AromaWeb-Aromatherapy.doc

Aroma Aroma TherapyTherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using

volatile plant oils, including essential oils,

for psychological and physical well-being.

Essential oils which are the pure "essence"

of a plant, have been found to provide

both psychological and physical benefits

when used correctly and safely. There are

many essential oils. The Essential Oil Profiles area details over

90 essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols are also

commonly utilized in aromatherapy. Click on the links to learn

more about them. The term "essential oil" is often used as a

blanket term to also include CO2s and absolutes.

It is important to note that perfume oils also known as

fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential

oils. Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals

and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.

Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term

aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume

oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when

seeking true aromatherapy products.

The Benefit of an "Aroma"Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to

offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does

the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to

trigger a reaction, but the natural constituents (naturally

occurring chemicals) of the essential oil are drawn into the

lungs and can also supply physical benefit. If not done

A selection of aromatherapy

products.

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correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can also

have severe consequences.

The Benefit of Physical ApplicationOils that are applied to the skin are believed to be absorbed

into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are

believed to aid in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene

conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and

concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin

in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin,

"carrier oils" which are pure vegetable oils are used to dilute

the essential oils and "carry" them to the skin. Common carrier

oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed

oil. A more detailed definition of Carrier Oils is found on the

What are Carrier Oils page. A detailed list of carrier oils and

their properties can be found on the Carrier Oils Used in

Aromatherapy properties page.

Other BenefitsEssential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for

instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. You may

recall using "citronella" candles during the summer to keep

mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in

the candles that provides this benefit. Visit the Essential Oil

Uses page for more information on the variety of ways that

you can use essential oils.

Essential Oil BlendsEssential oils may be blended together to provide an especially

pleasing aroma. Oils can be blended together to also provide a

specific therapeutic action. A synergistic essential oil blend of

the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be

greater in total benefit than each oil working independently.

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About Aromatherapy ProductsNot all ready-made aromatherapy products labeled with the

word "aromatherapy" are pure and natural. Products that

contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy

benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit. At best, they

provide only a fraction of the benefit that natural products

supply. Buyers seeking true aromatherapy products must look

at the ingredients within a product to ensure that the product

does not contain fragrance oils or unpure (chemical)

components. A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products

that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of

having pure essential oils (look for products that contain pure

essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have

words like fragrance). A note, however, is that some sellers of

good-quality aromatherapy blends do not list their ingredients

because they are worried that others may copy their creation.

By asking the seller more about the blend, and listening to how

they respond, you should have a better idea about the quality

of the blend being sold. Good suppliers really should be happy

to tell you the ingredients when asked as some people should

avoid particular oils due to health problems.

History of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is derived from two words.

Aroma- meaning fragrance or smell and

Therapy- meaning treatment.

Aromatherapy was used by the most

ancient civilizations and is reputed to be

at least 6000 years old. It is widely

thought that Aromatherapy began in

Egypt. A medical papyri considered to

date back to around 1555 BC contains remedies for all types of

Apothecary drawers filled with bottles of

essential oils.

illnesses and the methods of application are similar to the ones

used in Aromatherapy and Herbal medicine today.

The Egyptians used a method known as infusion ( this process

is described later on) to extract the oils from aromatic plants

and incense was probably one of the earliest ways of using

aromatics. Frankincense was burned at sun rise as an offering

to the sun god, Ra and myrrh was offered to the moon.

The Egyptians were experts at embalming using aromatics to

help preserve flesh. The Egyptians used to be massaged with

fragrant oils after bathing . The Greeks continued the use of

aromatic oils and used them medicinally and cosmetically. A

Greek physician, Pedacius Dioscorides, wrote a book about

herbal medicine and for at least 1200 years as the Western

world's standard medical reference. Many of the remedies he

mentions are still in use today in Aromatherapy.

The Romans took much of their medical knowledge from the

Greeks and went on to use and improve the ability of

aromatics with Rome becoming the bathing capital of the

world. After bathing they would be oiled and massaged. The

Romans started to import new aromatic products from East

India and Arabia through the opening up of trade routes.

During the crusades the knowledge of aromatic oils and

perfumes spread to the Far East and Arabia and it was a

physician called Avicenna who lived from A.D 980 to A.D. 1037

that is understood to have first used the process known as

distillation to distil essence of rose ,although it probably took

many years to perfect the process. (This process will be

described later). The Arabs also discovered how to distil

alcohol around the same time making it possible to produce

perfumes without a heavy oily base.

There is a strong possibility that the ancient Chinese

civilizations were using some form of aromatics at the same

time as the Egyptians. Shen Nung's Herbal book is the oldest

surviving medical book in China which is dated about 2700

B.C. and contains information on over 300 plants. The Chinese

used aromatic herbs and burned aromatic woods and incense

to show respect to God.

Traditional Indian medicine known as ayurveda has been

practiced for more than 3000 years and it incorporates

aromatic massage as one of its main aspects. The invasions of

South America by the conquistadores brought about the

discovery of more medicinal plants and aromatic oils as the

Aztecs were well known for their plant remedies and the

Spanish were amazed at the wealth of medicinal plants found

in Montezuma's botanical gardens.

The North American Indians also used aromatic oils and

produced their own herbal remedies.

It wasn't until the 19th century that scientists in Europe and

Great Britain began researching the effects of essential oils on

bacteria in humans.

A French chemist , Rene Maurice Gattefosse, began his

research into the healing powers of essential oils after burning

his hand in his laboratory and immersing in it in lavender oil

and being impressed by how quickly the burn healed. In 1937

he published a book about the anti -microbial effects of the oils

and coined the word Aromatherapy. He went on to set up a

business producing oils for use in fragrances and cosmetics.

Around the same time another Frenchman, Albert Couvreur,

published a book on the medicinal uses of essential oils.

A French medical doctor , Jean Valnet, discovered Gattefosse's

research and began experimenting with essential oils. Around

the same time, Margaret Maury, a French biochemist

developed a unique method of applying these oils to the skin

with massage. Micheline Arcier, now living in London, studied

and worked with Maury and Valnet and their combined

techniques created a form of Aromatherapy now used all over

the world.

Essential oils are very expensive to produce, some more so

than others, due to the labor intensive process and the

quantity of the plant required to produce the oil,

Approximately 400kg of thyme would produce 1kg of essential

oil , 2000kg of rose petals to make1kg of oil , 6 tonnes of

orange blossom to produce 1kg of neroli , and 4 million

jasmine flowers to produce 1kg of jasmine absolute.

What are Essential Oils?

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally

distilled (most frequently by steam or

water) from the leaves, stems, flowers,

bark, roots, or other elements of a plant.

Essential oils, contrary to the use of the

word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all.

Most essential oils are clear, but some oils

such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass

are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was

derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little

goes a long way.

A wooden box filled with bottles of essential oils.

Essential oils are not the same as perfume or fragrance

oils. Where essential oils are derived from the true plants,

perfume oils are artificially created fragrances or contain

artificial substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits

that essential oils offer. See the What are Fragrance Oils?

article for more information on fragrance oils and why they are

not used in aromatherapy.

The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can

provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic

benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods

including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the

skin.

Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil

(sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then

applying this blend to the skin for absorption. See the What

are Carrier Oils? page for more detailed information about

carrier oils.

Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic

benefit as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed

into the bloodstream.

Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small

bottles. See the Storing Your Oils page for information on how

to store your oils and to view pictures of essential oil bottles.

Essential oils can very greatly in quality and price. Various

factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include

the rarity of the plant, country and conditions that the plant

was grown, quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil

is produced by the plant.

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Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several

essential oils. The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential

oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil

individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over

the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the

blend with other oils.

Is All the Hype About Aromatherapy True?

Are all the claims and is all the hype about holistic aromatherapy true?

This is a question I have received many

times, however the answer does depend

on the claims that you have personally

heard.

So many products, often incorrectly, use

the term aromatherapy on their products.

Some media reporters and vendors even

refer to aromatherapy as a "new

discovery" thus giving a false sense of hype to aromatherapy

and promoting inaccurate information about aromatherapy.

The practice of aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils,

including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-

being. Holistic aromatherapy does not include the use of

fragrance oils or unnatural products. Unfortunately, many

sellers of so-called aromatherapy products just use the term

aromatherapy to sell their pleasant-smelling product and

sometimes even go so far as to "hype" unfounded claims.

Below are a few common questions and answers that will help

clarify what aromatherapy can and can't do.

An array of supplies used in holistic aromatherapy.

Can aromatherapy cure my major illness or psychological problem?

If you expect or hope that aromatherapy will in itself cure a

major illness or actually cure "stress," you will probably be in

for a disappointment. But if you expect that aromatherapy can

help with a physical condition, can help with symptoms, can

effect your mood, or help alleviate or temporarily eliminate

stress or other psychological factors, you may be delighted

with the results that you experience.

For example, aromatherapy will not cure serious illness such

as cancer or AIDS. Aromatherapy, however, can help enhance

a cancer patient's quality of life by enhancing the patient's

mood, calming fear and can help ease nausea during

chemotherapy treatments. For AIDS patients, aromatherapy

can also help enhance the patient's quality of life

psychologically and essential oils can help improve one's

immune system and thus potentially assist an AIDS patient

that way.

Aromatherapy is a complementary alternative health modality.

It's current use is not intended to replace standard medical

care, but is meant to complement it. Aromatherapy can offer

an alternative choice to taking prescription or over-the-counter

chemical drugs. Aromatherapy can offer practical benefit for a

variety of common ailments or symptoms such as assisting

with cuts, wounds, bruises, inflammation, indigestion, acne,

skincare, haircare, hygiene, PMS, menstruation, and for

providing mental and emotional assistance with such issues as

stress, fatigue, anxiety, fear, and the list goes on and on!

The very first aromatherapy blend that I ever attempted to

create and try was for arthritis. I have arthritis in my knees and

it can get extremely painful. I wasn't sure what to expect of

this very first blend that I had made. To my skeptical

amazement, I had relief. The relief did not occur

instantaneously, nor was the relief permanent. Regular use of

the blend, however, did – and still does – help to a large

degree. This story is merely one example of the realistic

results that you may experience by introducing aromatherapy

into your lifestyle. I use the word "may" because everyone is

different and everyone's experiences can vary.

Aromatherapy does have valid and extraordinary uses. It can

improve one's lifestyle tremendously. But, as with anything in

life, sensibility comes into play. Do not fall prey to any claims

that aromatherapy can cure major illnesses or can cause

miracles to happen. Aromatherapy can be play a beneficial

role in assisting with major illnesses, but it cannot be

depended upon as a cure for serious issues.

Why is aromatherapy gaining so much press and exposure now if it's been in practice for thousands of years?

Aspects of aromatherapy has indeed been in existence for

thousands of years. The term aromatherapy, however, was

only introduced earlier in the 20th century. I believe the surge

in awareness of aromatherapy is threefold:

(1) Society today is more health conscious and is now more

receptive to natural alternative health modalities including

aromatherapy. The media has been actively covering the

trends in increased health awareness and alternative

medicine. The media has made a point to include the

aromatherapy "buzzword."

(2) The Internet has made it easier for individuals to access

and share aromatherapy information. This ability to network

has had a positive effect on the growth of aromatherapy and

aromatherapy businesses.

(3) Lifestyles of today are now more hectic and stressful. Since

aromatherapy can assist in reducing the symptoms of stress

and help one energize or relax, society is taking notice. If you

go to many stores that sell any kind of candles, bath or beauty

products, you'll most likely see products labeled with the word

"aromatherapy." In my personal experience, most times I see

the word "aromatherapy" on products not sold by reputable

aromatherapy retailers, the word is used incorrectly. So, the

surge in awareness of aromatherapy is both positive and

negative. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about

aromatherapy and mislabeled products around.

