Carrier Oils Carrier oils are less volatile than essential oils and are therefore suitable for

use as a carrier. Vegetable oil molecules can be absorbed into the blood stream through the pores of the skin. Mineral oils (baby oil is a mineral oil) will not penetrate the skin, and can sometimes act as irritants, and are therefore not used in Aromatherapy. he carrier oil acts as a lubricant between hand and skin in massage. he nutritional constituents of the vegetable oils, such as V! AM!"# A and $, nourish the skin itself. Many oils will go rancid within % months, but &' of (heatgerm or Avocado (both containing the antio)idant Vitamin $) can be added to another carrier oil so that it will last appro)imately * months + eg. *&' ,rapeseed or chosen oil - &' (heatgerm. Carrier oils can be grouped according to their source. SEED Mai/e (heatgerm #oya #unflower #afflower ,rapeseed Arachis (ground nut) Macadamia $vening 0rimrose Castor 1osehip 0umpkin Meadowfoam Camellia 2orage 1apeseed NUT #weet Almond 2itter Almond 0each kernel Apricot kernel 3o4oba 5a/el nut Macadamia Cherry kernel (alnut 6ukui FRUIT 7live Avocado All carrier oils must be 899' pure, virgin cold pressed unrefined vegetable oil. :or ma)imum penetration cold pressed virgin oils are best to provide the base oil to which essential oils are added for an aromatherapy massage. Aroma and ;uality influence the choice of oil, as well as suitable viscosity for the area of the body, eg a fine light oil for the face< a heavier oil for the body. A=M7"> 7!= 8

Almond trees that bear white blossoms produce bitter almonds and those with pink blossoms bear sweet almonds. #weet almond oil is used for massage. !t is a light yellow oil of low odour and resistant to rancidity. !t contains a substantial percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid. Almond oil may be used on all areas of the body. ,1A0$#$$> 7!= his is a light easily absorbed base oil particularly suitable for oily skin. (5$A ,$1M 7!= A heavier nourishing oil, particularly good for dry or mature skin as it is rich in V! AM!" $. !t is often used as a natural preservative, improving the storage time of blends. 2lends containing wheat germ oil will last for up to & months, otherwise they will keep for up to ? months. AVOCADO OIL A rich heavy oil which is more penetrating than most carrier oils. !t is therefore good for dry skin. !t is obtained from the pulp of the avocado pear and has a deep green colour. !t is a stable natural oil, rich in V! AM!" $. EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 7btained principally from 2orage and 2lackcurrant although this oil is comparatively e)pensive it has e)tremely beneficial effects. he oil contains gammalinoleic acid which converts into prostaglandin $. his substance promotes cell membrane growth and inhibits abnormal cell division. !t is effective in the treatment of acne, ec/ema, dermatitis and may be used for allergic skin reactions on its own. Combined with the appropriate essential oils for these conditions the effect can be ;uite dramatic. $V$"!", 01!M17#$ 7!= contains. 0rostaglandin A. 1egulation of blood pressure. 0rostaglandin $. !nfluences vascularity, red blood cells, hydrochloric acid secretions in stomach. 0rostaglandin :. !mportant in reproductive functions. HAZEL NUT OIL A penetrating and nourishing oil. PEACH & APRICOT KERNEL OILS =ight oils, often used for the face JOJOBA WA his is not a vegetable oil but a li;uid wa). !t comes from the nuts of a very hardy bush which grows in arid climates such as deserts. !t has an emollient, or skin+softening effect, and makes a good vegetable based replacement for oil. 3o4oba was used by the Apache !ndians in California as a cosmetic and healing salve. 1ecent research has also revealed that 3o4oba helps remedy oily skin as well as dry skin, and contains skin re4uvenating substances. >iluting $ssential 7ils he most effective way to dilute essential oils is in a carrier oil. A carrier can be any high+ ;uality vegetable oil such as almond, apricot, ha/elut, olive, macadamia, kukui, wheatgerm, grapeseed or sesame. Carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light to ensure their freshness. he addition of 4o4oba oil as 89' of your carrier oil will help e)tend the shelf life @

of your blend as will Vitamin $ oil which is an e)cellent anti+o)idant< adding it to any aromatherapy blend will help e)tend the life of most vegetable oils. 7ne or two capsules (@99+A99 !B) per two+ounce bottle of carrier oil is enough. Make blends in small amounts and use within a few months. hey can be stored in the refrigerator for e)tended shelf life. A safe and effective dilution for most aromatherapy applications is @' (@ drops of essential oil per 899 drops of carrier oil). here is no need to go beyond a ?' dilution for any purpose. Bsing more of an oil will not get you better results< in fact, it may cause adverse effects. #ome oils, such as lavender, are sedating in low dilutions and stimulating in high dilutions. A 8' dilution should be used on children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with health concerns. (hen making blends for the first time, start with no more than two or three oils at a time. he more complicated blends re;uire a bit more knowledge because the oils have synergistic effects (meaning that the combination of oils have properties greater than the um of the individual oils).

