Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy means "treatment using scents". such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.

The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties, which improve and prevent illness. There are about 150 essential oils. Most of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. Other properties of the essential oils, which are taken advantage of in aromatherapy, are their stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, and diuretic properties. To get the maximum benefit from essential oils, it should be made from natural, pure raw materials. Synthetically made oils do not work.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

Aromatherapy is already slowly getting into the mainstream. In Japan, engineers are incorporating aroma systems into new buildings. In one such application, the scent of lavender and rosemary is pumped into the customer area to calm down the waiting customers, while the perfumes from lemon and eucalyptuses are used in the bank teller counters to keep the staff alert.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy had been around for 6000 years or more. The Greeks, Romans, and ancient Egyptians all used aromatherapy oils. The Egyptian physician Imhotep recommended fragrant oils for bathing, massage, and for embalming their dead nearly 6000 years ago. Imhotep is the Egyptian god of medicine and healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used aromatherapy baths and scented massage. He used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague.

The modern era of aromatherapy is dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burned hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits.

During World War II, the French army surgeon Dr. Jean Valnet used essential oils as antiseptics. Later, Madame Marguerite Maury elevated aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She started prescribing essential oils as remedy for her patients. She is also credited with the modern use of essential oils in massage.

Aromatherapy works the best when it works on the mind and body simultaneously.

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How Does It Work?

Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel. In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.

Studies with brain wave frequency have shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state.

Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes. The effect of these chemical components is summarized in the accompanying table.

Name of the chemical component	Properties of the chemical component	Essential oils that contain the chemical
Aldehydes	anti-inflammatory,calming, sedative and anti-viral.	Characteristic lemon-like smell, such as lemon grass, lemon balm, citronella, eucalyptus
Alcohols	bactericidal (kills bacteria), stimulant, energizing, vitalizing, antiviral, diuretic. Our pancreas produce 32 kinds of alcohol for use in human metabolism.	Rose, petitgrain, rosewood, peppermint, myrtle, tea tree, sandalwood, patchouli, and ginger
Phenols	strongly bactericidal, tonic, stimulates immune system, invigorating, warming. Can produce slight liver toxicity if taken high doses for extended periods of time. Used in lip balms and cough drops.	Clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, savory, cumin.
Cetone (Ketones)	wound healing, mucolytic (eases the secretion of mucous), stimulates new cell growth. used as a nail polish.	Camphor, rosemary, sage, eucalyptus globulus and hyssop
Terpenes	Very stimulating, potential skin irritants, anti-viral properties.	Lemon, orange, bergamot, black pepper, pine oils, nut meg and angelica.
Sesquiterpenes	anti-phlogistic (moves fluids), anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic, bacteriostatic and immune stimulant	Blue chamomiles, immortelle, tansy, yarrow and tagetes.
Esters	anti-fungal, sedative, calming, spasmolytic, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory.	Roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage, petitgrain, bergamot.
Lactones (part of ester group)	anti-inflammatory, mucolitic	arnica, elecampane
Ethers	harmonizing to the nervous system. antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant (increases secretions), spasmolytic, and diuretic.	Cinnamon, clove, anise, basil, tarragon, parsley, and sassafras.

Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, the oils act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothes you down, some relieves your pain, etc. Then there are oils such as lemon and lavender, which adapt to what your body needs, and adapt to that situation. (These are called "adaptogenic"). The mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood. What is understood is that they affect our mind and emotions. They leave no harmful residues. They enter into the body either by absorption or inhalation.

A fragrance company in Japan conducted studies to determine the effects of smell on people. They have pumped different fragrances in an area where a number of keyboard entry operators were stationed and monitored the number of mistakes made as a function of the smell in the air.

The results were as follows:

When exposed to lavender oil fragrance (a relaxant), the keyboard typing errors dropped 20 percent.

When exposed to jasmine (an uplifting fragrance), the errors dropped 33 percent

When exposed to lemon fragrance (a sharp, refreshing stimulant), the mistakes fell by a whopping 54 percent!

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Which Problems can Aromatherapy Help?

