: Citrus oils, Frankincense, Geranium

Properties:
Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Emmenagogue, Uplifting

Uses:
* Bronchitis
* Colds
* Constipation
* Insect Bites
* Mental Fatigue
* Migraine
* Nervous Tension
* Rheumatism
* Sinus Congestion

Contra-indications:
May cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use well diluted. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Simple Aromatherapy for Home

2007-12-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Today we use aromatherapy in our homes in order to get the pleasure that is created through the aroma of the fragrant smoke rising in the air.

Creating your own aromatherapy is really quite easy once you decide which type you want to make. Here we will discuss some of the more popular methods such as dough aromatherapy and loose aromatherapy.

Loose Aromatherapy
Loose aromatherapy is the least complicated type of aromatherapy to make and is generally used a teaspoonful at a time, either in an incense dish or thrown on top of a smouldering fire. Here is a sample recipe to get you started:

75 grams / 3 ounces powdered frankincense
50 grams / 2 ounces powdered orris root
25 grams / 1 ounce powdered cloves
25 grams / 1 ounce sandalwood shavings
A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Mix all of the dry ingredients together and sprinkle the essential oil on top. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for 8 to 10 weeks at which time the aroma will have matured.

Dough Aromatherapy
Another type of aromatherapy that is relatively easy to make is dough aromatherapy. However, it requires a blender, bowls, a wooden spoon for mixing, and a little experimentation! Here is a recipe that doesn't require a specific amount of each ingredient. Just mix them all together with the goal of making a smooth paste which can then be formed into shapes (such as cones).

sweet smelling dried herbs or spices
half the amount of the above herbs or spices in scented wood bark shavings
tragacanth powder
potassium nitrate (saltpeter)
water
food coloring (optional)

First, reduce to a powder and combine, the dried herbs and/or spices with the dried scented bark. Then mix the potassium nitrate with a little bit of water. Add tragacanth powder and mix into a smooth paste, adding more water if needed. Continue to add dried herbs/spices, water and tragacanth powder as required to make the amount of dough desired. If the scent is not strong enough, a few drops of essential oil may be added. If desired a few drops of food coloring may also be added to color the mixture. This dough can then be shaped into cones, cylinders and coils or can be rolled onto bamboo skewers (leaving the end portion bare so that it can be inserted into an incense holder).

Whichever shape you choose, let the dough aromatherapy dry thoroughly and store the aromatherapy in an airtight tin to preserve the aroma.
As you can see, with a little effort and creative experimentation, incense is a great way to invigorate the senses and fragrance your surroundings!

Bay essential oil

2007-11-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

West Indian Bay essential oil is extracted from the Pimenta racemosa (P. Acris, Myrcia Acris) tree, from the Myrtaceae family and is also known as bay rum, wild cinnamon and bay berry

Oil properties:
The scent of Bay oil is sweet, fresh and spicy. The oil is deep yellow in color and is of medium to watery viscosity.

Origin of bay oil:
This sturdy evergreen tree is a native of West Indies, Venezuela and the Guianas. Nowadays the oil is obtained mostly from Morocco and Spain. The Bay tree grows to about 10 meters (30 feet), has long aromatic lance-shaped leaves and small white-yellow flowers and black berries. Bay oil was very popular with the Romans, who thought the Bay a symbol of wisdom, peace and protection. The Latin 'Laudis' means 'to praise", which is why the victors at the Olympic games were presented with a Laurel (Bay) Wreath. In the past Bay leaves were distilled with rum. The Bay rum so obtained was a famous hair tonic and body rub for colds and muscle pains.

Extraction:
The leaves collected from a tree at least 5 years old, are subjected to steam distillation (salt is often added or seawater used in the still) and it yields about 0.5-1.5%.

Chemical composition:
The chemical composition of Bay Oil includes Eugenol, Chavicol, Myrcene, Cineol, and Methyl Eugenol.

Precautions:
Bay oil has high eugenol content and may irritate the skin and mucus membranes, so use with caution.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Bay oil include the following: antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-neuralgic, aperitif, astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative and a tonic.

Uses:
Bay oil can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pain, circulation problems, colds, flu, dental infection, and diarrhea and skin infections.

Summary:
The benefit of Bay oil lies in its calming and warming effect on emotions and general aches and pains, including rheumatic pains. It also settles the digestive system and acts as a tonic on the liver and kidneys. Bay essential oil is also helpful with hair and scalp conditions.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Bay oil can be used for an infection, for fever and general aches and pains.

Blended in the bath:
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Bay oil can assist with calming emotions and relieving aches and pains, especially when combined with Rose and Juniper.
Bay oil blends well with Bay oil blends well with other oils including:
Cedar wood, Coriander, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang Ylang.

Bergamot essential oil

2007-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the tree Citrus bergamia (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) of the Rutaceae family and is also known as Bergamot orange.

Oil properties:
The scent of the oil is basically citrus, yet fruity and sweet with a warm spicy floral quality, and is reminiscent of Neroli and Lavender oil. The color ranges from green to greenish-yellow and has a watery viscosity.

Origin of bergamot oil:
This tree is native to South East Asia but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy, but is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Bergamot oil is made from a tree that can grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers, and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow. The oil is one of the most widely used in the perfumery and toiletry industry and forms, together with Neroli and Lavender, the main ingredient for the classical 4711 Eau-de-cologne fragrance and is used to flavor Earl Grey tea. The name Bergamot is derived from the city Bergamo in Lombardy where the oil was first sold.

Extraction:
The rind of both ripe and unripe fruit is used to extract the oil by expression, which yields about 0.5%.

Chemical composition:
The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes the following: Limonene, Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Gamma Terpenene, Bergaptene and Dipentene.

Precautions:
Bergamot oil can cause severe burns when used on a sensitive skin exposed to sunlight, since the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity and it is advisable to keep out of the sun if used on the skin. Even when the ingredient Bergaptene (Furocoumarin) is removed from the oil and photo toxicity is therefore minimized, it is still advisable to keep treated skin out of the sun.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Bergamot oil include: antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and a febrifuge.

Uses:
Bergamot oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, infection (all types including skin), anorexia, psoriasis, eczema and general convalescence.

Summary:
When you are looking for an oil to help with depression, SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) or generally feeling just a bit off, lacking in self-confidence or feel shy, then consider Bergamot. It also has antiseptic qualities that are useful for skin complaints such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Bergamot oil can be used for depression, feeling fed-up, colds and flu, PMS and SAD.

Blended oil or in the bath:
Bergamot oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in a bath to assist with stress, tension, SAD, PMS, skin problems, compulsive eating, postnatal depression, colds and flu, anxiety, depression, feeling fed-up and anorexia nervosa.

Bendable in base cream:
It is used as a constituent in blended base cream, Bergamot oil. It can also be used for wounds and cuts, psoriasis, oily skin, scabies, eczema, acne and cold sores.

Damask Rose oil

2007-11-24T16:40:00.000-08:00

Damask Rose oil is extracted from Rosa damascena from the Rosaceae family and is also known as Bulgarian and Turkish rose, Otto of rose and attar of rose.

Oil properties:
Damask Rose has a deep, rosy, fresh aroma, the color ranges from clear to a pale yellow or greenish tint and the viscosity is watery to crystalline, when warm or cold respectively.

Origin of rose oil:
'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was thought to have been crimson.Anicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, used the rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia. Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are still a symbol of love and purity and is also used to aid meditation and prayer. It takes about 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make one ounce of rose oil.
Extraction: Rose otto oil is extracted from the fresh flowers, picked before 8 am in the morning, by steam distillation and the yield is 0.02-0.05%. The aroma can be damaged if the heat is too high at distillation.

Chemical composition:
The main chemical components of Rose otto oil are: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Geranic and Eugenol.

Precautions:
Damask rose oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Damask rose oil are: anti-infectious, anti-depressant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, sedative, splenetic and general tonic.

Uses:
Damask rose oil soothes the mind and helps with depression, grief, nervous tension and stress and is helpful for poor circulation and heart palpitations. For the respiratory system Damask rose oil can assist in cases of asthma, coughs and hay fever, and on the digestive system for liver congestion and nausea. Rose otto oil can be used for irregular menstruation, leucorrhea, menorrhagia and uterine disorders. On the skin it can be used for broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive skin, wrinkles, and rose water can be used for conjunctivitis.

Summary:
Damask rose oil gives a feeling of wellbeing and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful on the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and as skin care.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Rose otto oil can be helpful with: allergies, asthma, baby blues, headaches, migraine, nervous tension and as a relaxant.

Blended oil or in the bath:
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Rose damask oil can assist with: allergies, baby blues, asthma, hay fever, headaches, depression, migraine, scar tissue, nervous tension, stress, poor circulation and as a relaxant.

Sandalwood Oil

2007-11-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Sandalwood oil is extracted from Santalum album from the Santalaceae family and also known as East Indian sandalwood, santal, saunders and sandalwood Mysore.

Oil properties:
The oil has a woody, exotic smell, subtle and lingering. The color of the oil is pale yellow to pale gold.

Origin of sandalwood oil:
Sandalwood is an evergreen, parasitic tree that burrows its roots into other trees and it can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) high and has a brown-gray trunk, many smooth slender branches, leathery leaves and small pink-purple flowers. It can take thirty to sixty years for a tree to reach full maturity, when it is cut and distilled. The yellowish wood is sold in thin scrapings. It is commonly agreed that the best essential oils are from Mysore in India. The documented use of Sandalwood goes back 4000 years and caravans from India to Egypt, Greece and Rome were a familiar sight. Many temples were built from Sandalwood and the Egyptians used it in embalming. Sandalwood was much in demand as incense; it had a calming effect during meditation. Once Sandalwood was used for making furniture and caskets, but as it is nearly extinct, it is only used for the distillation of oil.

Extraction:
Sandalwood oil is extracted from the chipped heartwood and roots by steam distillation and yields 4-6.5%.

Chemical composition:
The main chemical components are: Santalol, Furfurol and Santalene.

Precautions:
Generally Sandalwood oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Sandalwood oil are: antiseptic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, emollient, expectorant, sedative and tonic.

Uses:
This relaxing oil could be useful for tension, depression, nervous exhaustion, chronic illness and anxiety. Sandalwood oil could be useful for chest infections, sore throats and dry coughs that accompany bronchitis and lung infections. It could alleviate cystitis and bladder infections, also helpful with sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence. Sandalwood oil relieves itching and inflammation of the skin, is good for scarring, dry eczema, ageing and dehydrated skin.

Summary:
Sandalwood oil can be helpful for the nervous system, for chest infections, for sexual problems and for skin care.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Sandalwood oil can be used for: aphrodisiac, bronchitis, coughs, insomnia, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, for relaxing and as an insect repellant.

