| Aromatherapy as we know it today was accidentally | | | | You can use essential oils on their own or blended |
| discovered in 1910 by a French chemist named | | | | with one or two other oils for maximum effect. If |
| Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. After burning his hand | | | | you are using them on the skin they should always |
| during an experiment in a perfume factory, he | | | | be diluted in a carrier oil such as Sunflower or Sweet |
| plunged it into a vat of Lavender essential oil, and | | | | Almond. Ways that you can use essential oils at |
| was amazed at how quickly and well his hand later | | | | home include: |
| healed. Thus modern aromatherapy was born. The | | | | Baths. Fill the bathtub with warm (not hot) water, |
| use of aromatic plants in healing and medicine can be | | | | then dilute 4 - 6 drops of essential oil in a little |
| traced back to thousands of years BC however, and | | | | vegetable oil or milk, and add to the water. Close the |
| evidence of the use of essential oils has even been | | | | door so that the vapours don't escape, and soak for |
| found in Egyptian tombs and hieroglyphics. | | | | at least ten minutes. |
| The practice of aromatherapy harnesses the healing | | | | Oil Burner. Add 2tbsp warm water to the oil burner |
| properties of aromatic plants and trees in the form | | | | and then add 3 - 6 drops of essential oil. Light the |
| of essential oils which are extracted from the leaves, | | | | candle underneath, and the heat will disperse the oils |
| flowers, stems, bark and roots. The extracted oils | | | | into the air. |
| are highly concentrated, but when diluted they are | | | | Lamp Ring. Place a couple of drops of essential oil |
| suitable for use in baths, oil burners, massage oils, | | | | onto a lamp ring, and place the ring on a light bulb. |
| creams, lotions and sprays. | | | | The heat from the light bulb will cause the oils to |
| Aromatherapy is an extremely effective treatment | | | | disperse into the air. |
| for stress, as there are a number of oils which have | | | | Room Sprays. Use a new plant sprayer, and add |
| sedating, relaxing and uplifting properties. The | | | | warm but not boiling water. Add the essential oil (4 |
| connection between smell and emotion is very | | | | drops per ½ pint water) and shake before use. |
| strong, and breathing in pleasant smells triggers | | | | Spray into the air, but avoid spraying onto surfaces |
| positive reactions in the brain which creates a sense | | | | and fabric which are likely to stain. |
| of well being. This therapeutic effect works in | | | | Massage. For massage, the essential oils must be |
| addition to the healing properties of the oils. | | | | diluted in a carrier oil such as Sunflower, Sweet |
| Essential oils should not be taken internally but should | | | | Almond or Grapeseed. You will probably need around |
| be absorbed into the body either through inhalation | | | | 7-10 teaspoons of carrier oil for a full body massage, |
| or through the skin. There are a number of oils | | | | so add 1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier |
| available which are used to treat stress and its | | | | oil. Mix well and apply to the skin with long sweeping |
| symptoms, and there is a wide variety of ways in | | | | strokes, always massaging towards the heart. |
| which oils can be used. | | | | Using aromatherapy oils at home should not be taken |
| Probably the most relaxing method to experience | | | | lightly. The essential oils mentioned here are very |
| aromatherapy is in the form of a massage by a | | | | safe, but some oils can present hazards if not |
| qualified aromatherapist, however there are plenty of | | | | properly used. If you are in any doubt, always consult |
| benefits to be had by practicing aromatherapy at | | | | a qualified aromatherapist. |
| home. Good quality essential oils can be purchased | | | | You should bear in mind the following guidelines |
| from reputable suppliers such as drugstores, natural | | | | before using essential oils: |
| health stores and specialist web sites. Do not buy | | | | 1) Never use undiluted oils directly on the skin |
| cheap low quality oils as these are usually | | | | 2) Always seek professional advice from a medical |
| synthetically produced, and whilst they may smell the | | | | practitioner or qualified aromatherapist if you have |
| same, they contain none of the therapeutic benefits | | | | sensitive skin, are prone to allergic reactions, are |
| of the plant. | | | | pregnant or breast feeding, have a medical condition |
| Oils such as Bergamot, Neroli, Frankincense, Geranium, | | | | or are taking anticoagulant drugs. |
| Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood are very safe, and will | | | | 3) Seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist |
| induce relaxation and lift your mood. Lavender, | | | | before using oils on children. |
| Roman Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine, Marjoram and | | | | 4) Avoid alcohol when using essential oils. |
| Clary Sage have the same effect, but these oils | | | | 5) Avoid exposure to the sun if you have used |
| should not be used if you are pregnant. You should | | | | essential oils on the skin. |
| avoid using any essential oils in the first trimester of | | | | 6) Always keep essential oils out of the reach of |
| pregnancy without taking advice from a doctor or a | | | | children. |
| qualified aromatherapist. | | | | |