Aromatherapy  What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy, sometimes also referred to as aromatic or scent medicine, is  the art of healing the body using naturally distilled essences from different  parts of plant to improve and enhance your everyday emotional, physical, and  spiritual well-being. These essences are known as essential oils.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What are essential oils? These oils are the concentrated essences of the aromatic plant. They can be  used as an analgesic (to alleviate pain), an anti-inflammatory (to reduce  swelling), an antibacterial, an anti-fungal, an anti-viral (to prevent  infections). Since scent stimulates the part of the brain that effects your emotions,  essential oils can also soothe and calm....or energize and arouse. These essential oils are highly concentrated and are measured in drops. They  should be housed in dark colored air tight bottles in a cool area, out of  direct light. Unless noted, they should not be applied directly to the skin,  but instead placed in a carrier oil such as almond oil, so as to avoid  irritation.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ How does aromatherapy work? Our sense of smell is about 10,000 times stronger than our sense of taste,  but it is truly underappreciated. The olfactory system of your brain has a  memory of scents and the longest recall of all the senses. Just think ... does the smell of baking bread bring back vivid memories of  visits with a relative in your childhood.. ever catch a whiff of the  cologne/perfume of an old lover? Memories that are attached to sent are  stronger!!!! Scent also stimulates the limbic system of the brain which responds by  releasing neuro-chemicals. Such as Seratonin and Endorphins. These chemicals  calm us.. arouse us... alleviate discomfort.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ How can I use Essential Oils? BATH: Swish 10-12 drops of a single oil or a blend into your bath water. Close yr.  bathroom door to help retain all the scent, sink into yr. bath inhale and  relax...... INHALATION: Place 3-5 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Breathe Deeply! DIFFUSION: Replace those aerosol air fresheners. A few drops in a diffuser, you can buy  electric devices, candle warmed, ceramic rings to place on lightbulbs, or  just use a bowl of warm water. A few drops is all you need. COMPRESS: Place 3-5 drops of essential oil into a basin of water. Dip a clean folded  facecloth into the water, squeeze and gently apply.  MASSAGE: Blend 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (Almond, Apricot,  Jojoba) and indulge in the power of touch. OTHER USES: Facial steams, foot soaks, insect repellent, household cleaning.... and much  more... use your imagination. * Always decrease the drop amount when using Lemon or Peppermint in any  application.*  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Safety Since essential oils are 100 times more potent than their plant sources, care  must be taken in how and when they are used. Do not ingest oils by mouth Keep out of eyes Most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin Research any  essential oil in reference books, for specific precautions, warnings, etc. As  with any natural substance, the possibility exists for allergy... start with  very small amounts and watch for reactions, then increase dosage, within the  given guidelines Pregnancy The following oils should be avoided during pregnancy: basil, birch, cedar,  clove bud, clary sage, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper marjoram,  peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme Skin Irritants These oils may irritate the skin, and should be diluted in a carrier oil  before applying to the skin or used in a bath : basil, cinnamon, clove bud,  fennel, Siberian fir, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, thyme, tea  tree, verbena Photosensitivity These oils can cause skin sensitivity in the presence of ultraviolet light  and should NOT be used before exposure to direct sunlight: angelica,  bergamot, mandarin, lemon, lime, petitgrain, St. John's Wort, verbena High Blood Pressure The following oils should not be used by anyone with high blood  pressure: hyssop, rosemary, sage, thyme Skin Allergies If one is suffering from dermatitis or other allergic skin conditions then  these oils should be avoided: benzoin, rose geranium, jasmine, pine, ylang  ylang Toxic oils These oils should be avoided: bitter almond, mugwort, mustard, pennyroyal,  rue, sassafrass, southernwood, tansy, wintergreen  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Essential Oils Basil (P, SS) Eases mental fatigue, stimulates poor memory and enhances alterness....  