Aromatherapy by wk98255

Mind & Body

Aromatherapy

published by Barnes & Noble

It’s okay to inhale. Of the five senses, smell is the only one that links directly to the brain’s center of memory, arousal, and emotion. Aromatherapy draws on this connection to boost your spirits, improve your focus, or simply help you relax. Read on for: • Basics of essential oils and carrier oils and how they work • Properties and applications of the most common aromatherapy blends • A guide to using essential oils for skin care, mood enhancement, and more

What Is Aromatherapy?

Basics of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the practice of enhancing health, mood, and appearance through the use of concentrated plant extracts called essential oils. Some essential oils, such as chamomile and lavender, calm the nervous system, whereas others, such as peppermint and rosemary, have stimulating properties. Applied topically or inhaled, essential oils can ease physiological and emotional symptoms. They can also be diffused through your home’s ventilation system to provide a gentle, pleasant fragrance.

Essential oils are extraordinarily concentrated: it takes roughly 30 roses to extract one drop of essential oil, for example. Many aromatic plants provide essential oils, each with distinctive actions, or therapeutic effects.

How Essential Oils Are Obtained Essential oils are found in the cells of aromatic plants and are released via extraction. Extraction methods include:

Aromatics Through the Ages

• Steam distillation: In this most common form of extraction, pressurized steam is added to plant matter, and the oil the plant produces is compacted, collected, and separated from the water. Steam distillation also produces hydrosol, or floral water, which is good for sensitive skin. Most leaves, twigs, and herbs— eucalyptus, lavender, fir, rosemary, thyme, dill, and others—are steam-distilled. • Cold pressing: The inner skin of a citrus fruit, such as bergamot, orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit, is pressed to release its oil. Cold-pressed oils tend to have a shorter shelf life than oils extracted by other methods. • CO2: In this method, carbon dioxide is chilled to 35–55°F, pumped through the plant material, and condensed into a liquid. After pressure is released, the carbon dioxide escapes in gaseous form, leaving the essential oil of the plant behind. Oils that are extracted via this method have a richer, more intense scent, especially frankincense and chamomile. • Solvent extraction: Delicate flowers such as jasmine, tuberose, and linden blossom are washed repeatedly with a solvent (such as hexane, petroleum ether, or methanol), yielding a waxy mass called a concrete. The wax is removed with ethanol, and the remaining substance is cold-filtered to produce the highly concentrated final product, called an absolute.

Though the term “aromatherapy” didn’t arise until the 20th century, aromatics have been used for centuries.

Shelf Life

How Is Aromatherapy Used? Aromatherapy is used for a wide variety of applications: • Essential oils can be added to unscented shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, creams, masks, and scrubs. • Oils such as chamomile, geranium, lavender, and tea tree can relieve pain from insect bites and cuts. • Adding an essential oil such as eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint to unscented liquid cleansers, room spritzers, dryer sheets, or vacuum bags makes a house more fragrant. • Diffusing a mild citrus scent through your ventilation system at work can add a pleasant, calming touch to the office.

How Does Aromatherapy Work? When an essential oil is inhaled, its molecules travel up through the nose to the limbic system, the part of the brain that is the center of memory, arousal, and emotion. Sniffing a pleasing scent is one of the fastest means of receiving agreeable psychological or physiological effects: of the five senses, smell is the only one in which messages travel directly to the limbic system, bypassing the cerebral cortex, the “thinking” part of the brain.

• China has used salves, liniments, and herbal teas from camphor, ginger, jasmine, and rose since 4500 BCE. • Egyptian priests, aristocrats, and pharaohs used extracts and resins of frankincense, juniper, spikenard, myrrh, and cypress in their perfumes, medicines, and cosmetics, as well as in spiritual ceremonies. • In India, herbs such as cinnamon, myrrh, ginger, coriander, and sandalwood have long been used for massages and in perfumes and baths.

The recommended shelf life for essential oils varies somewhat by type: • Citrus essential oils: Six months • Other essential oils: About two years • Hydrosols (floral waters): Shorter than their corresponding essential oils Keeping essential oils and hydrosols refrigerated can extend their shelf life by a few months.

