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Defining Essential Oils and their Uses

March 7th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

Essential oils have many practical uses for many individuals. Essential oils are concentrated, hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants. The oils are produced by distillation, or through expression, and extraction. The essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, incense, for flavoring in food and drink, and in household cleaning products. These oils are vital in the fragrance and flavorant industries. The term essential indicates that oil is a fragrant essence of the plant. An aromatherapy massage is the most common use of essential oils. Using essential oils in aromatherapy can provide a healing and soothing massage for many people.

The path the essential oils take to affect an individual’s body is through the olfactory system. A person absorbs the oils by inhaling the aromatic chemicals that comprise the essential oils. The oils then affect the central nervous system, and cross the “blood-brain” barrier. The essential oils can be used in combination with bath salts to provide a soothing effect. Blending essential oils with Epsom Salts, Sea Salt, and Baking Soda, are perfect for sore and aching muscles. Only a small amount of essential oil should be blended with the bath salts. The blend of salts and oil can be added to a warm bath or may be used as a “salt glow rub” before taking a bath. The oils may also give the skin feeling soft, but it may leave a messy residue in the bathtub.

Essential oils may also be used in laundry. The oils may be used in the washing machine, or put on a cotton cloth and added to the dryer. However, there are some precautions that must be taken before adding any oils to the dryer. Adding lemon oil to the dryer will remove oily smells, and adding Eucalyptus Globulous to the washing machine may kill dust mites in bedding. lavender essential oils may also be used in the dryer to scent bed linens.

Essential oils may also be used for general household cleaning procedures. The oils can be used in cleaning counters, mirrors, and other fixtures. lemon oil can be used in the dishpan to cut grease in dishes. Oils can be used to freshen a home as well as clean it. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy candles and lamps. A few drops of an essential oil may also be used to freshen trashcans, drains, vacuum bag filters, or to freshen drawers. Oils such as citrus, spice, or floral may be added to certain foods and drinks to provide flavoring. It is important to mix the well and always let it stand before eating the food or drink. The oils may also be used as a bug repellant. Many essential oils such as citronella, lavender and peppermint can act as natural repellant against insects. The essential oil can be placed onto tissues or cotton balls, and placed near doorways and windows to help repel bugs. Although the oils help repel insects, it is not safe to use them around household pets. It is also not advisable to apply essential oils directly to fragile surfaces.

Essential oils may have many practical uses, but there are some dangers of using these oils. Essential oils generally cannot be applied directly onto the skin in the undiluted form. If essential oils are applied to the skin before dilution, it will cause severe irritation or provoke an allergic reaction. The oils should be applied with plant oils or carrier oils, such as olive oil or hazelnut. There are some essential oils that are photosensitizes, which increases the skin reaction to sunlight and making it more likely to burn. There are some professionals that advocate the ingestion of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, but this should never be done unless under the supervision of the professional. Some essential oils, such as Eucalyptus are toxic when taken internally.

The Benefits and Do’s and Don’ts of Aromatherapeutic Massage

February 24th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aromatherapeutic massages are a real treat for most people. These massages involve the use of essential oils during the massage process.  Often times a massage that involves the use of various essential oils is performed on a person by a professional. A person licensed to help relax and relieve you in the areas where you feel tense will often be the most help to you. They are the people who most know what they are doing. However, many people are just as naturally gifted at home, and those people can get together ad help one another to feel refreshed.

When a person feels more physically relaxed they also feel less stressed out mentally as well. In turn they will experience fewer symptoms of mental stress such as anxiety, panic attacks, worry, and so forth. They will be able to think clear and sleep better as well. Almost anyone can benefit from a massage that involves using scented oils.

Using scented oils during massage is not only relaxing, but it also is sensual in some cases. Couples who want to add more excitement to their love lives can use different scents to enhance their foreplay before lovemaking. In fact, there are specific ingredients that are used in various recipes for romantic massages to be performed before lovemaking.

Some of the ingredients used in massages for passionate and romantic purposes include orange, jasmine, black pepper, clary sage, rose, or cedar wood. These are best applied if they are combined with no artificial ingredients, which is one reason why you would benefit from making the at home versus buying them. You can also use combinations of these same oils, or just one of these oils, to scent your pillows, sheets, and so forth.

Your partner will come growling after, ready to get down do it if you know that your partner loves the scents mentioned in the previous paragraph. Other scents that can be used for romantic settings include neroli and chamomile, which also can be used to help scent your bed, pillows, and sheets.