8' dilution. &+% drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil @' dilution. C+8A drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil ?' dilution. 8&+8D drops essential oil per ounce of carrier oil 89 drops 8@.& drops @& drops &9 drops 899 drops 8&9 drops ?99 drops %99 drops @A tsp AD tsp *% tsp 8E89 tsp 8E%9 o/. 8ED tsp 8EA tsp 8E@ tsp 8 tsp 8 8E@ tsp ? tsp % tsp D bs 8% bs ?@ bs 8EAD o/. 8E@A o/. 8E8@ o/. 8E% o/. 8EA o/. 8E@ o/. 8 o/. A o/. D o/. 8% o/. 8ED dram 8E% dram 8E? dram @E? dram 8E@ ml &ED ml 8 8EA ml @ 8E@ ml

8 8E? dram about & ml @ drams A drams D drams 8E@ cup 8 cup @ cups 8?.& ml about 8& ml about ?9 ml 8EA pint 8E@ pint 8 pint

he si/e of a drop however varies depending on the viscosity of the oil, the temperature and the opening of the dropper of course. Bse an ordinary dropper that you purchase from a pharmacy. (hen making large portions, use teaspoon measurements. Bse the chart above from 6eville and ,reenFs Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art as a guideline.

ESSENTIAL OILS WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS! he essences or GoilsH as they are commonly called, are present within the root, bark, leaf or ?

flower of an aromatic plant. Contained in the form of tiny odoriferous droplets, these droplets change their chemical composition constantly within the plant according to the time of day or the season and will therefore readily evaporate. An essential oil is a very volatile substance. he amount of essential oil within a plant varies between 9.98' to over 89'. here are several hundred aromatic plants, but only some are used for therapeutic purposes. hey can be used in foods, medicines or beauty aids, although fre;uently these are based on synthetic e;uivalents. :or the purposes of aromatherapy in the B6, essential oils are not used internally. PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS $vaporate. >onIt feel oily. >onIt have any lubricating properties. >onIt mi) with water. >o mi) with alcohol. >o mi) with vegetable and mineral oils. 0enetrate the skin. Antiseptic. #timulate white cell production. $ither stimulating or sedative. Most are cell renewing. F"r si#$li%i&'(s sa)e esse*%es #a' +e %lassi,ie- i*&" &.ree &'$es/ 70 "7 $# he most volatile. 7ften obtained from citrus fruits, eg. bergamot, lemon, orange, lime, mandarin. $vaporate most ;uickly (8+8A)J #harp smell #timulating Kuickly absorbed #hort lasting M!>>=$ "7 $# Bsually obtained from flowers and herbs, eg. geranium, lavender, mar4oram. $vaporate moderately (8&+D9)J Affect body organs 0roduced from flowers and herbs =ast @+? hours before evaporating 2A#$ "7 $# 6nown as fi)atives as they Ghold backH :ast evaporation from the top notes. 5ave the lowest volatility. Bsually obtained from woods and resins, eg. sandalwood, myrrh, rosewood, frankincense. $vaporate very slowly (D8+899)J Absorbs slowly 5eavy woody aroma 1ela)ing =ong lasting J (1A $# 7: $VA071A !7" 8+899) HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS Massage A

Aromatherapy massage has been found to be the most effective way of using the essential oils. :or the purposes of massage the oils are blended in a base oil. Massage of the hands and feet is an e)cellent way to keep in good health. All the refle) or /one points for the body are stimulated by this method. his helps balance the bodyIs energy flow. 2athing 2athing is the ne)t most effective way of using the oils. here are two methods. >iffusing up to & drops of essential oils 71 >iffusing up to &mls of a blend. his method is good for sensitive or dry skin, and preserving a suntan. 017C$>B1$ a) 1un a bath of warm water, ( not hot or the oils will evaporate too ;uickly). b) Add up to & drops of essential oil or &mls of a blend. c) Agitate the water. d) 1ela) for 89 + 8& minutes minimum. e) Avoid splashing in the eyes. !t is safe to use the bathing method everyday. he warm water assists the absorption of the oils. 7ne of the first benefits of an aromatherapy treatment is improved ;uality of sleep. As changes in the clients condition occurs vary the oils according to new indications. !f the condition doesnIt begin to change after a reasonable amount of time, the blend should be changed and medical attention sought, if necessary. :oot and hand baths 0lace D+89 drops of essential oil in a bowl of warm water and bathe the hands or feet for 89+ 8& minutes. Make up a blend with the same essence(s) and after drying the area massage the oil in to complete the treatment. !ndicated. 1heumatism, arthritis, dermatitis, dry skin. !nhalation !nhalation is very useful for relieving congestion, easing catarrh and soothing the respiratory tract. he age old method of covering the head with a towel, and inhaling the vapour from $ucalyptus and Camphor, still holds good today. 017C$>B1$ a) 2oil @ pints of water and pour into a bowl. b) Add 89 drops in total of essential oil(s). c) Agitate the water. d) 0ut a towel over the head.!nhale the vapours for a few minutes at a time, for up to 89 minutes or as long as is comfortable. 1epeat several times a day if re;uired. A facial steamer may be used instead of a bowl, with ? + & drops of essential oils. Compresses :ollow first aid instructions for the use of compresses. !f a compress pad is not available disperse 8 + @ drops of essential oil into the water. Bse a large, clean, white handkerchief folded in eight. he material should be gently laid on the surface of the water to attract a film &