The above comments are not based on fact; they are my

theories to this surge in popularity in aromatherapy.

Some companies claim that for best results, I should use essential oils on my skin at full strength . Others claim I should never use essential oils on my skin at full strength. Which is it?

Essential oils are concentrated liquids and are very powerful

substances. They should not be consumed internally without

personal counsel from a trained aromatherapist and should not

be applied undiluted on the skin because they can be

extremely irritating in full concentration. I speculate that

companies that claim you can use oils undiluted are making

this claim so that you use your oils up faster thus increasing

your need to buy more for them.

If you don't believe that you should not use essential oils

undiluted on the skin, read several books and notice the

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frequent warnings about undiluted usage. Who has more to

gain, the authors of the books that you read and who will not

profit from your oil purchases or the companies that want you

to use up your oils faster so you can purchase more?

Essential Oil Safety Information

Essential oils are highly concentrated

liquids that can be harmful if not used

carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into

your lifestyle shouldn't cause paranoia or

undue worry. By treating essential oils as

medicines and following the steps outlined

below, you will be well on your way to

safely enjoying the many benefits that

aromatherapy can offer.

These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference

for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult

your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy

practitioner.

Essential oils should never be used undiluted on

the skin. There are instances when experienced

aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions

to this precaution, most notably with lavender

(Lavendula officinalis), but only once significant

essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever

attempt to apply an undiluted oil on the skin. Lavender

and tea tree are listed by a large number of

aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used

undiluted. Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree,

however, should only be done on rare occurances as

severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals.

Diluting a very small quantity of essential

oil in carrier oil.

Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any

essential oil undiluted.

Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic

reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil

for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of

skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil

(never use essential oils undiluted on the skin) on the

inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24

hours to see if there is any form of reaction. Even if a

particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation,

this step should not be ignored. Even if an oil does not

irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is

important that you always keep that in mind.

Some essential oils should be avoided during

pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or

with other health conditions.

Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the

smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job

done. If one drop will get the job done, for example,

don't use two drops.

Not all essential oils are suitable for use in

aromatherapy. Wormood, pennyroyal, onion,

camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond

and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should

only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if

ever at all.

Never let children use essential oils without the

presence of an adult knowledgeable about their

use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many

essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are

safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from

children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in

unknowing hands.

Essential oils should not be taken internally.

Essential oils should only be taken internally after

receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from

a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out

of the way of fire hazards.

Essential Oil Uses

Introducing essential oils into your lifestyle

can be quite easy, fun, and therapeutically

beneficial. Below are a few ways in which

you can get started. These methods are

intended as guidelines only, and you do

need to pay special attention to all safety

pre cautions applicable for each oil that

you choose. It is also important to

remember that essential oils are flammable.

Easy Inhalation - Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a

tissue. Place the tissue near your nose and inhale.

When trying an oil for the first time, use only one drop

to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity or reaction

to the oil.

Steam Inhalation - Boil 2 cups of water. Pour the

water into a bowl and add 3-7 drops of oil to the water.

Use fewer drops if you are using an oil that may cause

irritation to your mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon,

eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.). Place

your nose about 12" away from the bowl and inhale.

Don't inhale the steam constantly and if you notice any

irritation or discomfort, stop immediately. Steam

inhalation can help with colds and influenza. Use of

energizing or relaxing oils can also make this method

useful any time of day or night.

Room Freshening - Use the steam inhalation method

noted above but don't directly inhale into the bowl. Use

up to 10 drops of oil. Use fewer drops if you are using

an oil that may cause sensitization. Other methods

An array of items used in aromatherapy.

including use of an aromatherapy diffuser or lamp scent

ring available through many aromatherapy companies.

General Household Freshening - Add a few drops of

oil to your trash can, laundry wash, drain, vacuum bag

filter, or on a tissue for placement in your drawers.

Bug Repellent - Many essential oils including

citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural

repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops of

essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near

your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be

sure to read all safety data on the oils you use as some

oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Be careful

not to apply the essential oil directly onto fragile

surfaces.

Massage - Add up to 20 drops of essential oil to 1

ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil and massage

onto yourself or partner. Keep away from eyes and

genital areas. Do not apply essential oils to the skin

without first diluting them. Be sure to also read the

safety data for the essential oils you choose to use.

Bath - Add 5-7 drops essential oil to 1 ounce carrier oil.

Add this blend to your running bath water and mix well

before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety

data for the essential oils you choose to use.

Other Uses

Essential oils can be used in making homemade lotions, facial

toners, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, shower gels, and other

natural products. Additionally, essential oils are often blended

for their therapeutic synergistic abilities.

Aromatherapy Tips for Beginners

Many of these suggestions are mentioned

throughout AromaWeb, but they are also

included below as a quick-reference:

DON'T: Don't buy perfume oils thinking

they are the same thing as essential oils.

Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic

benefits of essential oils. Even if you only

intend on using aromatherapy in your

lifestyle for the sheer enjoyment of the aroma, essential oils

that are breathed in can offer therapeutic benefits. These

benefits do not occur with the use of perfume oils.

DON'T: Don't buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper

tops. Essential oils are very concentrated and will turn the

rubber to a gum thus ruining the oil.

DO: Read as much as you can on Aromatherapy. It is very

easy to get started with Aromatherapy, but there are safety

issues that you need to be aware of. AromaWeb does offer

safety tips and information to help you on your way, but you

are wise to read even further on the important subject of

essential oil safety. Visit the Book Shelf for book descriptions

on over 12 popular aromatherapy books.

DO: Be selective of where you purchase your essential oils.

The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to

company. Additionally, some companies may falsely claim that

their oils are undiluted or pure when they aren't.

DO: Learn to compare apples to apples when shopping for oils.

Anise, Lavender, Bay, Cedarwood, and Eucalyptus are

examples of the common names of plants used to create

essential oils. There, however, are different varieties of each of

Aromatherapy blending items

including disposable pipettes and droppers.

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these plants. To differential these varieties, the botanical name

(also referred to as the Latin name) is used to tell them apart.

For instance, two different oils are referred to as "Bay essential

oil," yet they come from two different plants. The properties

and aroma of each oil do differ as does the general cost

between the two. It, therefore, is important to pay attention to

the botanical name. In the case of Bay, the common botanical

names for the two oils used in this example are Pimenta

racemosa and Laurus nobilis.

DO: It is also helpful to note the country of origin for the oil.

Most good essential oil sellers will readily supply the botanical

names and country of origin for the oils that they sell. When

comparing one company's oils with another's, also pay

attention to if either company's oils are organic, wild-crafted or

ethically farmed.

DON'T: It is wise not to purchase oils from vendors at street

fairs, craft shows, or other limited-time events. Some vendors

know beginners have no recourse against them later. This is

not to say that there are not highly reputable sellers at such

events, but this is a caution for beginners who are not able to

reliably judge quality.

DO: Purchasing oils from reputable mail-order companies may

result in obtaining higher quality oils at less expense than

purchasing oils from a generic local health food establishment.

Again, there is a wide variance in the quality of oils from

company to company and store to store. Although AromaWeb

does not make an endorsement of any establishment, the

Business Plaza's Vendor Pavilion lists a variety of companies

that sell essential oils and aromatherapy products.

http://www.aromaweb.com/plaza/vendors.asp

DO: Store your oils in dark glass (amber or cobalt blue) and in

a cool, dark place. I have two wooden hinged boxes that I store

some of my oils in. Unfinished wooden boxes may be

purchased at craft stores. These boxes allow me to move my

oils from different areas of the house easily. Wooden floppy

disk holders can also serve this purpose well.

DO: Pay special attention to all safety information on all

essential oils that you use. This is even more important if you

have any medical condition or are pregnant.

DO: Last but not least, do enjoy introducing aromatherapy into your lifestyle!

Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Diffusers

Diffusion is the process of dispersing

essential oils so that their aroma fills a

room or an area with the natural

fragrance. From the simple to the

elaborate, many different methods exist

for diffusing oils into a room. Three easy

methods exist which can be done with

things you probably already have in your household. In

addition, there are numerous diffusers and diffusing devices

available for purchase from aromatherapy vendors. This article

will detail the different types of devices and methods that may

be used. For blends that you can try once you have your

diffuser, be sure to visit the Diffuser Blends page.

Methods That Can Be Done With Items Already in Your Household

Simple Tissue Diffusion

A variety of diffusers.

http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/rdiffuse.asp

Place 3-4 drops of essential oil on a tissue. Place the

tissue near you. As movement occurs in the room (i.e.

as you move or as someone walks by), you will notice

the aroma.

Advantages:

This method can be used anywhere and is quickly

transportable.

Disadvantages:

This method does not emit much aroma into a room.

Steam Diffusion

Boil 2 cups of water. Pour the water into a bowl and add

up to 10 drops of oil to the water. Use fewer drops if

you are using an oil that may cause irritation to your

mucous membranes (i.e. cinnamon, eucalyptus,

rosemary, pine, thyme, cajuput, etc.). Use of energizing

or relaxing oils can make this method useful any time

of day or night. The steam will heat the oils and cause

them to evaporate quickly into the room.

Advantages: This method will quickly diffuse the oils

into a room.

Disadvantages: The aroma is not exceptionally long-

lasting. Additionally, the heat may alter or destroy

certain constituents of the oils and thus the therapeutic

benefit may not be as optimal as using cold-air diffusion

methods.

Candle Diffusion

Light a candle and allow it to burn for about 5 minutes.

Extinguish the candle, place 1 drop of essential oil in

the melted wax (not on the wick!) and then relight the

candle. Essential oils are highly flammable, so great

care must be used.

Advantages: This method can be used most anywhere

that a candle may be used.

Disadvantages: Essential oils are flammable, so great

care must be used. The aroma is not long-lasting. The

heat may alter or destroy certain constituents of the

oils and thus the therapeutic benefit may not be as

optimal as using cold-air diffusion methods.

Diffusers and Diffusion Products on the Market

The descriptions below are generalities about the different

products that are available. Always check the specifications,

requirements and safety comments supplied with the

particular product you are interested to confirm that it is

suitable for your needs and expectations.

Lamp Rings

Lamp rings are a terra-cotta ring that sets directly onto

a light bulb. It has a grooved lip that goes all the way

around it. This lip holds essential oil. The heat from a

light bulb heats the essential oil in the Lamp Ring and

the oil is then gently diffused into the room.

Advantages: Lamp Rings are usually very inexpensive.

Disadvantages: If any essential oil gets onto the light

bulb, the light bulb could break. The heat may alter or

destroy certain constituents of the oils and thus the

therapeutic benefit may not be as optimal as using

cold-air diffusion methods.

Clay Pot Diffusers

Clay pot diffusers go by many names, but they

resemble small terra-cotta pots. They also can be found

in various small shapes such as pyramids. A clay pot

diffuser contains an opening for adding essential oils.

Usually a cork is the method by which the opening is

closed. The oils permeate through the pot and then

diffuse out into the room. The intensity of the aroma

depends on how much essential oil is added to the clay

pot.

Advantages: Clay pot diffusers are very inexpensive,

easy to use, and do not require electricity or batteries.

Disadvantages: The aroma is strongest shortly after

adding essential oil to the clay pot and then dissipates

as time passes. As such, it’s hard to keep the same

level of aroma in the room.

Candle Diffusers

A candle diffuser is a diffuser that utilizes a tea light or

other candle to gently heat the essential oil to promote

diffusion into a room. A candle diffuser is usually

ceramic or metal. The diffuser has an opening or space

for a candle and a little bowl or tray for storing a tiny

quantity of essential oil. Candle diffusers come in many

shapes and colors from the modest functional piece to

the piece that acts both as a work of art and as a

candle diffuser.

