Getting Started in Aromatherapy

An overview of six useful essential oils

1. Lavender is the most popular of all essential oils!

• Latin name – lavandula angustifolia (important to know the latin names because of the different species and therapeutic properties of the oils)
  
• Skin care – beneficial for inflammation such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and wound care.
  
• Musculoskeletal – used for the relief of muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis.
  
• Nervous system – harmonizing effect on the nervous system, can be a sedative or a stimulant depending on a person’s needs. first choice for insomnia esp due to mental stress and anxiety.
• Respiratory – treatment of colds, flu, bronchitis, throat infections and coughing. energetics– soothes and supports the qi of the heart.

methods of application – massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, ointment, inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer and steam inhalation. safety – non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. blends well with lemon, rosemary, pine, bergamot, thyme – nearly all the oils. lemon – latin name – citrus limon skin care – astringent, tones ageing skin and has antibacterial properties. circulatory – may be used to relieve varicose veins, broken capillaries, haemorrhoids and nosebleeds. immune – very useful for treating symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis and asthma, has immune stimulating properties. nervous – good to lift the spirits and help overcome mental fatigue. lemon clears the mind and can very calming for people who are emotionally overwrought. energetics –– cooling, drying, recommended to clear heat, dampness and phlegm – excellent detoxifying oil methods of application – massage compress, bath, ointment, skin care; inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer. safety – non-toxic, non-irrating – don’t use on the skin prior to sun exposure as it is phototoxic. blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, rosemary and sandalwood eucalyptus globulus – about 600 species of eucalyptus! latin name – eucalpytus globulus analgesic – eucalyptus can also be used to relieve muscular aches and pains. respiratory – decongestant inhalation for colds and cough. skin care – can be used as an insect repellent and to treat cuts and wounds. energetics – helps dispel melancholy – revives the spirits, restores vitality and a positive outlook. methods of application – massage compress, bath, ointment, liniment, skin care; inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer and steam vaporizer. safety – non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. blends well with cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary and sandalwood tea tree – latin name – melaleuca alternifolia antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, bactericide. skin care – can be used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff and insect bites. immune system – tea tree is a powerful immunostimulant! respiratory system – recommended for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and coughs. energetics – tea tree can invigorate the heart and mind, uplift the spirit and build confidence. methods of application – massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, ointment, inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer and steam inhalation. safety – non-toxic, non-irritating, but may be sensitizing to some individuals. blends well with eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, peppermint, rosemary and sandalwood and thyme peppermint latin name – mentha piperita analgesic – used in liniments for the relief of muscle pain, bruises, joint pain and insect bites. good for the digestive system in a tea. nervous system – helps people become clear headed and may be beneficial people who can’t concentrate or who have mental fatigue. respiratory system – beneficial for colds and influenza associated with fever and headaches. recommended at the onset of colds to allievate symptoms. beneficial for sinus congestion, infection and inflammation. skin care – peppermint can be used to relieve skin irritation or itching, but use at a very low dilution. can use as a steam treatment to cleanse and decongest the skin. energetics – interesting because it has both cooling and warming effects. methods of application – massage, compress, bath, sitz bath, ointment, inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer and steam inhalation. safety – non-toxic, non-irritating, but may be occasionally sensitizing. blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary and sandalwood rosemary verbenone – latin name – rosemary ct verbenone less camphorous than officinalis! musculoskeletal – good analgesic and good for tired overworked muscles. nervous – stimulating, good for poor concentration. respiratory – good for clearing thick mucous, and for helping bronchitis and asthma. skin care – used a lot in hair care products – helps with the prevention of dandruff. energetics – invigorating! methods of application – massage, compress, bath, ointment, inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer. safety – non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. not during pregnancy or with people suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure. blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, lavender, lemon, peppermint and tea tree recipes relaxation bergamot lavender sandalwood insect repellent eucalyptus rosemary lemongrass wrinkles carrot seed frankincense uplifting bergamot lavender neroli stimulating lemon lavender neroli colds / flu (preventative) tea tree lavender usage rates 1% dilution – appropriate for children under the age of 12, people over the age of 65, people who have environmental sensitivities. 5 drops to 1 ounce of a carrier such as a unscented lotion, cream, vegetable oil such as jojoba, sweet almond and apricot kernel. 2% dilution – good for essential oil blends for general skin / health care. 10 drops to 1 ounce of a carrier such as a unscented lotion, cream, vegetable oil such as jojoba, sweet almond and apricot kernel. 3% dilution – appropriate for an acute health concern, pain relief, getting through the flu or a cold. 15 drops to 1 ounce of a carrier such as a unscented lotion, cream, vegetable oil such as jojoba, sweet almond and apricot kernel. specific methods of application bath – use 5 drops to a full bath. compress – 1–2 drops to a bowl of warm water; dip a clean washcloth in water and apply. diffuser – 1–2 drops to a pad for an electric diffuser. massage oil – 10 drops to an ounce of carrier oil. neat – only lavender and tea tree – 1 drop onto cuts, burns and insect bites. steam inhalation – 1– 2 drops to a pot of hot water. drape towel over head. close eyes and inhale. tissue inhalation – 1 drop to tissue and inhale.