beneficial as a digestive aid.... relieves headache pain Bergamot (SS, S) Great for nervous/depressed emotions.... antiseptic for skin conditions...  regulates appetite...assists convalescence Cedar, Himalayan (P, SS) A very calming oil...eases bronchitis and respiratory ailments...combats  cellulite Chamomile, Roman Aids skin conditions... eases migraines...relieves  insomnia..soothing..anti-inflammatory use as a compress for ear-aches Clary Sage (P) Avoid if epileptic avoid alcohol, it may exaggerate the effects Produces  vivid dreams...eases migraines balances female hormones....eases menstrual  discomfort/PMS/menopause... retards excessive perspiration Eucalyptus (P) Stimulating...anti-viral.. eases respiratory ailments...soothes sore muscles  and sunburn pain... anti-bacterial properties inhibit spread of infection  when used in a diffuser Frankincense Meditative.. tightens and tones skin... anti-aging.. stimulates cell  regeneration... sooths and calms nerves... treats urinary tract infection..  antibacterial Geranium, Rose Regenerates and rejuvenates skin cells and tissue.. anti-cellulite....eases  stress.. balances hormone problems during menopause..relieves PMS Ginger (SS) Relief from arthritis pain, sprains, muscle aches and pains... keeps sport  muscles supple... eases motion sickness, hangovers, jet lag... sexual tonic Grapefruit (S) Reduces cellulite & water retention ... helps obesity.... relieves hot  flashes and PMS ...antidepressant Jasmine Absolute (P) Aphrodisiac.. long-lasting scent.. elevates spirits.. decreases  depression/nervous tension.. strengthens male reproductive system ... aids  impotency... physically/emotionally relaxing  Lavender treats insomnia... antibacterial for skin rashes and burns.. eases pain of  insect bites and stings... relieves headaches and migraines.. calming .. mild  enough for children Lemon (S) refreshing stimulant.. astringent and antiseptic.. tonic to the lymphatic  and digestive systems... conditions skin and nails... anti-aging agent Lemongrass (SS) energizes... great for exhaustion.. beneficial in treating digestion and  stomach gas.. good for stimulating, deodorizing foot baths .. insect repellent Neroli anti-anxiety.. antidepressant... gentle sedative for insomnia... eases  palpitaions...hypnotic/euphoric.. smoothes skin, stretch marks and scar  tissue.. anti wrinkle... anti-spasmotic Orange (SS, S) mild sedative for anxiety and depression... plumps up aging and dry skin..  calming to overcome sadness... Patchouli sensual rejuvenator. prevents wrinkles and chapped skin .. anti-aging..curbs  appetite..anti-bacterial Peppermint (P, SS) do not use before bedtime very awakening and stimulating... treats nausea and  indigestion... eases travel sickness Rose Absolute heart warming aphrodisiac... relieves sexual debilities..  frigidity/impotency.. treats anorexia.. elevating to the mind.. confidence  improving.. creates a sense of peaceful well-being Rosemary increases sensitivity...increases creativity.. lifts exhaustion... awakens  your heart Sandalwood aphrodisiac... aids awareness and meditation... peaceful and inspiring Tea tree (SS) strengthens the immune system... powerful anti-viral.. anti-bacterial..  anti-fungal Vetiver good for stress and nervous tension... calming and balancing... treats dry,  mature, irritated skin... aids in rheumatism.. circulation tonic Ylang Ylang (SS) most euphoric aphrodisiac..sexual energy .. relaxes body, mind and spirit...  aniti-depressant... relieves palpitations and anxiety Key to symbols:  *   P - avoid during pregnancy  *   S - may iritate sun-exposed skin  *   SS - may irritate sensitive skin     SYNTHETIC OILS VS NATURAL OILS.   Most of you will have seen cheap bottles of 'fragrant' oils or bottles of 'blended Essential oils'  as well as bottles of 'Pure Essential oils'.  