Advantages: Candle diffusers can be inexpensive,

depending on the style and design. Candle diffusers do

not require electricity or batteries.

Disadvantages: One needs to be as careful with using

a candle diffuser as with using candles in general. Also,

one must be sure to keep replacement candles on

hand. The aroma generally diffused by a candle diffuser

is very light and it does not usually diffuse an entire

room. The heat may alter or destroy certain

constituents of the oils and thus the therapeutic benefit

may not be as optimal as using cold-air diffusion

methods.

Fan Diffusers

Fan diffusers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and

styles. A fan diffuser uses a fan to blow the essential

oils into the air. To use a fan diffuser, essential oils are

usually placed onto a disposable absorbent pad or into

a tray. The pad or tray is placed into the unit and then

powered on. The fan then blows air across this pad or

tray and carries the aroma throughout the room. Since

fan diffusers come in a variety of sizes, some fan

diffusers will only diffuse a small room whereas others

can diffuse very large areas. Some fan diffusers require

the use of an absorbent pad (the pads can usually be

reordered from the retailer or directly from the

manufacturer). In others, the use of absorbent pads is

optional.

Advantages: Fan diffusers are available in a wide

variety of brands and styles. Depending on the brand

and model, fan diffusers can fragrance a large area. Fan

diffusers are generally easy to use. Some fan diffusers

are powered by both electricity and batteries making

them quite portable.

Disadvantages: Some fan diffusers, depending on the

brand and model, require the purchase of replacement

absorbent pads. Some fan diffusers are noisy.

Electric Heat Diffusers

Similar to a fan diffuser, heat diffusers use heat and a

fan to gently heat the oil and disperse the aroma into a

room.

Advantages: Electric heat diffusers may fragrance

larger areas, depending on the brand and style. They

can also help to more efficiently disperse the aromas of

thicker oils such as Sandalwood and Patchouli.

Disadvantages: Heat may alter or destroy certain

constituents of the oils and thus the therapeutic benefit

may not be as optimal as using cold-air diffusion

methods.

Nebulizers

A nebulizer is a device that takes essential oils and

breaks them into separate molecules before dispersing

the smaller molecules into the room. It is said that

these smaller molecules can be more readily absorbed

by the lungs and thus create greater therapeutic value

than by use of other diffusion methods. A nebulizer is a

small (perhaps 8" x 4" x 6") device that consists of two

main parts: the plastic base that contains the motor

and a very unusual, clear blown-glass looking device

that holds and "nebulizes" the oils. Instead of the use of

the unusual glass piece, some nebulizers use a special

bottle that looks like a Boston round bottle.

Advantages: It is said that nebulizers can supply

greater therapeutic benefit than the use of other

diffusers because they break the oils down into smaller

molecules.

Disadvantages: The glass piece is breakable and

expensive to replace. Compared to other methods,

cleaning the glass between different oils is time

consuming. Depending on the style nebulizer, thick oils

such as Sandalwood and Patchouli usually cannot be

used as they can clog certain style nebulizers.

For Those Who Own a Food Dehydrator

I do not recommend purchasing a food dehydrator for diffusion

purposes as it is a little bulky and cumbersome for this

purpose. If, however, you already own a food dehydrator, you

may have nice results in using it as an alternative to diffusing

EOs. Excalibur, makers of high-end food dehydrators, say that

you can dry evergreen branches directly in the machine to

experience the aroma. They also mention that you can place a

wet sponge with a few drops of oil on it (they say vanilla

extract, but this should work with EOs) into the dehydrator. It

goes without saying, however, that you should follow all safety

precautions and instructions for your dehydrator model and

only leave your dehydrator running for this purpose for a short

period of time.

Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends

Below are 17 blends that can be used in a diffuser. Create any

of the blends (most are in batches of 10 or 20 drops) by adding

the proper amount of essential oils to a dark-colored glass

bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created

blend to your diffuser following the manufacturer’s

instructions.

Remember...be sure and familiarize yourself using reputable

sources for the safety and contraindications of all oils you

choose to use! Make the smallest possible blend first to make

sure you like the blend before doubling, tripling, etc. the

recipe. Please remember that thicker oils (vetivert, pachouli,

oakmoss, sandalwood, benzoin) must be carefully used in

nebulizing diffusers; check the instructions that come with

your diffuser for specific information.

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/diffu.asp

http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/gen29.htm

Please be responsible to find out the specific safety

precautions and contraindications of the oils in the blends you

choose to use.

Please note that these are posted for personal olefactory

enjoyment and are not organized for any specific therapeutic

or psychological benefit.

Blend 1

1 drop Jasmine

5 drops Lime

3 drops Sweet Orange

1 drop Cinnamon

Blend 2

12 drops Patchouli

5 drops Vanilla

2 drops Linden Blossom

1 drop Neroli

Blend 3

1 drop Jasmine

3 drops Sandalwood

4 drops Bergamot

2 drops Grapefruit

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/grapefruit.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/bergamot.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/sandalwood.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/jasmine.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/neroli.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/lindenblossom.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/vanilla.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/patchouli.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/cinnamon.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/sweetorange.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/lime.asp


Blend 4

10 drops Lime

7 drops Bergamot

2 drops Ylang Ylang

1 drop Rose

Blend 5

4 drops Bergamot

2 drops Lemon

2 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Ylang Ylang

Blend 6

5 drops Spruce

3 drops Cedar (Virginian)

2 drops Lavender

Blend 7

4 drops Rosewood

5 drops Lavender

1 drop Ylang Ylang

Blend 8

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/ylangylang.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/lavender.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/rosewood.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/virginiancedarwood.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/spruce.asp



http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/lemon.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/rose.asp




5 drops Rosemary

1 drop Peppermint

3 drops Lavender

1 drop Roman Chamomile

Blend 9

6 drops Bergamot

11 drops Lemon

3 drops Spearmint

Blend 10

5 drops Bergamot

4 drops Lavender

1 drop Cypress

Blend 11

5 drops Spearmint

5 drops Lavender


Blend 12

5 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Rose





http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/spearmint.asp






http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/romanchamomile.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/peppermint.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/rosemary.asp

2 drops Lemon

2 drops Scotch Pine

Blend 13

1 drop Jasmine


3 drops Patchouli

Blend 14

4 drops Ylang Yalng

4 drops Clary Sage

2 drops Bergamot

Blend 15


2 drops Vanilla

1 drop Ylang Ylang

Blend 16

6 drops Juniper


1 drop Cinnamon

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/cinnamon.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/juniperberry.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/vanilla.asp



http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/clarysage.asp





http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/scotchpine.asp


Blend 17

9 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Neroli

Oils for Emotional Well-Being

For an introduction to using essential oils to aid the emotions, please visit AromaWeb's Aromatherapy for Emotional Well-Being article. Additionally, AromaWeb's Recipe Box area contains a variety of recipes and synergies for aiding the emotions.

Anger

Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain,

Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

Anxiety

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium,

Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile,

Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Confidence

Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange,

Rosemary

Depression

Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit,


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/geranium.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/frankincense.asp







http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/cypress.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/baylaurel.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/vetiver.asp






http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/mandarin.asp





http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/atlascedarwood.asp






http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/petitgrain.asp






http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/default.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/emotionalwellbeing.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/emotionalwellbeing.asp



Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli,

Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout

Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress,

Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine,

Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood,

Vetiver

Fear

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit,

Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile

Sandalwood, Vetiver

Grief

Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose,

Sandalwood, Vetiver

Happiness and Peace

Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon,

Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Insecurity

Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood,

Vetiver





















http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/helichrysum.asp
























http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/ginger.asp




http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/blackpepper.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/basil.asp












Irritability

Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood

Loneliness

Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman

Chamomile, Rose

Memory and Concentration Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint,

Rosemary

Panic and Panic Attacks

Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose

Stress

Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium,

Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli,

Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang

Blends to Combat Anger

The below blends may help bring calm during times of anger.

When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety

precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be

used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.


















http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/benzoin.asp









http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/hyssop.asp
















Blend #1

1 drop Rose

3 drops Orange

1 drop Vetiver

Blend #2

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Ylang Ylang

1 drop Jasmine

Blend #3

1 drop Roman Chamomile

2 drops Bergamot

2 drops Orange

Blend #4

3 drops Orange

2 drops Patchouli

Directions: Select one of the blends shown above. Then,

choose which method you'd like to use the blend and

follow the directions below:

Diffuser Blend: Multiply your blend by 4 to obtain a total of 20 drops of your

chosen blend. Add your oils to a dark colored glass bottle and

mix well by rollling the bottle in between your hands. Add the

appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your

diffuser by following the manufacturer’s instructions.












Bath Oil: Multiply your blend by 3 to obtain a total of 15 drops of your

chosen blend. Continue by using the 15 drop blend in the Bath

Oil recipe.

Bath Salts: Continue by using the 5 drop blend in the Bath Salts recipe.

Massage Oil:Multiply your blend by 2 to obtain a total of 10 drops of your

chosen blend. Continue by using the 10 drop blend in the

Massage Oil recipe.

Air Freshener: Multiply your blend by 6 to obtain a total of 30 drops of your

chosen blend. Continue by using the 30 drop blend in the Air

Freshener recipe.

Blends to Combat Anxiety

The below blends may help during times of anxiety. When

selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions

and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a

substitute for proper medical treatment.


http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/rafresh.asp



http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/massageoil.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/bathsalts.asp


http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/rbath.asp



Blend #1

2 drops Bergamot

2 drops Clary Sage

1 drop Frankincense

Blend #2

3 drops Sandalwood

2 drops Bergamot

Blend #3

3 drops Lavender

2 drops Clary Sage

Blend #4

1 drop Rose

1 drop Lavender

2 drops Mandarin

1 drop Vetiver






















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Bath Oil

Ingredients:

2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond

20 drops lavender or 15-20 drops of your own blend of

essential oils (be sure they are EOs that do not provide

skin sensitization)

Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or

cobalt glass bottle. Do not use all 2 ounces of bath oil in one

bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4

ounce (7-8ml) of the bath oil blend to your bath water. If you

intend to use this bath oil with children, ensure that the oils

that you have selected are safe for administration to children













and use a smaller amount of the blend in the child's

bathwater.

Mix well to ensure that the blend has dispersed well in the tub

and hop on in. It's best to add the bath oil just before getting in

the tub instead of while the water is running so that the oils

don't evaporate before you get into the tub. Using this bath oil

blend is safer than adding pure EOs directly to the bath water.

This is because the EOs can settle in one spot on your skin and

cause irritation.

Bath Salt Recipes

Ingredients:

1 cup Dead Sea salt, regular sea salt or Epsom salt, or a

blend of two or three of these salts.

5-8 drops of your selected essential oil or essential oil

blend. Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the

oil(s) you choose to use.

Directions: Place the salt mixture into a bowl. Add 5-8 drops

of your chosen essential oils. Mix very well with a fork. Add the

mixture to a pretty jar or container that has a tight fitting lid.

After a day, you may wish to mix well again to ensure that the

oils have blended very well. Do not use the entire cup of salt in

one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4

cup (about 2 ounces) of the bath salt to your bath water.

Mix well to ensure that the salt has dispersed well in the tub

and hop on in. It's best to add the bath salts just before getting

in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the

essential oils don't evaporate before you get into the tub.

Using this bath salt blend is safer than adding pure EOs

directly to the bath water and adds minerals and other

beneficial properties of the salts.

Blends to Help Increase Confidence

The below blends may help enhance your confidence. When




Blend #1

2 drops Bay Laurel

3 drops Bergamot

Blend #2

3 drops Orange

2 drops Rosemary

Blend #3

4 drops Bergamot

1 drop Jasmine

Blend #4

3 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Cypress











http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/baylaurel.asp









Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.











