100% pure essential oils - a wonderful first aid kit everyone should have
Each little bottle is a therapeutic powerhouse, and will last a very long time and go along way. Each of the essential oils used in Aromatherapy can be used alone or in combinations to create a desired effect. Before using essential oils, it is important to understand the effect that the oil(s) have, and how they work. These essential oils are highly concentrated therapeutic parts of the plant. The therapeutic oils are found in different parts of the plant such as the flowers, seeds, twigs, roots, leaves or bark, or in the rind of fruit. For example – rose essential oil is found in the petals; basil oil is found in the flowering tops; rosemary oil comes from the leaves; sandalwood oil from the bark, and so on.
The methods used to extract the oil are time consuming and expensive and require a high degree of expertise. Given that it takes in excess of 220 pounds of rose petals to produce only 4 or 5 teaspoons of oil, a seriously powerful therapeutic tool!! Very precious indeed.
Due to the large quantity of plant material required, pure essential oils are highly effective so only a few drops at a time are required to achieve a healing effect. Essential oils penetrate the skin easily and find their way into the bloodstream where they affect the whole body – organs, tissues, and cells. Essential oils have differing rates of absorption, a general rule of thumb would be about 20 minutes, and can continue to be absorbed over a period of hours. So it is probably best not to shower directly following application to ensure maximum effectiveness. Research has revealed that the oils remain in the blood stream for about 7 hours, continuing to have a healing affect on the whole system.
Storage Essential oils need to be stored in a cool place, in air tight dark glass bottles. Well away from children. Taken internally they can be extremely toxic. Carrier oils should also be stored in a cool dark place. Any oil can be used as ‘carrier oils’, however they need to be cold pressed.
Carrier oils – carrot oil, evening primrose oil, perelli oil, pomegranate oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, camellia oil, rice bran oil, etc. We do not use any cheap oils and all have been chosen for their richly nutritious, none greasy, highly absorbent qualities.
Mixing Essential oils – in general keep it fairly simple by using one, two, three or maximum four essential oils in a mixture.
On joints – You can use the essential oils in a carrier oil, cream or lotion and than rub into painful or swollen joints. Cream or oil – a couple of drops essential oil (this mixture is too strong for the face) per teaspoon.
For your body – always dilute into creams, lotions, or oils – 20ml (4 teaspoons) of oil or body lotion, use 6 to 8 drops of essential oil.
For your face – 50ml jar of face cream or serum use 2 to 6 drops of essential oil, go easy at first you can always add a little more. The face is more sensitive in general than the skin of the body.
Bath - The oils are absorbed through your skin while also being inhaled. Add 4 to 8 drops of oil to a full bath making sure you agitate the water vigorously to disperse the oil over the whole surface before getting into the bath and soaking for 20 minutes with the bathroom door closed.
A hot foot bath with 4 to 6 drops essential oils
Insect repellent place a few drops of essential oil onto a piece of cotton and store in the wardrobe, or linen cupboard. Essential oil can be mixed into a body lotion to repel insects. Or buy a natural oil-free spray from the spa/clinic.
Inhalation a) putting some drops directly onto a pillow b) by gently heating the essential oil using a ceramic oil warmer to fill the room with the aromas d) adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhaling. (If you prefer, you can place a towel over your head to trap the steam, keep your eyes closed).
Sprays – all sprays containing essential oils must be kept away from polished surfaces.
Laundry – you can put a few drops in the wash or better still put a few drops on a clean cloth and add to the dryer. Eucalyptus is good for this or one of the citrus essential oils.
Handkerchief - place a few drops on a piece of cotton. Place the handkerchief to your nose and inhale. Good for easing colds, sinus problems, headaches, travel sickness and anxiety.
One teaspoon = 5ml
One tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 15ml
8 drops to 4 teaspoons of ‘carrier’ oil on the body
8 drops to a full bath
4 drops to 6 drops of essential oil in a jar of cream, serum etc for the face, approximately 1 drop per teaspoon
For instance – a pot of face cream is anything from 30ml to 50ml – start off by adding 2 drops and mix well, use for a couple of days, if that is okay add 1 more drop, then later more.
Very important - If you have sensitive skin, a young skin age 3 to 11, or are an elderly person always use half or less than the amount of essential oil recommended. Start off with less as you can always add more next time.
Cautions - First and foremost do not use essential oils if you are pregnant – though there are some that are okay in qualified hands, wait until after you have given birth.
Some other things you need to bear in mind.
Never take the essential oils internally, this is extremely important.
Essential oils must always be diluted [into a body oil, cream, shampoo or lotion or into water etc as described, there are only one or two exceptions. Essential oils must be stored away from sunlight in a cool place in dark glass containers.
Always keep out of reach of children, as essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts.
Stay away from Rosemary and Eucalyptus essential oil if you have epilepsy or high blood pressure.
If you use lemon, orange, grapefruit, mandarin, or bergamot it is important to stay out of the sun for 12 hours after application, NO SUN BATHING until the next day.
Babies and children
Newborn = Chamomile Roman, and Chamomile German, Lavender, Mandarin, Dill
2 – 6 Months = Same as above, and Neroli, Tea Tree, Geranium,
7 – 12 months = Same as above, and Palmarosa, Tangerine,
2 – 5 Years = Same as above, and Ginger, Lemon, Grapefruit,
6 – 8 Years = Same as above, and Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Orange
9 – 11 Years = Same as above, and Frankincense,