Each one has it's own uses.   FRAGRANT OILS:  These are the synthetic oils.  Scientists have been able to reproduce about 90% of the natural occurring Essential oil.  This is what a fragrant oil is.  It is the remaining 10% of the natural Essential oil that holds the therapeutic content of the oil, and that 10% is what distinguishes the two.  Fragrant oils have NO therapeutic content, they smell nice sometimes better than the Essential oils!) but that is all that they should be used for.  They work well in oil burners, in baths, in pot purri, as a perfume and various other uses, but will have no healing effect other than to smell nice.   BLENDED ESSENTIAL OILS:   These are made from Pure Essential oils, but have been diluted with a 'Carrier oil', usually Sweet Almond, jojoba, Safflower or Apricot Kernel oils.  These oils are blended because Essential oils are too strong to apply directly to the skin, they must be diluted first.  The Blended oil has been diluted so it is safe to apply directly onto the skin. These have therapeutic qualities, which are usually printed on the label. They may also be blended to make them cheaper, such as Rose, Neroli, Jasmine, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang   PURE ESSENTIAL OILS:   These are the Essential oils in their 100% pure state.  These oils should NEVER be applied straight onto the skin, and many Essential oils will have safety data printed onto the label if they have any harmful effects. (there are a few exceptions to the "never put oils directly on the skin" rule... which I will go into later) When purchasing an Essential oil there are 4 ways to help tell if you are buying the pure oil:   1).  Look for the words "100%"  and "Pure Essential oil".  This is only a guide as many brands of fragrant oil have 100% pure written on them, and some brands of Essential oils ( such as the brand I use ) don't have 100% pure on the label.  There are also sneaky people who use the "100% Pure Essential Oil" as their brand name....( and if the word 'fragrant' appears anywhere, chances are it isn't an Essential oil.)   2).  Smell the oils, Pure Essential oils smell like the plant it comes from. If the scent is slightly fake, very sweet or in the case of Rose really strong, it is more likely to be a fragrant oil.   3).  Look at the price,  Pure Essential oils are expensive, due to the quantity of plants needed to produce the oil ( for eg. it takes approx 15 roses to make 1 drop of Rose oil.)  Each oil should have a different price, as some are cheaper to produce than others. As a general rule... if they are under $5 (Australian money... not sure of the prices in other countries) they are probably either blended or a fragrant oil.   4).  There are no Essential oils of Strawberry, Dewberry, Rainforest or Nanna's Garden.   This is a guide only... but it helps to work out which ones are "fake" and which ones are "real".  The store keeper may not know the difference, as they buy products from a distributor, and many haven't a clue what they are... they just know they sell well :)     AROMATHERAPY VS 'NORMAL' MEDICINE.   Many people take Aspirin for headaches although many tests have proven that Aspirin can cause stomach upsets, thin the blood, cause liver damage and contribute to anemia. Yet people take many of these a day to relieve headaches, and think they are safe.   Antibiotics are used for infections because they kill bacteria.  However there are good bacteria living in our bodies, without which our bodies cannot work efficiently.  Antibiotics kill off all bacteria, and many people suffer from thrush and other illnesses as a result.  The other concern with antibiotics is that each time they are used, the body builds up a resistance to them, much the same way our bodies build up a resistance to the Smallpox or Measles virus when we are vaccinated.  Stronger doses of antibiotics are then needed to fight the infections, and the circle continues.   Aromatherapy works on the holistic approach.  It treats the whole body at the one time.  Aromatherapy has no negative side effects when used properly, and is non-addictive.   Aromatherapy explained (simply)   People think of Aromatherapy as being smell therapy, but this isn't the case.  The essential oils can used in many different methods, I will be explaining those later... but the reason people think of them as being smell therapy, is that the blood vessels in your nose are very close the surface of your skin....so the molecules of "healing goodness" can be absorbed into the body quickly (and they do smell nice...well....some of them!)   the healing effects can also pass through the skin anywhere on your body, and enter the blood stream, where they work on the troubled areas of the body.   Essential oils, unlike prescription drugs, work only on those areas that are "broken"  ie. they do not go into healthy tissues, and start working there... they travel around your body, and look for the illnesses, and target them, leaving the rest of your body alone.  It is because of this, that if you run lavender oil into your fingertip, it will help your infected toe...even though the oil never touches the actual toe. (and your headache, and cut finger!!!)     There are 8 main ways to use the Essential oils, they are as follows:   INHALATION:   1).  Straight from the bottle - Headache, memory booster, nausea etc. 2). Oil burner - Kill airborne bacteria (prevents colds spreading to others),      insomnia, stress etc.  Put 3-5 drops in a water filled well of the oil burner, and      replace as needed.  NEVER burn Essential oils without water... it damages      them 3).  Drops on a tissue (carry with you or place under pillow etc.) - colds, coughs,       migraine etc. 1-2 drops on a tissue will be ample 4).  Drops in sink/bowl of hot water - colds, respiratory infection, catarrh (runny       nose) etc. stick your head over the sink/bowl, with eyes closed and inhale the       vapour.  No more than 5 drops to half a sinkfull of water (which is all you       need)   BATH:   1). Hot/warm bath - colds, muscle cramp, stiffness etc.  10 drops Maximum 2). Cold bath - Fever.  10 drops Maximum 3).  Foot bath - Athlete's foot, blisters, aching feet etc.  Use a bucket or bowl big       enough to comfortably put your feet in. 5 drops Maximum 4). Shallow bath - Thrush, Piles etc.  a bath deep enough to cover the problem      area.  5 drops maximum   {If using peppermint oil, you may want to use only half the recommend drops.... as my Aromatherapy teacher said "It runs amok amongst your genitals"  it has a cooling effect that you may not wish to have touching sensitive areas!!!}   You will need to swish the water around.  There is a product called Solubalizer that may be useful.  It makes the oil dissolve in water, although the same effect can be to mix the oil with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or vodka, which will make it water soluble.  5 drops to 1tsp alcohol.     MASSAGE:   1). Massage diluted oil onto effected area - varicose veins, strains, constipation      Muscle aches etc. 2). Massage diluted oil all over body - Stress, insomnia, anxiety etc.   Both, use a 3% dilution for normal skin, 1% for face or sensitive skin (explained further below)   INTERNALLY: Most Essential oils are toxic and should NEVER be taken internally.  It is safest to assume that ALL Essential oils are toxic and therefore none should be taken internally.  Many Aromatherapy books suggest  a mouth wash or a gargle for gum problems or throat infections, however it is dangerous and other methods work just as well.  There are many different species of the same oil, for example Birch  has 2 varieties, white and sweet.  White birch is nontoxic, but sweet birch is fatally toxic.  I would not use ANY Essential oils internally, especially in their pure state,  as there are many other methods of application which are much safer.   {as I was saying in a previous post, even rubbing an oil on your toe will help a sore throat, so it isn't worth ingesting something that is potentially harmful, although I have gargled with Bergamot oil mixed with warm water}   DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN:   There are only four Essential oils which may safely be applied directly onto the skin an all should have a patch test done first.  All essential oils are acidic, have you ever seen what they do to plastic?   Place a drop of the oil onto the back of your wrist, cover with a Band-Aid and leave for 1 hour.  If no irritation has occurred you may use it.  