Aromatherapy is a very interesting subject today, and now due to social media and so much information out there, several companies have started issuing their versions of aromatherapy oils. Not all aromatherapy oils are the same. Please do your own research and search for reputable companies who grow and harvest their plants with high standards. Just like going to the farmers market, some tomatoes are just better than others. With that being said, you need to understand that true 100% aromatherapy essential oils should be stored in dark colored glass bottles, so sunlight will not weaken them, they should be listed as 100% pure with the specific plant name on the bottle. They should not be diluted with anything else and they should not contain any artificial fragrance or chemicals. True essential oils are the concentrated form of the plant. Each plant is different, the soil the plant is grown in may be different, and everything that goes into the plant i.e water, fertilizer, pesticides, chemicals will go into the plant, and then later into the oil after harvest. This is why it is so important to know how the company you use grows, harvests and prepares the oil.
Essential oils are volatile. They are highly concentrated with the vital energy of plants. They are very powerful. You do not need to use very much essential oil when you create your blends. This is why we use a carrier agent. A carrier agent can be an oil, water, lotion or even a powder. You do not want to apply essential oils neat on the skin, (directly on the skin), to do so could cause an irritation or even a burn.
Carrier Oils are Oils are used to dilute the essential oils, they are vegetable oils and here is a list of a few common oils you can use as carriers. Sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, sesame oil, jojoba oil and wheat germ oil.
Here are a few ways you can use essential oils around your house, and in your daily living.
In the Bath - In a full tub of water you can mix in 4 to 10 drops of essential oils into the bath water just before you get in.
Diffusion - You can add 4 to 8 drops of essential oil into a water diffuser to freshen the air.
Massage Oil blend - You can add 4 to 8 drops of essential oil into 4 teaspoons of carrier oil.
Want to relax and have a better nights sleep? You can simply add a few drops of lavender onto a cotton ball and slip it into your pillow case.
Want to make a simple foot powder? You can use 6 drops of essential oil mixed into 2 tablespoons of cornflour.
Spritz Facial spray - 15 drops of essential oil into 2 ounces of distilled water.
Room freshener spray - 50 drops of essential oil into 16 ounces of distilled water.
As you can see with these simple recipes, not much essential oil is needed.
It is also very important that you store your essential oils away from any heat source. Keep them out of reach of pets and small children and remember that they need to only be used in the diluted forms. Always remember your precautions when using essential oils and if you are in doubt of a specific oil and a medication interaction, ask you doctor or pharmacist.
Essential Oils in Aromatherapy