There is yet another massage oil combination that may even work better for you and your romantic partner than the ones mentioned already. This one would include ingredients such as lavender, rose, and geranium, along with almond and jojoba oils. This can be used everywhere on a person’s body including behind the ears, on the forehead, on the back, and everywhere else you can think of.

There are quite a few benefits to using aromas during massages. However, there are a few don’ts to remember while trying to please your romantic partner or a friend. One of those is to make sure that you do not use too much oil during the massage process.  Otherwise, you could have more of a mess than necessary to clean up afterwards. Additionally, using too much oil can clog a person’s pores and unwanted skin blemishes could develop.

It is also important to make sure that you know the person you perform the massage on is no allergic to the oils that you are using. Chances are that will not happen. However, some people may be allergic to substances such as almond oil or certain herbs or spices. It is always wise to let your partner or massage recipient know all the ingredients in the essential oil recipe that you plan to use.

Another aspect of massaging with oils would involve the act of massaging itself. There is a right and a wrong way to massage someone. However, with some experience and common sense it makes sense to follow the advice that is given in this article. Please read the next paragraph.

One basic piece of advice for those giving a massage at home is to make sure there is clear communication between the massage giver and the massage receiver. This means that it should be clear that the massage recipient is not in any excess pain during the massage as a result of the giver pressing too hard.

It is the job of the massage giver to be conscious and sensitive of this fact, and the receiver can help the massage giver by being completely honest about how they feel about the massage. Also, remember not to offer a massage to anyone without asking if they would like one.

With these bits of advice you are sure to have success while giving and receiving massages, as well as using essential oils during the process. Along with that, just trust your instincts, and it should go very smoothly.

Your Guide for Substitutions in Aromatherapy Recipes.

November 17th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Quite a few different essential oils or extracts have the same effect. However, it may be hard to remember all of the various aromatherapy oils that you can blend to create the effect that you want. You may want to know that you have more than one option in case one type of scented oil or other aromatherapy product is not available where you are.

This article could not possibly cover every aspect of aromatherapy, or all the different aromatherapy oils and extracts that could work in any case. However, some of the most important ones will be covered in this article.

One of the most common problems that a person has is insomnia. One of the causes of insomnia (the inability to fall asleep or to stay sleeping) is the buildup of excess stress. Anxiety and worry can also cause a person to stay awake as well. These undesirable feelings can be reduced or eliminated, however, and if they are then a person may be able to sleep.

Since relaxation is one tool that will aid a person in falling asleep faster, essential oils such as lavender or chamomile can aid a person to fall asleep. The reason why is because these plants/flowers aid a person in the calming process. When a person is calm enough that person will finally fall asleep. Both of these oils can be used, but if one is not available, then the other can still be used.

The aromatherapy scents of marjoram and ylang-ylang can also be used to aid a person to fall asleep. You can experiment with mixing these along with lavender or chamomile, or you can just try using these instead. It does not mean that you will get the same exact effect, but it would be worth a try to make use of what you have in case you run out of a certain aromatherapy essential oil, or other aromatherapy scent product.

Other variations and substitutions that can be made is allowed in the concocting of a potion which will help treat a cold. One cold recipe calls for three parts of ravensare, and one part naiouli, along with one part each of lemon, rosewood, and lavender. However, if a person does not have access to naiouli then a different ingredient called Eucalyptus can be used. In fact, utilizing Eucalyptus is more common for the use of a homeopathic home remedy anyway, so you may consider using that instead.

Another example of how substitutions can be used is in that of the recipe which helps relieve backache. The base recipe includes a variety of ingredients such as blue chamomile, birch, rosemary, and ginger, along with lavender and carrier oil (the product base).  However, Eucalyptus can but used instead of the rosemary, and black pepper can be used instead of the ginger.

Substituting various aromatherapy herbs for others may just be a matter of personal preference-what your nose likes better. On the other hand, it could mean the difference between the right combinations of ingredients, which would be especially designed for your situation. In most cases, it could be both the fact that there is a certain aromatherapy scent combination that you like better and one that will work better for you.

The practices of making your own aromatherapy combinations for different purposes can seem overwhelming at first. However, if you remember a few things the mixing and matching of various scents can make your life easier.

One tip to help you in the processing of your own aromatherapy remedies is to find an easy reference guide which tells you what the purpose of each aroma product is used for. You may also want to find simple recipes that will tell you approximately how much of each substance to use.

A small amount of research can help you in the process of blending different aromas for homeopathic use. However, in the end it will be your instincts that will most lead you to what will work for you.

