About Aromatherapy

Welcome!
We hope to share with you our love of Aromatherapy and the use of pure essential oils.

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from flowers, herbs and trees to enhance the well being of body, mind and spirit. For centuries essential oils have been considered the most therapeutic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts. They are highly concentrated, regenerating, oxygenating and contain hormones, vitamins, and antiseptics that work on many levels.

Aromatherapy works in two ways: through the sense of smell or inhalation and through the skin during massage or bathing. Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used with care and respect. Always dilute for use on the skin. The exception to this rule is with Lavender and Tea Tree which may be applied neat (undiluted) one drop to the area. Remember Less IS More. When using essential oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops. For therapeutic results purchase only high quality oils.

Check our dosage chart for proper dilutions.

Methods of Extracting Essential Oils

The Process of Steam Distillation

General Precautions
Keep out of reach of children and away from pets.Do not ingest by mouth.

Essential oils should not be taken internally. Essential oils are flammable.

Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.

Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals. When using a new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction. Discontinue use if there is any form of reaction.
Proceed carefully and with guidance if the following conditions exist :

Pregnancy, you may want to avoid all essential oils during your pregnancy. Generally speaking, all EOs that contain a reasonable amount of ketones need to be used with care during Pregnancy. So you might want to check the chemical composition (major components) in each of the EOs in which you are most interested. We recommend a good aromatherapy book for specific information.

High blood pressure, epilepsy, open wounds, diabetes, rashes, neurological disorders, doctor prescribed medications or homeopathic remedies.

Do not apply undiluted to the skin, dilute in a pure vegetable carrier oil.

Special care with photosensitive oils: The following oils can cause severe sun sensitivity:

Bergamot and Rue, very strong, Cumin, Lime, Mandarine, Lemon, Tangerine, Orange, Verbena (moderate),

Angelica, Caraway, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark,Grapefruit, Honeysuckle absolute, Laurel Leaf Abs., Patchouli (mild),

Virginia Cedarwood, Dill weed, and Petitgrain (very mild.)

For treatments of health ailments, please seek diagnosis and recommendations from a licensed medical practitioner.

 These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils. When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner

 Aromatherapy 101

Getting Started

 Some of you have asked how to get started using essential oils. Which oils should you have on hand? Well, there are many essential oils to choose from, over 100 are readily available. You do not have to purchase all of them to get started. I suggest you start with a basic kit that contains some of the more common oils then add some of your favorites. Purchase small quantities and experiment with blending different oils together. Purchase one or two good books on aromatherapy to guide you. Take a class. Many are offered at health food stores, adult education classes and aromatherapy boutiques. Some of the oils to have on hand are:

Lavender: known to be calming, used for insomnia.General first aid, burns, bites. Use in baths (wonderful), massage, perfumes, inhalation.

Tea Tree: Antibacterial, Antiviral and Anti fungal use for cuts, bites, dandruff, athletes foot. A first aid must. A drop may be used neat.

Eucalyptus: A must have for this time of year. Diffuse daily to kill cold germs in the air. Use for colds, sinus congestion, Use in diffuser, inhalation and massage peppermint: Aids headaches, a digestive aid, pain killer, travel sickness. Use in massage, compress, diffuser, inhalant .

 Orange: Think happy! Another basic. Calming, yet uplifting, blends well with the other citrus oils and Lavender.

Lemon: Great for cleaning. Fights germs and bacteria. Another refreshing citrus scent. Helps concentration.

Peppermint: Energizes, great when driving a long trip. Reduces nausea and headache. Improves digestion.

Well this should get you started on your aromatic journey.