Calming/Relaxing Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:

1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond

10 drops Roman Chamomile

5 drops Lavender

Directions: Mix the oils well and add to a clean, air-tight dark

glass container. Massage gently into the feet of the individual

who requires increased calm. Giving yourself a foot massage

with this relaxing oil is also delightful. Roman Chamomile has a

strong sedative effect, so do not plan to drive or concentrate

after using this blend.

If you prefer to make a diffuser blend, make a blend with a

ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Lavender and add

to your diffuser.

Blends to Help with Depression

The below blends can help during times of anxiety. When




Blend #1

1 drop Rose

3 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Orange

Blend #2








3 drops Bergamot

2 drops Clary Sage

Blend #3

1 drop Lavender

1 drop Ylang Ylang

3 drops Grapefruit

Blend #4

2 drops Frankincense

1 drop Lemon

drops Jasmine or Neroli











Oil recipe.


















Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Energizing Blends

The below blends can help energize and stimulate you when

you are fatigued. When selecting and using oils, be sure to

follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy

should not be used as a substitute for proper medical

treatment.

Blend #1

2 drops Basil

1 drop Cypress

2 drops Grapefruit

Blend #2

3 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Ginger

Blend #3

2 drops Rosemary

3 drops Bergamot

Blend #4














2 drops Peppermint

1 drop Frankincense

2 drops Lemon











Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.













Freshener recipe.

Blends to Ease Fear

The below blends can help during times of fear. When




Blend #1 - Suited for Times When You Also Need to Be Energized

3 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Bergamot

Blend #2 - Suitable for Times When You Need To Be Relaxed and Calm

2 drops Clary Sage


1 drop Vetiver

Blend #3

3 drops Sandalwood

2 drops Orange

Blend #4

2 drops Jasmine or 2 drops Neroli
















1 drop Clary Sage











Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.












Blends to Help Cope with Grief

The below blends can help during times of grief. Rose is noted

to be especially helpful during times of grief, so you will notice

that it is an ingredient in all of the below blends. When




Blend #1

2 drops Rose

3 drops Sandalwood

Blend #2

2 drops Rose

3 drops Cypress

Blend #3

1 drop Neroli

1 drop Rose

3 drops Sandalwood

Blend #4

1 drop Rose

1 drop Helichrysum

1 drop Cypress
























Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Blends to Enhance Happiness

The below blends can help enhance happiness, joy and peace.

Citrus oils are a wonderful choice when seeking a pleasant,

happy environment, and they are inexpensive. When selecting











and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and

remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a


Blend #1

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Ylang Ylang

1 drop Grapefruit

Blend #2

1 drop Geranium


2 drops Orange

Blend #3

2 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Rose

2 drops Bergamot

Blend #4

2 drops Lemon, Orange or Bergamot

2 drops Grapefruit

1 drop Ylang Ylang, Rose or Neroli



























Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:


5 drops Clary Sage

5 drops Bergamot

Directions: Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass

bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow to

aid you in falling asleep.














If you prefer to make a diffuser blend that you enjoy during the

hour before bedtime, make a blend with a ratio of 2 drops

Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Clary Sage to 1 drop Bergamot

and add to your diffuser.

Lavender can also help provide relaxation and drowsiness, but

using more than 1-2 drops can have the opposite effect.

Blends to Reduce Irritability

The below blends can help reduce irritability. When selecting




Blend #1

3 drops Mandarin

2 drops Lavender

Blend #2

2 drops Lavender

1 drop Neroli


Blend #3

1 drop Neroli

4 drops Sandalwood

Blend #4

2 drops Mandarin

3 drops Sandalwood











Blend #5


2 drops Mandarin











Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.













Blends to Ease Loneliness

The below blends can help during times of loneliness. When




Blend #1

1 drop Rose


2 drops Bergamot

Blend #2

2 drops Bergamot

3 drops Clary Sage

Blend #3

3 drops Bergamot


Blend #4


3 drops Clary Sage





















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.











Blends to Blends to Enhance Memory and Concentration

The below blends can help enhance memory recollections,

memory retention, and help concentrate. When selecting and

using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and



Blend #1

3 drops Rosemary

2 drops Lemon

Blend #2

4 drops Cypress

1 drops Peppermint

Blend #3

1 drop Basil

2 drops Rosemary

2 drops Cypress

Blend #4

3 drops Lemon

2 drops Hyssop

Blend #5

2 drops Peppermint

3 drops Lemon



http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/hyssop.asp




















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.











Blends to Ease Feelings of Panic and Panic Attacks

The below blends can help during times of panic. When




Blend #1

2 drops Helichrysum


Blend #2

1 drop Rose

4 drops Lavender

Blend #3

1 drop Neroli

4 drops Lavender

Blend #4

1 drops Rose





















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Blends to Aid Self Confidence and Insecurity

The below blends can help alleviate feelings of insecurity and

help enhance self confidence. When selecting and using oils,

be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that

aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper

medical treatment.












Blend #1

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Jasmine

1 drop Vetiver

Blend #2

2 drops Cedarwood

1 drop Bergamot

1 drop Frankincence

Blend #3

4 drops Sandalwood

1 drop Jasmine

Blend #4

2 drops Frankincence

3 drops Sandalwood





















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Stress Relieving Blends

The below blends can help during times of stress. When




Blend #1

3 drops Clary Sage

1 drop Lemon

1 drop Lavender

Blend #2

















2 drops Lavender

1 drop Vetiver

Blend #3

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Geranium

1 drop Frankincense

Blend #4

3 drops Grapefruit

1 drop Jasmine

1 drop Ylang Ylang











Oil recipe.

















Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Blends to Ease the Winter Blues

Lack of greenery, gray skies, a snow-covered world, reduced

activity and the cold temperatures of winter can all lead to

what is known as the "Winter Blues." The Winter Blues involve

feelings of sadness, depression and loss of energy. The below

blends can help ease the symptoms of the winter blues. Citrus

oils are emphasized because they are energizing and uplifting

oils. Orange, lemon and grapefruit oils are inexpensive

(especially orange) and are also favored by many people, so

your whole household may enjoy the aroma. When selecting




Blend #1

3 drops Orange

2 drops Grapefruit

Blend #2

4 drops Orange

1 drop Ylang Ylang











Blend #3

3 drops Orange

2 drops Ginger

Blend #4

3 drops Grapefruit

2 drops Cypress

Blend #5

3 drops Bergamot

2 drops Clary Sage

Blend #6

3 drops Bergamot

1 drop Neroli

1 drop Jasmine





















Oil recipe.




Massage Oil recipe.



Freshener recipe.

Arthritic Joints Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:

2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond


5 drops Black Pepper

Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight

dark-colored glass container. Gently massage into arthritic

joints using a small amount of oil.

Balm for Cuts and Scrapes

Ingredients:













3 ounces vegetable carrier oil such as sweet almond oil

or infused oil such as calendula (infused oil of calendula

can supply added therapeutic benefit).

1 ounce grated beeswax (Many herbal stores and

health food stores sell pure beeswax.)

40 drops lavender oil

40 drops tea tree oil

4 ounce wide-mouth jar

Directions: Place the beeswax in a microwave safe bowl and

melt in the microwave using a reduced power setting if you

have one. You can also melt the beeswax in a pan on the stove

using a low heat setting. Beeswax is hard to remove from

pans, so please keep that in mind. In a separate pan, slowly

and gently heat your carrier or infused oil. Pour the warm

carrier or infused oil into a bowl, add the melted beeswax and

then stir very well. Add the lavender and tea tree essential oils

and again stir well. Close the jar and wait until the ointment

has cooled before using. Remember that all bowl, pans and

utilensils that you use will be hard to clean afterwards.

Boo Boo Juice Recipe

Introduction:

Sometimes our little ones get a boo boo, and the fear from

their injury is far greater than the boo boo itself. For these

times when your little precious one is crying hard but the boo

boo is minor, have him/her help you make this easy recipe. It

gets them involved in learning first aid, helps take their mind

off the boo boo, and the lavender blend helps calm them and

kill a few germs. Note: This recipe isn't intended for serious

cuts/scrapes or injuries.

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/teatree.asp


Ingredients:

1 Cotton Ball

Witch Hazel - enough to saturate the cotton ball

1-2 drops Lavender

Directions: Depending on the age and abilities of your little

one, have him/her help you by saturating a cotton ball with

witch hazel. Then, apply one drop of lavender to the saturated

cotton ball. Have your little one smell the "boo boo juice."

Since lavender helps bring calm, the aroma can be soothing.

Then, apply the boo boo juice to the minor cut/scrape or allow

your little one to take charge and do it. Apply a band aid if

necessary.

Alternative Method: If you prefer, you can create a pre-

blended bottle of boo-boo juice to have ready for those minor

cuts and scrapes. Add 1 ounce of witch hazel to a clean glass

bottle. Then, add 5-6 drops of lavender. Be sure to shake well

prior to each use. I prefered to use the directions above when

my daughter got little cuts and scrapes, as the process of

"making" the boo boo juice really helped take her mind off of

her injury.


Aromatherapy Blend for Bruises

Ingredients:

1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil

8 drops Helichrysum

Directions: Mix the Helichrysum into the carrier oil well. Apply

lightly to bruises 1-2 times a day.

Menstrual Cramps Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:


15 drops Peppermint

10 drops Cypress

5 drops Lavender

Directions: Mix oils well in a clean, dark-colored glass

container. Gently message a small amount into the abdominal

area.

Stuffy Nose Aromatherapy Blend

Ingredients:

15 drops Eucalyptus

13 drops Pine

2 drops Peppermint

Directions: Blend the oils together in a clean dark-colored

glass container, preferably one with an orifice reducer (a built-


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/scotchpine.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/eucalyptus.asp







in dropper insert). Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale

occassionally to help clear a stuffy nose.

Massage Oil Blend

Ingredients:

8-10 drops of your choice of essential oil or you own

blend of essential oils (be sure they are EOs that do not

provide skin sensitization)


Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or

cobalt glass bottle. Apply during massage, being careful to

avoid sensitive areas.

Disclaimer: This blend assumes that you know how to safely

give a massage.

Air Freshener

Ingredients:

4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not

use a bottle that previously contained cleaning

products or hair products such as hair spray).

30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil or essential oil

blend keeping the safety data of the chosen essential

oil(s) in mind

1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-

proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not)

or 3 ounces of distilled water.

Example blends of essential oils that may be used:


20 drops lime

14 drops bergamot

4 drops ylang ylang

2 drops rose

15 drops clary sage

9 drops lemon

6 drops lavende

20 drops rosemary

8 drops grapefruit

4 drops peppermint

2 drops spearmint (optional)

15 drops bergamot

15 drops spearmint

Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you

choose to use since an air freshener, by its nature, will come in

contact with all those in your household.

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5

ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 4 ounces

of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested,

leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well

between uses.) Then, add 30-40 drops of essential oil.

Essential oils can very in strength. You may want to try 20

drops at first especially if you live in a household with someone

who is sensitive to strong aromas. Shake the bottle prior to

each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a

conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change

after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the

room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist

fall onto furniture or into open beverages.














Acne Blend

Ingredients:

1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as

apricot kernel).

10 drops lavender essential oil

7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka)

essential oil

2 drops bergamot essential oil*

1 drops geranium essential oil

or without bergamot:

1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as

apricot kernel).

12 drops lavender essential oil

7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka)

essential oil

1 drops geranium essential oil

Special Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least

12 hours after applying this oil since bergamot is a phototoxic

oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get

called "bergaptene free" that eliminates the phototoxic

properties of the oil.

Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean

bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the essential oils and

tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for

a minute or two. Apply a small amount to the face, neck or

back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside

the ears. Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the

essential oils are properly mixed.


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/newzealandteatree.asp





http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/newzealandteatree.asp



Dry Hand Lotion

Ingredients:

8 oz. unscented lotion (many sellers of natural products

and aromatherapy products sell unscented lotion,

shower gel and shampoo)

10 drops Patchouli

20 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Carrot Seed

Directions: The best way to blend the oils with the lotion is to

pour the lotion into a bowl, add the oils and then mix very well.

Once mixed, add the lotion back to the bottle. Patchouli,

sandalwood and carrot seed oils help aid with dry skin. The

patchouli and sandalwood oils have a lovely rich scent when

blended together. The carrot seed oil is wonderful for the skin,

but is a little harsh in aroma. Borage and Evening Primrose are

wonderful carrier oils for helping the skin. If you have either of

these oils or can afford to get a small quantity, add a little to

your lotion for to give your skin even more nourishment. It is

always wise to do a skin patch test first on new blends first

before using often to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity

to the blend.


http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/carrotseed.asp



Facial Toner

Ingredients:

1 oz. vodka

3 oz. witch hazel

10 drops Grapefruit

5 drops Tea Tree

5 drops Cypress

Directions: Add all ingredients to a 4 oz. bottle and shake to

mix all ingredients. Be careful when adding the essential oils.

The first time you make this recipe, add only 10 drops at a

time and test on a small area of your skin to insure no reaction

before adding more oils to reach your desired strength. Shake

the toner well before each use to disperse the oils.

Hair Conditioner

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Jojoba carrier oil

3 drops Rosemary

Directions: Mix the Jojoba and Rosemary in a small bowl (tiny

condiment bowls work great for this). Wet your hair with warm

water and then apply the conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for

15-30 minutes. Then, wash your hair as normal. Jojoba and

rosemary are helpful for dry hair. The rosemary is also said to

be helpful in aiding dandruff.



Shower Gel

Ingredients:

4 ounces unscented shower gel (many sellers of natural

products and aromatherapy products sell unscented

shower gel, lotion and shampoo)

40 drops of lavender or your favorite essential oils (be

sure that the oils that you choose to use are gentle to

the skin, and always do a skin patch test first).

Directions: Add the essential oils to the 4 ounce bottle of

unscented shower gel and mix extremely well. You do not want

to have pockets in the shower gel where the oils collect as the

concentration of essential oils could cause skin irritation and

also because your gel will not be fragranced thoroughly. Use

as you would any shower gel.

Mouthwash

Ingredients:

4 oz. Water

4 oz. Vodka (vodka may be substituted for water or a

pure rosemary tea infusion)

4 teaspoons Liquid Glycerine (available at many drug

stores) - optional and simply sweetens the mouthwash

10-12 drops Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil

5 drops Myrrh (optional - Myrrh can assist in mouth and

gum care)

http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsgo/myrrh.asp



http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp


Notes: This recipe makes a rather minty mouthwash but as it

contains no added flavorings, it is not as sweet or strong as

commercially available mouthwashes.

Directions: Boil the water and vodka then add the glycerine.

Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Add the

essential oils and let cool for 1/2 hour and bottle. I like to bottle

the mouthwash in a clear plastic bottle that has a flip top to

make it easy to pour the mouthwash into a small dixie cup for

use.

What are Resins?

When some trees are injured, they

produce a thick, sometimes solid, sticky

substance called a resin. Benzoin (Styrax

benzoin) is an example of a resin. In

production, the trees will be cut in many

spots to encourage the tree to produce its

resin.

Natural resins provide therapeutic benefit,

but are hard to work with in aromatherapy because they are

extremely thick and sticky. You will find liquid resins that have

been extracted by solvent or alcohol extraction.

This herb box was made by American Indians from an old

cedar log.



What are Absolutes?

Like their essential oil counterparts,

absolutes are highly aromatic liquids

extracted from plants. Absolutes,

however, are extracted in a complex

manner that requires the use of chemical

solvents that are later removed during the

final stages of production.

Sometimes, the hot steam or water used to distill an essential

oil does not extract much natural oil from the plant or harms

the precious natural oil. The solvent extraction methods are

often used in these cases.

As a rule, absolutes are more concentrated than their essential

oil cousins. Where it is true that a little essential oil goes a long

way, a little absolute goes an even longer way.

A very trace amount of solvent can remain in the final

absolute. This indeed is a disadvantage to using absolutes as

aromatherapy focuses on the use of pure and natural plant

matter. Although the amount of remaining solvent is minimal,

absolutes are used in true aromatherapy with care, respect

and knowledge. Essential oils should never be taken internally

by anyone that is not trained, educated and experienced at

doing so. Absolutes should never be taken internally by

anyone because of that small amount of trace solvent that

may remain.

A cobalt glass bottle holding an absolute.

What are CO2s?

Oils extracted by the CO2 (carbon dioxide)

method are commonly called “CO2s” for

short. In a nutshell, CO2s are extracted by

pressurizing carbon dioxide until it

becomes a liquid. The liquid carbon

dioxide then acts as a solvent on the

natural plant matter and the essential oil

content then dissolves into the liquid CO2.

Afterwards, the CO2 is brought back to natural pressurization,

the CO2 evaporates back into its gaseous state and what is left

is the resulting oil.

CO2s are often labeled as essential oils as opposed to

absolutes since no trace of a harmful solvent will remain in the

final product. CO2s have an advantage over essential oils

because none of the constituents of the oil are damaged by

heat.

CO2s are usually thicker than their essential oil counterparts

and often smell closer to the aroma of the natural herb. CO2s

have been said to contain additional constituents than what is

extracted from the same plant using steam distillation. This

would seem to make sense since CO2s generally are thicker

oils and often seem to have a more rounded aroma.

An array of items used in aromatherapy.

What are Hydrosols?

Briefly stated, a hydrosol is the water that

remains after producing an essential oil

via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols

are sometimes also referred to as a floral

water or distillate water.

Suzanne Catty, author of Hydrosols: The

Next Aromatherapy proposes the following

definition: "Hydrosols are the condensate

water coproduced during the steam- or

hydro-distillation of plant material for aromatherapeutic

purposes." [Suzanne Catty, Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy

(Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001), 10.]

The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a

wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol also offers

therapeutic benefit and is also sold for aromatherapy use.

Some plants are actually distilled for the resulting hydrosol

instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the

distillation. It is always wise to ask vendors for details about

the hydrosols that they sell (and preferably request samples,

too).

Important Note: Sometimes water simply blended with

essential oils are sometimes sold as floral waters or even

falsely referred to as hydrosols. It is important that you ask the

vendor for specifics about his/her "floral waters."

Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating facial

toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to

the bath, used as a light cologne or body spray, and even used

An array of aromatherapy

products. Pictured is a spray bottle that works

wonderfully with hydrosols.

http://www.aromaweb.com/books/catty.asp



in finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of

commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile,

neroli and lavender.

What are Fragrance Oils?

Essential oils contain the true essence of

the plant it was derived from. Essential

oils are not the same as perfume oils

or fragrance oils. Where essential oils

are derived from the true plants, perfume

and fragrance oils are artificially created

fragrances, contain artificial substances or

are diluted with carrier oils and do not

offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits

that essential oils offer.

I've visited many stores (including health food stores) and the

sites of many aromatherapy vendors. It's unfortunate, but

some companies are selling fragrance oil and perfume oils with

the word aromatherapy on the label or promoting these oils as

being used in aromatherapy. Since the use of the word

aromatherapy isn't regulated by the U.S. Government,

companies can and do get away with this.

Unfortunately, a lot of beauty products, skin-care products,

candles, and other products are improperly labeled with the

term aromatherapy. This is especially common in products not

purchased from a knowledgeable and reputable aromatherapy

vendor. Some products labeled with the word aromatherapy

contain fragrance or perfume oils or other synthetic

ingredients. Always check the ingredients listed on the item

you wish to buy. If the ingredients aren't listed or if it contains

A bottle that can be used to store a fragrance oil.

synthetics or perfume oils and you want a true aromatherapy

product, don't buy it.

Hazardous Essential Oils

The list shown below contains essential oils that should not be

used in aromatherapy without the express administration by a

qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Many should not even be

used by a qualified practitioner. Do not assume that an oil is

safe to use if it is not on this list.

Ajowan

Trachyspermum copticum

Almond, BitterPrunus dulcis var. amara

ArnicaArnica Montana

Birch, SweetBetula lenta

Boldo LeafPeumus boldus

Broom, SpanishSpartium junceum

CalamusAcorus calamus var. angustatus

CamphorCinnamomum camphora

Deertongue

Melilotus

Melilotus officinalis

MugwortArtemisia vulgaris

MustardBrassica nigra

OnionAllium cepa

PennyroyalMentha pulegium

RueRuta graveolens

SassafrasSassafras albidum

ThujaThuja occidentalis

Wintergreen

Carphephorus odoratissimus

GarlicAllium sativum

HorseradishArmoracia rusticana

JaborandiPilocarpus jaborandi

Gaultheria procumbens

WormseedChenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum

WormwoodArtemisia absinthium

Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or

vegetable oils are used to dilute essential

oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying

to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil

onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer

different properties and the choice of

carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic

benefit being sought.

Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived

from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that

evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not

evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel,

grapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut,

sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ. Most oils

bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the

oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit.

Adding an essential oil, drop by drop, to

carrier oil.

Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is

not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can

prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.

Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go

rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and

unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have

natural vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural

preservative.

Carrier Oils

Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. Please see the What are Carrier Oils? article for more information on what carrier oils are and how they are used. Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils.

Almond, Sweet

Botanical Name: Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus

Aroma: Light, slightly sweet and nutty.

Texture: Slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin.

Absorbs semi-quickly.

Color: Virtually clear with a tinge of yellow.

Notes: Sweet Almond oil is considered to be a good all-

purpose carrier oil to keep on hand and is moderately priced.

Apricot Kernel

Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca


Aroma: Faint

Texture: Somewhat oily, absorbs semi-quickly.


Notes: The semi-oily texture makes this oil helpful in massage

blends.

Avocado

Botanical Name: Persea americana

Aroma: Medium. Somewhat sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.

Texture: Thick, leaves a fatty, almost waxy feel to the skin.

Color: Deep olive green.

Notes: If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with

another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Borage

Botanical Name: Borago officinalis

Aroma: Light and sweet.

Texture: Thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the

skin.

Color: Light yellow.

Notes: Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions.

Borage oil is expensive and is usually blended in a small

(often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid

rather quickly.

Cocoa Butter

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao

Aroma: Unrefined cocoa butter is rich and very sweet . It has

a chocolaty, "cocoa" aroma. The cocoa aroma is less

noticeable in refined cocoa butter.

Texture: Solid and hard to work with at room temperate.

Breaks into pieces.

Color: Yellowish tan.

Notes: Cocoa butter needs to be blended with other

materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and

creams.

Evening Primrose

Botanical Name: Oenothera biennis

Aroma: Light and sweet

Texture: Thin, leaves only a trace of oiliness on the skin.

Color: Medium yellow.

Notes: Evening Primrose is also said to be excellent in treating

many skin conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in

a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes

rancid quickly.

Grapeseed

Botanical Name: Vitus vinifera

Aroma: Light, slightly sweet with a hint of a nutty aroma.

Texture: Thin but leaves a glossy film on the skin.

Color: Virtually clear, has an almost unnoticeable tinge of

yellow/green.

Notes: Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent

extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent

remaining. I have heard mixed reports on the shelf-life of

grapeseed (some have said it goes rancid rather fast). I

usually go through a bottle of grapeseed once each six

months and have not discovered any problems with rancidity

when stored in an amber bottle in a cool dark area.