Aromatherapy is particularly effective for stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic induced problems, muscular and rheumatic pains, digestive disorders and women's problems, such as PMS, menopausal complaints and postnatal depression. Here is a summary of the results from clinical studies:

Behavior

Considerable evidence exists that fragrant compounds have a profound effect on our mind and behavior. Animal studies have found that hyper excited mice (as a result of consuming a large quantity of caffeine) was calmed by the aroma of lavender, sandalwood, and other oils sprayed into their cages. The same mice were found to become very irritable when exposed to the aroma of orange terpines, thymol, and some other substances. These oils were all detected in their bloodstream after about an hour.

Sleep

In a study reported in the British Medical Journal Lancet, elderly patients slept "like babies" when a lavender aroma was wafted into their bedrooms at night. These patients had complained of difficulty falling asleep and had to take sleeping pills to get sleep prior to the aromatherapy.

Postpartum discomfort

In a double blind study, 635 women applied lavender oil to their perineal area (part of the body between the vagina and the rectum) after childbirth. The women reported a distinct improvement between the third and fifth day. (The discomfort is the worst during this time for patients in the control group.)

Colds

It has been well established that chicken soup is good for cold (both historically and scientifically). Studies were conducted to find out whether the effect was due to the action of the hot steam on the lining of the nostrils or whether the aroma of the chicken soup has anything to do with it. The results indicated that chicken soup was more effective than the steam indicating the effectiveness of the aroma.

Stress

In a study conducted at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported 63 percent less claustrophobic after getting exposed to the aroma of vanilla. There was no change in their heart rate. Obviously, the aroma reduced their anxiety probably by the pleasant memories evoked by the vanilla aroma or by some other physiological response.

In another study, 122 patients who were in an intensive care unit, reported feeling much better when aromatherapy was administered with the oil of lavender (compared to when they were simply given a massage or allowed to rest.) No changes in the patients who were given aromatherapy was observed in the blood pressure, respiration, or heart rate. As we mentioned before, Japanese have reported less mistakes by keypunch operators when exposed to fragrance.

Male Sexual Response

Circulation to the male sexual organ was found to have improved substantially by treatment with licorice or lavender with pumpkin pie. Doughnut with black licorice was also very effective. Men who are considered the most sexually active responded well to lavender, cola, and oriental spice; older males preferred the fragrance of vanilla. These studies prove that aromatherapy is an effective therapy for the treatment of male impotence from the blood vessel disease or from psychogenic factors.

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Safety Issues:

If used as recommended, and under the care of a qualified practitioner, aromatherapy is very safe. Please remember that essential oils are very concentrated. Do not use too much. (Too much is not better in case of essential oils.) Also, please be wary of any allergies people have to essential oils. (Try on a small spot to see whether there is any allergic reaction before exposing the whole body). Caution is particularly recommended for patients who are pregnant, have allergy, high blood pressure or epilepsy. Be careful with young children or babies. If you accidentally spill the essential oils on your skin or eye, wash it off immediately with plenty of water. If you consume the oil by accident, drink lot of milk, eat soft bread, and go to the nearest poison control center for appropriate action.

Oral consumption of aromatic oils are strongly discouraged unless you are under the care and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Many of these essential oils are very toxic. You should not apply the undiluted essential oil on your body as these are very concentrated and you may experience discomfort. The exception to this is lavender oil, which can be applied, safely in the undiluted form for burns and insect bites.

It is a very good idea to keep your eyes closed while inhaling the aromatic oil. This helps build up your imagery, which enhances the effect of the essential oil. It also prevents the "fumes" from irritating the eyes at close range. Don't apply any oils close to your eyes.

Certain oils such as mint oil causes insomnia. Do not use it at night (if you want go to sleep.) The following oils and spices are useful for relaxation.

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Essential Oils for Relaxation

Basil	Benzoin Tincture	Bergamot
Black Pepper	Cajeput	Camomile, Roman
Camphor	Cardamom Seed	Cedarwood
Cinnamon	Clary Sage	Clove
Coriander	Cypress	Eucalyptus
Fennel	Frankincense
Geranium	Ginger	Grapefruit
Hyssop	Jasmine	Juniper
Lavender	Lemon	Lemongrass
Marjoram	Melissa	Myrrh
Neroli	Orange	Patchouli
Palma Rosa	Peppermint	Rose Otto
Pine	Rosemary	Rosewood
Sage	Sandalwood	Tea Tree
Thyme	Ylang Ylang

