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What are Essential oils?
When you smell a rose it is the essential oil produced by the flower that you are enjoying. Most of us are familiar with the aromas of culinary herbs, garden flowers etc. Each essential oil is composed of a complex mixture of chemicals and the differences in the composition of each essential oil explain why each oil, and therefore, why each plant has a different scent. The difference in composition of each oil also explains why each oil has different therapeutic applications. The essential oils are highly volatile and evaporate continuously from the plant, explaining why the scent from flowers or herbs can so quickly fill a room.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy may be derived from any part of a herb; flowers, roots, fruits etc. The essential oils are extracted from the plant usually by water or steam distillation, a process that collects and concentrates these vital essences.
How to use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated therapeutic tools and should be used correctly and with respect. Essential oils are used in the following ways;
1. Inhalation and steam baths.
We've all, at one time or another, had our head under a towel, breathing in steam from a hot bowl of water. Water that has usually had a few drops of Eucalyptus oil added to help unblock our nose and airways and ease breathing. This method of inhalation of oils is certainly useful but oils can also be inhaled in far more subtle ways than this. The use of an oil burner in a room for example, will deliver useful doses of essential oils to your lungs and thence the blood-stream. All that is needed is a few drops of the pure essential oil in a little water in the hot-plate of the burner. Simply putting a few drops of a relaxing essential oil onto your pillow at night or simply spraying a room can be all that is required.
2. Massage
All essential oils should be diluted before applying them to the skin. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as Chamomile, Lavender and tea-tree oils, but even these are used sparingly. So, in general, always dilute the essential oil in carrier oil. Examples of carrier oils are; sweet almond, jojoba, hemp, olive, grapeseed, wheatgerm etc.
The carrier oil should contain no more than 5% of an essential oil, or mixture of essential oils. In other words, if you were using 100ml of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, you would only add at the maximum 5ml of an essential oil or mixture of essential oils. At the minimum you would add 1% of an essential oil to your carrier oil. This would mean 1ml of the essential oil is added to 100ml of the carrier oil.
As a rough guide, when measuring out your essential oils, 20 drops is equivalent to 1ml. If you are using your oil blend as a body massage application then only repeat the treatment every 2-3 days. The reason for this is that the massage process is intense and really aids the absorption of the oil by the skin. Essential oils are highly fat soluble, and because the human skin has lots of fat in it essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin.
You can massage your prepared oils into specific areas of the body. For example, if you have a gut problem, then massage the oils into the abdomen. Apply the oils to the chest for respiratory complaints or the lower back for kidney and urinary disorders.
Another way to apply essential oils externally is by adding them to a bath. ONLY USE OILS THAT ARE NON-IRRITATING IN THE BATH (see each oil individually for further clarification). Add 4-8 drops of essential oil to the bath water and swirl it around before entering the bath. The warm water will make it easier for the skin to absorb the oil. You will also inhale the oil as it evaporates from the warm water. It is safe to repeat the bath procedure daily.
Essential oils can also be added to sitz baths at a dilution 4-5 drops of oil per bath and hand and foot baths can be use to specifically target those areas. Again, 4-5 drops of essential oil per bath is recommended.
3. Taken internally in capsules, tablets or aromatic waters
For safety reasons we recommend that you do not take (swallow) any essential oil neat. The safe way to take essential oils internally is by using the aromatic waters; go to our Internal Aromatherapy section for full details and advice.
Remember that when choosing an essential oil for use that each oil not only helps to alleviate physical problems such as inflammation etc but they all have a psychological effect. If possible, try to choose an oil with the right physical and psychological profile for your individual circumstances.
Storage of Essential Oils.
All essential oils should be kept in sealed, dark glass containers in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. All essential oils will last longer in the fridge and most oils kept this way will have a shelf life of 6-12 months. The more resinous oils such as cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli etc will last up to 3 years if stored correctly.
Safety guidelines.
Essential oils, whilst a great joy to the senses and a pleasure to use are also highly concentrated and therapeutic tools. They must therefore be used with due respect and care.
- It is always best to seek the help of a qualified aromatherapist before selecting an essential oil/oil blend for personal use.
- Never apply essential oils to the skin without first diluting them as per the instructions above.
- Always do a patch test with an essential oil you have not used before. To do a patch test, mix your essential oil with carrier as you would to use normally (see above guidelines). Apply this prepared oil to a small patch of skin on the wrist. Wait for an hour or so to make sure that no irritation or redness develop. If any adverse reaction occurs then do not use that oil at all.
- Never use essential oils on delicate tissues such as the eyes or genitals.
- Store all essential oils away from children.
- If an essential oil gets into the eyes then wash copiously with cold water and seek medical attention if any redness or irritation persists.
Pregnancy and Essential Oils.
It is not true that all essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Most are perfectly safe to be used as normal. Check the information we have provided on each oil if you are pregnant and seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist.
Babies/Children and Essential Oils.
Store all essential oils away from children in well sealed containers.
When using essential oils on children remember that a child's skin is far more sensitive than an adults. The dosage should be adjusted for children and some oils should not be applied to children. Follow these guidelines when using essential oils on babies and children:
0-6 months old - Only use chamomile and lavender oils. 1 drop of essential oil is used in 10ml of the carrier oil for this age group.
6-12 months old - Only use Chamomile, Roman chamomile, lavender, mandarin, neroli and rose. Use at a quarter of the adult dose.
1-6 years old - Only use Chamomile, Roman chamomile, lavender, mandarin, neroli, rose, coriander, orange and tea tree. Use at a quarter of the adult dose.
7-12 years old - Use all essential oils other than basil. Use at a quarter of the adult dose.
For children of all ages an oil burner can be used in the room, but do not put essential oils into the bath for children. Select an Aromatherapy category:
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