Essential Oils the Energy, Heart and Soul of the Plant
Essential Oils, also known as volatiles oils are the odiferous principles found in various parts of the plant. They are called the essential oils because they represent the "essence" of the plant. These oils play an important role to man. They may be used for their therapeutic actions such as stimulants, diuretics, antiseptics, and antibacterial to name a few. They are widely used in perfumes and cosmetics and can either attract or repel insects.
Aromatherapy
The art of using essential oils can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians. Essential oils can stimulate the nerves through the olfactory system. The oils are picked up by nerve endings and passed on till they reach the pituitary gland. This affects the adrenals by reducing stress. Certain oils are known to be calming and relaxing and other are known to be stimulants. Walking through a fresh Pine forest might invigorate you while walking through a field of Lavender may relax you. This is the essence of Aromatherapy.
Synergy (from the Greek synergos, συνεργüς meaning working together, circa 1660) refers to the phenomenon in which two or more discrete influences or agents acting together create an effect greater than that predicted by knowing only the separate effects of the individual agents. A synergistic blend is a blend using 2 or more oils, which complement each other and work together to enhance the overall effect. The synergistic effect is created when the chemistry of oils combine to produce a therapeutic effect greater than the effects that could be achieved by using the oils individually. The result is a more powerful combination of oils.
Adding Oils to Bases or Carriers
Massage: Blend 5 drops of your favorite oil or blend to 10ml (2tsp) of Carrier Oil.
Therapeutic Bath: Add 5 drops of your favorite oil or blend to your bath water just before turning off the taps. If the oils it known to be skin sensitive mix it with a Tablespoon of full fat milk or a solubilizer.
In the Shower: Stop the drain and add a few drops of your favorite oil to the water at your feet.
Foot Bath: Add 5 drops to warm water and soak your feet in it.
Direct Application: 100% pure oils are extremely concentrated and should not be applied directly to the skin. Always dilute your oils before application and make sure the oil is safe for this purpose. Not all essential oils should be applied to the skin. There are some that are safer used in burners or diffusers.
Oil Burners: Fill your dish with water and light the candles. Add 1-5 drops of oil to the water. In a few minutes the therapeutic vapor will fill the room and your senses.
Steam Inhalation: In a bowl of steaming water add 5 drops of your oil. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl with your eyes closed and inhale.
Safety Guidelines
- If you have high blood pressure, avoid Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.
- If you suffer from epilepsy avoid Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.
- If you have low blood pressure, avoid Chamomile, Marjoram and Ylang Ylang.
- Do not wear in the sun all citrus oils and Bergamot.
- Avoid in infant care, Basil, Black Pepper, Clove, Citronella, Ginger, Lemongrass, Thyme and Wintergreen.
- Avoid during pregnancy Basil, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.
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