Description of some Essential Oils for Beginners

Name of Essential Oil	Biological Name	Properties	Uses
Clary Sage	Salvia Sclarea	Warming, soothing, aphrodisiacal, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, deodorant, digestive, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, regulator (or seborrhoea), tonic, uterine.	Menstrual problems, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, muscular aches and pains, asthma, throat infections, whooping cough, coilc, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, acne, boils, dendruff, hair loss, inflamed conditions in skin, oily skin and hair, ulcers, wrinkles, the genito-urinary system disorders such as amenorrhoea, labor pain, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea and nervous system disorders such as frigidity, impotence, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders.
Eucalyptus	Eucalyptus Globulus	Antiseptic, analgesic, anitneuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, antiviral, balsamic, cicatrisant, decongestant, deodorant, depurative, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stimulant, vermifuge, vulnerary.	Muscular aches and pains, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, throat infections, cystitis, leucorrhoea, chicken pox, colds, epidemics, flu, measles, nervous system disorders such as debility, headaches, neuralgia and skin disorders such as burns, blisters, cuts, herpes, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, skin infections, wounds.
Geranium	Pelargonium Graveolens	Soothing, refreshing, relaxing, antidepressant, astringent, antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cicatrisant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicidal, haemostatic, stimulant, tonic, vulnerary.	PMT, adrenocortical glands and menopausal problems, nervous tension, neuralgia, apathy, anxiety, stress related conditions, sore throat, tonsillitis, cellulitis, engorgement of breasts, oedema, poor circulation and skin complaints such as acne, bruises, broken capillaries, burns, congested skin, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, haemorrhoids, lice, oily complexion, mature skin, mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers and wounds.
Jasmine	Jasminum officinale	Analgesic (mild), antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative, tonic (uterine).	Depression, nervous exhausion and stress related conditions. Jasmine is said to produce a feeling of optimism, confidence and euphoria. It is especially good in cases of apathy, indifference, or listlessness. Jasmine is also used for catarrh, coughs, hoarseness, laryngitis, dysmenorrhoea, frigidity, labor pains, uterine disorders and other skin probelms such as dry, greasy, irritated, sensitive skin and for muscular spasms and sprains.
Lavender	Lavendula Vera Officinalis	Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, tonic, vulnerary. An excellent first aid oil. It soothes cuts, bruises and insect bites.	One of the most verstile therapeutic essence. It is used for nervous system disorders such as depression, headache, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, stress related conditions, PMT, sciatica, shock and vertigo. Lavender is useful intreating skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellant, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, all skin types, sunburn and wounds. Other applications of lavender is for the treatment of disorders such as lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, aatarrh, halitosis, laryngitits, throat infections, whooping cough, abdomianl cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, cystitis, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea and for flu.
Lemon	Citrus Limonum	Refreshing, antiseptic, stimulating, anti-anaemic, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypotensive, insecticidal, rubefacient, stimulates white corpuscles, tonic.	Warts, depression, acne and indigestion. arthritis, cellulitis, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, obesity (congestion), poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, catarrh, dyspepsia, colds, flue, fever and infections. Other applications of lemon are in the treatment of anaemia, brittle nails, boils, chilblains, corns, cuts, greasy skin, herpes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, spots, and vericose veins.
Peppermint	Mentha Piperita	Digestive, cooling, refreshing, mentally stimulating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, carminative, cephalic, cholagogue, cordial, expectorant, hepatic, nervine, stomachic, sudorific, vermifuge and antispasmodic.	Muscle fatigue, bad breath, toothache, bronchitis, indigestion and travel sickness, neuralgia, muscular pain, palpitations, asthma, sinusitis, spasmodic cough, for digestive system disorders such as colic, cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea and skin problems such as acne, dermatitis, ringworm, scabies and for toothache.
Petitgrain	Citrus Aurantium var amara	Soothing, calming, antidepressant. Also antiseptic, antispasmodic, deodorant, digestive, nervine, stimulant (digestive, nervous), stomachic, tonic.	Skin problems, apathy, irritability and depression, convalescence, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, stress related conditions, dyspepsia, flatulence, acne, excessive perspiration, greasy skin and hair and for toning.
Rosemary	Rosmarinus Officinalis	Analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, choleretic, cordial, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, fungicidal, hepatic, hypertensive, nervine, parasiticide, restorative, rubefacient, stimulant of circulatory, adrenal cortex and hepatobiliary systems, stomachic, tonic.	Muscle fatigue,colds, poor circulation, aches and pains and mental fatigue. Debility, headaches, hypotension, neuralgia, mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion, stress related disorders, dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders, hypercholesterolaemia. Rosemary is also used for treatment of disorders such as arteriosclerosis, fluid retention, gout, muscular pains, palpitations, poor circulation, rheumatism and for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and greasy hair. Other uses are as an insect repellent, for promoting hair growth, and for the treatment of scabies, scalp stimulation, lice and vericose veins.
Sandalwood	Santalum album	antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, isecticidal, sedative and tonic.	Depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress related complaints, cystitis, diarrhoea, nausea, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, sore throat, acne, dry, cracked and chapped skin, aftershave, greasy skin, moisturizer.
Tea tree	Melaleuca Alternifolia	Antifungal, antiseptic, anti-infectuous, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, cicatrisant, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immono-stimulant, parasiticide, vulnerary.	Dandruff, mouthwash, cuts, insect bites, pimples, abscess, acne, athelet's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, herpes, oily skin, rashes, spots, veruccae, warts, wounds, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, thrus, vaginitis, cystitis, pruritis, colds, fever, flu, infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.
Ylang Ylang	Cananga Odorata var. genuina	Antidepressant, anti-infectious, euphoric, aphrodisiac, relaxant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, hypotensive, nervine, regulator, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic.	Depression, nervous tension, high blood pressure, hyperpnoea (abnormally fast breathing), tachycardia, palpitations and digestive upsets. For skin care such as for acne, hair growth, hair rinse, insect bites, irritated and oily skin. For other nervous system disorders such as frigidity, impotence, insomnia, and stress related disorders.

