Essential Oils:

                               What are they?

Essential Oils are the natural living element of a plant which is captured and capsuled.  They are concentrated essences.  Essential oils are extracted from plant sources such as petals, seeds, leaves, bark, flower heads, etc. 

They are the vital element in aromatherapy treatment.                                                   Frankincense Tree

aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. 

How do they work?

Their tiny molecules are easily dissolved which allows them to penetrate the skin and work into the body by mixing with the fatty tissue.  As they evaporate, they are also inhaled, entering the body through millions of sensitive cells that line the nasal passages.  These send messages to the brain, and affect emotions by working on the limbic system, which also controls the major functions of the body.  So, they are able to enhance your psychological and physical well-being.

What do they do?

They contain medicinal properties that heal, they are used in perfumes, they can provide psychological benefits such as stress relief, etc.

What are some of their uses?

Hmmm, massage, baths, skin care, hair care, scented candles, fragrances, room sprays, the list goes on!

Blending and Storing

Always handle with care, essential oils are volatile substances!  BLENDING - Only a few drops of essential oils are used and they are blended/diluted with a base oil, or carrier oil. Sample carrier oils include sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, avocado, jojoba, sunflower, etc.  STORING - Store your essential oils and blends in dark glass bottles with stoppered caps.  Keep them in a cool, dark place.  Oils can keep for a year if stored properly, although some oils may have a shorter shelf life.

Recipes for scalp treatment

How to mix:  Choose up to 3 oils, and use up to 5 drops of each oil for 2 tablespoons of base oil. 

Base oils to choose from:  Sweet almond, Avocado, Jojoba, Apricot kernel, Sunflower

Essential Oils for dry hair:  select from Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang

Essential Oils for dandruff: Patchouli and Tea Tree, or Cedarwood and Lavender

Massage the warmed oil into your scalp, wrap your head in a warm towel and leave on for 15-30 minutes then shampoo.

Recipe for a relaxing massage

How to mix:  Use a 1-3 percent solution of essential oil to base oil.

Base oils for massage:  Grapeseed, almond oil, sunflower

Essential Oils for relaxation:  Lavender, and/or Geranium

Essential Oils used in recipes above and just some of their therapeutic effects:

Lavender - Sedative & tonic effects, antiseptic, versatile

Rose - general tonic, useful for skin disorders

Sandalwood - Sedative properties, skin complaints

Ylang-ylang - Great relaxer (used sparingly), skin conditions

Geranium - Both sedating and uplifting, circulatory and skin problems

Patchouli - Astringent, scalp and skin conditions (dandruff, eczema)

Tea Tree - Strong disinfectant and antiseptic, skin complaints

Cedarwood - Skin complaints (dandruff, eczema)