Quality The quality of an essential oil depends on the soil, climate conditions, and altitude where the plant was grown; the methods used to harvest the plant; and the temperature and accuracy of the extraction procedure.

Cost The amount you pay for an essential oil depends on the concentration and quality of the product. You might pay $10 for a vial of diluted sandalwood oil, for example, but $50 for a vial of sandalwood absolute.

Basics of Carrier Oils Carrier oils are used to dilute the intensity of essential oils and “carry” them to skin. They are fixed in nature and create a stable environment for essential oils so that they don’t evaporate as quickly. Carrier oils offer protection to the skin and slow the evaporation of an essential oil when used in a blend. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils have a short shelf life and can turn rancid quickly.

How to Choose a Carrier Oil There are quite a few different carrier oils to choose from. When you’re selecting a carrier oil for blending, consider the following factors: • Allergies to nuts: Carrier oils can be produced from almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. (Peanut oil is generally not used in aromatherapy blending.) If you are allergic to any of these nuts, be sure never to use any carrier oils made from them. • Thickness and absorbency: Lighter oils are generally used for facial care products because they’re very smooth in their application and don’t clog pores. Heavier oils are used to protect a specific area of skin and nourish it more deeply. • Fragrance: Walnut, hazelnut, and soy carrier oils all have strong fragrances that would overpower a light essential oil, such as rose. • Purity: For the best results, use a seed or nut oil that’s both organic and cold-pressed. Organic oils are grown without pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, and are produced without synthetic chemicals. Cold pressing helps oils retain the quality and a significant quantity of their nutrients.

Aromatherapy

www.quamut.com Benefits and Uses of Different Carrier Oils Use the following table to help choose a carrier oil for your particular application: Carrier

Benefits

Uses

Apricot

• High in vitamins A, E, and C • Moisturizes and revitalizes skin

Treatment of sensitive, dry, aging, or inflamed skin

Avocado

• Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, D, E, and minerals • Helps treat dry skin and eczema

Combined in small amounts with jojoba, sesame, and/or sweet almond for facial creams, lotions, salves, hair oils, or lip balms

Coconut

• Highly moisturizing • Supports healthy function of immune system

Treatment of rough bumps on skin; soothing on scalp and hair

Evening Primrose

• Nourishes hair, scalp, and nails • Reduces joint inflammation

Treatment of eczema; relief of PMS

• Antibacterial Jojoba (pronounced • Penetrates deeply • Closely matches the oil secreted by ho-ho-ba) human skin

Due to its stable nature, used primarily to preserve blends of essential oils; also, relief of acne and eczema

Safflower

• Clear, light, almost odorless • Absorbs quickly

Relief from painful joints, sprains, eczema, and rough skin

Sesame

• High in vitamins E and B-complex • Detoxifies and nourishes skin

Relief from anxiety and circulatory complaints

Sunflower

• High in vitamins A, D, B-complex, E, F, and minerals

All-around skin care, skin moisturizing and regeneration

Sweet almond

• Contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E • Absorbs quickly

Relief from chapped, dry, or irritated skin; especially good for children

Witch hazel

• Soothing, refreshing, and mild • Good for oily skin

Treatment of acne, bites, stings, inflammations, hemorrhoids

How to Use Essential Oils Essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes. Here are some general guidelines and formulations for using them for some of their most common applications: Uses

Suggested Essential Oils

Preparation

Face

• Oily skin: Geranium, tea tree • Dry skin: Rose, ylang-ylang

Add 2–5 drops essential oils to 2 oz unscented facial cleanser, oil, mask, scrub, or cream. Stir well and apply.

Bath

• Calming: Roman chamomile, rose, ylang-ylang

Stir 5–10 drops essential oils into 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin or aloe vera gel. Mix and add to bath water.

Shower

• Calming: Roman chamomile, rose, ylang-ylang • Stimulating: Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary

Add 5–15 drops essential oils to 8 oz unscented body cleanser, liquid soap, shower gel, or Dead Sea salts. Shake or stir well before using.