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Types of Aromatherapy

The benefits of essential oils are introduced through cosmetic, massage and olfactory aromatherapy. The three types of aromatherapy benefits can be experienced in a variety of ways.

Cosmetic Aromatherapy

Cosmetic aromatherapy uses essential oils in facial, skin, body and hair care products. Essential oils can be toning, cleansing, drying or moisturizing. Certain oils are appropriate for various skin and hair types. An aromatherapy facial demonstrates the versatility of essential oils in promoting healthy skin. A full-body or footbath is a simple way to experience cosmetic aromatherapy on a personal level. A few drops of the appropriate oil in a warm bath will create a rejuvenating, revitalizing experience.

Massage Aromatherapy

Essential oils supplement the healing touch of massage therapy with wonderful aromas. Add a few drops of oil to one ounce of pure vegetable carrier oil, such as almond, grape seed or jojoba, and apply liberally during massage.

Olfactory Aromatherapy

The benefits of olfactory aromatherapy are experienced when essential oils are inhaled. Direct inhalation or diffusion will enhance emotional wellness, relax or rejuvenate. Pleasurable scents unlock odor memories, trigger our emotions and release stress. Essential oils bring the body back into harmony with itself by encouraging the natural forces within to realign. It is a complement to, not a replacement for, medical treatment.

Try Yourself

Here are some ideas for incorporating essential oils into your life. Exact recipes depend on the potency and concentration of the essential oils used. A safe dilution for adults is between 1% and 3%, or 6 and 18 drops of essential oil per ounce of vegetable carrier oil. Our recipes use a 2% dilution rate. You can always add an extra drop or two to a recipe if needed, keeping in mind that more is not always better. (Make sure you know the proper way to handle essential oils before you start.)

Diffusion

A great way to infuse your personal space with the therapeutic aromas of essential oils. Diffusion is the volatilization, or evaporation, of the aromatic components of oil into the atmosphere through the use of accessories, such as ceramic diffuser lamps, electric diffusers and unglazed porous clay diffusers.

Inhalation is probably the simplest form of diffusion. Start with 2 to 5 drops of essential oil, applied to a handkerchief or tissue. Hold under your nose.

Ceramic diffuser lamps gently warm a mixture of water and essential oils over a candle flame or small light bulb to diffuse the aroma. Most ceramic diffusers can hold up to 1/4 cup of the water and essential oil mixture. Start with 10 to 15 drops of oil. Add more drops as needed.

Electric diffusers consist of a small air pump and nebulizing chamber in which air and the essential oil vapor are mixed and released into the surrounding atmosphere. Simply attach a 1/3 or 1/2 ounce bottle of your favorite essential oil or blend.

