aromatherapy

Aromatic Information

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbalism that employs the use of essential oils for therapeutic use. Essential oils are highly aromatic distillations of flowers, roots, stalks, bark, seeds, leaves, gum or rind of plants, trees or fruit. This holistic practice is now well recognized and utilized for aid in bringing about physical, mental or emotional change within a person.

Used by the Ancients for thousands of years, precious oils were the first medicines and perfumes. Incenses utilizing the oils perfumed places of worship. This science is increasingly being used either in conjunction with allopathic medicine or alone to provide a natural alternative to treating common ailments. Essential oils contain chemical constituents that nourish, energize, heal and protect the living plant increasing its immunity. Over the years, practitioners used these extracted oils to stimulate the immune system, balance our central nervous system, increase blood circulation, relieve pain and treat viruses, infections, wounds and skin ailments. When pure oils are placed directly on the skin, they enter into our bloodstream and can often impact our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Applications of essential oils diluted in a carrier are ideal for use in massage, reflexology and bodywork. In fact, the best place to put oil is either the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Inhale the fragrance from your hand. Rub it on areas where you have tension. It is possible to feel positive emotional and physical benefits from a single application of a few drops of oil.

Notably, mere inhalation of particular scents can also impact us in the same ways. In the emotional realm, essential oils were used to treat depression, anxiety, improve memory and promote self-confidence and a meditative state. Aromatherapy is the belief that certain scents trigger specific emotional or physical responses in people simply because the chemical constituents evoke them. Magical Aromatherapy is the practice of using the energies found within these same oils and floral waters or plant material to bring about a needed change. These energies are often focused for a specific intent by visualizing the intended goal. Aroma magick is created each time you use a particular scent for a particular purpose. Aromatherapists concern themselves with the effects of smell, magickal practitioners concern themselves with the energy of the plant.

Any application recommendations below are for an ADULT. Please modify dosages where appropriate.

  • INFANTS - under 2 years 1/4 dose ie: 1-2 drops essential oil to 10 ml carrier oil.
  • CHILDREN - 21/2 years 1/2 dose.
  • PREGNANCY: 1/2 dose ie: 2-3 drops essential oil to 10ml carrier oil

Some Ways to Use Essential Oils

Household

  • For great smelling linens, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the rinse cycle when washing. Another method is to put a few drops of your oil onto a wash cloth & toss into the dryer on low heat or fluff cycle.
  • Add 2-5 drops to a humidifier, vaporizer or oil burner
  • Use as a room freshener, to calm nerves or with certain oils-improve respiratory conditions. Electric diffusers or aroma lamps alter the mood and fragrance.
  • Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of cornstarch or baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets in your home. Let set for an hour or more, and then vacuum.
  • Having a problem with mice or ants? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on cotton balls and put them at problem locations.
  • Sprinkle on potpourri to revive the rich scent.
  • Anoint a candle with your favorite blend. Put a drop or two of your favorite blend into the melted wax. Blow out candle before adding your oils then relight!!

Bath, Body, Hair & Facial Care

  • Run bath water and add 5-10 drops of essential oil. Make sure oil is dispersed evenly. You can also add 10 to 15 drops to a jacuzzi or hot tub. If skin is sensitive, mix with a tablespoon of milk, oil or even better just add a capful or 2 of any of our premixed massage blends to your daily bath
  • Prefer a shower? Just close the drain and sprinkle a few drops of essential oil into the water and let your feet benefit from the therapeutic session while you breathe in the scented steam-great with a wonderful sinus blend !!
  • 6-8 drops of Eucalyptus oil in the bath cools the body in summer and protects it in winter.
  • Add 1 drop Geranium oil to your facial moisturizer to bring out a radiant glow in your skin.
  • Place 1 or 2 drops of Rosemary on your hairbrush before brushing to promote growth and thickness.
  • Steam Inhalation- just add a few drops (no more than 5) to a bowl of steaming water, herbs and flowers can also be added here. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl and inhale. Don't forget to keep your eyes closed.
  • To bring fever down, sponge the body with cool water to which 1 drop each of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lavender oils have been added.
  • Make your own scented body lotion by adding a few drops to plain unscented lotion
  • A wonderful massage blend for babies is 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1 drop Lavender, 1 drop Geranium diluted in 2 Tablespoons Sweet Almond oil
  • To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to 10ml Jojoba or other skin-nourishing vegetable oil. You may use a single carrier oil or combination of favorites as your base. Don't make too much-a 2-3% dilution is recommended. Inhaling the aromas while rich essential oils sink into the skin relieves our everyday tension and fatigue
  • A lymphatic Massage is a great way to assist your immune system. Lymph nodes are located around the body, in the throat, groin, near breasts and in our armpits. They are like filtering centers for cleansing the blood. We like a blend of Lemon, Rosemary, Grapefruit and Yarrow for stimulating and supporting the moving cleansing action. Help stimulate these centers by rubbing the massage oil up the arm to your lymph nodes; from the center of the chest, rub again toward your armpit and then down your neck. Legs-massage from feet and work up

General use


  • 1 drop Peppermint oil diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil rubbed on the back of the neck helps to relieve headaches.
  • Another upset stomach aid- mix a few drops of peppermint, basil, bergamot, lavender or rosemary essential oil with a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Gently massage the entire abdomen and lower back.
  • Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve upset stomach
  • 1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is effective. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone.
  • A blend of Lavender and either Grapefruit or Orange oil is good for the office. Lavender creates a calm tranquil atmosphere while Grapefruit stimulates the senses and will cleanse stagnant air
  • Follow Shakespeare's words "Rosemary, its for remembrance" and use this wondrous herb to promote alertness and stimulate memory.
  • Place 1 or 2 drops of calmative oils such as Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli or Marjoram on your pillow before bed.
  • Many essential oils including patchouli, citronella, lavender, and peppermint act as a natural repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil onto tissues or cotton balls and place near your doorways and windows to help repel insects. Be sure to read all safety data on the oils you use as some oils may not be suitable for use around pets. Be careful not to apply the essential oil directly onto fragile surfaces.