If irritation does occur, bathe the area in cool water and dilute the oil with a carrier oil.  Only the four Essential oils listed below may be applied to skin directly, and only onto an effected area  ie. a cut or burn.  DO NOT use as a massage oil, or slather it all over your skin: Lavender,  Sandalwood,  Tea tree and ylang ylang.   There is no need to apply any essential oil directly onto the skin, an essential oil blended 3% into a carrier oil will have exactly the same healing properties as a full strength oil... so not only do you run the risk of burning the skin by applying them neat, you are also wasting oil :)  --     COMPRESS:   1). Drops of oil in cold water for cold compress - fever, swelling etc. 2). Drops of oil in hot water for hot compress - Headache,  period pain etc.   To make a compress, half fill a bowl or sink of either hot or cold water, and add 3-5 drops of essential oil.... soak the cloth in this water for a few moments, wring out, and apply to the effected area.   PERFUME:   1).  Use same dilution as massage oil, use a carrier oil of Apricot kernel or other       light oil.  Dab behind ears, wrists etc.   SKIN / HAIR TONIC:   1).  Use this when an oil is not suitable, for example on an oily scalp, or to dry out       a cut.  use 5 drops essential oil into a teaspoon of Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing       alcohol) or vodka   Dilutions:   Babies  0-12 months        1 drop of Rose or Lavender or chamomile in 1 teaspoon                                      of carrier oil, or in a bath. Infants   1-5 years           2-3 drops of Rose, Lavender, Chamomile, Sandalwood,                                     Tangerine, Ylang Ylang or Neroli in 1 teaspoon of carrier                                      oil or in a bath. Children 6-12 years       Use as for adults, but half the concentration.     3% dilution For 100 mls of carrier oil use 60  drops of Essential oil. For 25 mls of carrier oil use 15 drops of Essential oil. For 5 mls of carrier oil ( 1 teaspoon) use 3 drops of Essential oil.   1% dilution For 100 mls of carrier oil use 20 drops of Essential oil. For 25 mls of carrier oil use 5 drops of Essential oil. For 5 mls of carrier oil(1 tsp) use 1 drop of Essential oil.   For normal use do not exceed 3% Essential oil dilution. For use on face or other sensitive skin use a 1% Essential oil dilution.   Pregnancy - use half the dilution and none of the contraindicated oils.     the contraindications:   Contraindications: Aromatherapy oils are concentrated and should not be applied to the skin or taken internally.  There are also other times when Essential oils should be treated with caution or not be used at all, these are called Contraindications.  The following is a list of the contraindications for the various Essential oils.   OILS NOT TO BE USED AT ALL!  These oils are dangerous for anyone except a qualified Aromatherapist to use. They are either extremely toxic or cause severe skin irritation even in a diluted state. These oils are: Bitter Almond, Arnica, Boldo, Broom, Buchu, Calamus,Camphor(brown & Yellow), Cassia, Chervil,  Cinnamon(bark), Costus, Deertongue, Elecampane, Fennel(bitter), Horseradish, Jaborandi,  Melilotus, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Pine(dwarf), Rue, Sage(common), Santolina,  Sassafras, Savine, Savory, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme(red), Tonka, Wintergreen, Wormseed and Wormwood.   OILS THAT  SHOULD BE USED IN SMALL DOSES FOR NO LONGER THAN 2  WEEKS. These oils are fairly toxic or may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting and headaches and should be used with extreme caution: Ajowan, Anise star, Aniseed, Basil(exotic), Bay laurel, Bay(west indian) Calamintha, Camphor(white), Cascarrilla bark, Cassie, Cedarwood(virginian), Cinnamon(leaf & bark), Clove(bud),  Coriander, Eucalyptus, Fennel(sweet), Hops, Hyssop, Juniper, Nutmeg, Parsley, Pepper(black),  Pine, Sage(spanish), Tagetes, Tarragon, Thyme(white), Tuberose, Tumeric, Turpentine and Valerian.   OILS THAT IRRITATE THE SKIN IF USED IN HIGH CONCENTRATION.  These oils should be used in half the reccomended dilution, and no more than 3 drops in a bath. These oils are: Ajowan, Allspice, Aniseed, Basil(sweet)  Black pepper, Borneol, Cajeput, Caraway, Cedarwood(Virginian),  Cinnamon(leaf), Clove(bud),  Cornmint, Eucalyptus,  Garlic,  Ginger,  Lemon,  Parsley, peppermint, Pine(needle, Scotch & Longleaf), Thyme(white) and Tumeric.   OILS THAT CAUSE IRRITATION ON SENSITIVE SKIN. These oils may cause eczema or dermatitis with people who have very sensitive skin. ( For people with senstive skin always test the oil on the back of your wrist, and leave for an hour. If irritation occurs bathe area with cold water and try a weaker concentration.) These oils are: Aniseed, Basil(french), Bay laurel, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cade, Cajeput, Cananga, Cedarwood(virginian), Chamomile(Roman and German), Citronella, Garlic, Geranium, Ginger, Hops,  Jasmine,  Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon balm(Melissa), Litsea cubeba, Loveage, Mastic, Mint(pepper & spear), Orange, Peru balsam, Pine(scotch & longleaf), Styrax, Tea tree, Thyme(white), Tolu balsam,  Tumeric, Turpentine, Valerian, Vanilla, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow and Ylang Ylang.   OILS THAT ARE PHOTOTOXIC. These are oils which can cause the skin to darken if exposed to direct sunlight.  Do not use these oils at all if the area will be exposed to sunlight.  These oils are: Angelica root, Bergamot, Cumin, Ginger, Lemon, Lime, Loveage, Mandarin, Orange and Verbena.   OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED DURING PREGNANCY. Due to the effects of these oils on the reproductive organs, and the sensitivity of the foetus, certain oils should not be used at all during pregnancy. These oils are: Ajowan,Anjelica, Anise star, Aniseed, Basil, Bay laurel, Calamintha, Cedarwood(all types),  Celery seed, Cinnamon(leaf), Citronella, Clary sage, Clove, Cumin, Cypress, Fennel(sweet), Hyssop,  Jasmine, Juniper, Labdanum, lovage, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Parsley, Penyroyal, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Snakeroot, sage, Tarragon and Thyme(white)   OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. These oils should not be used: Black pepper, Hyssop, Lemon, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Sage(spanish & Common) and Thyme.   OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. These oils should not be used: Chamomile(Roman & German), Lemon balm, Lavender(true), Marjoram(sweet) and Ylang ylang.   THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR DIABETES. Anjelica.   THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR KIDNEY PROBLEMS. Junpier.   OILS THAT SHOULD BE NOT BE USED WITH HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENTS. These oils are not to be used by anyone recieving homeopathic treatment: Black pepper, Camphor, Eucalyptus and Peppermint.   OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. These oils will increase the effects of alcohol: Aniseed, Clary sage and Fennel.   THE OIL THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH  DEPRESSION. Basil.   OILS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WITH EPILEPSY. These oils should not be used: Fennel, Hyssop, Sage and Rosemary.   All of the above information was provided by Obsidian     AROMATHERAPY REMEDIES   Energizing   For Waking Up In your morning bath add 2 drops Peppermint, 4 drops Rosemary, and 2 drops Juniper.   Household   Laundry 6 drops Lavender or Lemon or Grapefruit in final rinse or on handkerchief in dryer.   To Clean Fridge 5 drops Orange or 5 drops Grapefruit in a litter of water.   Smokey Rooms Several drops Grapefruit on lamp or cotton wool   Relaxation / Stress Reducing   To Relax While Flying Put 1 drop Lavender on handkerchief.   For Calming In the evening, take a bath adding 4 drops Lavender and 4 drops Marjoram.   To Relax Bath in 5 drops Lavender & 5 drops Rosewood & 5 drops Sandalwood.   Skin   Acne 6 drops each of Camphor and Lavender into 2 ounces of carrier oil. Apply 1 drop to each pimple.   Cellulite Mix 10 drops each of Cypress and Juniper in 4 ounces of carrier oil. Massage well into affected area.   Cellulite Mix 20 drops each of Cypress and Juniper in warm bath. Soak for ten (10) minutes.   Minor Burn Mix 4 drops Lavender with one teaspoon aloe Vera gel and spread on affected area.   Detoxifying Bath Add 2 drops Lemon, 4 drops Juniper, and 2 drops Geranium to your bath water.