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 aromatheraphy oils cannot be used on their own (except for a few mild ones). They are very potent and should never be used unless they have been diluted first, either in water, for the bath, or with plain carrier oil, for massage. Applying double the dose of essential oils does not mean you get twice the benefits. Instead it will result in nausea, toxicity, irritation or at the least ineffectiveness. Aroma oils are so powerful that they are measured in drops.
Essential Equipments
· 10-ml dark glass bottles with stoppered caps for storing pure aromatheraphy oils.
· Four eye-droppers/pipettes (or one if you wash it thoroughly after each use).
· A small funnel for pouring carrier oils into bottles.
· Large, dark glass, stoppered bottles for storing combinations of oils or a ceramic bowl for immediate use. Never use metal containers or bowls.
· Strips of blotting paper.
Aromatheraphy oils are always measured in drops. They are usually sold in tiny, dark glass bottles and most have droppers built into the caps. But if they don`t, you can use an eyedropper or pipette to measure out droplets. Pure essential oils should be stored in a cool place, in dark glass, airtight bottles, out of direct sunshine, and out of reach of children. This way, they should keep in perfect condition for up to a year.
For massage or application anywhere on the skin, aromatheraphy oils should first be mixed with a carrier (or base) oil. Any of the pure, cold-pressed plant oils will do, as these not only dilute essential oils so they are safe, but also help spread them evenly, slow down their evaporation rate, and increase their absorption into skin.
It is important to choose a pure, good quality vegetable oil as carrier for your aromatheraphy oils. Mineral oil (usually called baby oil) is not a good carrier because it has a low penetrating ability.
Best Aromatherapy Carrier Oils for Body
· Grape seed
· Sweet almond
· Sunflower
· Safflower
· Peanut
· Soya
· Sesame (for stretch marks)
Best Aromatherapy Carrier Oils for Face
· Sweet almond
· Peach kernel
· Apricot kernel
· Jojoba
· Avocado
· Evening primrose(for wrinkles)
General quantities to be mixed
15 - 20 drops aromatheraphy oil in 60ml (12 tsp) carrier oil OR 7 -10 drops aromatheraphy oil in 30ml (6 tsp) carrier oil OR 3 - 5 drops aromatheraphy oil in 15ml (3 tsp) carrier oil.
For Bath
8 - 10 drops maximum essential oils in anyone bath.
When blending aromatheraphy oils, first measure out the carrier oil and put it in a ceramic bowl for immediate use, or a glass bottle if you are going to store it. Then add the drops of aromatheraphy oil and mix them well.
Once aromatheraphy oils are diluted with a carrier oil, they will keep for up to six months if you add the contents of a vitamin E capsule, or one teaspoon of wheatgerm oil. This acts as an anti-oxidant and will help preserve your mixture. Otherwise, keep it in the fridge so the carrier oil doesn`t go rancid. It is always best to blend oils for aromatherapy in small amounts so that they are as fresh and potent as possible.
Blending of aromatheraphy oils
The main rule is to keep the recipes simple until you have had some practise.
You will find that some aromatheraphy oils cancel each other out, while some clash. Others help one another therapeutically: for example, chamomile`s anti-inflammatory action is strengthened by lavender. And some, especially lavender and rose, go with anything. Every oil`s description is given in this site.
The Ten Best Mixers are
Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile, Neroli, Frankincense, Rose, Geranium, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang and Jasmine.
How to mix
Always try your combination before you mix it so you don`t waste aromatheraphy oils. The best way is to cut up some long strips of blotting paper.
· Apply one drop of each oil to the tip of one blotter strip if you are going to be using oils in equal amounts. If one oil will dominate your recipe more than the others, put two drops of the dominant oil on the tip of the blotter.
· Then hold the strips together by the bottom end and fan the oily tips backwards and forwards under your nose while you inhale.
Let your nose be the judge, and if you like the combination, go ahead and mix it. After all, aromatherapy is about personal choices. If you are making a combination for someone else, ensure you test it with them first with blotting paper.
Refer to the glossary section that defines each oil`s properties in detail, with the oils they mix well with.
The general favorites for both the Sexes are referred below:
Male Favorites
Basil, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli, Pine and Sandalwood.
Female Favorites
Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Sage, and Ylang-Ylang.
Precautions to be taken
Using aromatheraphy oil is a great pleasure, as long as you use them properly. Here are the basic rules to ensure that you will have no problems.
· Avoid excess use of aromatheraphy oils. Aromatheraphy oils are potent: only measure them in drops.
· Don`t use plastic containers to store essential oils, pure or diluted, or they will become contaminated.
· Never apply them directly to skin. (Apart from lavender for minor cuts and burns, and tea tree for spots, fungal infections, etc, and even these two should be used in moderation).
· Don`t take aromatheraphy oils internally. A professional aroma therapist may prescribe oral treatment: otherwise it is unsafe.
· Increasing the dose of aromatheraphy oils does not increase their effectiveness. In fact, some oils in large amounts are toxic.
· Strictly follow instructions while using for therapeutic use to treat common ailments. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
· Keep aromatheraphy oils out of reach of children: if any splashes in an eye, rinse it out with a few drops of pure, sweet, almond oil rather than using water, and seek medical advice.
· Don`t shower or bath for two hours after an aromatherapy massage. It takes that long for some oils to fully penetrate skin.
· It is best not to use glass bottles for an aromatherapy massage mix for once you have oily hands, glass bottles are very slippery to hold. Use a bowl instead and dip your hands into it.
Oils to be used in Moderation
Basil, Bay, Camphor, Fennel, Ginger, Laurel, Sage, Thyme, Tarragon and Valerian.
Oils that are Photo-toxic
Angelica, Bergamot, Citronella, Ginger, Lemon, Lime and Mandarin.
Don`t expose skin to sunshine for atleast six hours if you have used these oils. After exposure to the sun they become phototoxic and can cause skin irritation.
Oils to be avoided in Pregnancy
Angelica, Citronella, Laurel, Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Fennel, Marjoram, Sage, Cedarwood, Yarrow, Juniper, Myrrh and Tarragon.
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