Unglazed porous clay diffusers absorb essential oils and gradually release their aromas. This type of diffuser is available in many styles. Hollow-bodied ornament style diffusers release their aromas at room temperature, but hanging them in a sunny window intensifies the aroma. Lamp ring diffusers are also popular. Apply essential oils to the channel of the scent ring and place on a standard light bulb. Heat from the light bulb activates the aromas. For most types of clay diffusers, start with 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Add more drops as needed.

Full-Body or Foot Bath

A full-body or footbath combines the benefits of diffusion with direct application. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil after the water is drawn, immediately before entering the water. Gently stir to disperse the oil. Enjoy a relaxing 15-minute soak.

Skin and Hair Care

The skin serves the important function of protecting us from a daily barrage of pollution, bacteria and germs. Essential oil-based skin care is a beneficial supplement to a balanced diet, regular exercise and a generous intake of pure water in achieving and maintaining healthy skin.

Essential oils known for their skin rejuvenating properties include chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang ylang. For sensitive or oily skin, neroli is a good oil to try. For normal to dry skin, try rose. Remember to always dilute essential oils in vegetable carrier oil before applying to the skin.

You can also treat your skin to an aromatic facial steam. Fill a basin with very hot water. Add 1 drop of essential oil per cup of water after the water is drawn. Gently stir to disperse the oil. Immediately tent your head with a towel and, keeping eyes closed, hold face approximately 10 to 12 inches over basin. Steam for 3 to 5 minutes.

Many essential oils are also beneficial to the scalp and hair. Give yourself a hair treatment by putting a teaspoon of rosemary (for dark hair) or chamomile (for blond hair) in a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo or conditioner. For a monthly treatment, blend a half-teaspoon of rosemary (or chamomile) and lavender oils into 4 ounces of jojoba oil. Apply sparingly to the scalp and hair and leave on overnight. (Store leftover blend in the refrigerator). Wash your hair thoroughly the next morning and enjoy the extra body and highlights the essential oils impart.

Massage

Blending your own massage oils is easy. Start with 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of vegetable carrier oil (a 2% dilution) for overall body massage. Increase to 30 drops per ounce (a 5% dilution) when applying to one targeted area.

Air Freshening

Create effective, all-natural fresheners for the entire house. Simply place one ounce of water in an atomizer and add 12 drops of your favorite aroma. Shake well and spray into room to mask unpleasant odors and introduce pleasant, enjoyable and healthy aromas. Make small batches frequently to ensure freshness.

Relaxation and Meditation

Relaxation is the ability to quiet the external and internal pressures that are so much a part of daily living. Meditation allows our quiet, unconscious mind to talk to our busy, conscious mind. Aromatherapy can be used with either technique to enhance the experience.

Create a memory association (lock) with a special meditating scent (key). This then creates a scent anchor for the mind so that each time the special meditating scent is diffused, the mind's immediate memory response is to slow down and move inward for guidance.

An Environment of Scent

Each essential oil or blend offers a unique benefit. Try new essential oils and experiment with blended oils to create the environment you desire.

The woodsy scents of pine, fir and spruce are great for use in the bathroom.
The relaxing qualities of lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, marjoram and frankincense are excellent for use in the bedroom.
The refreshing qualities of cinnamon, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange and peppermint help eliminate food and cooking odors in the kitchen.
The air freshening qualities of lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree cleanse and freshen homes that are shut tight during cold winter months.
The familiar scents of orange, peppermint, cinnamon and lemon cleanse stagnant air throughout the entire house.
The energizing qualities of peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, rosemary, basil and petitgrain are great for the home or office.
The meditative qualities of cedar, frankincense, myrrh and sandalwood provide anchors when the mind needs quieting and inward focusing.
The soothing qualities of jasmine, sandalwood, rose, ylang ylang and clary sage enhance romantic times.

Here are a few aromatherapy recipes to try.

Environmental Fragrance: Add 10 drops lemon, 3 drops eucalyptus and 2 drops rosewood to 4 to 8 ounces water. Place in an atomizer, shake well and spray throughout the house to purify and freshen the air.

Massage Blend: Add 10 drops lavender, 3 drops rosemary and 2 drops eucalyptus to one-ounce pure vegetable carrier oil.