Blended oil or in the bath:
As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Sandalwood oil can assist with: bladder infections, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, eczema, insomnia, scar tissue, irritability, nervous tension, stress, tension, as an aphrodisiac and for relaxing.

Gargle:
Sandalwood oil can be effective when diluted and used as a gargle for a sore or dry throat.

Lotions or creams:
When used in a lotion or cream Sandalwood oil can assist with: chapped, dry or inflamed skin.

Jasmine essential oil

2007-11-20T00:37:00.000-08:00

Jasmine essential oil is extracted from either Jasminum officinale, both from the Oleaceae family and is also known as jasmin, jessamine and common jasmine.

Uses:
It is a valuable remedy in Oil properties: Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, exotic and rich floral smell and the oil is deep orange-brown in color. The species Jasminum grandiflorum (royal jasmine, Spanish or Catalonian jasmine or jati) is also used for essential oil extraction, but our 20% blend is made from Jasminum officinale.

Origin of jasmine oil:
Jasmine is an evergreen fragile climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) high. It has dark green leaves and small white star-shaped flowers, which are picked at night when the aroma is most intense. An experienced picker can pick 10,000-15,000 blossoms per day. Originally from China and Northern India, brought to Spain by the Moors and the Mediterranean with France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey producing the best essential oil now. The name Jasmine is derived from the Persia 'yasmin'. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used Jasmine medicinally, as an aphrodisiac and for ceremonial purposes. In Turkey the wood is used for making rope stems. Jasmine tea is a Chinese favorite (but Jasminum sambac - Arabian jasmine - is normally used for this) and in Indonesia it is a popular garnish.

Extraction:
In manufacturing, Jasmine oil is produced as a 'concrete' by solvent extraction, and an absolute is obtained from the concrete by separation with alcohol, and an essential oil is produced off the absolute by steam distillation. 1,000 lbs of flowers yield approximately one pound of liquid concrete, which yields 0.2% aromatic molecules.

Chemical composition:
The main chemical components of Jasmine oil are: Benzyl, Nerol, Terpineol, Linalyl acetate, Methyl anthranilate, Jasmone and Farnesol.

Precautions:
Jasmine oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, although some people do have an allergic reaction to the oil. As Jasmine oil is used to ease labor as well as an emmenagogue, it should not be used during pregnancy. It can impede concentration, so should be used with care.

Therapeutic properties:
The therapeutic properties of Jasmine oil include:

anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant and emollient. It soothes the nerves and produces a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria. It revitalizes and restores energy.
Jasmine oil facilitates delivery in childbirth: it hastens the birth by strengthening the contractions and at the same time relieves the pain. It is effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk. Because of its soothing and calming nature, Jasmine oil helps with sexual problems such as impotence, premature ejaculation and frigidity.
In the respiratory system it also soothes irritating coughs and helps with hoarseness and laryngitis. It helps with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs. Jasmine tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, increases elasticity and is often used to assist with stretch marks and scarring.

Summary:
Jasmine is very valuable oil and is used for severe depression, for childbirth, sexual problems, on the respiratory tract, for muscle pain and for toning the skin.

Burners and vaporizers:
In vapor therapy Jasmine oil can be useful for: addiction, depression, nervousness, coughs, relaxation and tension.

Blended oil or in the bath:
Jasmine oil can be used as blended massage oil or diluted in the bath for: addiction, postnatal depression, relaxation, muscle pain, coughs, tension, stress and nervousness.

Lotion and creams:
Jasmine oil can be used in a base cream or lotion for dry or greasy and sensitive skin, as well as assisting with stretch marks and scars.

Eucalyptus Oil

2007-11-17T00:24:00.000-08:00

Botanical Name : Eucalyptus globulus

Method of Farming : Conventional

Country of Origin : Spain

Extraction : Steam distillation of the fresh or partially dried leaves and mature branches.

Characteristics : Colorless to pale yellow with a strong, fresh, camphorous odor and woody undertone.

Oil properties : Eucalyptus has a clear, sharp, fresh and very distinctive smell. It is pale yellow in color and watery in viscosity.

Origin of eucalyptus oil : The Australian Blue-gum can sometimes reaches a height of 100 meters (300 feet), making it one of the highest trees in the world. There are over 500 species of Eucalyptus trees and they have blue-green long, narrow, tough leaves, creamy white flowers and smooth pale bark. The 'eu' and 'kalypto' means 'well' and 'covered' in Greek, referring to the cup-like membrane that covers the flower bud and is thrown off as the flower expands. The Australian Aborigines calls the Eucalyptus 'kino'. One of their uses for it was to cover serious wounds with the leaves. Eucalyptus was introduced to Europe in 1788, and the first oil exported to England was called 'Sydney peppermint'. It was extracted from Eucalyptus peperita which is a more industrial type of oil. The Eucalyptus uses a lot of water while growing, thus it drains land where usually malaria was found, making it a healthier climate for living.

Extraction : Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the fresh or partially dried leaves and young twigs.

Chemical composition : The main chemical components of Eucalyptus are: Camphene, Citronellal, Fenchene, Phellandrene and Cineole.

Precautions : Eucalyptus oil should be used with care and people with high blood pressure and epilepsy should avoid it. Excessive use of the oil may cause headaches.

Therapeutic properties : The therapeutic properties of Eucalyptus oil include: analgesic, anti-rheumatic, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, balsamic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, rubefacient and stimulant.

Uses : Eucalyptus has a cooling and deodorizing effect on the body, helping with fevers, migraine and malaria. For the respiratory tract, it helps with coughs, asthma, throat infections, sinusitis and catarrhal conditions. It soothes inflammation and eases mucus, clearing the head from the stuffiness of colds and hay fever. Eucalyptus oil is useful as warming oil when used for muscular aches and pains, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and poor circulation. In skin care it can be used for burns, blisters, herpes, cuts, wounds, skin infections and insect bites. Eucalyptus oil can boost the immune system, and is helpful especially in cases of chicken pox, colds, flu and measles.

Summary : Eucalyptus oil is very helpful when used for headaches, fevers, on the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and in skin care. It has a soothing and calming effect on the whole body and helps with the immune system. The oil is also effective against bacteria - especially staphylococci.

Burners and vaporizers :
In vapor therapy Eucalyptus oil be used for frequent sneezing, hay fever, flu, respiratory problems and as insect repellant.

Blended massage or in the bath :
Eucalyptus oil can be used in blended massage oil, or diluted in the bath to assist with arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, mucous congestion, colds, headaches, rheumatism, sinusitis, catarrh, fatigue and muscular aches and pains.

Used neat or dab on with a bud :
Eucalyptus oil can be used neat on the skin for insect bites or wounds, but care should be taken when doing so.

Gargle:
Diluted Eucalyptus can be used as a gargle for a sore throat

Lavender aromatherapy

2007-11-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Lavender is considered the most useful of all essential oils. Lavender is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress. Its therapeutic properties have been well chronicled all over the world. Originally an inhabitant of the Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long been recognized for its exotic perfume and medicinal properties.

Used in past by the ancient Romans for its healing and antiseptic qualities, the name itself comes from the Latin “lavare” or “to wash”. Tibetans still make an edible lavender butter to use as part of a traditional treatment for nervous disorders. Today, the essential oil of lavender is widely used across Europe and North America for a number of illness and medical problems.

Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer. As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers.

The more compact variety Hidcote, has darker blue flowers, grows to around a foot high and is very pretty in any flower or herb garden. The easiest way to propagate lavender is to cut softwood cuttings in the spring. However, as lavender benefits from a light pruning in early autumn, these clippings make excellent new plants too, as long as you protect them from frosts and winter bite.
With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil. Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.

Essential oil of lavender is used in aromatherapy practices to get rid of depression, fight tiredness and get relaxation. It has strong disinfectant properties and was even used on the wars to prevent infection and relieve pain.

A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.

Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects. You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.

Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.

Angelica Essential Oil

2007-11-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Angelica essential oil is extracted from the plant Angelica archangelica (A. officinalis) from the Umbelliferae family and it is sweet herbal smelling oil that has a spicy undertone and is also known as European Angelica.

Oil properties: The oil is of medium viscosity, and is extracted from the rhizome, the seeds and the herb itself.

Origin of angelica oil: The plant is said to originate from Africa and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is considered a native plant of northern and eastern Europe as well as parts of Asia and the Soviet Union. It is found in Scotland, Holland, Lapland and Germany.
It is called Angelica, since it normally flowers on the 8th May, which is St Michael the Archangel's Day, and for this reason it is often planted in monasteries and is referred to as "Angel Grass".

This herb is included in the famous Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur and when the Black Plague swept Europe it was considered an antidote for it, and "Angelica Water" was taken up in a Royal Prescription and published by the College of Physicians when the plague swept London in 1665. It is also used to flavor gin, perfumes, and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery. It is a rather large, water-loving herb with broad pointed leaves dividing into smaller leaflets and has small white-green flowers. It has a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.

Extraction: The oil is extracted from the roots, rhizome and seeds and steam distillation is employed to achieve this.

Chemical composition: The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents and includes the following: Borneol, Linalool, Bergaptene, Limonene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Sesquiterpenes, Angelic acid, Sitosterol, Phenolic acids, Coumarins and Angelicin.

Precautions: Angelica oil may over stimulate the nervous system and the essential oil extracted from the root can cause photo-toxicity which in turn could cause irritation should the skin be exposed to the sun. Safety during pregnancy has not been determined and it should also not be used by diabetics.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Angelica oil include the following: an antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic, and a general tonic.

Uses: Angelica oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following problems: dull congested skin, irritation, psoriasis, accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention, bronchitis, coughs, anemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion, fatigue, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders.

Summary: This oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system and general detoxification of the body. It can also be used to great effect on respiratory ailments and is a great help in stomach related problems including flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, discomfort and indigestion.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Angelica oil can be used to help clear lungs, bronchitis, and pleurisy and ease shortness of breath.

Blended oil and in the bath: Angelica oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, detoxification, digestive problems, helps with colds and flu as well as fighting fungal growths.

Blended in base cream: As a constituent of a blended base cream, Angelica oil can be used to assist with circulation, arthritis, gout, sciatica, migraines, colds and flu as well as helping to encourage the natural production of estrogen and this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.

Aromatherapy Recipes

2007-11-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Organic aromatherapy recipes have been used for centuries and its usage is very diverse and spread all over the world. Hundreds of recipes have been found and perfected over thousands of years. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to combat everyday maladies in our lives such as stress, depression, indigestion, menopause, nausea, immune deficiencies, fatigue and numerous others. The following aromatherapy recipes are for your aromatic information. First things first! Always remember that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids that can be very harmful if used carelessly.
CAUTION: Never apply undiluted oil on the skin without use of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil.