of essential oil. he compress can then be placed on the affected area in the normal way. his is particularly good for young children and babies when teething. #calp reatments A range of scalp conditions, including dandruff, respond well to the use of an essential oil blend. his method can also be used to assist in clearing lice from the scalp, and has the advantage of being pleasant to use. 017C$>B1$ a) $nsure that the eyes are well protected. b) 0repare the chosen blend (proportionally less for children) and massage into the scalp. c) =eave the mi)ture on the head for half an hour up to two hours. A plastic cap or cover will help absorption. Always supervise children as they may pull a loose fitting cap down over their face. 2athtime is a good time for a scalp treatment as the heat will help absorption of the essences. d) o remove the blend. massage in "$A #5AM077 initially, then add water and shampoo in the normal way. 1oom :ragrancers here are several ways of using essential oils to produce a wonderful fragrant atmosphere in a room. $ssential 7il 2urners $ssential oil 2urners are obtainable from many health food shops and from some suppliers of the oils. A small reservoir at the top of the burner is filled with water. his is heated by the flame from a nightlight placed inside the burner. Bp to & drops of neat essential oil may be sprinkled on the water. his gradually evaporates, filling the room with the fragrant aroma. $LAM0=$#.+ =avender produces a rela)ing atmosphere which can help with insomnia. 1osewood is soothing for tired grumpy children who donIt want to go to bed. >uring illness the use of a room fragrancer can help to protect the health of the rest of the family. he GaromaH inhibits infection by airborne bacteria such as cold and flu viruses. his has been put to good test in several hospitals and clinics. his method can also ease breathing in many chest conditions, and help asthmatics reduce their need for inhalants. =ight :ittings 0ut a few drops of neat essential oil on a cold light bulb or use a special attachment for the bulb. he fragrance will gradually permeate the room as the warmth of the bulb vaporises the essential oil. 5umidifiers A saucer of water with a few drops of neat essential oil, placed on top of a radiator, will act as a vaporiser and humidifier at the same time. 5andkerchief or issue 0ut one or two drops of neat essential oil onto a handkerchief or tissue, and inhale when re;uired. his method is useful for sinus congestion, travelling and when other methods are not convenient. %

0erfumes Make up a blend as directed and use as you would a perfume. :rankincense andEor #andalwood make e)cellent fi)atives for your blend. SENSITIVIT0 AND ALLERGIES Allergic 1eactions 0eople with allergies, including allergies to perfume may be helped by 0rofessional Aromatherapy. he aromatherapist should recommend the essential oils for home use to complement the treatment. #ensitivity 7ccasionally a personIs skin may be sensitive to a particular oil (usually the more stimulating ones) causing irritation. !t will usually disappear within the hour. 0lain sweet almond oil, smoothed on the affected part, will assist the irritation to subside. (omen may find skin sensitivity increases 4ust before their period, or at ovulation. his is due to hormonal changes in the body. !f sensitivity occurs refrain from using the particular oil for 89 days. hen, dilute to one ;uarter of the original amountmade up in a blend and test on a small area of the skin. !f no reaction occurs continue to use the oil in the diluted amount. #ome of the essential oils are phototo)ic e.g. 2ergamot and should not be used if the person will be in the sun within a few hours of treatment. Mlang Mlang should not be used on anyone prone to headaches. $##$" !A= 7!=# A1$ 2$# B#$> 2M A KBA=!:!$> 5$1A0!# Certain oils are best administered by a ;ualified Aromatherapist.+ eg. Cinnamon, Clove, 5yssop and #age. Contra+indications for 5igh 2lood 0ressure. 1osemary, #age, hyme. Contra+indications for $pilepsy. #age, :ennel, 5yssop. GENERAL CAUTIONS1 CHILDREN AND SPECIAL CASES 2 NEVER USE NEAT ESSENTIAL OILS DIRECTL0 ONTO THE SKIN NEVER USE ESSENTIAL OILS INTERNALL0 2abies, !nfants and Children 2abies and infants should only be treated with the oils recommended in the paragraph immediately below. hey, and to a lesser e)tent children, re;uire much smaller amounts of the oils than adults to obtain effective results. 2abies 9 + 8@ months 7ne drop of =avender or 1oman Chamomile may be used as compress >ilute one drop in 8&mls of #weet Almond oil for massage. 2athing !nfants 8 + % years, 7ne + three drops of ea ree, =avender or 1oman Chamomile used as above. Children C +8@ years, Bse as adults but half the number of drops of essential oils Children 8@- years Bse as directed for adults. 1oom :ragrancers are very effective for all ages. 0regnancy B#$ 5$ $##$" !A= 7!=# !" 5A=: 5$ # A $> AM7B" A !M$ 5!# #0$C!A=