Again, it will most likely be what smells most appeal to you that do work for you, because often times your body sends your brain a signal to tell you what it needs. This may not be true all the time, but if you are already treating your body as kindly as possible it will learn to speak for itself and guide you in the rest of your physical and emotional healing process.

Carrier Oils and their Role in Aromatherapy

October 14th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Carrier oils have a major role in aromatherapy.  The oils are a necessity, and the aromatherapy process would not be possible without them. Essential oils cannot be used in aromatherapy until they are diluted in a carrier oil, because essential oils are to powerful to be used neat (undiluted). There are other carriers such as creams that may be useful in diluting essential oils, but carrier oils are the most common mediums due to their versatility. These oils provide the lubrication to allow hands to move freely over the skin while massaging instead of dragging. The lubrication provided by carrier oils also allows the essential oils to be carried into the body. The oils must be light and non sticky for the penetration to take place effectively.

Although many people may not realize it, carrier oils have a significant role in aromatherapy. The carrier oils are just as important as essential oils in aromatherapy. There are also many health benefits that may be associated with carrier oils. The carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, which may soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some carrier oils may also be effective in treating irritated, and sensitive conditions of the skin. The skin conditions that may be improved by carrier oils include eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, and scar tissue.

Carrier oils are also known as fixed oils because they do not evaporate. The oils may also be known as base oils and vegetable oils, because they are generally derived from nuts and seeds. However there are a few exceptions, such as coconut oil. A special process known as “copra” extracts oil from the white flesh. The jojoba coconut oil is extracted from the leathery-leaved shrub, and is defined as a liquid wax instead of oil. The carrier oils that are obtained from nuts and seeds are usually extracted using two methods.

The first method of oil extraction is known as “cold pressing,” which is restricted to small scale production due the high cost. In this process the nuts and seeds are placed in a horizontal press with a rotating screw that is known as an “expeller.” During this process the oil is squeezed out of the nuts and seeds. A certain amount of heat is produced during the cold pressing process due to friction, but the temperatures aren’t extremely high and cause little damage to the carrier oil. Oil is filtered after the cold pressing process, and is set to be sold to consumers.

Hot extraction is used for large-scale industrial production of carrier oils. The process is similar to cold pressing, but a great amount of heat is applied during the process. The high temperature increases the yield of oil, and temperatures often reach 200 degrees C. The extreme temperatures destroy the important vitamins and fatty acids. Waste products from the extraction methods are known as cake, and are often times re-processed using solvents to extract more carrier oils. The carrier oils are reheated, redefined, deodorized, and the color is bleached out. After this process, artificial color, preservatives, and vitamins are reintroduced into the carrier oil.

These carrier oils are unsuitable for use in aromatherapy, and are more suitable for cooking products. They are not useful in aromatherapy because of the vitamins, mineral, and fatty acids are destroyed during the hot extraction process. Cold pressed, carrier oils are best for aromatherapy treatments, and may help many individuals improve their skin, and other health problems. There are many refined and unrefined carrier oils that are available for consumer use. The most common oils that may be refined are unrefined include Avocado, wheat germ, and Coconut oils, which are available in either form.

If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Tips for the Weary Traveler

July 2nd, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the sheer effort of the trip can be draining on your body and spirit.  Road construction, airport delays, crowds of people, or just the idea of sitting in the same spot for several hours can all be very fatiguing.  Aromatherapy essential oils have a variety of uses to help ease the pain and suffering of travel.  Keep in mind that many oils need to be diluted before use, so either bring along a bottle of your favorite carrier oils or pre-dilute them prior to your trip.

Business trips are a guaranteed source of stress.  You may be meeting with clients, giving presentations, holding business meetings, etc.  lavender, peppermint, marjoram, and neroli oils may all be helpful with you.  marjoram and lavender oil massaged into your skin after a warm bath can help relieve jet lag.  Inhaling neroli oils can help with nerves before a big presentation.  A drop of peppermint and a drop of lavender oil massaged into your forehead, temples, and neck can help reduce headaches.  A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow can help you sleep.  peppermint tea can help relieve the indigestion associated with traveling and eating on the run.

Traveling with children can be an adventure all in itself.  Calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile, tea tree oil, and peppermint may all be useful to you.  A drop of lavender or peppermint oil in a tissue can help ease motion sickness.  Inhaling lavender oil can help your child relax enough to get some sleep in the car.  If you apply some to yourself, your baby will get the effects as you carry him or her around with you.  lavender oil can also work as an insect repellent.  Calendula, lavender, and chamomile are all good for cuts and bruises, and Aloe Vera or lavender can help ease the pain of sunburn.