Hazelnut

Botanical Name: Corylus avellana

Aroma: Light, nutty, somewhat sweet.

Texture: Thin and only leaves a slightly oily film on the skin.


Notes: It is said to be a good choice for those with oilier skin.

Jojoba

Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis

Aroma: Light to medium in aroma, not as sweet as the nut

oils. The aroma is distinct but pleasant.

Texture: Light and silky. Absorbs well.

Color: Yellow.

Notes: Jojoba "oil" is actually a wax. It is a somewhat pricier

oil and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with

other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.

Kukui

Botanical Name: Aleurites moluccana

Aroma: Light, sweet, pleasant, nutty.

Texture: Thin. Absorbs well, leaving only a trace oily feeling

on the skin.

Color: Clear with a hint of yellow.

Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin

conditions. It is a somewhat more pricier oil. It goes rancid

rather quickly.

Macadamia Nut

Botanical Name: Macadamia integrifolia

Aroma: More fragrant than sweet almond and some of the

other nut oils, it is very sweet, fatty and nutty in aroma.

Texture: Thick and leaves an oily film on the skin.

Color: Clear with a tinge of yellow.



Olive

Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Aroma: Typical aroma of olive oil used in cooking (smells

somewhat like olives).

Texture: Heavy and rather oily.

Color: Light to medium green.



Peanut

Botanical Name: Arachis hypogeae

Aroma: Like Pecan, it is extremely light in aroma with a slight

fatty, nutty quality.

Texture: Thick and leaves a very oily film on the skin.

Color: Virtually clear.

Notes: Peanut oil should not be used by anyone that has an

allergy to peanuts. Because of it's oiliness, it is said to be a

good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said

that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.

Pecan

Botanical Name: Carya pecan

Aroma: Extremely light with a hint of a fatty, nutty aroma.

Texture: Medium thickness, leaves a slight oily film on the

skin.


Notes: It is said that it goes rancid somewhat quickly. I have

used only one bottle of Pecan oil and did not discover any

problems with rancidity when stored in an amber bottle in a

cool dark area during my use of the oil over about 4-6

months.

Rose Hip

Botanical Name: Rosa mosqueta

Aroma: Mild and perhaps earthy aroma.

Texture: Light and leaves only a hint of oil on the skin.


Notes: It is said to be excellent in treating many skin

conditions. It is expensive and is usually blended in a small

(often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It goes rancid

rather quickly.

Sesame

Botanical Name: Sesamum indicum

Aroma: Medium with a distinctive sweet, nutty sesame scent.

May overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil.

Texture: Mildly thick, leaves an oily film on the skin.


Notes: Sesame oil may overpower a blend if not diluted with

another carrier oil.

Shea Butter

Botanical Name: Butyrospermun parkii

Aroma: Nutty, fatty.

Texture: Solid but permeable at room temperature. Leaves an

oily/waxy feeling on the skin.

Color: Off-white/cream.

Notes: Suitable for use in lotions and creams.

Sunflower

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus

Aroma: Faint and sweet.

Texture: Thin and does not leave an oily residue.


Notes: When choosing sunflower oil, strive to get unrefined

oil.

Important Note: The information provided in the Oil Profiles area is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

What are Infused Oils?

An infused oil consists of a carrier oil that

has been permeated (“infused”) with one

or more herbs. The benefit to using an

infused oil as opposed to a plain carrier oil

is that the infused oil will contain

therapeutic properties of both the carrier

oil and the herbs that were infused into

the oil.

Some plants do not have much essential

oil contained in them, and in those cases, it is rare or

impossible to find an essential oil for that plant species.

Infusing the herb into a carrier oil, however, can be a suitable

way to still use the herb for aromatherapy purposes.

Infused oils generally have an oily feeling that varies

depending on the base oil used. They also are not as

concentrated as essential oils. Additionally, infused oils, just

like carrier oils, can go rancid.

Aromatherapy products on a bed of

calendula petals. Calendula can be used

in infusions.

Please note that it is important that you heed the safety

information and contraindications of the herbs you choose to

use in your infused oil.

The easiest way to make an infused oil is by the use of a crock

pot with a very low heat setting. Since the infused oil must be

gently heated, it is essential that your crock pot does not

overheat the oil. Do not use a crock pot that only has one heat

setting as that crock pot most likely will overheat the oils. Add

2 ounces of your chosen carrier oil and 1/2 - 2/3 ounce of dried

herbs (if you use fresh herbs, double the amount of herbs

used) to your spotlessly-clean crock pot and stir well. Turn

your crock pot to the lowest heat setting. Allow to heat on the

lowest setting for two hours, stirring every 10-15 minutes

(setting a timer to remind you to stir is important). After two

hours, carefully strain the oil by using unbleached muslin

(usually available at fabric stores). You should strain the oil at

least twice. If any herbs remain in the infused oil, the oil can

go rancid.

Angelica Root

Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Color: Pale yellow (cream)

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Dull skin, exhaustion, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: a-pinned, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, d-3-carene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, B-phellandrene, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, p-cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, B-bisabolene, humulene monoxide, tridecanolide, pentadecanolide.

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Avoid during pregnancy and diabetes. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

Anise

Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aromatic Description: Distinctive scent of licorice. Rich and sweet.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, flatulence, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, linalool, cis-anethole, trans-anethole, safrole, anisaldehyde, acetoanisole.

Safety Information: Caution for those with hypersensitive skin or with skin problems. Avoid in endometriosis and oestrogen-dependent cancers. Is narcotic and slows circulation in large doses.

Balsam, Peru

Botanical Name: Myroxylon pereirae


Color: Dark Brown

Consistency: Very Thick



Aromatic Description: Sweet, fresh, earthy, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, chapped skin, colds, coughing, eczema, flu, poor circulation, rashes, sensitive skin, stress.

Constituents: Benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, benzyl cinnamate, cinnamyl cinnamate.

Safety Information: Possible sensitization.

Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly campherous.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Constituents: Linalol, Fenchol, Eugenol, Methyl chavicol, Beta-caryophyllene

Safety Information: Use sparingly with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content. Avoid in cases of liver problems. Avoid during pregnancy.

Bay

Botanical Name: Pimenta racemosa


Color: Deep Golden Yellow

Consistency: Thin - Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle


Aromatic Description: Medicinal, fruity, spicy, herbaceous aroma.

Possible Uses: Dandruff, hair care, neuralgia, oily skin, poor circulation, sprains, strains.

Constituents: Eugenol, myrcene, chavicol, methyl eugenol, linalool, limonene.

Safety Information: Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. Moderately toxic and a mucous membrane irritant.

Bay Laurel

Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Herbacous, fruity, fresh, camphorous.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, colds, flu, loss of appetite, tonsillitis.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, methyl chavicol, neral, a-terpineol, geranyl acetate, eugenol, cavicol.

Safety Information: Lawless says that it can be narcotic, can cause dermatitis and also should not be used in pregnancy.

Beeswax

Botanical Name (of the honeybee): Apis mellifera

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted

Color: Deep Golden Brown

Consistency: Medium


Strength of Initial Aroma: Mild - Medium

Aromatic Description: Rich, sweet, floral, honey aroma.

Possible Uses: Perfumery

Safety Information: Safety information is not readily available. As it is used for perfumery and is not used as a therapeutic oil, use with caution and common sense. It may be wise to avoid in anyone who cannot consume honey or use beeswax.

Benzoin

Botanical Name: Styrax tonkinensis


Color: Golden Brown

Consistency: Very Thick, Hard to Work With


Strength of Initial Aroma: Light

Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, slightly woody, creamy, vanilla.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, chapped skin, coughing, laryngitis, stress.

Constituents for Benzoin from Siam: Coniferyl benzoate, benzoic acid, vanillin, siaresinolic acid, cinnamyl benzoate.

Safety Information: Possible skin sensitivity and contact dermatitis.

Bergamot

Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed (best) or Steam Distilled

Color: Gold with a Green Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, orange/lemon/citrusy, slightly floral.

Possible Uses: Acne, abscesses, anxiety, boils, cold sores, cystitis, depression, halitosis, itching, loss of appetite, oily skin, psoriasis, stress.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, B-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate, a-terpineol.

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

Bergamot Mint

Botanical Name: Mentha Citrata


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, minty, citrusy, softer than peppermint, about the strength of spearmint.

Possible Uses: Possibly similar in therapeutic use to peppermint or spearmint.

Safety Information: No specific indication of any precautions for this oil and indicates that it is only mildly irritant to the skin.

Rosewood

Rosewood is sometimes referred to as Bois-de-rose oil.

Botanical Name: Aniba roseodora


Color: Clear with a Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Sweet, woody, fruity, floral aroma.

Possible Uses: Acne, colds, dry skin, dull skin, fever, flu, frigidity, headache, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, geraniol, neral, geranial, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, benzaldehyde, linalool oxides, a-terpineol.

Safety Information: No indication of any special precautions when using this oil.

Boronia

Botanical Name: Boronia megastigma

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extraction

Color: Golden Brown

Consistency: Thick

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Strong

Aromatic Description: Rich, complex floral.

Possible Uses: Used primarily in perfumery and aromatics.

Constituents: Ionon, eugenol, triacontane.


Cajeput

Botanical Name: Melaleuca leucadendron



Consistency: Watery



Aromatic Description: Fresh, campherous aroma with a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs, muscle aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sinusitis, sore throat, spots.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, myrcene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linaolool, terpinen-4-ol, a-terpineol.

Cardamum

Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Spicy, woody, rich, sweet.

Possible Uses: Appetite (loss of), colic, fatigue, halitosis, stress.

Constituents: Terpinyl acetate, cineol, limonene, sabiene, linalool, linalyl acetate, pinene, zingiberene.


Carrot Seed

Botanical Name: Daucus carota


Color: Golden Yellow



Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium – Strong, Lingering Aroma

Aromatic Description: Earthy, woody, warm. It does not resemble the smell of carrots and is considered harsh or unpleasant by some.

Possible Uses: Eczema, gout, mature skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, y-terpinene, limonene, B-bisabolene, geranyl acetate, Carotol.


Cedarwood, Atlas

Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica


Color: Light Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling



Aromatic Description: Woody, sweet, sharper note than Virginian cedarwood, slight aroma reminiscent of artificial mothballs, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress.

Constituents: atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene.

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy.

Cedarwood, Virginian

Botanical Name: Juniperus virginiana


Color: Clear

Consistency: Medium and oily feeling



Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, balsamic. It strongly resembles the aroma of cedar chests and closets.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, insect repellant, stress.

Constituents: a-cedrene, B-cedrene, thujopsene, other sesquiterpene, cedrol, widdrol.

Safety Information: This oil may be safer to use than Atlas Cedarwood. It can cause irritation and sensitization. Avoid during pregnancy.

Chamomile, German

Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla


Color: Deep Blue

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.

Constituents: Bisabolol, Farnesol, Azulene, Farnasene, Thujanol

Safety Information: May cause dermatitis in some.

Chamomile, Roman

Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis


Color: Gray/Very Pale Blue

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Bright, crisp, sweet, fruity, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.

Constituents: High Ester Content, Pinocarvone, Pinene, Bisabolol, Farnesol, Pinocarveol, Cineole, Azulene, Beta-caryophyllene, Camphene, Myrcene

Safety Information: May cause dermatitis in some.

Cinnamon

Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum


Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Slightly oily feeling



Aromatic Description: Much richer in aroma than ground cinnamon. Peppery, earthy, spicy, bright yet slightly woodsy.

Possible Uses: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies, stress.

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, benzyl benzoate.

Safety Information: Mucous membrane irritant and strong skin sensitizer. Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants. Only the oil from the leaf should be used. The oil from the bark is too hazardous.

Citronella

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Citrusy (similar to lemongrass), slightly fruity, fresh, sweet.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, fatigue, headache, insect repellant, oily skin.

Constituents: Geraniol, citronellal.

Safety Information: Possible sensitization. Avoid Citronella during pregnancy.

Clary Sage

Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea



Consistency: Thin to Medium



Aromatic Description: Bright, earthy, herbaceous, with a subtle fruity note.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, asthma, coughing, dysmenorrhea, exhaustion, gas, labor pains, sore throat, stress.

Constituents: Linalol, Sclareol, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Pinene


Avoid while drinking alcohol and while driving due to a narcotic effect.

Clove Bud

Botanical Name: Eugenia caryophyllata



Consistency: Medium, Slightly Oily



Aromatic Description: Spicy, warming yet slightly bitter, woody, reminiscent of true clove buds, but richer.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, toothache.

Constituents: Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene.

Safety Information: Mucous membrane and dermal irritant. Avoid in alcoholism, in haemophilia, in prostatic cancer, with kidney and liver problems and if taking anticoagulants.

Coriander

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, spicy, woody, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Aches, arthritis, colic, fatigue, grout, indigestion, nausea, rheumatism.

Constituents: Linalol, decylaldehyde, borneol, geraniol, carvone, anethole.


Cypress

Botanical Name: Cupressus sempervirens


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, herbaceous, slightly woody evergreen aroma.

Possible Uses: Excessive perspiration, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia, oily skin, rheumatism, vericse veins.

Constituents: Cedrol, Sabinol, Terpenyl Acetate, Camphene, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, Sabinene


Dill

Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens


Color: Clear

Consistency: Watery



Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, herbaceous, slightly earthy.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, flatulence, griping pains.

Constituents: Carvone, limonene, phellandrene, eugenol, pinen.


Elemi

Botanical Name: Canarium luzonicum


Color: Clear with a Tinge of Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, citrusy, peppery, spicy.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, catarrh, extreme coughing, mature skin, scars, stress, wounds.

Constituents: Phellandrene, dipentene, elemol, elemicin, terpineol, carvone, terpinolene.

Safety Information: Possible carcinogen, but research is incomplete.

Eucalyptus

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, medicinal, woody, earthy.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarhh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis.

Constituents: Cineole, Pinene, Globulol, Camphene, Limonene, Pinocarvone

Safety Information: Very toxic when taken orally (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner).

Lemon Eucalyptus

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus citriodora


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Sweet, lemony, fresh, with a woody hint.


Constituents: Not formally documented in readily available publications.


Eucalyptus Radiata

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus radiata


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin


Strength of Initial Aroma: Medim

Aromatic Description: Slightly camphorous, sweet, fruity.


Constituents: 1,8-coneole.


Fennel

Botanical Name: Foeniculum vulgare


Color: Clear with a Faint Yellow Tinge

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top/Middle


Aromatic Description: Sweet, somewhat spicy, licorice-like (Anise) aroma.

Possible Uses: Bruises, cellulites, flatulence, gums, halitosis, mouth, nausea, obesity, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: Anethole, Myrcene, Cineole, Eugenol, Methyl Chavicol, Thymol, Limonene, Phellandrene, Alpha Terpene, Pinene, Fenchone, Geraniol

Safety Information: Dermal sensitizer, possibly carcinogenic. Avoid in instances of endometriosis, prostatic hyperplasia and oestrogen-dependent cancers. Narcotic in large quantities. Avoid in epilepsy and if pregnant.

Fir Needle

Botanical Name: Abies alba



Consistency: Thin with an Oily Texture



Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, earthy, sweet.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Constituents: Santene, tricylene, a-pinene, myrcene, careen, limonene, phellandrene, terpinolene, borneol, terpinen-r-ol acetate, piperitone.

Safety Information: Possible skin irritation depending on true plant species.

Frankincense (Olibanum)

Frankincense is also known as Olibanum.

Botanical Name: Boswellia carterii


Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, balsamic, slightly spicy and fruity.

Possible Uses: Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Farnesol, Phellandrene, Myrcene


Galbanum

Botanical Name: Ferula galbaniflua


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, arthy, balsamic, woody, spicy.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, bronchitis, cuts, lice, mature skin, muscle aches, poor circulation, rheumatism, scars, sores, stretch marks, wounds.

Constituents: Pinene, cadinol, cadinene, myrcene.


Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium graveolens


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Floral, fresh, sweet, with a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin.

Constituents: Citronellol, Geraniol, Citronellyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: Use caution to avoid dermatitis in hypersensitive persons. Avoid during pregnancy.

Rose Geranium

Botanical Name: Pelargonium roseum


Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Medium


Aromatic Description: Floral, similar to Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) with a rosey hint.

Possible Uses: Acne, cellulites, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin.


Safety Information: Not formally documented in readily available publications.

Ginger

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale


Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle/Base


Aromatic Description: Warm, spicy, earthy, woody.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation.

Constituents: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, borneol, y-terpineol, nerol, neral, geraniol, geranial, geranyl acetate, B-bisabolene, zingiberene.

Safety Information: Slightly phototoxic. Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

Grapefruit

Botanical Name: Citrus paradisi

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed/Expressed

Color: Pale Yellow - Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Citrusy, similar to lemon and reminiscent to the aroma of the grapefruit rind, but more concentrated.

Possible Uses: Cellulitis, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention.

Constituents: Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Citronellal, Neral


Hyssop

Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, earthy, fruity, woody, slightly sweet.

Possible Uses: Bruises, coughing, sore throat.

Constituents: Pinocamphone, Pinene, Borneol, Geraniol, Thujone, Camphene, Limonene, Phellandrene

Safety Information: Moderately toxic and neurotoxic (toxic to the nervous system). Avoid in epilepsy, fever, pregnancy and children. Avoid in hypertension.

Helichrysum (Immortelle)

Botanical Name: Helichrysum angustifolia


Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, earthy, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, irritated skin, wounds, wounds.

Constituents: Nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, pinene, linalool, isovaleric aldehyde, sesquiterpenes, furfurol, eugenol.


Jasmine

Botanical Name: Jasminum officinalis


Color: Deep Brown with a Golden Tinge

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Warm, floral, exotic.

Possible Uses: Depression, dry skin, exhaustion, labor pains, sensitive skin.

Constituents: Benzyl zcetate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, geraniol, methyl anthranilate, p.cresol, farnesol, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, eugenol, nerol, ceosol, benzoic acide, benzaldehyde, y-terpineol, nerolidol, isophytol, phytol.

Safety Information: No indication of any special precautions when using this oil. Apparently, some may experience an allergic reaction to Jasmine essential oil.

Juniper Berry

Botanical Name: Juniperus communis


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Crisp, earthy, sweet, herbaceous, with almost a hidden fruity note.

Possible Uses: Cellulitis, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, rheumatism, toxin build-up.

Constituents: Pinene, Sabinene, Borneol, Terpinenol, Camphene, Myrcene

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy and those with kidney problems.

Kanuka

Botanical Name: Leptospermum ericoides


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, earthy, similar to the aroma of Manuka.

Possible Uses: (Uses listed are those for Common Tea Tree): Acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, whooping cough.



Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavendula officinalis



Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellant, itching, labor pains, migrane, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, stress, stretch marks, vertigo, whooping cough.

Constituents: Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Terpinenol, Cineole, Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnascene


Lavendin

Botanical Name: Lavandula hybrida



Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, floral, more herbaceous than lavender.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, asthma, blisters, boils, burns, cuts, cystitis, dry skin, dull skin, eczema, fatigue, insect bites, irritated skin, lice, muscle aches, scabies, shock, sores, sprains, strains, vertigo, wounds.

Constituents: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Camphor, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Cineole

Safety Information: Neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Avoid in pregnancy, epilepsy and fever because of camphor content in Lavandin.

Lemon

Botanical Name: Citrus limon


Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Aroma is similar to fresh lemon rinds except richer and more concentrated.

Possible Uses: Athlete's foot, chiliblains, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, warts.

Constituents: Limonene, Citral, Geranial, Citronellyl Acetate, Pinene

Safety Information: Phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity. May cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some.

Lemongrass

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon citratus


Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, lemony, earthy.

Possible Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress.

Constituents: Citral, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Geranial, Neral, Limonene, Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene

Safety Information: Avoid in glaucoma and with children. Use caution in prostatic hyperplasia and with skin hypersensitivity or damaged skin.

Lime

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantifolia


Color: Light Yellow Green

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, citrusy, sweet.

Possible Uses: Acne, asthma, chilblains, colds, dull skin, flu, varicose veins.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, y-terpinene, terpinolene, octanal, nonanal, tetradecanal, pentadecanal, trans-a-bergaptene, caryophyllene, B-bisabolene, geranial, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, a-terpineo, linalool.


Linden Blossom

Botanical Name: Tilia vulgaris


Color: Deep Coffee Brown

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Warm, floral, honey-like, with a slight citrus-like note.

Possible Uses: Headache, insomnia, migraine, stress.

Constituents: Farnesol.

Safety Information: No safety data seems to be available.

Mandarin

Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata


Color: Orange

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Very sweet, citrusy, fruity.

Possible Uses: Acne, dull skin, insomnia, oily skin, scars, spots, stress, wrinkles.

Constituents: Limonene, methyl methylanthranilate, geraniol, citral, citronellal.


Tea Tree, New Zealand (Manuka)

Botanical Name: Leptospermum scoparium


Color: Clear

Consistency: Medium and Slightly Oily



Aromatic Description: Woody, earthy, balsamic. It is richer and warmer than common Tea Tree.

Possible Uses: (Uses listed are those for Common Tea Tree): Acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, whooping cough.

Safety Information: No safety data available.

Marjoram

Botanical Name: Origanum majorana



Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Herbaceous, sweet, woody, with a campherous, medicinal aroma.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, amenorrhea, bronchitis, chiliblains, colic, coughing, excessive sex drive, flatulence, hypertension, muscle cramps, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains, strains, stress, ticks.

Constituents: Alpha-Terpineol, Terpinen-4-ol, Sabinene, Linalol, Sabinol, Thujanol, Citral, Linalyl Acetate, Camphor, Carvacrol, Estragol, Eugenol, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Alpha Terpenene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: Avoid during pregnancy.

May Chang

Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba


Color: Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Sharp, with a complex lemony aroma.

Possible Uses: Acne, indigestion.

Constituents: Citral, limonene, miycrene, methyl hepetone, linalool, linlyl acetate.

Safety Information: Avoid with glaucoma. May have a homeone-like action. Avoid in prostatic hyperplasia. Avoid with sensitive, diseased or dmanaged skin. Do not administer to children.

Myrrh

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha


Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Warm, earthy, woody, balsamic.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, dysmenorrhea, gums, halitosis, hemorrhoids, itching, mouth, ringworm, toothache.

Constituents: Heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, cadinene.

Safety Information: Mildly toxic when taken internally (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). It may be toxic in high concentration and that it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Myrtle

Botanical Name: Myrtus communis


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top - Middle


Aromatic Description: Sweet, slightly camphorous with a floral hint.

Possible Uses: Asthma, coughs, sore throat.

Constituents: Cineol, myrtenol, pinene, geraniol, linalool, camphene.


Lemon Myrtle

Botanical Name: Backhousia citriodora


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Extremely lemony and crisp. More “lemony” than true Lemon (Citrus limonum) oil.

Possible Uses: Not formally documented in readily available publications.



Neroli

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium


Color: Coffee Brown

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Floral, citrusy, sweet, exotic.

Possible Uses: Depression, frigidity, insomnia, mature skin, scars, shock, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: Linalyl Acetate, Limonene, Linalol, Nerolidol, Geraniol, Alpha-Terpineol, Geranyul Acetate, Neryl Acetate


Niaouli

Botanical Name: Melaleuca quinquenervia


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Earthy, musty, harsh.