Massage is perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils. It combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. As a general rule, always use ten drops of total essential oils per mixture, and keep it around five for maximum effectiveness.

You can always concoct your own innovative recipe using many essential oils that available in the market. You don't really need a branded expensive aromatherapy product or go to an expensive aromatherapy spa and some wholesale aromatherapy vendors can be too expensive. Here are a few quick, instant and easy natural aromatherapy recipes that can be formulated at your home:
• Beat the depression with 3 revitalizing drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of zesty ginger.
• Drive out insomnia with easeful drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage and bergamot oils.
• Reduce menstrual cramps with pacifying drops of peppermint, cypress and lavender oils.
• Soothe stress with calming drops of Roman chamomile, lavender and vetiver oils.
• Enhance memory with stimulating drops of peppermint and lemon oils.
• Boost your immune system with protecting drops of eucalyptus, pine and peppermint oils.
• Fight acne with toning lavender and antiseptic tea tree oil.
• Ease a grieving heart with oils of warm rose and sandalwood.
• Disinfect the kitchen sink with the citrus smell of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils.

Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils.
All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.
Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples.
Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.
Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.
Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.
Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.
Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil.
Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.
Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil + 3 drops geranium oil + 3 drops rose oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drops peppermint oil + 1 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub.
Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drop lemongrass oil + 3 drops orange oil + 1 drop rosemary oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages.
Uplifting Massage: 2 drop bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil +2 drops petit grain oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good early-morning body rubs.
Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil + 2 drops cedar wood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips.
Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drops rose oil + 1 drops violet oil + 1 drops geranium oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips.

Oils which are not preferable for home use include: cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage.
Oils which should not be used during pregnancy include: basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme.
Oils which are not recommended for steam facials include: bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree.
Oils which are photosynthesizing include, but are not restricted to: lemon, bergamot, lime, and orange. Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.

Aromatherapy Blends

2007-11-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Blending aromatherapy oils in to a well balanced mix is a workmanship that is a combination of an art as well as aesthetic ness. Aromatherapy blends that complement workout routines in our daily lives are among the fastest growing uses of aromatherapy today.

An essential oil blend is created for aesthetic and/or therapeutic benefits. No special skill is required to produce a successful blend but a spirit of creativity and a thorough knowledge of oils will help, along with a clear understanding of the intended use of the blend. A sensible aromatherapy blend employs all-natural, pure essential oils and delivers a clear benefit. The oils combined in it should be synergistic and harmonious enough to support and enhance oil's effect.

Before starting your blending work, it's very important to understand essential oils in general, as well as the specific parameters and aroma profiles of the oils you want to work with.

Essential oils are essentially very volatile. When you uncap a bottle of essential oil and expose it to the air, its aroma profile immediately begins to spread, develop and change. It undergoes certain defined morphological changes during its life span.

The three main stages of these changes are known as the top note stage, middle stage, and dry out stage. These stages of volatility coincide with three characteristics of the aroma profile known as top notes, middle notes and base notes. The top note stage appears first and corresponds with the most volatile, productive and unstable aroma compounds of the oil.

The aromas of these compounds are very subtle, smooth and fleeting, sometimes lasting just for a few seconds before dissipating. As the top notes evaporate very gradually, the oil enters its middle stage, in which the aroma body is most developed and balanced. A portion of the top notes remain, the middle notes are most apparent and sensible while the base notes are beginning to develop slowly.

As the middle stage progresses slowly, the base notes become visible and more noticeable, because they consist of compounds that are slow to volatilization. When the base notes finally evaporate, a faint but light dry out note lingers. The aroma profile of the dry out stage is thin, sometimes pungent, and suggests the presence of the oil. The dry out component can be thought of as the matrix or the soul of the oil.

Based on their individual aroma profiles, oils can be categorized into top notes, middle notes and bottom notes. A very delicate, highly volatile oil like bergamot is considered top note oil. Well balanced oil like clary sage would be known as middle note oil. Deep, rich, very tenacious oil like patchouli is considered base note oil.

When creating a blend, attempt for balance between top, middle and base note oils. Well balanced oil has a complex aroma profile and maintains the aromatherapy benefit throughout the various stages, although the characteristics of the scent may change. It is more stable and its usage spells a clear motive and defined benefit.

Before blending, analyze the various aroma profiles of the oils by dispensing a drop of oil on blotter paper or unscented tissue. Concentrate, inhale and note your impressions. Write notes and build notes for future reference. Trust your impressions and experience of the oils. Try to be connoisseur of smell. What do the different aromas remind you of? How do they under go change and develop throughout the various stages? How does the oil's fragrance make you feel?

As you develop a definite picture of the oils, visualize how they'll work with each other in a blend. Just decide about the part of the oil to be used, which effects are to be enhanced and which harsh characters needs to be toned down.

As a basic blend, just try to imagine a “DAY OUT BLEND” that helps you relax and unwind after stressful day. Your blend should be soothing and relaxing to your nerves, but also able to drive away the troubles of the day and give that much needed boost to carry you through the at home.

Two of the excellent relaxing oils are chamomile and lavender. Uplifting oils include bergamot and lemon. A careful blend of these oils would produce a light, sweet aroma with complex top and middle notes. The bergamot, lemon and chamomile oil components would lend this blend a fruity sweetness. The lavender would make the sweetness a wee bit more floral-botanical.

If you need the blend to be a little less sweet and more stimulating, a little amount of herbaceous, yet penetrating rosemary could be dispensed. The relaxing, spicy-woody oil of rosewood will serve as an effective base to this blend. If you observe, all essential effects of these oils are purely complimentary and in no way conflicting!

Try and learn which essential oils would match the benefit and aroma you're after. Then begin an experiment with various quantities and combinations, until you create the blend you want. Always try to keep notes on what you're doing, so upon a perfect blend you can repeat and make it more perfect.

A workout blend would inspire a perfectly positive attitude about improving health and physical appearance. A perfect blend is invigorating, inspiring and uplifting and such properties of essential oils can help you boost confidence and commitment all through the day. Some oils are activating, others soothe and calm, and still others fight workout odors. Some work like catalyst, while others are purely energizing.

Some of the invigorating and inspiring oils are: Basil, cypress, eucalyptus, fir needle, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, petit grain, rosemary and thyme.

Examples of soothing and relaxing oils are: Cedar wood, chamomile, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Anti-odor and Refreshing oils are: All citrus oils, including bergamot, grapefruit, Limon, lime, orange, and tangerine. Other anti-odor oils are coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils

2007-10-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

One of the nature’s greatest gifts to mankind is the magical properties of Aromatherapy essential oils. Its existence is considered to be very ancient, with a history of 3500 years. Latest research has only recently shown what aroma therapists have known for many ages: “what we smell has a direct impact on how we feel.”

Like the other common senses, the things we smell are transmitted directly to the brain. Research has proved that lavender aroma steps up alpha waves in the back of the head, which is associated with relaxation. That means using lavender helps you to relax. On the other hand, jasmine scent increases beta waves in the front of the head, which has been found to make you feel more alert. You will be on your toes, if you smell jasmine.

The use of essential oils includes inhaling their scent. Aromatherapy is an established system of caring for the body with herbal and botanical oils. Many times, it is the scent that gives the therapeutic value, and other times it works better by making the skin absorbing the oil. Irrespective of how the oil is absorbed into the body, whether through the skin, the mouth, or the nose, essential oils have long been used to help in healing.

Enjoy the benefits of scent by dropping a few drops of essential oil in your bath, or placing some drops or so in a diffuser, which sits on a socket. When using oil on the surface, it is always a good idea to mix the essential oil with carrier oil such as almond, sesame, or olive.

This reduces the impact of the oil a bit, but can also prevent harmful adverse reaction. Before you use these oils, just make sure that you take a patch test. Just apply a tiny amount to the inside of your arm and examine it after 24 hours. In case there is no reaction, you are safe in using the oil elsewhere on the body. Use essential oils sparingly and carefully to achieve the maximum benefit.

Here are some common ailments and suggestions for the use of essential oils in treating them. It would be a good idea to find an aroma therapist to help you; so that you can blend you own mixture and achieve the greatest benefit from them.
Allergies:
Mix one drop of cypress and one drop of hyssop in the palm of your hand and then apply the mixture to the back of your tongue every few hours to relieve hay fever symptoms.
Backache:
Mix equal parts of blue chamomile; birch; rosemary or eucalyptus; ginger or black pepper; lavender; carrier oil. Rub into the affected area after a hot bath, when muscles are relaxed and pores are open.
Nausea or stomachache:
Put two drops peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck the cube slowly. Or, add a few drops of peppermint oil to hot water and drink as a tea.
Headaches:
Peppermint, inhaled directly from the bottle, or rubbed with a little carrier oil under the nose and at the temples can be very soothing for headaches.
Cuts, scrapes & scratches:
Lavender oil can be applied undiluted to soothe and help heal minor cuts and abrasions.
Anxiety:
Lavender, bergamot, Melissa, geranium, and ylang-ylang are great for calming weary nerves. You can mix three or four together. Add to a bath, use in a scent lamp, or massage into the skin with a carrier oil.
Sleep aids:
Marjoram, lavender and ylang-ylang in a warm bath can be soothing before bedtime and aids in sleep.
Colds or flu:
Blend three parts ravensare, one part naiouli or eucalyptus, one part lemon, one part rosewood, and one part lavender. Add about 50 drops of this mixture to a diffuser, or add 6-8 drops to a bowl of just boiled water, place a towel over your head, bend over the bowl and inhale.
Stress:
Lavender and sage are very relaxing. Place a few drops of each on a tissue and leave on the dashboard so the sun can warm it and diffuse it into the air of the car
Arthritis:
Add 10 drops each of rosemary and chamomile to a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes.

There are many other essential oils, for treating everything from acne to diabetes to depression. Most oils are not harmful if inhaled, but care should be taken to apply topically on the skin, and never take any essential oil internally without the advice of a skilled professional.

Aromatherapy Herbs

2007-10-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

Aromatic herbs are some of the most unusual plants species in the plant kingdom; nothing can be as useful and beneficial as Aromatherapy herbs, their contribution to the civilization is a fact well recognized. Aromatic plants are those which contain certain natural compounds called “natural scents.”

Most of these critical extracts are obtained from different parts of a plant like leaves, stem, flowers, seeds and roots. Though they are hidden in these parts, they can be extracted by distillation or fractionation processes. The number of catalogued aromatic herbs exceeds 250, though many of them are not really productive. How ever, about 100 varieties are known to possess unique compounds that are used as aromatherapy essential oils.