Body lotion/oil

• Oily skin: Combination of geranium, lemon, and tea tree • Dry skin: Roman chamomile, rose, ylang-ylang

Add 15–20 drops essential oils to 4 oz unscented lotion or oil. Shake well before each application.

Hair care

• Dandruff: Basil, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, tea tree • Light hair: Chamomile, lemon • Dark hair: Rosemary • Healthy hair: Ylang-ylang

Add 10–20 drops essential oils to 8 oz unscented shampoo or conditioner. Shake well before each application.

Uses

Suggested Essential Oils

Preparation

Household cleaning

• Eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, tea tree

Add 20 drops essential oils to 8 oz unscented liquid soap or cleanser and shake well. Or put 3–5 drops essential oils directly onto a sponge, an unscented dryer sheet, or a cotton pad inserted into a vacuum bag.

Massage lotion/oil

• Calming: Orange, chamomile, lavender • Stimulating: Geranium, lemon, rosemary • For aches/pains: Basil, Roman chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, tea tree

Add 9–12 drops essential oil to 1 oz massage lotion or carrier oil. Shake well before applying. A blend of 2–3 oils is often effective.

Diffusing

• To improve concentration: Basil, rosemary, peppermint • Calming: Roman chamomile, lavender, orange • Immune stimulation: Eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree

Place 10–15 drops undiluted essential oils in a nebulizing diffuser or on the felt wick of a personal nasal inhaler. Or put 2 drops essential oils on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale.

Foot bath

• Stimulating: Peppermint, eucalyptus

Stir 2–5 drops essential oils into 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin. Mix well and add to water.

First aid compress

• Bruises or achy joints: Chamomile, lavender, tea tree, peppermint

Stir 3–5 drops essential oils into 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin. Pour into 1–2 cups of hot or cold water. Put a washcloth into the mixture, wring it out, and apply to the painful area. Repeat 2–3 times.

Room spritzer

• Uplifting: Geranium, lavender, lemon, rosemary • Antibacterial: Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, tea tree

Put 1 Tbsp vegetable glycerin and 15 drops essential oils into a 4-oz spray bottle. Shake well, then add hydrosol or water. Shake again.

Essential Oil Precautions Essential oils are highly concentrated and are not for everyone. Before using essential oils or other aromatherapy products, consult a qualified aromatherapist or knowledgeable healthcare provider. In particular, if you want to use essential oils on or around children, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, sensitive-skinned people, or anyone with chronic illness, ask a doctor first. In addition, always follow these essential-oil safety guidelines: • Read and follow all label instructions and warnings on essential oil bottles. • Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children. • Keep all essential oils out of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and all other body openings. If exposure does occur, flush with milk or carrier oil, not water. • For children and the elderly, use half the amount of essential oil called for in a recipe. • Use a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. • Use only 100% pure essential oils for therapeutic results. ”Fragrance” oils are synthetic. • Keep essential oils away from air, heat, and light. Replace lids immediately after use. • To prevent contamination, do not touch the inner dropper lids of essential oil bottles. • If your skin is sensitive or allergy-prone, do a patch test on the crook of your arm. Wait a few hours to see whether there is a reaction; discontinue use if redness or irritation occurs. Fair-skinned people, blondes, and redheads should be especially careful. • If you have epilepsy, heart or kidney problems, or any other serious medical condition, do not use essential oils unless advised by a medical professional. • Never use essential oils as a substitute for necessary medical care.

The information contained in this and every Quamut guide is intended only for the general interest of its readers and should not be used as a basis for making medical, investment, legal or other important decisions. Though Quamut makes efforts to create accurate guides, editorial and research mistakes can occur. Quamut cannot, therefore, guarantee the accuracy of its guides. We disclaim all warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and must advise you to use our guides at your own risk. Quamut and its employees are not liable for loss of any nature resulting from the use of or reliance upon our charts and the information found therein.

