Using Essential Oils
Most essential oils are extracted from plant material using steam or water distalation. Selected plant materials are heated with steam, water or both until the essential oil vaporises. The oil then condenses as it cools.
All essential oils are concentrated and potent. They should be used very sparingly, only a few drops at a time, and always diluted in some other medium, such as plain massage oil ( sweet almond oil ) or base cream.
Some of the ways in wich essential oils can be used include:
- Massage - A small amount added to a base oil.
- Oil Burner - A few drops mixed with water and vaporised in a burner.
- Bath - Half a dozen drops added to a full bath.
- Inhalation - Two to three drops added to a basin of hot water.
- A Few Of The Popular Aromatherapy Oils And Their Uses.
- Peppermint - Digestive disorders.
- Rosemary - Muscular pains, mental stimulant.
- Sandlewood - Depression, anxiety and nervous tension.
- Tea Tree - Respiratory problems, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral.
- Lavender - Headaches, insomnia, burns, aches and pains.
Cautions
Some oils should be avoided by people with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy and pregnancy.
Oils to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Basil
- Cedarwood
- Clary sage
- Cypress
- Fennel
- Jasmine
- Juniper
- Sweet Marjoram
- Myrrh
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Epilepsy
Oils to avoid with epilepsy include:
- Fennel
- Hyssop
- Sage
High Blood Pressure
Oils to avoid with high blood pressure include:
- Hyssop
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Some people may be sensitive to essential oils.
Some oils can irritate or burn the skin, while others can bring on an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash.
Some of the oils that may cause problems with susceptible people include:
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger
- Thyme
- Black pepper
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Oregano
- Lemongrass
- Some citrus oils
Essential oils are very potent and should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin.