Essential oils are the pure fragrant essences from plants, i.e.
flowers, leaves, stems, bark, roots and berries etc, extracted by
various methods. The most popular method of extraction is by
distillation. This means the plant parts, are loaded into a large
pressure container. Steam is passed under pressure through the
plant material and the globules of essential oil burst open with
the heat, evaporating the oil. The steam and essential oil vapour
then pass out of the top of the container along a pipe which is
water-cooled. This condenses the vapours back into liquids. As the
water and oil do not mix, the essence sits on top of the water and
is easily separated from it.
Essential oils must be pure, good quality oils for use in
aromatherapy treatments. This is important, in view of many cheaper
oils which are now on the market and are of inferior quality. In
some cases they may contain solvents which could be very harmful,
in other cases they may contain chemical substances of the same
smell to make up the quantity.
Essential oils are highly volatile (this means they can evaporate
quickly if left exposed to the air. They should always be kept in
dark coloured bottles. They have a consistency more like water than
oil. Essential oils are not greasy. Carrier oils which are used to
blend the essential oils for massage are usually vegetable or nut
oils and these are greasy as necessary to massage the skin
Aroma
Oils
~ Basil - Stimulating. Helps to improve concentration and Clarity
of thought. Also recommended as a digestive Aid.
~ Bergamot - Refreshing and uplifting. Good for depression, anxiety
and stress.
~ Clary Sage - Relaxing and uplifting. Good for exhaustion, stress
PMT, and to help promote clarity of mind.
~ Eucalyptus - Powerful antiseptic. Good for breathing
difficulties, sinus, coughs and colds, aches, pains and
headaches.
~ Fennel - Good for digestive problems. Recommended as a diuretic
and for cellulite problems.
~ Geranium - To balance your body and mind. Recommended for
improving circulation and for easing the feminine cycle.
~ Grapefruit - Antiseptic, bactericidal, Stimulant, Refreshing,
Uplifting and balancing to the emotions and for muscle fatigue. Use
in the mornings when depressed. Use warm compress as skin
tonic.
~ Juniper - Uplifting and Purifying. Helps to relieve cystitis,
rheumatic pain and hang over.
~ Lavender - Relaxing. Good for migraines, burns, tired muscles,
insect bites and insomnia.
~ Lemongrass - Warming. Good for muscular aches, pains and strains
and insomnia.
~ Melissa - Soothing and uplifting. Particularly helpful when
dealing with shock, anxiety and hay fever.
~ Peppermint - Stimulates digestion. Mouthwash-calms tooth pain.
Helps travel sickness, migraine & headaches. Antiseptic-Gargle
for sore throats. Mental stimulant for fatigue, clarity of mind and
a good mosquito repellent (few drops on pillow).
~ Rosemary - Stimulating. Good for fatigue, concentration and
memory.
~ Sandalwood - Relaxing and soothing. Has been know to put people
in reflective and meditative frame of mind. Also good for sore
throats and coughs.
~ Tea Tree - Strong antiseptic. Good for viral and bacterial
infections, including colds and influenza.
~ Ylang Ylang - Sensual and uplifting. Helps against depression and
anxiety. Also known for its aphrodisiac properties.
Carrier
Oils
~ ALMOND OIL - Fine, rich, highly nutritious oil ideal for face and
body massage. Used to prevent skin from wrinkling and to soothe
irritation.
~ PEACH KERNEL OIL - Light, fine textured oil rich in Vitamin A,
nourishing to facial skin. Excellent for dry or sun-dried
skin.
~ OLIVE OIL - Rich in vitamins. Has a warming effect and is
excellent for massaging to stimulate the circulation.
~ JOJOBA OIL - A very fine textured liquid wax, quickly
absorbed.
Can be used on the most sensitive skin. A luxurious moisturiser for
dry and ageing skin.