Essential Oils

Where to start??? As a qualified Aromatherapist, it would be true to say that Kate is extremely passionate about essential oils and the many many MANY uses they have! To try and explain how they work and why they work on this site in detail would simply take up too much room as the information is seemingly limitless! We have chosen to outline some of the basic information on these amazing oils and how to use them but if you want to know more please see ‘my favourite links’ for websites with more information regarding aromatherapy and essential oils or if you have any direct questions regarding essential oils you can email us and we will get back to you with the answer.

The information used in this section has been taken from the book included in the kit called “Aromatherapy Insight Cards” by Jennifer Jefferies & "If you want great skin, throw away your cosmetics" by Jennifer Jefferies and Helen Bairstow. Please use the link beneath this information to purchase this beautiful intuitive introduction to Aromatherapy. (Jennifer has written many different books on Aromatherapy and Work Life Balance that can all be purchased via this link!) It’s a really fun way to learn more about essential oils and the many different benefits of the most popular oils you can buy.

So, what are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the highly concentrated, aromatic plant essences that can be derived from just about any part of a plant including the flowers, flowering tops, leaves, stalks, fruit rinds, seeds, saps, nuts, bark, roots, resin and berries. Some plants for example the Orange tree produces more than one essential oil. Neroli from the flowers, Petitgrain from the leaves and Orange from the fruit – each oil has its own distinct personality and therapeutic properties.

Essential oils are absorbed into the limbic system of the body through the olfactory bulb and cilia in the top of the nose. When you are surrounded by a scent, your nose can become saturated to the point where you can no longer consciously smell it – like when you apply perfume and half an hour later you can’t smell it anymore! With aromatherapy, the same thing happens however even though you may not be consciously aware of the aroma, it is still having an influence on you. Even people born without a sense of smell (anosmia) may be unable to enjoy the aromas but will still experience the benefits of the oils when they are absorbed by the body.

When purchasing essential oils you need to look out for a few important things;

Pure oils are always sold in amber or blue glass bottles to protect the oils – do not buy oils in clear glass bottles.
Check the concentration of the oil. It may have been diluted with Jojoba oil or another carrier oil and the price should be lower if it has.
Buy your oils only from a reputable company and check that it states on the bottle that the oils are 100% pure essential oils.
Safety information listed on the packaging – Some essential oils are scheduled as poisons and should carry the appropriate warnings and advice on their lablels.

Different ways to use essential oils

Oil Vaporisers

We encourage the use of electric oil vaporizers. They are safe & efficient and you don’t have to worry about the naked flames and hot water. With these you simply add 5-10 drops of your chosen oil into the vaporizer. There is no need for water or candles. The ceramic bowl heats gently and releases the scent of the oils into the room.

If you prefer the romance of the candle lit traditional vaporizers, place a little water into the top of the bowl and light the candle. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil onto the water and enjoy the aroma. Never leave these unattended and never let them burn dry. To eliminate this risk – use an electric vaporizer instead.

Inhalations

Just like the old school childhood steam treatment we can all remember! Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water. Place a towel overhead and bowl and inhale the vapors for a few minutes. Or put 3-4 drops of essential oil onto a handkerchief, hold near the nose for a few minutes and inhale the vapors as required.

Massage

Massage is considered one of the oldest and simplest of all medical treatments. It is an easy process to integrate into your life and it can procure & maintain good health. To blend massage oil, use between one and three percent dilution of the appropriate essential oil, to the carrier oil. The recommended carrier oils are cold pressed oils like Apricot Kernal and Sweet Almond. On adults, use three percent dilution, which is about 60 drops of essential oil to 100ml of carrier oil. And for children, the elderly and people with sensitive skin, use 20 drops of essential oil per 100ml of carrier oil.

Baths

Baths are a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of Aromatherapy, receiving the benefits by absorbing them through the olfactory system (your nose) and your skin. It is like sitting in a wonderful inhalation! Breathe in and enjoy the benefits. The essential oils need to be in a water dispersable carrier oil. The difference between water soluble and non water soluble is the water soluble base disperses throughout the bath reducing the risk of sensitisation, enhancing absorption and preventing the oily mess of a normal carrier oil.

Use the same dilutions as the above massage oil blends and then only add about 10mls of the mixture to the bath.

Skin Compressing

For your skin this is the most important way to use essential oils - daily. It does not disrupt the acid mantle and not only does it cleanse, detoxify, exfoliate and hydrate your skin it also has a positive effect on you both emotionally and mentally too!

Fill a basin or bowl with tepid water -use cooler water if you have skin that reddens easily & warmer water if your skin is normally dry with no redness.

Drop 3 drops of pure essential oil into the water - choose just ONE essential oil to address your current skin concerns - or if your emotional state feels more important than choose an oil to suit that - it will still always benefit your skin!

Agitate the waters surface to disperse the oil and put your soft face cloth into the water.

Squeeze out some of the water but not all of it and gently press the cloth into your face. There is no need to rub - just press. Do this about 3 times.

On the last compress, squeeze the cloth as hard as you can and use the now drier cloth to pat dry your face. You can then apply your chosen face oil or cream.

Direct

In almost all cases - essential oils are diluted. If your skin condition requires a direct application always remember to act with caution! Essential oils are 70 times stronger than the plant they come from!

Used direct for specific skin conditions only and only ever one drop at a time. Use a cotton bud for safe and direct application. Lavender can be used without a cotton bud by applying one drop to your fingers - this is especially effective with mosquito bites!

If you are unsure which oils can be used with the direct method safely - then it is best not to at all and seek the advice of a professional first.

In The Car

As we seem to spend so much of our time travelling now, this is one of our favourite ways to use essential oils on a daily basis! You can purchase a small heating element that fits into the cigarette lighter of your car – Easy to use you simply add a few drops of your chosen oil onto the vaporiser and plug it in! Please do not use Lavender or any sleep blends in your car diffuser as we do not want you that relaxed while you are driving!!