Photo Credits: Page 1: Claudia Kunin/Corbis; Page 3: Vincent & Jennifer Keane/Lucence Photographic (photos 1-3 and 5-6), Courtesy of Wyndmere Naturals, Inc. (photo 4), IM Birchall/ Stock.xchng (photo 7), Kati Molin/Shutterstock (photo 8), Melanie Acevedo/Garden Picture Library (photo 9), Michaela Andrews/Shutterstock (photo 10), Michael Shake/Shutterstock (photo 11), Herbert Kehrer/zefa/Corbis (photo 12); Page 4: Omri Waisman/Beateworks/Corbis (photo 1), Corbis (photo 2), Vely/Shutterstock (photo 3), Jane Sapinsky/Corbis (photo 4), Damian Herde/Shutterstock (photo 5), Peter Skinner/Photo Researchers, Inc. (photo 6), Chris Hellier/Corbis (photo 7).

This chart and the information contained in this chart are for general educational and informational uses only. Nothing contained on this chart should be construed or intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Users are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources and review the information carefully with their physicians or qualified healthcare providers. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or healthcare providers. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. The publishers will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.

Aromatherapy

www.quamut.com How to Make Essential Oil Blends

Aromatherapy Equipment

Making your own essential oil blends can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of aromatherapy. The following guidelines are suitable for single essential oils and blends of oils.

You can find these items at natural food stores or online.

Aromatherapy Blending Procedure Before you begin mixing, prepare your work area: 1. Make sure you’re working on a clean countertop. Spreading wax paper on the counter will protect the area from spills and stains. 2. Always use new, clean containers for your blends. 3. Try a test blend—put one drop of each of the essential oils that you have chosen in a small glass bowl, then inhale the fragrance. If it’s not what you had in mind, start again. Write down your recipes so that you can duplicate them later. 4. Using more drops of essential oil doesn’t necessarily yield more therapeutic results, so start with small amounts of essential oil and carrier oil. If you don’t like your creation, you won’t have wasted much.

• Ceramic or metal diffuser: Pour a little water on the tray, add 2–3 drops of essential oil, and place a lit candle underneath. Never leave a candle unattended. • Plug-in car and room diffusers: Put a few drops of essential oil on the pad of the diffuser, then plug it into a car cigarette lighter (it won’t drain the car’s battery) or a wall socket. • Atomizers and vaporizers: Fill with water and add 2–3 drops of essential oil. • Nebulizing diffuser: There’s no need for water or for a carrier oil; just plug the nebulizer into a wall socket. The nebulizer breaks essential oils down into tiny particles that disperse in the air.

• Personal inhalers: Saturate a cotton ball with essential oil, place it in the inhaler chamber, and seal it with the top when you’re done. • 4-oz or 8-oz plastic bottles with flip tops: These are good for liquid soap, lotion, oil blends, shampoo, and conditioner. • 2-oz or 4-oz amber glass bottles with spray tops: Amber-colored glass is effective at blocking light and keeping a scent fresh. Use these bottles for cleaning solutions and for face and room spritzers. • 2-oz or 4-oz plastic or glass jars: Use these for face creams, salves, and Dead Sea salt scrubs. • Pipettes: These tools are good for dispensing essential oils from large bottles that don’t have droppers. • Disposable gloves: Wearing gloves prevents possible skin irritation and helps keep essential oils and carriers free of contaminants from your hands.

12 Commonly Used Essential Oils More than 300 aromatic plants contain essential oils—this section covers 12 of the most common ones. The best way to learn their actions, uses, and precautions is to study a few oils at a time, try them, and take note of how each makes you feel.

Basil Basil is revered as a holy herb in Hindu temples and Greek Orthodox churches. Among nonpractitioners, basil is valued for its ability to invigorate the body and improve circulation.

General Uses • Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or carrier oil, then massage onto the abdomen for indigestion, stomach upset, flatulence, motion sickness, or nausea. • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for dandruff control. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for aches, irregular periods, menopausal problems, menstrual cramps, inflammation, or muscle spasms. • Mood enhancing: Add to a personal inhaler or unscented lotion or carrier oil for anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, nervous tension, or headaches, or to improve mental clarity and concentration. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest for bronchitis, cough, cold, earache, fever, flu, or sinus congestion.

Precautions • Possible skin irritant; use carrier oil. • Do not use in baths. • Do not use if you are pregnant.

