Essential Oils
Essential Oils - The Basics
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They are prepared by
distillation or cold pressing from the leaves, flowers, barks, roots or other
parts of a single botanical species. They are so highly concentrated that they
are supplied in dark glass bottles, with dropper inserts. This protects them
from being broken down by light or air. They should be stored at room temperature
and not allowed to drip onto the furniture as they may damage polished and varnished
surfaces. They should always be diluted before applying to the skin. Up to 3
oils may be used in a single preparation, but remember never to exceed the total
number of drops listed for each use listed below.
Essential oils used in aromatherapy should be 100% natural, pure, undiluted and
unprocessed. Each oil contains many components, produced by the
plant. These give the oil it's own range of therapeutic properties which act
on our bodies. As well as helping our physical well-being when absorbed through
the skin, they also stimulate the limbic system. This is the emotional and memory
centre of our brain and therefore essential oils can help to relieve stress
and enhance our mood. The uses of essential oils are many and varied, but below
are some of the most practical for home use.
Baths:
Add 4-10 drops of essential oil in total once the bath has been run. For young
children use 1-2 drops and dilute in a dispersible base before adding to the
water. Don't make the bath too hot as the oils will evaporate very quickly.
Massage and Body Oils:
Use 1-3 drops of essential oil to each teaspoonful or 5ml of base.
Inhalations, Facial Steams:
Add 1-5 drops of essential oil to
a bowl of hot but not boiling water. Do not use this method on young children unattended.
Also not recommended for people with broken veins. May not suit people with
asthma. Alternatively, for inhalations put 4-5 drops on a tissue or handkerchief and inhale
deeply. Keep in your pocket and the warmth of your body will very effectively vapourise the oil giving you a much better inhalation. Use throughout the day if you are suffering a cold etc.
Vaporisers, Room fragrancers: There is a wide range of diffusers and
vapourisers available nowadays, and the choice s yours. If using a burner
remember to keep the reservoir topped up with water. Do not leave oil burners
unattended and make sure to extinguish the night light before going to sleep.
Oils diluted in vegetable oil are not suitable for use in a diffuser or burner.
Alternatively oils may be placed on cotton balls behind radiators or used in
cleaning water. A few drops can be added to the water when steam ironing or
can be placed on the filter of your vacuum cleaner.
Essential
oils should never be taken internally except under the supervision of a practitioner
fully qualified in this area, that is a medical herbalist or aromathologist.
Cautions
Certain
groups of people need to be a little careful when using essential oils. Below
are some general guidelines. However if you have any doubt then consult a professionally
qualified aromatherapist. (They will have the initials M.I.I.A.A, M.I.F.A, or
M.I.S.P.A after their name.) Your supplier should be able to recommend a good
aromatherapist.
When using oils on children 7-12 years of age use half the dose rate for adults.
The following oils must be avoided during pregnancy: Basil, Clove, Cinnamon, Fennel,
Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Sweet Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Clary
Sage, Thyme.
The following oils are safe to use throughout pregnancy: Grapefruit, Mandarin,
Myrtle, Eucalyptus smithii, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Frankincense. Lavender and
Chamomiles may be used from the third month.
With high blood pressure avoid Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme. Eucalyptus, Cypress,
Pine and Cypress should be used with caution.
With low blood pressure some people may find that Lavender, Clary Sage, Sweet
Marjoram and Ylang Ylang make them feel unwell.
With epilepsy avoid Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage and Camphor.
Citrus oils should not be used before exposure to the sun or a sunbed. 12 hours
should be left between using these oils on the skin and UV exposure.
Citrus oils may also irritate the skin if used undiluted in the bath.Some people
may experience skin irritation if using Fennel, Thyme, Peppermint or the spice
oils in the bath. People with sensitive skins should use low dilution's and caution
when applying essential oils to the skin.
As a rule of thumb do not use any one particular essential oil for more than two
weeks without a break of 5 days.
However, do not let these words of caution put you off experiencing the fragrant
world of essential oils. Essential oils can improve your health, relax your mind,
and enhance your feeling of well being. They can also create a fragrant environment
in which to live, work and play.
For brief notes on some of the more popular oils, go to the Oils, Properties page.
However, this is intended as a guideline only and not intended to take the place
of a qualified practitioner.
For names and addresses of Aromatherapy practitioners in your area contact the
I.I.A.A. (Irish and International Aromatherapy Association) Roscore, Bluebell,
Nr. Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
Recommended Reading
The A-Z
of Aromatherapy, Patricia Davis pub. C.W.Daniel.
Aromatherapy- A Guide for Home Use, Christine Westwood pub. Amberwood.
Complete Medicinal Herbal, Penelope Ody pub. Dorling Kindersley.
The Hloistic Herbal, David Hoffman pub. Element.
There are many other books on the market, but these represent some of the most
comprehensive for home use.
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