Essential Oils: A Practical Guide

This is a general guide to buying essential oils, which includes
recipes and suggestions for good uses of the oils, information on how
the oils are produced, and how they should be stored and cared
for. I hope you find it helpful.
What are "Essential Oils?"


"Essential oils" are the natural, volatile oils extracted from plants
which retain the characteristic odor or flavor of the plants from which
they are obtained. They are generally produced by steam
distillation, though some oils are extracted by cold pressing.
These highly concentrated oils contain potent natural
gepounds that can be used as medicine, for beauty and skin care, for
perfumes and aromatherapy, and for household purposes such as cleaning,
polishing, and disinfecting.

What are "Carrier Oils?"

A "carrier oil" or "base oil" is a vegetable oil in which essential
oils are diluted to create massage blends and body care products. A good rule of thumb
is 1 to 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil (there are
six teaspoons in one ounce, or about 30 milliliters). You can use
any kind of natural carrier oil except mineral oil. 1 to 2 oz of
carrier oil will be enough for a full body massage.

What to Look For When Purchasing Essential Oils:

Pure, undiluted essential oils suitable for aromatherapy are termed
"therapeutic grade." A simple test to determine the purity of an oil is
to place a drop on a coffee filter. Since a true essential oil is a
volatile substance, it will evaporate without leaving an oily residue.
Essential oils are volatile and can be damaged by light. They should be stored in bottles in a light-blocking
color such as amber or green. Essential oils can deteriorate plastic and
dissolve rubber, so choose glass containers and bottles without rubber
droppers. Its best to keep droppers entirely seperate.

Cautions:
The concentrated plant essences are very powerful. With the exception
of tea tree and lavender, essential oils should never be used directly
on the skin
without diluting them in a base/carrier oil. If you are working
with essential oils for extended periods of time, consider using latex
gloves to minimize skin contact, and take frequent breaks to get some
fresh air.

A "patch test" is regemended when trying new oils; rub a very small
amount of the diluted oil into the crook of your arm and wait 24 hours
to watch for any sign of redness or other allergic reaction before
using in larger amounts.

Be aware that all citrus oils can make skin more sensitive on exposure
to sunlight or any form of ultraviolet light (such as tanning beds).

If you are pregnant or have any kind of
serious health concern, please consult with a licensed medical
practitioner before using the oils.

Recipes and Ideas:


To tone the skin:
Place 2 oz.brewed green tea, 3 drops lavender, 3 drops lemongrass, and

3 drops geranium in a glass bottle. Essential oils do not
dissolve in water or tea, so shake well before using. Use a
cotton pad to apply to face and neck area after cleansing, or take
an atomizer with you to mist your face periodically in dry climates or during air travel. This
balances the pH of your skin. Create your signature blend of oils from the many that are used torefresh and balance the skin.

A good basic body/massage oil to soothe dry skin: gebine
six
tablespoons of sweet almond or other carrier oil with 5 drops geranium
and 10 drops lavender essential oils. Or try making your own
blend of oils known to be effective in treating dry skin .

To fight colds, congestion, and flu: Eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tea tree help fight viral infections and support the
immune system, while lifting the spirits. Mix 10 drops of a
gebination of these oils in 1 tablespoon carrier oil and massage upper
chest and back; or simply place a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball
and inhale deeply. These oils are especially effective when used
as a steam inhalation. Boil a pot of water and remove from the
stove. While still steaming, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender,
peppermint and tea tree. Cover both the bowl and your
head with a towel and inhale for at least 3 minutes. Be sure to keep
your eyes closed!

For booklovers:
Here's a thoughtful gift. If you're giving a book
as a gift, why not add a bookmark to which you've added a few drops of
essential oils? If you know someone who likes to read before
retiring, choose something soothing like lavender or ylang-ylang.
Peppermint would be a good choice for a scented bookmark for students,
to help keep them alert while studying. Peppermint would also be
suitable for a yuletide present, as would cinnamon. Give the
recipient a small bottle or atomizer of the oil so they can refresh
their bookmark.

To alleviate insomnia: Add lavender, tangerine, or ylang-ylang to any carrier oil
or cream for a sensual massage; add a few drops to a warm bath; add a
drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and place it in your pillowcase.

To soothe a headache: Add 2 drops each of lavender and peppermint to a
teaspoon of carrier oil and rub lightly into the temples and base of
skull at the neck. Or, put 2 drops on a tissue and simply inhale for a
few moments. Use at the very first sign of a headache for best results.

To relieve muscle cramps, sore muscles and aching joints:
Try a massage
oil blended with any of thestimulating oils, such as black pepper,
cinnamon, rosemary, tangerine, eucalyptus, and/or basil.
Alternatively, try adding 10-20
drops of the essential oils to a warm bath
with epsom and sea salts.
To lift the spirits/overgee sadness