Chamomile Chamomile is grown in the United States and Europe, and is used to treat everything from inflamed skin to hot tempers. Roman chamomile is especially effective in treating strains, sprains, and wounds.

General Uses • Dental care: Use as part of a cold compress for teething or toothache.

• Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen for indigestion, stomach upset, flatulence, motion sickness, or nausea. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for aches, inflammation, or muscle spasms. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse or add to bath water, unscented lotion, or carrier oil for anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, or nervous tension. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest for bronchitis, cough, cold, flu, or sinus congestion. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or aloe vera gel for acne, boils, burns, cuts and wounds, eczema, insect bites, or rashes.

Precautions • Can cause a reaction when used directly on the face or sensitive skin; always use a carrier. • Avoid if you have a ragweed allergy. • Do not use during pregnancy.

Eucalyptus The eucalyptus plant is a native of Tas mania and Australia. It can provide powerful relief from congestion in the nose and chest, especially when used in conjunction with steam.

General Uses • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for dandruff control. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for aches, inflammation, spasms, menstrual cramps, irregular periods, or menopausal problems. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse or add to a personal nasal inhaler, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, apply as a compress, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back to treat bronchitis, cough, cold, fever, flu, or sinus congestion.

Precautions • Do not use if you have epilepsy or another condition that brings on seizures.

• Do not use if you have high blood pressure. • Do not use with homeopathic remedies.

Geranium Native to South Africa, the geranium is also cultivated in Russia, China, and Morocco, and on the Indian Ocean island of Réunion.

General Uses • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for dandruff control. • Mood enhancing: Add to bath water, diffuse, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil for nervous tension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, or menopausal depression. Also enhances mental clarity. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil to treat aches, inflammation, fluid retention, heavy or irregular periods, PMS, menopausal problems, nerve pain, or muscle spasms. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or aloe vera gel for acne, age lines, bruises, broken capillaries, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, oily skin, psoriasis, ringworm, or wounds.

Precautions • If you are pregnant, use only during the third trimester.

Lavender Greeks and Romans burned twigs of lavender to purify their rooms and believed it could ward off plagues. Today lavender is used to help relax the mind and improve quality of sleep. • Cleaning: Add directly to kitchen sponges or the washing machine before doing a load of laundry. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse in a room or add to bath water, unscented massage lotion, or carrier oil to relieve anger, anxiety, depression, frustration, insomnia, menopausal depression, or nervous tension. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for aches, inflammation, nerve pain, spasms, irregular periods, PMS, or menopausal problems.

Aromatherapy

www.quamut.com • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, apply as a compress or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil and massage on the chest and upper back for asthma, bronchitis, flu, throat infection, or whooping cough. • Skin care: Apply on bandages for blisters, boils, bruises, burns, cold sores, cuts, eczema, insect bites, skin infections, scarring, sunburn, or wounds. Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or aloe vera gel for abscesses, acne, or oily skin. Use in a spritzer as an insect repellent.

Precautions • Do not use if you are pregnant. • Lavender lowers blood pressure, so use it in mod eration if you already have low blood pressure.

Lemon Lemons have been a healthcare staple since the 1700s, when crews of seafaring ships used citrus fruits in the diet to help stave off scurvy. • Cleaning: Add directly to kitchen sponges or the washing machine before doing a load of laundry. • Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen for indigestion, stomach upset, motion sickness, or nausea. • Massage: Add to unscented massage oil or lotion to increase circulation or reduce gout, rheumatism, varicose veins, joint pain, or inflammation. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse or add to a nasal inhaler, or add to unscented carrier oil for mental fatigue. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in the room or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back for asthma, bronchitis, cold, fever, flu, or throat infection. • Skin care: Apply to bandages for abscesses, boils, cold sores, cuts, or insect bites. Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or cream for acne, abscesses, boils, brittle nails, corns, or oily skin.

Precautions • Can cause irritation to sensitive skin, especially in sunlight. • Do not use in the bath.

