25 Essential Ingredients
Aromatherapy encompasses all types of natural ingredients. Here are 25 of the most used and their effects as part of a holistic health regime:
Basil: A powerful astringent and antispasmodic that relaxes both striated and smooth muscles.
Cedarwood: Recognized for its insect repelling, calming, purifying and antiseptic properties and is used to benefit the skin and underlying tissues.
Cinnamon Bark: Has potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and is also a light anticoagulant that can increase blood flow.
Citronella: Insect repellent and room deodorizer with antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Clary Sage: Has a sedative, anti-convulsive effect and is used for both premenstrual syndrome and menstrual pain.
Eucalyptus: Powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral essential oil commonly used for bronchitis, coughing and influenza.
Frankincense: Strengthens the immune system and helps prevent infections and inflammation.
German Chamomile: Natural sedative and anti-depressant that lowers the body temperature and helps to relieve restlessness, impatience and irritability.
Helichrysum: Helps reduce acute pain, improve circulation, balance blood pressure and regenerate tissues and nerves. It also stimulates liver function and may help clean plaque and debris from veins and arteries.
Juniper: Diuretic, expectorant and astringent.
Lavender: An antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that helps with depression, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, nervous tension and hives.
Lemon: Has cleansing, antiseptic qualities, helps protect against bacterial and viral infections, and also promotes white blood cell formation.
Marjoram: Soothes tense or sore muscles, improves circulation and regulates blood pressure.
Myrrh: Tones and revitalizes skin.
Neroli: Stimulates new cell growth at the cellular level.
Patchouli: Sedative and calming oil.
Peppermint: An anti-inflammatory that soothes the digestive system.
Ravensara: Heals viral, bacterial and fungal infections, and also promotes healthy functioning of the nervous and respiratory systems.
Rose: An anti-inflammatory agent for reducing scar tissue, sunburns, eczema, rashes, shingles and wounds, among other things.
Rose Geranium: Benefits a variety of skin conditions, including acne, blisters, burns, cold sores, dermatitis, eczema, measles, scars, shingles and wounds.
Rosemary: An astringent, stimulant and diuretic.
Rosewood: Soothes the skin and promotes tissue elasticity and regeneration.
Sandalwood: Used to combat depression, stress and insomnia. It stimulates the pineal gland and limbic system, the center of human emotions.
Tea Tree: Has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Thyme: An antimicrobial, anti-fungal and antiviral essential oil.
Ingredients To Stay Away From
Not all natural ingredients are safe. The following is a list of ingredients that you should stay away from and not use without the direct supervision of a registered aromatherapist. Many of these essential oils can be fatally toxic in very small amounts and/or can cause harm to you or your children.
· Bitter Almond Oil
· Boldo
· Calamus
· Camphor
· Cassia
· Horseradish
· Mugwort
· Mustard
· Pennyroyal
· Rue
· Sassafras
· Savin
· Tansy
· Thuja
· Wormseed
· Wormwood
The Basics Of Carrier Oils
Carrier oils, also referred to as base oils, are non-volatile oils and are usually from vegetable origin extracted from either nuts or seeds.
Smell of carrier oils
After a carrier oil has been extracted it is often refined through various processes which result in certain desirable, and some undesirable, effects. After processing, they usually do not have their own smell.
List of common carrier oils
Herewith, a list of the most widely used carrier oils as used in aromatherapy:
· Almond oil
· Aloe Vera oil
· Apricot kernel oil
· Avocado oil
· Calendula oil
· Coconut oil
· Evening primrose oil
· Grapeseed oil
· Hazelnut oil
· Jojoba oil
· Macadamia oil
· Olive oil
· Pumpkin seed oil
· Rosehip oil
· Safflower oil
· Sesame oil
· Sunflower oil
· Walnut oil
· Wheat germ oil
How To Choose Quality Essential and Carrier Oils
The quality that you’re looking for will depend upon what you’re using the oils for. Almost all oils are for external use only, although there are a few brands that can be used internally. Some brands are therapeutic or food grade while others are not. Some brands are not pure essential oils and contain fillers or additives.
Here are some great quality oil brands that will fit different budgets:
· Young Living
· doTERRA
· Eden’s Garden
· Aura Cacia
· Mountain Rose Herbs
· Plant Therapy
· Now
Storing Your Oils
Essential oils should be packaged in dark glass bottles to filter out UV rays. Sunlight will dramatically speed up the process of oxidation or deterioration. Store your oils in a cool, dark place to keep them safely away from heat. Also, keep your oils out of reach of children.
Store Citrus Oils In The Fridge
Citrus essential oils are the most prone to oxidation, so storing them in the refrigerator will keep them potent longer. Some oils may solidify in the cold, but that just means you will need to allow them to warm up before use by either holding it in your hand for a few minutes to produce enough heat to dissolve the natural waxes or let them stand for a few hours to return to room temperature.
Keep Them Cool
It is important to protect your carrier oils from heat, so during the summer, store your carrier oils in the fridge. When you need them, remove them from the fridge for at least 12 hours before use so that they can adjust to room temperature and then shake to restore to its normal consistency.
Safety Concerns
· Essential oils are flammable; keep them away from sources of flame or ignition.
· Do not use plastic bottles to store essential oils. Many oils will dissolve the plastic.
Caution - Use Oils Wisely
Most essential oils are safe and free of adverse side effects when used properly. However, it is important to use them wisely. When in doubt, consult a registered aromatherapist or medical care provider.
Can Essential Oils Be Toxic?
Toxicity of essential oils in most cases is primarily attributed to accidental ingestion and misuse by children. To be on the safe side, don’t eat or drink essential oils unless under the care and supervision of a registered aromatherapist.
Remember To Dilute Before Topical Use
Most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin so it is important to dilute them before application.
Essential Oils And Children
In most cases you will want to use smaller doses for children. It is recommended to avoid essential oils altogether for use on babies. Some oils, peppermint for example, are recommended not to be used on children under 6 years of age. Consult an aromatherapist or medical care provider before use.
It's important that you also exercise caution using essential oils when you are pregnant. It is possible that the oils can cross the placental barrier and to date there is little clinical research on any effects this may have.
Always store your essential oils in dark glass bottles out of the reach of children. Even amounts as small as a teaspoon full can be fatal.
Allergic Reactions
It's possible that some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from the use of essential oils. This may occur as early as the first application. The skin will generally heal without any long-term effects, but you will want to avoid any oils that cause a problem.
Phototoxicity And Essential Oils
Avoid sunlight when using citrus oils. Phototoxicity can occur when you go out into the sun after applying n topical oil. This will usually occur mostly with certain citrus oils, such lime, lemon, orange, bergamot, and angelica. If you do apply a solution of a citrus essential oil and then lie out in the sun or in a tanning bed, it's quite possible that you may end up with a severe sunburn.