Herbs have a variety of effects including antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative or stimulant properties. By being aware of each plant's properties and used carefully the man can be relieved of various symptoms or illnesses. In general, all essential oils have the ability to strengthen the immune system, and are detoxifying in nature. Essential oils can be used as preventative treatment; most symptoms can be reduced with regular treatment.

Various herbs and plants that can be used are - Basil, Lavender, Garlic, Aloe Vera, Seaweed, Nettle, Rosemary, Tea tree, Dandelion and Liquorices. Basil has expectorant and antibiotic/antiseptic properties. Lavender is a relaxant. Garlic is antiseptic, antibiotic and expectorant. The expectorant properties make garlic excellent for the respiratory system. The juice from a bulb of garlic can be used on cuts and bruises.

Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic plant, its uses are various. Tea Tree is an antiseptic and mild disinfectant which aids healing, strengthens the immune system. Dandelion is used to treat kidney or liver disorders, the root stimulates the liver and the leaves act as a diuretic. Liquorices can be used as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antispasmodic and expectorant herb.

Aromatic herbs, due its therapeutic properties, are cherished by many professionals in the world. Hundreds of recipes are researched and chronicled every day, ach with different use and application. Carefully selected herbs are chosen to extract essential oils and refined for a long shelf life.

Many herbs can even be grown in containers at home or cottage gardens; the fresh aroma and the sweet essence of flowers and leaves are sources of joy and relaxation for any garden owner. Aromatherapy herbs are known to special plants for special purposes; its organic extracts are all pure and 100% safe for therapeutic uses. Aromatic oils are eternal and man’s quest for perfection to acquire a pure essential oil is never ending.

Aromatherapy and Children

2007-10-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

As in case of adults, aromatherapy works wonderfully in case of children too; a cool aromatic bath in a tub is always eagerly awaited by your children. Many essential oils can be used to treat many ailments and conditions of your growing children. How ever, care must be taken in treating children with essential oils, although there are many numbers of safe ones. If used in original concentration, oils may work adversely and cause skin burn and irritation.

Most common dosage for any aromatic oil would be one-third to one-half the adult dose, or a 1-percent dilution (five or six drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil), and don't forget that citruses may irritate the skin.

Chamomile, Melissa and fennel are usually used as massage oil, or taken as herb tea. These oils are known to soothe a variety of tummy-aches-and the problems that can lead to stomachaches, such as frayed nerves, anxiety and over excitability. More common problems like colic, gas pains, and nausea and food allergies are also treated by oils.

A chamomile, fennel and Melissa herb tea with licorice helps stop crying and fussing in infants with colic. Essential oils relieve muscle spasms caused when babies swallow air as they eat. Herbal gripe water is still being used all over the world to get rid of colic pains. A carminative water mix contains fennel, chamomile, caraway, coriander and bitter orange peel, all known to kill bacteria and relieve flatulence.

Most digestive problems are reduced by a simple tummy massage using one of the oils. Tummy-Rub Oil can be formulated as follows:
2 drops Roman chamomile
1 drop fennel
2 drops dill
1 drop Melissa
1 ounce carrier oil
Mix together and massage the tummy gently.

A suggested treatment for children before bedtime is a warm lavender and chamomile essential-oil bath. Most children just love taking aromatherapy baths, particularly if they have their own personal blends.

Popular fragrances include orange, grapefruit and tangerine-all antidepressants and relaxants. Nature's gentle but powerful relaxant teas such as Melissa, lavender and chamomile has the property to calm a nervous, over stimulated, over excited child, make headaches go away and gently induce sleep.

Placing a cool compress of lavender on the forehead will give much needed relief from a headache, sleeplessness or over exertion. Frankincense used as a vaporizer or as massage oil is safe and effective for respiratory congestion or infection. Other safe essential oils for children include mandarin, marjoram, neroli, jasmine and petit grain. Tea of yarrow, catnip, peppermint and elder flower rare known to reduce the symptoms of measles, chicken pox or mumps; ginger with a touch of lemon juice is also effective.

The soreness of mumps is lessened by syrups and gargles made from teas of thyme, rosemary or sage. Antiviral oils made from Melissa and bergamot has proven effective against the mumps and chicken-pox viruses. For teething pain in toddlers and young children, give chamomile tea and rub the gums with a little diluted clove oil on your finger.

The following formula may be used for swollen tonsils, mumps and other lymphatic swelling in the neck area:
Neck Wrap
2 cups warm water
8 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the water with the essential oil. While the water is still warm, soak a soft cloth, preferably flannel, in the water and wring it out. Wrap the cloth around the neck. Cover with a towel to hold in the heat. Remove before it gets cold. Repeat as many times as you wish.

Essential oils are universal in nature, as they are known to work in every condition, in all times of the year. Essential oils prove very handy in times of distress and need; a few drops of essential oil are all needed to reduce the symptoms in children.

Aromatherapy and Pregnancy

2007-10-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy is a natural healing science employing essential oils extracted from aromatic plant sources to treat and balance the body, mind and spirit. During pregnancy, aromatherapy can prove to be extremely beneficial and helpful alternative, while also being very easy to employ and use. In order to use essential oils safely during pregnancy a few extra safety guidelines will need be followed. Though, there are reports of side effects, the user must be cautious enough to report any adverse effects to the physician immediately.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and volatile. They must be diluted before use. A common dilution for aromatherapy blends during pregnancy is 2 %, which would equal approximately 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce or 2T carrier oil (this is the most preferred oil).

For an aromatherapy pregnancy bath
Add 6-10 drops of essential oil to the tub and mix well before getting in to the tub. 3-6 drops essential oil in a bowl of warm water wrung out in a washcloth works well for a compress. Use the same dilution in a bowl of steaming hot water for a steam inhalation. An aromatic bath is supposed to provide relaxation to the taut pelvic muscles and aid in avoiding stretch marks.

How ever, there are many essential oils that need to be avoided during pregnancy. The following list contains oils that should be avoided during pregnancy and oils that are recommended for use during pregnancy.
Oils To Avoid During Pregnancy
Use of essential oils should be extremely limited or avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, but has many wonderful uses in the last two trimesters and especially during labor.
Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
Basil, Cedar Wood, Cinnamon, Clary sage (during labor), Clove, Cypress (after 5 months), Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine (during labor), Juniper, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Parsley and Pennyroyal
Oils Recommended During Pregnancy
The following oils will be comfortable for using during pregnancy. As always, use caution if you have allergies or a family history of allergies. If you feel you may be allergic to oil, do a patch test first.
Good oils for pregnancy include:
Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress (after 5 mos.), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium (avoid in early pregnancy), Grapefruit, Lavender. Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Tangerine
If you are currently pregnant and have been using any of the essential oils that need to be avoided, but are not experiencing any bleeding or cramping, then there most likely is nothing wrong. However, it is strongly encouraged you to consult your doctor or midwife and discontinue use of the "to be avoided" essential oils.

Aromatherapy Benefits for Pregnancy
Listed below are some of the benefits and therapeutic effects of the essential oils recommended for use during pregnancy:
Bergamot
Analgesic, antiseptic, antidepressant, uplifting, and refreshing. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Chamomile
Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Soothes pain from muscular aches, headaches, toothaches and Indigestion.
Cypress (ok after 5 mos.)
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and diuretic. Helpful for Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen ankles.
Eucalyptus
Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral. Helpful with respiratory congestion.
Frankincense
Antiseptic, astringent, sedative, warming
Geranium (ok after 3 mos.)
Antiseptic, antidepressant, astringent, refreshing, uplifting. Eases aching legs and is good for poor circulation.
Grapefruit
Astringent, digestive aid, lymphatic stimulant. Helps with Water retention.
Lavender
Antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic, antidepressant, healing, Relaxing. Helps soothe aches and pains of pregnancy, encourages cell renewal and helps with fluid retention.
Lemon
Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, stimulant, Tonic. Useful as an inhalant for morning sickness and in Massage for varicose veins.
Mandarin
Antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, mild relaxant. Can ease fluid retention in leg and ankle massages.
Neroli
Antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, Relaxing. Useful in pregnancy to promote healthy skin cell Regeneration and for easing nervous tension.
Patchouli
Antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, nerve sedative. Eases confusion, indecision and apathy.
Petitgrain
Antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, refreshing, tonic. Helpful in dealing with pre or postpartum depression.
Rosewood
Antiseptic, sedative
Sandalwood
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative. Helpful for cystitis during pregnancy.
Tangerine
Antispasmodic, lymphatic stimulant, calming, sedative. Helps to prevent stretch marks.
Tea Tree
Antibiotic, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, disinfectant. Can be used to treat thrush during pregnancy.
Ylang Ylang
Antiseptic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative, lowers blood Pressure. Restorative when overworked or tense.

Aromatherapy Stress

2007-10-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

The principle of aromatherapy, as chronicled over thousands of years, lists hundreds of practical uses, as additives for bath, massage, medicines and essential scents. How ever, another most important aspect of any aromatherapy compound is its quality to reduce emotional stress and strain.

Various forms of aromatherapy compounds have been concocted for use in alleviating pain and emotional stress. Although aromatherapy should not be considered a miracle cure for serious emotional issues, the use of essential oils may assist, sometimes greatly, with particular emotional issues.

Additionally, the proper use of essential oils and balms may enhance your emotional demeanor and provide support and help balance your erratic emotions during the day. The use of essential oils for emotional well-being (or stress) is what is often first visualized of when you think of the term "aromatherapy."

Essential oils are comprised of naturally occurring chemicals (derived as herbal factors), that work in synergy and harmony with one another. Because essential oils evaporate quickly due to its instability ("volatile"), their molecules are easily inhaled. The inhalation of these naturally occurring synergistic chemicals provides triggers to our brain, which effect our emotions.

Inhalation of these invisible molecules also provides physical benefit which may also work together to aid in our emotional state. It seems that the whole mechanism as an act of mystery and surrealism; its mysterious action still defies our wisdom.

Many oils are soothing for human nerves and one good example is Orange. The smell of orange helps provide emotional balance and bring on a positive self esteem. Sweet orange oil is a wonderful oil to use alone or in a blend for those bouts of winter blues that often occur in the colder, eerie times of the year.

The aroma and the scent of sweet orange oil also blend nicely with many oils and have the added advantage of being one of the cheaper essential oils. It is also generally regarded to be one of the safer essential oils to use.

There is word of caution too! Not all oils provide the same level of benefit for all persons. It means the beneficial effects may not be of the same degree to a particular person. Past memories associated with particular aromas can have a positive or negative effect.

This is true for many people. Rose essential oil, for instance, is known for aiding during times of grief and sorry. It implies your past experiences with the aroma of rose oil, however, may impact its effectiveness for use during times of present grief. Do not force yourself to use oil that elicits negative feelings or that you don't like the aroma of particular oil.

It is important, therefore, that you treat any list of essential oils used for emotional well-being as a basic starting point. Within the realms of safety and experiment, utilize those oils that bring about the purpose that you seek. Aromatic oils can bring solace to your stressful life; using it with a bit of caution and intelligence can help you come out of those bitter moments.

Aromatherapy Romance

2007-10-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

Essential oils are also known to induce and rouse passionate moments among couples. Scents can seduce you and your spouse as the chemicals present in the essential oils send messages to your brain. Research has shown the pheromone properties of essential oil and more industries are incorporating these oils as an essential component in their perfume formulations.

You can also use your favorite oil in your daily life; how ever, essential oils are very concentrated and direct application is not recommended, as it causes burns or damage to your nose. You can perfume your underwear or clothing by letting the scent molecules adhere to your clothing.

For those romantic moments, you can use orange, jasmine or black pepper. Need more passion? Then try using clary sage, rose or cedar wood. Take 3 small cotton balls and apply a drop of essential oil on each. Keep these in your underwear drawer or your clothes wardrobe. Allow about 2 hours for the scent to diffuse into your clothes. Feel the excitement!

For scenting other items like pillows and bed spreads, repeat the same procedure. Avoid applying essential oils directly onto cloth as it will stain your cloth. Use 2 drops each of clary sage, neroli and chamomile.

After a hard day, sooth your partner’s nerves by using a head massage with essential oils. This action will ultimately help him / her relaxes and is in a conducive mood for romance. Mix 2 drops of lavender, rose and geranium into a teaspoon of almond and jojoba oils each. Rub this oil on your hands and then massage your partner's forehead gently. Rub outwards towards the ears. Next, proceed to using circular motions to massage the forehead.

Touch can also invoke your romantic mood. Massaging your partner’s neck will help achieve this mood. You'll need 2 drops of black pepper, ginger and ylang ylang, each into 2 teaspoons of sunflower and grape seed oil. Use this oil mix to massage your partner's neck form top to bottom. Squeeze the muscles at the base of the neck. Repeat this procedure 10 times.

The same formula can be used for a back massage. Start by placing some oil between the shoulder blades of your partner. Massage from the center outwards, using both hands. You can gently squeeze the muscles and rub the oil. Work downwards until you reach the pelvic area.

There are a variety of aromatic oils to use to induce romantic moments. The rose oil is an all time favorite for romance and love. You can try different combinations of essential oils that promote romance. Once you get a real feeling for particular oil, you can decide to stick with it. Go ahead and indulge yourself and be a part of those fleeting romantic moments.

Aromatherapy Weight loss

2007-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

All of us will like to see ourselves well groomed and fit enough to look great and flaunt those athletic physiques among friends and relatives. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for the most obvious reasons; we simply can not maintain our body weight. For some people the dilemma of being overweight starts first in the mind: It is all psychological and once the mind is healthy, the slimmer body will automatically follow. Mentally, aromatherapy can help you to fight stress and lift your mood.

The connection between smell and emotion are thought to be extremely close. Taking a deep breath of pleasant smells triggers positive reactions in the brain, resulting in a sense of wellbeing and goodness. We are all very unique. If oil works well for one person it doesn’t necessarily mean it will work the same for the next person. The way the oils are used could also make a difference; one person might benefit more by using the oils in the bath, rather than inhalation, massage or burning the oils.

The same theory holds good in case of human weight; more you feel good and hale, the more will be the care towards your physical well being. A regular aromatherapy session may help you achieve weight loss campaign, by increasing your sense of well-being and relaxation.

However, aromatherapy cannot produce desired weight loss without you creating your own calorie deficit regime, either by eating a calorie-reduced weight loss diet, or by increasing calories burned through rigorous exercise, or more ideally by a combination of diet and exercise. Aromatherapy has proven to be very useful for this weight loss. This natural way of treating has no side effect at all as compared to other treatments.

Certain essential oils are very useful in weight loss trial, like Birch, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, and Fennel. Massage is probably the best method and oils must be used with base oils like sweet almond, which makes oil less strong and easy to use. Applying oil to those places were fatty tissues are more, will really help to reduce the fat level and make your physique well shaped.

Essential oils used here are not only sweet smelling but have also the capacity to make your digestive system good, that in turn also helps in weight reduction. How ever, one must see that the oils used should be in moderate amount and mixed with carrier oil before using. A calculated dosage, rigorous exercise-workout and a strict diet will go a long way in achieving a significant weight loss.

Aromatherapy Skin Care

2007-10-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Every one wants to look best and well groomed; a good skin is that ultimate wish for many millions of people all over the world. If you are looking after your skin, natural skin care products are the preferred option.

There are many advantages to using natural skin care products, because synthetic chemicals which are added to top brand skin care products is not what you want to absorb through your skin. You will be looking for all those things herbal to tone up your skin just because you do not want all those harmful chemical substances to harm and spoil your skin. Ultimately, you will decide to use one of those exotic aromatherapy recipes for maintaining your skin.

Though, inhaling the fragrant aromas of essential oils is just one way to enjoy aromatherapy, another innovative application is applying essential oils to the skin in the form of properly formulated preparations, massage oils, mineral baths and sprays. The molecular structure of essential oils makes them readily absorbed in the protective oily layer of the skin, where they are quickly absorbed.
Aromatherapy skincare is a safe, effective way for the body to acquire the beneficial properties of essential oils.

Acne Medication:
8 drop tea tree + 6 drops bergamot + 4 drops lavender: 0.75 oz of jojoba oil.
Apply to face every evening, massaging around the pimple.
Mix recipe with cream for daytime use (never go into sun while using).
Add a few drops of carrot oil to the mixture.

Dry Skin Wash:
10 drops sandalwood oil + 10 drops bois de rose oil +10 drops lavender oil: 2 tablespoons of avocado.

Hair Treatment:
2 drops rosemary oil + 1 drop lavender oil + 1 drop bay oil: 20 ml olive oil.
Use as scalp massage or apply to hair

Problem Skin Wash:
10 drop myrrh oil + 10 drops Palma Rosa oil +10 d frankincense oil: 1 tablespoon of Borage and 1 tablespoon of flaxseed.

Reviving Face Mask:
2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lemon oil + 2 drops ylang ylang oil: 20 ml of iced water.
Mix with enough crushed almonds to make a paste.
Apply as a face mask. Let dry, then rinse off.

Sun care Blend:
14 drops lavender oil +1 drops peppermint oil: 4-8 oz. of cold water.
Use in an atomizer on sunny days, spiriting yourself as needed.

Dry Skin:
Your skin produces a protective emollient substance known as sebum. People whose skin doesn’t produce enough sebum often sport dry, itchy and flaking skin. How ever, certain essential oils can help you. The tenacious, low volatility oils like patchouli and sandalwood, as well as heavily scented oils like rose and ylang ylang are especially well suited for dry skin preparations.
Moisturizing Cream:
4 fl. oz. almond oil
3 fl. oz. rosewater
1/2 oz. beeswax
10 drops rose
5 drops lavender
4 drops bergamot
8 drops patchouli
8 drops sandalwood
Melt the wax and the almond oil in a double boiler. Reduce the heat and add the rosewater gradually in a thin stream, while vigorously agitating the mixture. As soon as the water is incorporated take off heat. When the mixture cools and turns creamy, add the essential oils.

Oily Skin:
Conversely, overactive sebaceous glands result in oily skin. People with oily skin need a regular cleansing exercise to take off excess oil and prevent clogged pores. This recipe for a facial mask uses the natural capacity of essential oils to help dissolve excess oil.
Oily Skin Facial Mask:
Mix 3 tablespoons of white corn meal and almond meal (freshly ground raw almonds are better), add the following essential oils:
10 drops lavender
5 drops bergamot
3 drops of clary sage
Add enough rosewater or orange flower water to make a wet paste. Using circular motions gently massage the mixture onto your face, avoiding the soft tissues under the eyes. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Finish the treatment by splashing cold water on your face to close your pores.

Normal Skin:
Normal, healthy skin can benefit from a toning/balancing facial mist.
Toning Facial Mist:
Add the following essential oils to 2 fluid ounces of distilled water:
6 drops lavender
1 drop clary sage
1 drop chamomile
4 drops lemon
Pour into a spray bottle. Essential oils and water will separate, so shake the bottle vigorously before spraying this refreshing blend onto clean skin.

Sunburn:
Your sunburned skin will benefit from a soothing, fragrant mist of distilled water and lavender oil. Adding a few drops of peppermint and spearmint oil contributes a cooling effect.
Sunburn Mist:
Add the following oils to 2 fluid ounces of distilled water.
9 drops of lavender
2 drops of peppermint
1 drop of spearmint
Mist lightly over sunburned skin.

Aromatherapy skincare is a wonderful way to experience the immense benefits of essential oils; it works its way deeply into the skin, affecting the entire constitution. The aromas associated with this action work their fragrant magic on the whole human body.

Hair Care Using Essential Oils

2007-10-15T04:44:00.000-07:00

The following recipes are based on 1/2 ounce of base oil (jojoba or sweet almond). You may increase the proportions as needed. (I.e. double the amount of essential oils used for 1 ounce of base oil.) To make an undiluted hair oil blend from any of these recipes, combine 10 drops of each oil in a 4 ml amber bottle.

Basic Hair Oil:
This blend is soothing and refreshing to the scalp. Add 2 drops rosemary, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops clary sage, and 2 drops jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Ylang-ylang blend:
Add 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rose geranium, 2 drops ylang-ylang, and 2 drops patchouli to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Relaxing, Conditioning Blend:
Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandal wood, and 1 drop jasmine absolute to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Earth Rose blend:
Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops sandalwood and 2 drops lavender to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Scaly scalp and dandruff-prevention blend:
Add 2 drops Atlas cedar wood, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops rosemary, and 2 drops tea tree to 1/2 ounce base oil.

Hair Oil Treatment

6 to 8 drops undiluted hair care oil blend, 1/2 ounce sweet almond or jojoba base oil (or 1/4 ounce of each)
Combine base oil and essential oils and mix well. Double recipe is needed for long hair so oil will cover all of the hair. Apply oil gently throughout hair. Wear a shirt that you don't mind getting a little oily, or cover your shoulders until oil is absorbed into the hair well.
Cover your head with a plastic cap or your pillow with a few bath towels if you plan to sleep with the hair oiled. Leave oil on hair for at least 1 hour.
To rinse, add shampoo directly to the oiled hair before you rinse or wet it. The shampoo emulsifies the oils, resulting in a much more thorough rinse.