Orange Both stimulating and calming, orange can be a wonderful scent to inhale if you need relief from anxiety, depression, or tension. • Cleaning: Add to kitchen sponges or the washing machine. • Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or oil and massage on the abdomen for diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, gastric spasms, and indigestion. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or oil for aches, tension, or muscle spasms. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse in a room or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for anxiety, depression, insomnia, tension, or postpartum depression. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back for bronchitis, cold, or flu. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or cream for dull or oily skin, prematurely aging skin, or broken capillaries.

Precautions • Can cause irritation to sensitive skin, especially in sunlight. • Do not use in the bath.

Peppermint Peppermint has been used to treat ailments for thousands of years. Its appeal ingly powerful scent improves mental clarity and clears congestion. • Cleaning: Add directly to kitchen sponges, the washing machine, or the vacuum cleaner bag. • Dental care: Use as part of a cold compress for teething or toothaches. • Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and rub on the abdomen for colic, colitis, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, slow digestion, motion sickness, or vomiting. • Foot care: Add to a foot bath for tired or aching feet. • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for scalp stimulation. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse in a room or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil to relieve stress, mental fatigue, headache, migraine, or shock. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back for asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough, flu, or sinus congestion. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or in aloe vera gel for acne, athlete’s foot, blackheads, dermatitis, eczema, cold sores, rashes, ringworm, scabies, and shingles. Use in a spritzer as an insect repellent.

Precautions • Do not use alongside homeopathic treatment. • Avoid use during pregnancy. • Use only before 6:00 p.m. (Peppermint is a stimulant and can cause insomnia.) • Always use a carrier oil, and do not use on the face. • Do not use in the bath. • Will cause a cooling effect with topical application.

Rose Roses have long been valued for their fragrance and association with romance. Today, most rose oil originates in Turkey, Bulgaria, France, and Morocco. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for hormonal imbalances, infertility, irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles, or cramps. • Mood enhancing: Add to bath water, diffuse, or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for anxiety, depression, headache, insomnia, and stress. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or cream for age lines, cold sores, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, inflammation, sagging skin, sensitive skin, and wrinkles.

Precautions • Do not use during the first four months of pregnancy.

Rosemary Rosemary was a symbol of love and death to Greeks and Romans, who used it in weddings and funerals. It has also long been believed to improve memory. • Digestive aid: Add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto abdomen for diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice, or slow digestion. • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for hair loss, dandruff, or dry, damaged, or oily hair.

• Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for fluid retention, muscle ache/cramping, pain, poor circulation, or varicose veins. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse or add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for depression, head aches, lethargy, mental fatigue, migraines, nervous exhaustion, poor memory, stress, or tension. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back for asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough, ear, nose and throat infection, fever, flu, or sinus congestion. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil or cream for dull or oily skin.

Precautions • • • •

Do not use if you have epilepsy or seizures. Do not use if you have high blood pressure. Do not use alongside homeopathic remedies. Avoid use during pregnancy.

Tea Tree Aboriginal peoples of Australia discovered the antibacterial properties of the tea tree centuries ago. Today it’s also used to treat acne and warts. • Hair care: Add to unscented shampoo and conditioner for dandruff or dry scalp. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for muscle aches and pains. • Respiratory aid: Diffuse in a room, steam room, or sauna, or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil and massage onto the chest and upper back for asthma, bronchial or sinus congestion, cough, fever, flu, infection, respiratory infection, or whooping cough. • Skin care: Apply to bandages or add to unscented lotion, carrier oil, or aloe vera gel for acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, boils, burns, cold sores, cuts, insect bites, rashes, warts, or wounds.

Precautions • Can cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Ylang-Ylang Native to Indonesia and the Philippines, the ylang-ylang tree is effective in fighting infections, and its warm, floral aroma smells wonderful on the skin and in the hair. • Massage: Add to unscented massage lotion or carrier oil for heart palpitations, hypertension, impotence, menopausal stress, PMS, or rapid breathing. • Mood enhancing: Diffuse in a room or add to unscented lotion or carrier oil for depression, insomnia, and nervous tension. • Skin care: Add to unscented facial cleanser, toner, carrier oil, or cream for both oily and dry skin.

Precautions • Excessive use can cause light-headedness, headaches, low blood pressure, or nausea. • Can cause irritation to sensitive skin.