Romantic Blend: Add 6 drops lavender, 4 drops sweet orange, 3 drops ylang ylang and 2 drops clary sage to one ounce pure vegetable carrier oil. Creates a sensual, exotic blend for intimate times.

Suncare Blend: Add 14 drops lavender and 1 drop peppermint to 4 to 8 ounces water. Place in an atomizer, shake well and apply to skin as needed to refresh and soothe skin after sunning.

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What are Essential Oils?

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer. See what are Fragrance Oils? Article for more information on fragrance oils and why they are not used in aromatherapy.

The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption. See what are Carrier Oils? Page for more detailed information about carrier oils.

Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.

Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Various factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the plant, country and conditions that the plant was grown, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant.

Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.

Storing Your Essential Oils

Essential Oils, absolutes and CO2s are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. They are commonly sold in 5ml, 10ml and 15ml (1/2 ounce) sizes. For more expensive oils, it is common to find them in sold in sizes starting at 2ml and 1 dram sizes.

Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can deteriorate and lose their therapeutic benefit over time. Oils such as the citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties. Not all oils lose their value. Some oils such as patchouli and sandalwood can improve.

To avoid deterioration and protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties, your oils should be ideally kept in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out sunlight, which can hasten deterioration. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles. Run if you find an essential oil sold in a plastic bottle. Some vendors sell oils in aluminum bottles. It has been said that aluminum bottles are acceptable if the interior of the bottles are lined.

Below is a chart in measures to help convert between common measurements used in aromatherapy. The below measurements are approximations. For measurements regarding drops, the number of actual drops is dependent on the thickness of the oil and the dropper or orifice reducer used.
Measurement Chart:

20 drops ..... 1 ml
75 drops ..... 1 teaspoon
75 drops ..... 1 dram
450-600 drops ..... 1 ounce
15 ml ..... 1/2 ounce
(.5 ounce)1dram ..1/8 ounce(.125 ounce)
1 dram ..... 3.7 ml
1 ml ..... .033 ounce
1 ml ..... .27 dram
3 teaspoons .... 1 tablespoon
16 tablespoons ...... 1 cup
1 cup ..... 8 ounces
2 cups .... 1 pint
4 cups .... 1 quart
4 quarts .... 1 gallon

Hazardous Essential Oils
The list shown below contains essential oils that should not be used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is safe to use if it is not on this list.

jowan Trachyspermum copticum	Melilotus Melilotus officinalis
Almond, Bitter Prunus dulcis var. amara	Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Arnica Arnica Montana	Mustard Brassica nigra
Birch, Sweet Betula lenta	Onion Allium cepa
Boldo Leaf Peumus boldus	Pennyroyal Mentha pulegium
Broom, Spanish Spartium junceum	Rue Ruta graveolens
Calamus Acorus calamus var. angustatus	Sassafras Sassafras albidum
Camphor Cinnamomum camphora	Thuja Thuja occidentalis
Deertongue Carphephorus odoratissimus	Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens
Garlic Allium sativum	Wormseed Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Horseradish Armoracia rusticana	Wormseed Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Jaborandi Pilocarpus jaborandi	Wormwood Artemisia absinthium

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What are Absolutes?

Like their essential oil counterparts, absolutes are highly aromatic liquids extracted from plants. Absolutes, however, are extracted in a complex manner that requires the use of chemical solvents that are later removed during the final stages of production. Sometimes, the hot steam or water used to distill an essential oil does not extract much natural oil from the plant or harms the precious natural oil. The solvent extraction methods are often used in these cases.

Absolutes as a rule are more concentrated than their essential oil cousins. Where it is true that a little essential oil goes a long way, a little absolute goes an even longer way.

A very trace amount of solvent can remain in the final absolute. This indeed is a disadvantage to using absolutes as aromatherapy focuses on the use of pure and natural plant matter. Although the amount of remaining solvent is minimal, absolutes are used in true aromatherapy with care, respect and knowledge. Essential oils should never be taken internally by anyone that is not trained, educated and experienced at doing so. Absolutes should never be taken internally by anyone because of that small amount of trace solvent that may remain.

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What are CO2s?

Oils extracted by the CO2 (carbon dioxide) method are commonly called "CO2s" for short. In a nutshell, CO2s are extracted by pressurizing carbon dioxide until it becomes a liquid. The liquid carbon dioxide then acts as a solvent on the natural plant matter and the essential oil content then dissolves into the liquid CO2. Afterwards, the CO2 is brought back to natural pressurization, the CO2 evaporates back into its gaseous state and what is left is the resulting oil.

