Essential oils and their amazing aromas have become very popular in recent years.  People are using them in diffusers, body and beauty product recipes, and for therapeutic benefits.  Many questions have arisen about the safe and effective uses of essential oils.  This article will provide a quick overview of essential oils and aromatherapy.  

What is an Essential Oil?

First off, what is an essential oil?  Plant material from the aromatic part of a plant is steam distilled using water.  The lightest weight components of the plant are extracted, and include only the hydrogen, carbon, and sometimes oxygen molecules.  This is why essential oils are described as volatile.  They evaporate quickly and are very chemically reactive.

Essential oils can be extracted from various parts of a plant, such as the flowers, fruit, leaves, bark, heartwood, resin, or roots.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of scents and essential oils for therapeutic benefits.  Aroma can have an effect on mood.  For example, citrus essential oils can be uplifting.  Or floral scents like lavender or rose geranium can be calming.

Further, the topical use of diluted essential oils can offer benefits.  For example, essential oils have been used for skin issues such as burns or itching, muscle aches, or to help ward off biting insects.

Some Key Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy

Here is a quick look at some of the most popular essential oils used for aromatherapy benefits.

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has a wonderful fresh citrus scent to help calm stress.
• Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) is a common natural moth repellent.  Its woody scent also offers peace and grounding.
• Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is used around the world to help fight insect bites.  
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) has a breath opening aroma. It is also commonly used as an ingredient in natural insect repellents.
• German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) has a sleepy floral scent that can promote relaxation.  The oil can also be used topically for skin beauty and minor first aid.
• Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) aroma is known for its relaxing effect and to promote restful sleep. It can also be helpful for minor skin issues such as sun burns, scratches, and itching.
• Lemon (Citrus limonum) has an uplifting aroma and astringent benefits topically.
• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) can have a cooling effect topically, to help with muscle aches. It is also a popular fresh scent to help with respiratory or digestive complaints.
• Pine Needle (Pinus sylvestris) offers a mood boosting evergreen scent that may help open breathing.
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is commonly seen as an ingredient in therapeutic skin and hair products to help with a range of issues, from stinky feet to an itchy scalp.

How to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be enjoyed for their aroma using a variety of diffusing techniques.  Most common is a cool mist diffuser.  Follow the instructions on your diffuser and use away from young children and pets.  Diffuse intermittently so as not to be over exposed to the scents.  There are many beneficial properties to essential oils that can be enjoyed via inhalation!

Essential oils can be used topically.  Be sure to dilute all essential oils in a carrier oil before applying onto the skin.  Professional aromatherapy organizations like NAHA and AIA recommend that for healthy adults, dilute most essential oils to 2% in a carrier oil.  This equals about 10 - 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil.  Dilute "hot" essential oils such as cinnamon, lemongrass, or wintergreen much more.  Some essential oils (such as hot oils) should be avoided with children, pregnant women, and with certain medical conditions.

Blending Essential Oils

Single notes like lavender oil or peppermint oil smell nice by themselves, but essential oil blends can offer a symphony of glorious smells.  Aromatherapists like to combine top, middle, and base notes together. A general guide for mixing is to include 25% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 25% base notes.

• The top notes are light and offer a first impression, such as citrus notes and eucalyptus oils.  
• Middle notes, like lavender, juniper berry, or palmarosa typically make up the majority of the blend and are quite noticeable.  
• Base notes add depth and a lingering strength, such as ginger, clary sage, or patchouli.   

Which essential oils mix best together?  You would be surprised about combinations you might think clash, but really end up complementing each other nicely.  If you are beginning blender, a good idea is to investigate existing blends you enjoy, and then consider modifications to make the scent uniquely your own.  

How to Use Essential Oils Safely and Effectively

Before using any essential oil, identify its botanical name.  Research by botanical name the benefits any possible contraindications.  Ask your health practitioner if you have any questions.  And discontinue use if any irritations occur.  

About Aromaland and BulkSkinCare.com

Aromaland has been offering quality therapeutic grade essential oils for over 30 years.  We have over 200 single notes and masterfully formulated blends.  Our website, www.BulkSkinCare.com features essential oils and natural body care products at bulk prices.  Businesses can contact us to get wholesale pricing.

References

• National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy: Home | NAHA
• Alliance of International Aromatherapists: Alliance of International Aromatherapists - Home (alliance-aromatherapists.org)