For scenting a brush or a comb:
Add 2 to 3 drops of hair care oils directly to a hair brush or comb before using. If you have a wooden comb, the oil can be rubbed directly into the comb.
Hair absorbs scent quite readily. The oil also conditions hair as you brush or comb. This is a good treatment for both men and women.

To massage scalp:
Place 3 to 5 drops of oils on your fingertips and lightly massage into scalp. In summer, try this while your hair is still damp; sit in sun and enjoy being surrounded by aromatic oils as your hair dries. In winter you can get the same effect with a blast or two from the blow drier.

Body Treatment Using Essential Oils

2007-10-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

Bath

Taking a bath can be all things to all people. Depending on your choice of herbs, a bath or shower can help you face the rigors of the day or relax afterwards. Not only that, a bath can help soften the skin and replenish the body's natural oils.

Frothy Bath Oil
2 eggs
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup corn oil
1/2 cup almond oil
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp clear honey
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vodka
1 Tbsp mild soap flakes
3 drops essential oil of your choice

Beat together the eggs, vegetable oils, and honey. Add the milk, vodka, soap flakes, and essential oil, still beating. Pour into bottles, cover, label and store in the refrigerator.
Add about one tablespoon under the faucet when running the water for a warm bath.
Makes about 4 1/2 cups

Floral Bath Gel
3 Tbsp fresh or dried flowers, picked from the stalks
1/2 cup spring water
12 Tbsp grated castile soap
3-4 drops essential oil of choice

Pound the flowers with a mortar and pestle until they form a paste or powder. Put the water into a small pan and bring to a boil. Beat in the grated soap until it has dissolved, then remove pan from heat. Stir in the flowers and essential oil.
Leave to cool, then pour into bottles, cover, label and store in the refrigerator. Use as a soft soap.
Makes about 1 cup

Skin Care

Making your own skin preparations is itself a pleasurable pastime. Just to stir a handful of pot marigold petals into a bowl of steaming water is both invigorating and calming, an indirect form of Aromatherapy. The following recipes offers therapeutic and cosmetic blends to help you care for your skin or just to allow a little self indulgence.

Lavender-flower Lotion
Splash on this gentle toning lotion to tighten and refresh the skin
5 Tbsp Lavender water
5 Tbsp Witch Hazel
5 Tbsp Lemon Juice, strained
2-3 drops lavender essential oil

Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before each use.

Makes about 3/4 cup

Purifying Masks
this is a purifying, toning, soothing, and rejuvenating mask.
The basic ingredients are:
Green Clay - 2 ounces; Corn flour - 3 teaspoons.
Mix together and keep in a jar, ready for combining in one of the formulas below.

Blend the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. Apply in a thin layer to face, avoiding eye area. Leave on the skin for fifteen minutes. Rinse off and apply a moisturizer or facial oil. Dab the face with a tissue.

Normal Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp water
{combine and use 1 drop of: 2 drops Geranium essential oil and 1 drop Bois de rose}

Dry Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Almond or Evening Primrose Oil
2 drops Carrot Oil
2 tsp water
{Combine and use 1 drop of: 1 drop Chamomile essential oil and 1 drop Rose essential oil}

Oily Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Tbsp Brewer's Yeast
1 Tbsp Water
{Combine and use 1 drop of: 1 drop of Rosemary essential oil and 1 drop of Lavender essential oil}

Revitalizing Mask for Dehydrated Skin
1 Tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 Egg Yolk
1 tsp Brewer's Yeast
1 tsp Jojoba Oil
1 Tbsp Water
{Combine and use one drop of: 1 drop Chamomile essential oil and 2 drops Carrot Oil}

ACNE
1 tbsp Basic Mask Mix
1 tsp Water

{Combine and use 1 drop of: 1 drop of Chamomile essential oil, 1 drop of Lavender essential oil, 1 drop Juniper essential oil and 1 drop Patchouli essential oil}

Aromatherapy Lotions

2007-10-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

Lavender Lotion

This easy to make lotion eases the pain associated with sunburn and helps to promote healing.
Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Shea Butter
1/2 Cup Aloe Vera Gel
1 Tablespoon Vitamin E Oil
1/2 Tablespoon Lavender 40-42 Essential Oil
Instructions:
Melt shea butter over low heat on the stove. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Allow to cool slightly. Once the mixture begins to set up, and then stir with a hand blender to help avoid any separation. Once whipped with the blender, it should look like whipped icing. Pour into a wide mouthed 8oz. plastic container, allow cooling and replacing lid.

Basic Body Lotion
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Distilled Water
2 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
1/2 oz. Liquid Vegetable Glycerin
2 Tablespoons Emulsifying Wax
2 Tablespoons Stearic Acid
1 1/2 teaspoons Germaben II
1/2 teaspoon Fragrance Oil of Choice
Instructions:
Over low heat, combine distilled water Sweet Almond Oil, Liquid Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, and Stearic Acid. Heat this just until emulsifying wax has melted. Stir mixture well, and remove from heat. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Then, with a hand held beater mix the lotion mixture. Continue to mix until it begins to thicken, and then add the Germaben II and fragrance oil. Stir well, and then pour the lotion into bottles. Allow to cool completely before closing containers.

Smoothing Skin Lotion
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Lavender Lotion Bar
Ingredients:
100g coconut oil
100g sweet almond oil
100g beeswax
5ml (1tsp) lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Gently melt the coconut oil and beeswax together over a low heat. As soon as they have melted, stir in the sweet almond oil and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and leave to cool slightly. Stir in the lavender essential oil once cooled and mix well. Pour into molds of your choice and allow solidifying at room temperature for several hours.

Lavender Flower Lotion
Ingredients:
5 Tbsp Lavender water
5 Tbsp Witch Hazel
5 Tbsp Lemon Juice, strained 2-3 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Pour all the ingredients into a bottle, close it with a cap or cork, and shake it vigorously. Shake well before each use. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Aromatherapy Candle

2007-10-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

Candles provide a glowing history as an object of exoticness and reverence; its use is as old as the human history itself. Many great civilizations and modern societies have held candles as an instrument of radiance; its radiance properties surpass any other similar objects. Candles have long been used as a 'mood-setting' addition to a room or occasion and now more innovative aromatherapy candles enhance that goal.

Aromatherapy practice uses natural essential oils that are absorbed through massage, ingestion or olfaction (also called sensory). Aromatic oils are also use to make candles, which candles have a physiological or therapeutic effect on mood through their fragrance.

How ever, scented candles should not be confused with aromatherapy candles. Scented candles simply contain a fragrance, most probably artificial, whereas aromatherapy candles contain natural essential oils.

Probably, one of the most well-known aromatherapy oils for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. A bowl of floating lavender aromatherapy candles to accompany your bath will help you relax after a long day. A small candle on your dining table will sway your desolate mood in to feeling of satisfaction.

For every mood and moment, there is an aromatherapy candle. Some of these top-rated essential oils might be found in aromatherapy candles:

Sage : This oil helps with insomnia and relaxation;
Chamomile: Exciting oil used for relaxing, helps with sleeplessness and anxiety;
Rosemary : An out of the world oil, which is stimulating and uplifting and good for mental stimulation;
Grapefruit: Freshly uplifting and refreshing
Eucalyptus: A strong oil which helps with respiratory problems and boosts the immune system;
Ylang Ylang: Soothing oil as a good antidepressant that helps you relax and sleep;
Geranium : Its sober effects help with relaxation while also being uplifting; helps balance hormones in women;
Peppermint: Sweet aroma helps with digestive disorders, headaches and muscle aches;
Lemon : Invigorating oil which uplifts and relaxes you senses;

As with any health product, you should understand what you are using when burning aromatherapy candles. You must know which type of oil is used in your candles. Certain essential oils can be harmful; it is always advised to be careful. Any type of candle can be formulated to serve as an aromatherapy candle, whether it's a floating, pillar, gel, votive or even jar candle.

Even though the doubts around the effectiveness aromatherapy are still present, all of us do know that candles and aromas are effective for evoking mood and emotions. You will notice candles labeled as "aromatherapy" candles range greatly in price; the price ranging from a low to high cost depending on the quality and availability of oil. Several factors effect the price such as types and qualities of wax, additives or purity, as well as other factors related to manufacturing. How ever, one main ingredient which can make or break the success of a candle as well as the price is its fragrance.

You can make your own aromatherapy candles too at your home! The best waxes for aromatherapy candles are of course a bit more expensive. Many natural waxes such as soy, palm and beeswax burn cleaner and do not emanate soot and are not petroleum or polymer based such as paraffin or gel waxes. More natural cotton or zinc core wick should be used instead of leaded wick because of health hazard issues.

Instead of adding dye to color the candle, include natural substances like herbs and flower petals. Always use pure essential oils for fragrance. This is definitely expensive, but worth it plus you can mix and match your own blends. Palm wax or palm/beeswax blend candles are always better, because they burn so long and clean and they blend quite easily with your oils. Essential oils should be added after the wax has melted and started cooling to preserve the integrity of the fragrance as they easily breakdown and evaporate.

Decorating your candle can be as easy as tying a ribbon around it to adding pressed flowers to it. Make several small motiffs or round candles and add to a basket for a great gift idea. Candles attach emotional importance to any occasion and moments; a great aromatherapy candle has that great ability to enhance the mood and ambience of any environment.

Aromatherapy Balm

2007-10-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

Foot Balm
Ingredients:
1/2oz. beeswax
1/2oz. cocoa butter
2 fluid oz. sweet almond oil
2 fluid oz. apricot kernel oil
1/2 fluid oz. avocado oil or jojoba oil
1/2 fluid oz. rose water
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
Heat beeswax and cocoa butter on stove, just until melted. Stir in oils and rosewater. Mix well. Remove from heat, and allow cooling slightly. Stir in essential oils. Pour into a container. Allow to cool before closing container.

Shea Butter Foot Balm
Ingredients:
1.8 ounces shea butter
1 ounce sweet almond oil
1 ounce coconut oil
1.5 ounces emulsifying wax
.5 ounces stearic acid
4.2 ounces distilled water
Instructions:
1. Combine the shea butter, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, emulsifying wax and stearic acid in a large heat proof glass measuring cup with a pour spout. Place the mixture in a hot water bath until the waxes are completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Place the water in a separate Pyrex cup and warm for about 15 minutes in a hot water bath.
3. After stirring the oils/waxes together to make sure they are evenly combined, begin stirring the oil/wax mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed and add the water mixture as you stir. You will see the mixture begin to thicken as you blend it. Continue mixing until until Shea Butter Foot Balm is thick and rich. This should take about 5-10 minutes at most.
4. Pour balm into clean jars and allow cooling before capping.
Yield: 10 ounces

Healing Salve for Cracked Hands & Feet
Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
1 oz Calendula infused olive oil
1 oz Plaintain infused olive oil
1 oz St. Johnswort infused olive oil
6 drops Vit E
5 drops Pine needle essential oil
5 drops Chamomile (german) essential oil
5 drops Lavendar essential oil
5 drops Tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
Melt beeswax and olive oils together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat. Then stir in the Vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into containers and allow cooling completely before sealing.

Cooling Foot Salve
Ingredients:
10 oz. coconut oil, solid
2 oz. jojoba oil
3 oz. olive oil
3 Tbs. candelilla wax
1/2 oz. beeswax
1 oz. cocoa butter
.5 oz. menthol crystals
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops naouli essential oil
Instructions:
Combine the coconut, jojoba, and olive oils with the waxes and cocoa butter. Melt over low. Stir to blend. Once melted, remove from heat. Stir in menthol crystals. If crystals don't melt, add heat until fully melted, and then remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly then stir in the essential oils. Pour into your containers, and allow cooling completely before sealing.

Aromatherapy Diffusers

2007-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Have you scented those exotic aromas of essential oils emanating from a wall diffuser? Essential oils emanate a subtle fume of aroma, when diffused slowly over a period of time. Diffusion of aromatic aroma brings a whiff of freshness in to your room, like a fresh forest wind.

Diffusion is the process of dispersing essential oils so that their aroma fills a room or an area with the natural fragrance. From the simple to the detailed, many different methods exist for diffusing components oils into your room. Three easy methods exist which can be carried out with equipments you have in your household. Plus, there are numerous diffusers and diffusing devices available from aromatherapy vendors.

The essential advantages of using diffusers are:

The complex but unstable aromas of your favorite oil can be diffused slowly over a period of time.
You can use any type of oil for diffusing their aromatic fumes.
On diffusion, the oil gives out aroma in a calculated manner, from the unstable high note to more stable low note.
You can feel progressive onset of different stages of aromas.

You can methods that are simple and can be done in your home itself:

Simple Tissue Diffusion: Drop 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue and place it near you. As movement occurs in the room, you will notice the distinct aroma. This method can be used anywhere, how ever this method does not emit much aroma into a room.

Steam Diffusion: Make boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add up to 10 drops of oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are allergic. The steam will heat up the oils and cause them to evaporate quickly into the room. This method will quickly diffuse the oil into a room and the aroma is not exceptionally long-lasting and it is highly unstable.

Candle Diffusion: Light a candle and allow it to burn for about 5 minutes. Put off the flame and place 1 drop of essential oil in the melted wax and then relight the candle. As essential oils are highly flammable please be very careful. The aroma is short lived.

Apart from these home made methods, several diffusers are available among many vendors. Decide on what you need to buy, what oils to be used and how much will need to be paid.
Here are some of the diffusers that are available in the market today:

Lamp Rings: Lamp rings are in essence a terra-cotta ring that sets directly and correctly onto a light bulb. It has a deep grooved lip that wraps around it. This lip holds essential oil. The heat from a light bulb heats the essential oil in the Lamp Ring and the oil is then gently diffused into the room. Lamp Rings are usually inexpensive. If any essential oil seeps onto the light bulb, the light bulb could burst. Some of the essential compounds might get altered chemically.

Clay Pot Diffusers: A clay pot diffuser contains an opening for adding essential oils. A cork is used to close the opening. The oils permeate through the pot and then diffuse out into the room. The intensity of the aroma depends on the quantity of essential oil that is added to the clay pot. Clay pot diffusers are inexpensive, easy to use, and do not require electricity or batteries. The aroma is strongest in the initial stages and later it dissipates as time passes.

Candle Diffusers: A candle diffuser is a diffuser that uses a small tea light or other candle to gently heat the essential oil to promote diffusion into a room. A candle diffuser is usually made of ceramic or metal. The diffuser has an opening for a candle and a little container for storing essential oil. Candle diffusers are inexpensive, depending on the style and design. Candle diffusers do not require electricity or batteries. There may be a certain loss of essential compounds as the heat will destroy them very gradually.

Fan Diffusers: A fan diffuser uses a fan to blow the essential oils into the air. To use a fan diffuser, essential oils are placed on an absorbent pad or into a tray. The pad or tray is placed into the unit and then the power switched on. The fan then blows air across this pad or tray and transports the aroma throughout the room. Fan diffusers are available in a different brands and styles. Based on the brand and model, they can fragrance a large area. Fan diffusers are very easy to use and are portable. Some times you will need to buy the pad and often these units create some noise.

Electric Heat Diffusers: Like fan diffuser, heat diffusers use heat and a fan to gently heat the oil and disperse the aroma into a room. Electric heat diffusers will disperse aromas over larger areas, depending on the brand and style. They can also help to more efficiently disperse the aromas of thicker oils such as Sandalwood and Patchouli. Some of the components of essential oil may get lost during heating.

Nebulizers: A nebulizer is a device that takes essential oils and breaks them into separate molecules before dispersing the smaller molecules into the room. A nebulizer is a small device consisting of two main parts: a plastic base that contains the motor and a very unusual, clear blown-glass looking device that holds and "nebulizes" the oils.
It is said that nebulizers can supply greater therapeutic benefit than the use of other diffusers because they break the oils down into smaller molecules. The glass piece is highly breakable and expensive to replace. Some essential oils can not be used with nebulizers as they can clog the opening.

You can pick up any of these diffusers available in the market; but rest assured of their action and get ready to experience the exotic aromas swirling around you, like mists of magic.

Aromatherapy Scents

2007-10-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Aromatic scents are known to have exerted an enduring influence on the psyche of all deep rooted ancient civilizations of the world. Its story is never complete and never ending; at least, one of the great royalties in any given time is known to be associated with mesmerizing effects of these scents.

Since ancient times, common man has also used scent to entice and excite. And modern perfume manufacturers – with heaps of scientific evidence are developing great perfumery blends with just such a purpose in mind. The impact of aromapathy scents is eternal and will linger on as long as our civilization. So, what is the magic of these exotic scents? Why are some scents more conducive to romance than say, business pursuits? Why are some scents are more soothing and relaxing than others? Though, these factors can not be explained very easily, their effect on our life is definite.
When you inhale an aroma, it sends a myriad of messages through the olfactory nerve endings to the limbic system of the brain. This system, also known as the "old brain" manages instinctive responses like emotional, sexual and aggressive behaviors. And some scents - like jasmine, vanilla and ylang ylang – will stimulate the release of neurochemicals which trigger sexual response.

Plus, our personal preference of seductive scents is influenced by pheromones, barely visible human scent molecules that travel through perspiration. Pheromones are known to be very mysterious in exerting their influence on human beings. How ever, each pheromone is entirely different. Because of the highly acidic nature of a man's sweat, male pheromones have a more musky quality than female ones. Musk and sandalwood scents, in fact, are known to be romantically enticing to women because they closely resemble the chemical make-up of male pheromones. Exotic and romantic perfume blends are often created with the essential oils of patchouli, sandalwood, jasmine and ylang ylang. Of course, perfume enthusiasts have other aims in mind too.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans of yesteryears created special blends for seduction, but also for worshipping deities, enjoying holidays, and encouraging readiness before battle and inspiring deep contemplation and rejuvenation. Today all of us are still completely enveloped with aroma. And with various essential oils, we can also blend our own scents for various purposes.

A successful perfume is considered as an "aromatic symphony" - a perfect and harmonious blend of top, middle and base notes. Top notes are sharp, fleeting and alluring scents, those first noticed in a fragrance and the first to fade. Middle notes summarize the fragrance midway through the drying process, which can be considered the soul, or the melody of the blend. And base notes are deep, rich, stable, grounding scents that stabilize the fragrance and prolong its power, because their slow evaporation rate.When trying blending a perfume, begin by swirling quickly the essential oils and absolutes together in a tight mix. Then mix them to your pick of vegetable-based oil.

Jojoba works very well as a base because it's waxy nature, so it doesn’t become rancid and will increase the life of the perfume. Avoid synthetic oils while blending your concoction as they will mask the original flavor of your blend.
If you want to fragrance hair, clothes and sheets blend essential oils and absolutes in an atomizer and mix pure grain alcohol or 100 proof vodka. You can also create a refreshing, spicy-scented base by adding one stick of cinnamon, one vanilla bean or two tablespoons of spices (cloves, allspice or ginger) to a pint of alcohol.

Vanilla is known to induce sexual desire while cinnamon is attributed to arouse female passions. Alcohol-based oils improve as they mature with aging, so prepare them ahead and let the mixtures meld in a dark place for a few weeks before using. The most enduring aspects of these blends are the everlasting quality after a sustained aging process. As they mature, the blends unfold the aromatic magic, the air filling with exotic fumes of heavenly scent.

Aromatherapy scents is a source of pure joy; its effects surreal and its influence ever lasting. As some one rightly said “As Rosemary is to the spirit, so Lavender is to the soul." How true it is!

Aromatherapy Bath

2007-10-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy also advocates practices of taking bath using one of those exotic essential oils; for many of us, a hot and relaxing bath is both a way to calm down tired bodies and relieve stress. Further more, a few moments to think, ponder, contemplate and meditate can create wonders for the mind and body.

A hot bath with one of your favorite oils adds a new experience to your life, which is otherwise straining and equally boring. Essential oils also called “oil of life”, is soothing and refreshing, when added to your bath tub. Thus, these oils compel us to think over using them at least once a day to feel invigorated. Using the bath as an innovative way of administering Aromatherapy is one of the best for numerous reasons.

Your entire dull skin gets a layer of pure essential oils. The misty vapors rising from the hot water enters your olfactory system and lungs. Your mind will be clear and calm, allowing you to concentrate on yourself and the essential oil treatment. It means essential oils bring a celestial experience to your bath room. The hot bath now makes you, in fact, makes you sweat and tired added with a treatment of oils.

Mandatory sleep or renewed vigor will soon follow such a refreshing treatment. Apart from these soothing effects, you can even adjust the level of essential oils to treat some of your skin conditions like acne and scabies.

Another advantage of using aromatic oil is relieving your nervous conditions by making your mental constitution stronger and calmer. Some essential oils are known to be very romantic in nature; few drops your favorite oil will help you and your spouse to relax allowing passionate moments to overflow. It can also simply be used to aid in your enjoyment of your bath, to feel the balminess of flowing water.

Using essential oils in the bath is as simple as adding 10 drops just before you enter the tub. You can add, perhaps, lavender or Rose oils or intricately add concocted bath oil containing a number of oils. It is purely personal and you can choose your favorite oil. Floral oils like jasmine or rose oils, usually make perfect bath concoctions, but one can feel free to use a particular oil or blend for conditions they wish to help.