CO2s are often labeled as essential oils as opposed to absolutes since no trace of a harmful solvent will remain in the final product. CO2s have an advantage over essential oils because none of the constituents of the oil are damaged by heat.

CO2s are usually thicker than their essential oil counterparts and often smell closer to the aroma of the natural herb. CO2s have been said to contain additional constituents than what is extracted from the same plant using steam distillation. This would seem to make sense since CO2s generally are thicker oils and often seem to have a more rounded aroma.

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. They "carry" the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.

Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avacado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Most oils bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed, but instead are heated thus lose therapeutic benefit. Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy since mineral oil is not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.

Unlike essential oils that do not go rancid, carrier oils can go rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural vitamin E added because vitamin E acts as a natural preservative.

See the Carrier Oils page located within the Oil Profiles area for a detailed list of carrier oils.

What are Fragrance Oils?

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are not the same as perfume oils or fragrance oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the calibur of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.

Unfortunately, a lot of beauty products, skin-care products, candles, and other products are improperly labeled with the term aromatherapy. This is especially common in products not purchased from a knowledgeable and reputable aromatherapy vendor. Some products labeled with the word aromatherapy contain fragrance or perfume oils or other synthetic ingredients. Always check the ingredients listed on the item you wish to buy. If the ingredients aren't listed or if it contains synthetics or perfume oils and you want a true aromatherapy product, don't buy it.

What are Infused Oils?

Infused oil consists of carrier oil that has been permeated ("infused") with one or more herbs. The benefit to using infused oil as opposed to plain carrier oil is that the infused oil will contain therapeutic properties of both the carrier oil and the herbs that were infused into the oil.

Some plants do not have much essential oil contained in them, and in those cases, it is rare or impossible to find an essential oil for that plant species. Infusing the herb into carrier oil, however, can be a suitable way to still use the herb for aromatherapy purposes.

Infused oils generally have an oily feeling that varies depending on the base oil used.

They also are not as concentrated as essential oils. Additionally, infused oils, just like carrier oils, can go rancid.

Please note that it is important that you heed the safety information and contraindications of the herbs you choose to use in your infused oil.

The easiest way to make infused oil is by the use of a crock-pot with a very low heat setting. Since the infused oil must be gently heated, it is essential that your crock-pot does not overheat the oil. Do not use a crock-pot that only has one heat setting, as that crock-pot most likely will overheat the oils. Add 2 ounces of your chosen carrier oil and 1/2 - 2/3 ounce of dried herbs (if you use fresh herbs, double the amount of herbs used) to your spotlessly clean crock-pot and stir well. Turn your crock-pot to the lowest heat setting. Allow to heat on the lowest setting for two hours, stirring every 10-15 minutes (setting a timer to remind you to stir is important).

After two hours, carefully strain the oil by using unbleached muslin (usually available at fabric stores). You should strain the oil at least twice. If any herbs remain in the infused oil, the oil can go rancid.

What are Resins?

When some trees are injured, they produce a thick, sometimes solid, sticky substance called a resin. Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) is an example of a resin. In production, the trees will be cut in many spots to encourage the tree to produce its resin.

Natural resins provide therapeutic benefit, but are hard to work with in aromatherapy because they are extremely thick and sticky. You will find liquid resins that have been extracted by solvent or alcohol extraction.

What are Hydrosols?

A hydrosol sometimes also known as a floral water or distillate water is the water that remains after distilling an essential oil.

The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol also offers therapeutic benefit and is also sold for aromatherapy use. Some plants are actually distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the distillation. It is always wise to ask vendors for details about the hydrosols that they sell (and preferably request samples, too).

Important Note: Sometimes water simply blended with essential oils are sold as floral waters. It is important that you ask the vendor for specifics about his/her "floral waters."

Hydrosols are used in place of water in creating facial toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to the bath, used as a light cologne or body spray, and even used in finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile, neroli and lavender.

Carrier Oils
Also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see what are Carrier Oils? Article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.

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Aromatherapy Safety Information
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.

These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, most notably with lavender (Lavendula officinalis), but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin.

Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil (never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind.

Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions. Less is more . When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops.

Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.

Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands.

Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards

Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

General Safety Information : Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before.