Possible Uses: Aches, acne, bronchitis, colds, coughs, cuts, dull skin, flu, oily skin, sore throat, whooping cough.

Constituents: Cineol, terpineol, pinene, limonene, citrene, terebenethene.


Nutmeg

Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thing



Aromatic Description: Rich, spicy, sweet, woody. Similar to the cooking spice, but richer and more fragrant.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, constipation, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, neralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism, slow digestion.

Constituents: Terpinen-4-ol, Pinene, Sabinene, Cineole, Camphene, Limonene, Myristicin, Alpha Terpenene

Safety Information: If used in large amounts, can cause toxic symptoms such as nausea and tachycardia. Possible oral toxin (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner), possible psychotripic (may affect behavior) and possible carcinogen.

Oakmoss

Botanical Name: Evernia prunastri


Color: Light Brown

Consistency: Medium - Thin



Aromatic Description: Rich, earthy, woody.


Constituents: Evernic acid, d-usnic acid, atranorine, chloratronorine.

Safety Information: Use with extreme caution. Dermal sensitizer, toxic, and mucous membrane irritant. Avoid in epilepsy and pregnancy.

Bitter Orange



Color: Orange

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: As the name implies, it has a bitter orange aroma reminiscent of a cross between the sweetness of sweet orange oil and the slight bitterness of grapefruit oil.

Possible Uses: Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion, stress.

Constituents: Limonene, myrcene, camphene, pinene, ocimene, cymene.


Orange, Sweet

Botanical Name: Citrus sinensis


Color: Orange

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Citrusy, sweet, reminiscent of orange peels, but more concentrated.

Possible Uses: Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion, stress.

Constituents: Limonene

Safety Information: Lawless reports that a few people have experienced dermatitis from the limonene content of Sweet Orange.

Oregano

Botanical Name: Oreganum vulgare


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Herbaceous, sharp.

Possible Uses: Coughs, digestion.

Constituents: Carvacrol, thymol, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene, bisabolene, linalool, borneol, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, terpinene.

Safety Information: Skin irritant, mucous membrane irritant, can cause skin irritation.

Palmarosa (Rose Geranium)

Palmarosa is sometimes referred to as Rose Geranium.

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon martini


Color: Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, floral, sweet, somewhat similar to geranium oil.

Parsley

Botanical Name: Petroselinum sativum


Color: Light Yellow

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Herbacous, somewhat woody aroma.

Possible Uses: Amenorrhea, arthritis, cellulites, cystitis, frigidity, griping pains, indigestion, rheumatism, toxic build-up.

Constituents: Apiol, myristicin, tetramethoxyally-benzene, pinene.

Safety Information: Hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Abortifacient (can induce abortions). Research that Tisserand refers to indicates that it has a strong abortifacient action. It should be used with extreme caution and avoided with and around pregnant women.

Patchouli

Botanical Name: Pogostemon cablin


Color: Deep Golden Brown

Consistency: Medium – Thick



Aromatic Description: Rich, earthy, woody aroma with a nearly hidden fruity note.

Possible Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, chapped skin, dermatitis, eczema, fatigue, frigidity, hair care, insect repellant, mature skin, oily skin, stress.

Constituents: Patchoulol, Esters, Beta-Caryophyllene


Pepper, Black

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Crisp, fresh, peppercorn aroma.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, chilblains, constipation, muscle cramps, poor circulation, sluggish digestion.

Constituents: Limonene, Pinene, Myrcene, Phellandrene, Beta-caryophyllene, Beta-bisabolene, Sabinene, Linalol, Pinocarveol, Alpha, Terpineol, Camphene, Alpha, Terpenene


Peppermint

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita



Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Minty, reminiscent of peppermint candies, but more concentrated. More fragrant than spearmint.

Possible Uses: Asthma, colic, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, sinusitis, vertigo.

Constituents: Menthyl Acetate, Menthone, Cineole, Limonene, Phellandrene, Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: Avoid in cardiac fibrillation, epilepsy, fever. Mucous membrane irritant and neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Some of this information applies to oral use, but is provided for informational purposes (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). May cause sensitization.

Petitgrain




Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, floral, citrusy, lighter in fragrance than neroli and slightly woody.

Possible Uses: Acne, fatigue, oily skin, stress.

Constituents: Linalyl Acetate, Linalol, Nerol, Alpha-Terpineol, Geranyl Acetate, Limonene, Myrcene


Pine, Scotch

Botanical Name: Pinus sylvestris


Color: Clear




Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, earthy, balsamic

Possible Uses: Colds, coughing, flu, rheumatism, sinusitis.

Constituents: Pinene, Limonene, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Cineole, Camphene, Myrcene, Phellandrene

Safety Information: Sensitization can occur.

Ravensara

Botanical Name: Ravensara aromatica



Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Slightly medicinal, eucalyptus-like, slightly sweet with a fruity hint.


Constituents: 1,8-cineole, beta-pinene.


Rose

Botanical Name: Rosa damascena

Common Method of Extraction: Solvent Extracted or Steam Distilled (called Rose Otto)

Color: Deep Red for the Absolute, Light Yellow for the Steam Distillate

Consistency: Thick for the Absolute, Thin for the Steam Distillate



Aromatic Description: strongly floral, sweet.

Possible Uses: Depression, eczema, frigidity, mature skin, menopause, stress.

Constituents of Rose Otto: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Esters, Rose Oxide, Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene


Rosemary

Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, herbaceous, sweet, slightly medicinal.

Possible Uses: Aching muscles, arthritis, dandruff, dull skin, exhaustion, gout, hair care, muscle cramping, neuralgia, poor circulation, rheumatism.

Constituents: Cineole, Pinene, Borneol, Linalol, Alpha-Terpineol, Terpinen-4-ol, Bornyl Acetate, Camphor, Thujone, Camphene, Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: Neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid in epilepsy, fever (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). Avoid in cases of hypertension.

Sandalwood

Botanical Name: Santalum album



Consistency: Medium - Thick



Aromatic Description: Rich, sweet, fragrant yet delicate, woody, floral.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, chapped skin, depression, dry skin, laryngitis, leucorrhea, oily skin, scars, sensitive skin, stress, stretch marks.

Constituents: Santalols, santyl acetate, santalenes.


Spearmint

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Minty, slightly fruity aroma that is less bright than peppermint.

Possible Uses: Asthma, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, vertigo.

Constituents: a-pinene, B-pinene, carvone, 1,8-cineole, linalool, limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, menthol.

Safety Information: Mucous membrane irritant.

Spikenard

Botanical Name: Nardostachys jatamansi


Color: Golden Yellow

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Earthy, woody, harsh, musty.

Possible Uses: Rashes, wrinkles.

Constituents: Bornyl acetate, isobornyl valerianate, borneol, patchouli aclochol, terpinyl valerianate.


Spruce

Botanical Name: Picea mariana


Color: Clear

Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Fresh, woody, earthy, sweet, with a hint of a fruity note.

Possible Uses: Coughing, depression.

Constituents: Pinenes, limonene, bornyl acetate, tricyclene, phellandrene, myrcrene, thujone, dipentene, cadinene.


Tagetes

Botanical Name: Tagetes minuta


Color: Gold


Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, floral, slightly fruity.

Possible Uses: Corns, warts.

Constituents: Tagetones, ocimene, myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinenes, carvone, citral, camphene, valeric acid, salicylaldehyde.

Safety Information: Possibly toxic. Use only in moderation. Severely phototoxic. Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.

Tangerine

Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata


Color: Orange

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Fresh, sweet, citrusy, similar to the brighter aroma of tangerine peels (as compared to orange peels), but more concentrated.

Constituents: a-pinene, myrcene, limonene, y-terpinene, citronellal, linalool, neral, neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, geraniol, thymol, carvone.


Tea Tree, Common

Botanical Name: Melaleuca alternifolia



Consistency: Thin



Aromatic Description: Medicinal, fresh, woody, earthy, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Acne, athlete's foot, candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, oily skin, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, whooping cough.

Constituents: Terpinen-4-ol, Alpha-Terpineol, Cineole, Pinene, Alpha Terpenene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Safety Information: May cause sensitization in some.

Lemon Tea Tree

Botanical Name: Leptospermum petersonii



Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Lemony, citrusy, bitter.




Thyme

Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris


Color: Reddish Brown




Aromatic Description: Fresh, medicinal, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Arthritis, colds, cuts, dermatitis, flu, insect bites, laryngitis, lice, muscle aches, oily skin, poor circulation, scabies, sore throat. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-67.]

Constituents: a-thujene, a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, p-cymene, a-terpinene, linalool, borneol, B-caryophyllene, thymol, carvacrol.

Safety Information: Avoid in cases of hypertension. Moderate dermal irritant and strong mucous membrant irritant.

http://www.aromaweb.com/books/lawless.asp

http://www.aromaweb.com/books/lawless.asp

Tobacco

Botanical Name: Nicotania tabacum


Color: Deep Brown

Consistency: Medium - Thick



Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, earthy, tobacco-like aroma.



Tuberose

Botanical Name: Polianthes tuberosa


Color: Deep Orange

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Top


Aromatic Description: Complex, exotic, sweet, floral.

Possible Uses: Used primarily in perfumery and aromatics.

Constituents: Methyl benzoate, methyl anthranilate, benzyl alcohol, butyric acid, eugenol, nerol, farnesol, geraniol.

Safety Information: Unknown toxicity.

Vanilla

Botanical Name: Vanilla planifolia


Color: Deep Brown

Consistency: Thick



Aromatic Description: Rich, warm, sweet vanilla aroma.


Constituents: Vanillin, hydroxybenzaldehyde, acetic acid, isobutyric acid, caproic acid, eugenol, furfural.


Vetiver

Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides


Color: Golden Brown

Consistency: Thick



Aromatic Description: Woody, earthy, herbaceous, spicy almost smoky.

Possible Uses: Acne, arthritis, cuts, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, muscular aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sores, stress.

Constituents: Benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfurol, a-vetivone, B-vetivone, vetivene, vetivenyl vetivenate.


Violet Leaf

Botanical Name: Viola odorata


Color: Dark Green

Consistency: Thick


Strength of Initial Aroma: Middle - Base

Aromatic Description: Green, earthy, slightly floral in dilution.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, headache, insomnia, rheumatism, sluggish circulation, sore throat, stress.

Constituents: Nonadienal, parmone, hexyl alcohol, bezyl alcohol.


Yarrow

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium


Color: Dark Blue

Consistency: Medium



Aromatic Description: Sharp, woody, herbaceous.

Possible Uses: Fever, hair care, hemorrhoids, hypertension, indigestion, insomnia, migraine, scars, stretch marks, varicose veins, wounds.

Constituents: Tricyclene, a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, borneol acetate, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, limonene, isoartemisia ketone, borneol, camphor, chamazulene.

Safety Information: Neurotoxic (toxic to the nerves). Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid orally in pregnancy, epilepsy, fever (no essential oil should be taken internally without the guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner).

Ylang Ylang

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata



Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Middle/Base


Aromatic Description: Fresh, floral, sweet, slightly fruity, fragrant yet delicate.

Possible Uses: Anxiety, depression, frigidity, hypertension, palpitations, stress.

Constituents: Linalol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Geranial, Benzyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Eugenol, Methyl Chavicol, Pinene*Beta-Caryophyllene, Farnasene

Safety Information: Possible sensitization. Can cause headaches and nausea if used in excess. The owner of AromaWeb has experienced headaches from lengthy use of Ylang Ylang.

Important Note: The information provided is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

General Safety Information: Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an oil that you've never used before.

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