Aromatherapy

Before we begin, some important reminders:

1. Oils are not FDA regulated so always make sure you buy from a reputable producer
2. Never apply essential oils to skin without a carrier oil or doing a spot test first
3. Certain oils create certain sensitivities and should be researched before use. For example, citrus creates a sensitivity to light
4. Never ingest oils
5. Some oils are toxic to pets so make sure you research the toxicity before use
6. Use with caution if you have:
   1. Hay fever
   2. Asthma
   3. Epilepsy
   4. High blood pressure
   5. Eczema
   6. Psoriasis
7. Side effects include:
   1. Rashes
   2. Asthma attacks
   3. Headaches
   4. Allergic reactions
   5. Skin irritation
   6. Nausea

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method using natural plant extracts to promote health and well-Being. It is recognized as both an art and science used to enhance physical and emotional health.

History

The practice of aromatherapy is thousands of years old; China, India, Egypt and others are well-known for ancient practices using aromatherapy for both medical and religious reasons. They incorporated aromatic plants in resins, balms, and oils that were well known to have physical and psychological benefits.

The distillation of these oils is attributed to the Persians in the 10th century even though the oils themselves were used for many years before that. 

The medicinal properties were officially recognized in the nineteenth century by French physicians. While chemical drugs are more widely common today, French and German doctors still acknowledge and use the benefits received from aromatic plants.

The term “Aromatherapy” was not coined until 1937. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a french perfumer and scientist wrote a book on it after discovering and exploring lavender’s use for treating burns.

Ways to use essential oils

• Diffusers
• Aromatic Spritzers
• Inhalers
• Bath Salts
• Body oils, creams, lotions
• Facial steamers
• Hot and cold compresses
• Clay masks

How can they help you?

• Pain Management
• Improve sleep
• Stress/anxiety management
• Sooth sore joints
• Treat headaches and migraines
• Alleviate chemotherapy side effects
• Ease discomforts in labor
• Fight bacteria, viruses and funguses
• Improve digestion
• Improve hospice/palliative care
• Boost immunity

They have the potential to treat:

• Asthma
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Inflammation
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Menstrual issues
• Alopecia
• Cancer
• Erectile dysfunction
• Arthritis
• Menopause

Could treat but lacking science to back it up:

• Alzeheimers
• Parkinsons
• Heart Disease

Most common oils – The most widely used include additional facts

• Bergamot
  • Lowers stress hormones
• Cinnamon
  • Boosts focus
  • Increases concentration
  • Reduces frustration
• Clary Sage
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Helps stimulate memory
  • Helps attention span
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus
  • Helps congestion
  • Improves mental clarity
  • Soothes headaches
• Fennel
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Helichrysum
• Lavender
  • Better sleep
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers heart rate
  • Lowers skin temperature
• Lemon
  • Improves mood (more effective than lavender)
  • Eases anxiety
  • Eases stress
• Lemongrass
  • Lowers worry
  • Lowers anxiety
  • Lowers tension
  • Repels insects
• Mandarin
• Neroli
• Orange
  • Decreases anxiety
  • May assist with PTSD
• Patchouli
• Peppermint
  • Wakes you up
  • Increases alertness
  • Boosts memory
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Reduces chocolate cravings
• Roman Chamomile
• Rose
• Rosemary
  • Enhances Brain Power
  • Can improve speed and accuracy in demanding mental tasks while leaving you feeling refreshed and mentally stimulated
  • Boosts energy
• Tea Tree
• Vetiver
• Ylang ylang

Carrier Oils– What are they?

Carrier oils are derived from the fatty parts of the plants such as the seeds, kernels and nuts as opposed to essential oils which come from the leaves, bark and roots of a plant. Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to improve the benefits of aromatherapy. They also provide nourishing fatty acids that we can absorb topically but cannot digest. 

Carrier Oils	Essential Oils
From Seeds, kernels, or nuts	From leaves, bark or roots
Evaporate over time	Do not evaporate
Lightly scented	Concentrated aroma
Can go rancid over time	Do not expire

Always try to get all natural oils and watch for dust on the bottles which could indicate that they are older. Remember that the color of the carrier oil does not matter but the aroma does. Also consider the viscosity of the oil (whether it is “thin”, “medium”, or “thick”) and the absorption and feel of the oil as some will leave an oily residue. Never forget to consider the shelf life as you buy your carrier oils as they do go bad after a time. Avoid mineral oil.

Most common oils – The most widely used include additional facts

• Almond 
  • Reasonably priced
  • Very light oil
  • Easily absorbed
  • Good for dry, itchy, inflamed skin
  • Good for facial massage
  • Slight nutty smell
  • Shelf life: Approx. 1 year
  • Good for all skin types
• Apricot
  • Works well for aging skin
  • Common ingredient for cosmetics
  • Lightweight
  • Faint sweet smell
  • No oily residue
  • Inexpensive
  • Shelf life: 6-12 months. Best kept in fridge
  • For dry and aging skin
  • Can stain clothes; use caution
• Argan
  • Helps with skin elasticity
  • Softens wrinkles and fine lines
  • Restores nutrient content
  • Smell strength dependant on when it was harvested
  • Shelf life: 2+ years
  • For dry, sensitive, mature skin
• Avocado
  • Cold-Pressed, unrefined preferred for aromatherapy
  • Thick, heavy, not too greasy
  • Easily absorbed
  • Shelf life: Approx. 1 year
  • For Dry, sensitive, mature skin
• Borage
• Camellia
• Coconut (Fractioned)
  • Powerful medicinal properties
  • Very smooth
  • Won’t clog pores
  • Indefinite shelf life
  • Good for all skin types
• Cranberry
• Evening Primrose
• Grapeseed
• Hazelnut
• Hemp Seed
• Jojoba
  • Very little scent
  • Easily absorbed
  • Mimics collagen-makes skin relax
  • Good for irritated skin
  • Indefinite shelf life
  • Good for all skin types
• Kukui Nut
• Macadamia
• Meadowfoam
• Olive
• Peanut
• Pecan
• Pomegranate
• Rose Hip
• Seabuckthorn Berry
• Sesame
• Sunflower
• Watermelon

Storage

Dark glass bottles with tight fitting tops are ideal. Amber or colbalt boston round bottles are best. Most carrier oils should be stored in the fridge. Fragile oils like Borage seed and avocado cannot be stored in the refrigerator. Some may solidify or turn cloudy in the cold storage but they will return to normal as they regain room temperature.

When shopping for essential oils, they may be stored in plastic disposable bottles for cost and manufacturing reasons. But for long-term storage at home, they should always be stored in glass because the essential oil will slowly dissolve the plastic bottle.