#timulating essential oils and those which have an emmenagogic effect, i.e. help bring on C

periods, should not be used during pregnancy. Aniseed, 2asil, Camphor, Cedarwood, Clove, Cinnamon, 5yssop, 3uniper, Mar4oram, Myrrh, 1osemary, #age and hyme, should not be used during the nine months of pregnancy. :ennel and 0eppermint should be avoided during the first A months of pregnancy, because of their stimulating effect, but are however acceptable after this period. HOW TO BLEND he dilution recommended is @.&', using almond oil (or other organic virgin cold pressed vegetable oil) as a base. here are @9 drops to every 8 ml ie. @9 drops N 8 ml his e;uates to one drop of essential oil to every @ mls of vegetable oil. :or a dry skin, & +89' of wheatgerm oil (providing the client is not allergic to wheat) or avocado oil may be included. he blend would normally contain ? essences, although typically might range from 8 + A essences, depending on analysis of the clientIs needs. his Aromatherapy blend can be used for both facial and body massage. >epending on the si/e of the person and amount of body hair, 8&+@& mls would be sufficient for a full body treatment. Containers 2rown glass bottles can be obtained from chemists or bottle suppliers. he number of mls is shown on the bottom of the bottle. BASIS OF BLENDING he synergistic effect of more than one oil is more powerful than the oils individually used and forms a uni;ue blend for the client. A blend of @, ? or A oils gives a choice of @,&99 blends. :ragrances which have similar top notes, eg ,rapefruit and 2ergamot, are not good used alone, as neither is long+lasting, unlike #andalwood and 3asmine which have heavier, longer lasting aromas. Always remember that essential oils are very concentrated, and should always be used with care. hey are usually diluted in vegetable oil, or diffused in water eg for a bath or infusion.

PURCHASE OF ESSENTIAL OILS !n order to benefit from the healing properties of the oils, it is vital to purchase them from a reputable supplier, who takes care to ensure high standards. he word GnaturalH on a bottleIs label does not always guarantee purity. 2uy the oils in small ;uantities replacing them as re;uired. A pure oil is one that has not been adulterated with chemicals or synthetic compounds. An oil comes from a named botanical plant and is from a definite geographical location. A pure essential oil should be distinguished from an Oaromatherapy oilI. he latter description is often used to describe an essential oil added to a carrier oil. !n some cases there may be only A' of essential oil in an Oaromatherapy oilI. !n these cases the oil is already blended for massage use. !ncreasing numbers of oils are being tested for companies by he "atural 7ils 1esearch Association. his is actively working to promote pure oils with a distinctive definition giving the name of the oil, its scientific name, its origin, its batch number and the Obest beforeI date. D

he oil is then known as an OA17MA16 7!=. #uppliers are provided with a OCertificate of 0urityI and the whole process is controlled by an independent Analytical Committee based at Bniversities or 1esearch $stablishments. $ach batch is tested by specialists in essential oils and the method of testing is known as ,as =i;uid Chromatography. !t reveals a Ochemical fingerprint of the oil + each oil being uni;ue. here are over ?,999 essential oils and about ?99 are available to therapists. Around 899 of these oils are commercially available from the :ragrance, :lavour and 0harmaceutical !ndustries. #ome oils such as =avender, ,eranium, or Mlang Mlang are very popular whilst others are less well known. Many suppliers help both the public and therapists by indicating the origin of the oil. his is important because ,eranium 7il from China, $gypt or 1eunion has its own distinctive personality. 0rice !n general the price tends to reflect the yield of oil in the plant. 1oses produce very little oil, whereas $ucalyptus gives a high yield and is relatively ine)pensive. Although price can suggest a more e)pensive oil it does not always indicate either ;uality or genuineness. Mou have to establish a personal formula to achieve the best ;uality and price.