The good effects of aromatherapy bath directly seeps in to respiratory, skin and nervous system to reduce problems. It is also discovered that joint problems and muscle pain can also be greatly helped.

Though soaps and candles containing real, pure aromatic oils can be beneficial too, nothing compares the advantage of direct contact of essential oils with the bath water. You must note its high volatility and instability, so it is prudent, when using them in the bath and add those drops just before you are ready to enter.

You must also trap all those steam vapors by making sure that you draw close the shower curtains. This single action will make sure you are reaping the benefits of the essential oils before they evaporate with the hot steam.

Any bath oils containing extracts of Vitamin E, when added to your favorite aromatic oil, can help the essential oil to linger on the surface of the water faster and usually can be placed under hot running water.

If you want to create a lively bubble bath setting or special bath, add a bit of dried milk, a bit of good quality hand soap and fresh rose petals plus your oil. Women will find bathing in rosemary water to be particularly beneficial after a stressful day and/or PMS symptoms. Men can use a pungent orange or ylang-ylang, especially in the morning to get them started for a day of work.

Aromatherapy oils and their usage are gaining lots of popularity among beauty conscious people of the world; many personal care industries are using more essential oils in their bathing products, than ever before.

Aromatherapy Benefits

2007-10-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy offers its users some unique benefits and introducing aromatic oils into your daily life is quite easy, flexible, and therapeutically beneficial. Numerous essential oils have been use since time immemorial, for various purpose; the uses being quite diverse.

To help you know, below are listed a few ways in which you can get started as a beginner. However, these methods should be understood as guidelines only, and you will need to understand the precise purpose and pay special attention to all safety pre cautions that are attached to the oil chosen for use. It is also important to remember that essential oils are highly flammable. Never allow the vials and bottles of these oils to fall in the hands of your children.

Some of the most common uses of Aromatic oils and other substances are:

As an easy inhalation medication - These oils are used as relaxant to remove the nasal blockage caused due to common cold and allergy. Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a clean tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale. If you are a first timer, use only one drop to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity or reaction to the oil. Some people are allergic to aromatic oils.

As steam inhalation drops – Common cold and flu can be cured by this method. Initially boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add 3-7 drops of your oil to the water. Use fewer drops if you are using oil that may cause irritation to your mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.).
Place your nose about 12" away from the bowl and inhale deeply. Never inhale the steam constantly and if you notice any adverse reaction, stop immediately. Use of energizing or relaxing oils can also make this method useful any time of day or night.

As room freshener – You can sue aromatic oils to freshen up rooms; a few drops in to a diffuser will help spread the magnificent aroma of these oils. You can sue any of the exotic aromatic oils like Jasmine, Lavender or Rose oil.

As a general household freshener - Add a few drops of your favorite oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.

As a bug repellent - Tired of those bugs and insects? Then try one of those great oils. Many essential oils including citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural repellent against insects and bugs. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be cautious when using these oils, as some oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Be careful not to apply the essential oil directly onto fragile surfaces.

For massage purposes – Aromatic oils are known all over the world for their massaging properties. The art of massaging is never complete with your favorite oil. Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massage onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and genital areas. Do not apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them. Read all safety instructions.

For bathing - Some oils make an excellent bathing and relaxing drops. Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety data for the essential oils you choose to use. Feel the exotic freshness and amazing scent emanating all around you!

Other Uses- Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other natural products. Additionally, essential oils are often blended for their therapeutic synergistic abilities.

Aromatherapy Guide

2007-09-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy has been practiced for around for almost 3500 years and its application in daily lives is as old as our civilization itself. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty. Apart from the physical benefits, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions.

The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their "critical factors" - they are needed critically for the plants' biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable.

Another reason why synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from flowers; herbs; spices; woods and fibers, usually by distillation, expulsion and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.

Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils:

For Massage:
This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their properties with the therapeutic power of touch. The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil, such as grape seed, sweet almond or peach kernel.
A dilution of 3% essential oil to carrier oil is a recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and is designed to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.

For Bath:
Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances the powers of the oils.
For daily bathing, add 6 to 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the surface of the water, and then bathe yourself for about 20 minutes, whilst you deeply inhale the vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use while bathing your children.

For Compressing
Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 100ml of warm water then soak a piece of clean cotton in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

For Inhalation
Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then place a towel over your head and the bowl and inhale the vapor for a few minutes. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension.

For Vaporization
All essential oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good for ravishing parties; or cool Peppermint clears your mind when you need to work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in your working room or living quarters.

As Perfumes
It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different combinations, which can be mixed with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment.

Storing Essential Oils
Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years if properly stored, though the oils derived from orange, lemon and lime will not keep as long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which actually gets better as it ages.

Mixing Essential Oils
Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various combinations. It is strongly recommended that you use a good dropper so that you can measure the actual number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross contamination.

Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are various; different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.

Basics of Aromatherapy

2007-09-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Increasing numbers of people are attempting to return to a lifestyle that is purely holistic and complete, recognizing the importance of combining the mind, body, and spirit in equal measures to achieve optimum health and well-being. Reputed to be very old, and literally used in almost all civilizations of the world, aromatherapy is one form of holistic healing that is easy to and flexible to be practiced in our daily lives.

Aromatherapy contains organic, natural, unadulterated aromatic extracts, called aromatic essential oils, which come from plant origins. These natural substances display a broad range of therapeutic effects and actions on the body. Many of these essential oils play an important role in our daily lives, each and every moment, and in all occasions.

At least one daily consumable that is used by us contains one of these essentials, like many tooth pastes and mouth washes. There are even eatables like some baked goods that are made with essential oils. Aromatherapy, however, refers strictly to the use of essential oils and hydrosols for health purposes and body healing.

Aromatherapy is the art of using the fragrant essential oils derived from plants to treat ailments of the mind and body. The magnificent scent of these oils evokes a variety of different responses by stimulating the olfactory and other sensory organs, which are linked to the areas of the brain which control emotions. It means that these essential oils have a direct bearing on the human constitution, body and mind. A chain of chemical reactions, initiated by this invisible stimulation then takes place, effecting a physical or emotional change in the body.

Aromatherapy is an innovative way to improve the quality of life that incorporates all principles of body and mind. Aromatherapy has already become a part of our lives, although many of us have not associated the name with the actual experience. Each human being has an emotional response, both pleasant and unpleasant, some happy and others sad, to certain scents.

So the idea behind aromatherapy is, initially, to find those scents and oils, unique but different for each individual, those evoke positive sensory feelings and emotions. The next step is to introduce those essentials into our daily life to enhance well-being. Natural scents and oils keep us connected to the earth, sparking memories and emotions. They also bring back forgotten memories, emotions and lost luster in our lives.

Pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome) and the extracted oils are used to relax, replenish, balance and rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that involves the basic constitution of our body. All these objectives are skillfully achieved by blending required parts of different oils and then creating a balmy complex that is used to create a heavenly experience. How ever, the results of aromatherapy are very individual specific and vary from person to person. While experts display general agreement about the actions of certain oils, aromatherapy texts vary differently in their descriptions of the properties and characteristics of an essential oil.

The basic fact is that no two persons in this world are influenced by the same aromatic oil in exactly the same way and manner. What is more, even the same person can be significantly affected differently by the same oil depending on surroundings, time or mood. If you need to experience the real magic of these essential oils, you will have to use one of those applications in any part of daily life. Reactions to fragrances are highly individual and specific.

Here is small guideline to help you try evaluating some aromas of essential oils:
As you inhale deeply an essential oil for the first time, try and describe the aroma:
* Is it sharp and stinging?
* Is it subtle and smooth
* Is it balanced and tuned?
* Is it light or heavy?
* Is it warming or cooling?
* Is it sweet, spicy, woody, floral, fruity, etc.?

These are some of the basic sensory feeling you can experience on inhaling aromatic oils. Now try and describe how you perceive the aroma:
* Do you like or dislike it?
* Do you associate the aroma with any of your previous personal experiences?
* What emotions do you have that are connected to these experiences? Is it possible to remember them?
* Does the aroma produce those emotions now? Is it repetitive?
* Does the aroma affect your awareness: does it rejuvenate, energize or relax?

Aromatherapy is a science that can not be comprehended so easily; the whole human race has tried to understand its undying mystery since time immemorial. How ever, its magical properties have always mesmerized us with a sense of awe and suspense.

Aromatherapy History

2007-09-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

The roots and fundamentals of Aromatherapy can be traced back to nearly 3000 years before Christ, when the ancient Egyptians used the basics of Aromatherapy in their daily lives. Historical records show that Egyptians burned incense made from aromatic woods and other herbs to honor their gods.

Also royal harems and guest houses used many aromatic oils very profusely to satisfy many important guests. Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing and therapeutic practices. Medicinal plants are used to cure many ailments and used in many sacred rituals to evoke different states of consciousness.

Elaborate religious ceremonies were performed in Egyptian temples, where the dead King was mummified and surrounded with exotic essential oils. Egyptians believed very firmly that essential oils have an unusual preserving property when added with other spices.

Embalming was one of the principal uses of aromatherapy, preserving the tissue of the bodies for thousands of years. The oils and resins used were so potent, that in the 17th century mummies were sold in Europe and doctors distilled them for use in their medicines. Aromatherapy truly emerged from the smoky temples of Egypt 6,000 years ago. Egypt was the birthplace of medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics and perfumery. Trading was flourishing and traders arrived for trade from all over the world by land and sea to deliver flowers, herbs and plants. Priestesses and priests strictly supervised the delicate preparations in the temples and palaces, reading formulas & chanting incantations and hymns, as substances were measured & combined with ultimate precision. Purification processes went on for months until the right, perfect subtle blend was achieved.

The use of aromatherapy spread from Egypt to Israel, China, India and the Mediterranean. Every culture, from the most backward to the most modern, developed own set of practices. Greek physicians and military surgeons were employed by the Romans every where in the empire. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the science spread to the Arab countries, where medicine men devoted them to the ancient art of alchemy, perfecting the art of distillation and extraction.

For many centuries essential oils were the only remedies for epidemic diseases and conditions. During the dreaded Black Plague, very few became ill, who in fact were associated with perfumeries and glove industries where these oils were in profuse use.

During the 19th century, with the development of modern science, all forms of herbal medicine disappeared until the 1920s, when French chemist Gatefosse revived the art, giving it the name Aromatherapy. India was one of the few countries where the tradition was never lost, Avurveda being the most ancient medical practice in the world today. Aromatherapy is now used in hospitals, offices, clinics and homes all over the world.

Aromatherapy acts as a bridge between the new and old; most of the industries use these oils for various blends and concoctions, which provide cure and relief for a number of complications.