If you are trying to get away for your honeymoon or a romantic weekend you may want to bring along some essential oils to help enhance the mood.  Both rose and jasmine oil are considered useful for romance.  A drop of each can make a nice personal perfume.  Or consider a single drop of ylang ylang for something more seductive.  You can add a few drops of either into your bath gel or water or use as a massage oil to help enhance the mood as well.

If mixing oils together sounds like an awful lot of work to add to the stresses of traveling, consider products that have taken the work out of it for you.  Shopping online or at your favorite health store, you can find plenty of products that are as ready to go as you are.  Aromatherapy lotions, soaps, and other personal care products are an easy addition to your suitcase in place of your traditional ones.  A plug in diffuser or a room spray can spruce up a hotel room in no time.  Eye masks, motion sickness bands, and other treatments are prepared and ready for purchase.  Or you can get travel sizes of your favorite oil blends to help cut down on the mess and amount of bottles that you carry.

When traveling with essential oils, make sure that they are packaged securely for your trip.  Nothing will be worse than a few leaky bottles to make your luggage smell to high heaven!  Make sure that all oils are packaged in shatter resistant bottles that are tightly capped.  Individually sealing them into plastic storage bags can help ensure that if a bottle should break or leak, it will not get onto everything in your suitcase.  If you normally use candles or things that plug in, then check with your hotel about outlet requirements and use of candles in the room.

A Clean Home is One with Good Scents – Housekeeping Tips, Aromatherapy-Style

June 25th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Keeping your house clean using aromatherapy can have a myriad of benefits outside of just having a clean home.  Since aromatherapy uses selected oils to give off scents that help change a mood or promote healing, you can get these effects by using cleaners, air fresheners, or scented candles as well.  Plus, you can get some good results around the house by making a few small changes in your cleaning routine.

If you enjoy having plants inside, you can use aromatherapy to help them.  Mix 6 to 8 drops of the oil mixture in a gallon of water to mist your plants with.  Equal parts of lavender and thyme oils will help protect your plants.  Thyme oil will help you to grow healthier cabbage and cauliflower.  Basil oil is beneficial to broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes.  You can also use yarrow oil for cucumbers, chamomile oil for onions, and carrot extract for lettuce to help encourage your kitchen garden.

To make furniture polish that can be used on all wood finishes, add two tablespoons of soap dissolved in two cups of boiling water and one cup of melted beeswax.  Add 10 drops of cedar wood, Cyprus, or sandalwood oil as well.

To save on expensive scented laundry detergent or fabric softeners, add a cloth sprinkled with two drops each of bergamot, lavender, neroli, cedar wood, petit grain, and sweet orange oils into the dryer.  Your clothes will come out smelling fresh.

If you have bug problems, you can use aromatherapy to help solve them.  Add 6 drops each of lavender, lemon grass, citronella, and peppermint oil to one cup of water and spray around the room.  It will help keep away mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches and be pet and child safe.

Pets can benefit from aromatherapy.  Mix together citronella oil, cedar wood oil, garlic, and clothes freshener and put a few drops on your pet’s collar.  It will help repel fleas without harming your pet in the least.

During the cold and flu season, you can help protect your family with aromatherapy.  Mix together Eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, tea tree, and lemon and marjoram oils.  Then add six drops to a cup of water to create a room spray, or add 4 to 9 drops to the water of a humidifier to spread throughout your home.

For a cleaner and bathroom refresher, mix lemon, bergamot, lavender, sweet orange, oregano, and thyme oils.  For a freshener, add eight drops to a liter of warm water.  Or put two to three drops on a wet sponge and use to wipe down surfaces as a cleaner, adding more to the sponge as necessary.

For mice and other pests, put a few drops of undiluted peppermint and spearmint oil near living areas, the edges of the ceiling, and any holes.  This will drive the pests from your home.

If you do not feel like putting for the extra effort to create your own household cleansing products, there are several manufactured products available for sale out there.  If you want the real benefits for essential oils, you will have to read labels to ensure that you are getting the oils and not just the fragrances.  You may also have to do your shopping online or at a health store to find exactly what you are looking for.  Expect to pay more for alternative products than you would for traditional cleaners, as the oils can vary greatly in cost.  Or, you can continue to use your everyday cleaners and refresh your home with the variety of candles, incense, diffusers, potpourri, and room sprays that are available for purchase.  Either way, your home will end up smelling fresh and inviting to all those who visit there.

If your interested in learning more about Aromatherapy have a look at Learn the Power of Aromatherapy  

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