Essential oils are the pure fragrant essences from plants, i.e. flowers, leaves, stems, bark, roots and berries etc, extracted by various methods. The most popular method of extraction is by distillation. This means the plant parts, are loaded into a large pressure container. Steam is passed under pressure through the plant material and the globules of essential oil burst open with the heat, evaporating the oil. The steam and essential oil vapour then pass out of the top of the container along a pipe which is water-cooled. This condenses the vapours back into liquids. As the water and oil do not mix, the essence sits on top of the water and is easily separated from it.
Essential oils must be pure, good quality oils for use in aromatherapy treatments. This is important, in view of many cheaper oils which are now on the market and are of inferior quality. In some cases they may contain solvents which could be very harmful, in other cases they may contain chemical substances of the same smell to make up the quantity.
Essential oils are highly volatile (this means they can evaporate quickly if left exposed to the air. They should always be kept in dark coloured bottles. They have a consistency more like water than oil. Essential oils are not greasy. Carrier oils which are used to blend the essential oils for massage are usually vegetable or nut oils and these are greasy as necessary to massage the skin
Aroma Oils
~ Basil - Stimulating. Helps to improve concentration and Clarity of thought. Also recommended as a digestive Aid.
~ Bergamot - Refreshing and uplifting. Good for depression, anxiety and stress.
~ Clary Sage - Relaxing and uplifting. Good for exhaustion, stress PMT, and to help promote clarity of mind.
~ Eucalyptus - Powerful antiseptic. Good for breathing difficulties, sinus, coughs and colds, aches, pains and headaches.
~ Fennel - Good for digestive problems. Recommended as a diuretic and for cellulite problems.
~ Geranium - To balance your body and mind. Recommended for improving circulation and for easing the feminine cycle.
~ Grapefruit - Antiseptic, bactericidal, Stimulant, Refreshing, Uplifting and balancing to the emotions and for muscle fatigue. Use in the mornings when depressed. Use warm compress as skin tonic.
~ Juniper - Uplifting and Purifying. Helps to relieve cystitis, rheumatic pain and hang over.
~ Lavender - Relaxing. Good for migraines, burns, tired muscles, insect bites and insomnia.
~ Lemongrass - Warming. Good for muscular aches, pains and strains and insomnia.
~ Melissa - Soothing and uplifting. Particularly helpful when dealing with shock, anxiety and hay fever.
~ Peppermint - Stimulates digestion. Mouthwash-calms tooth pain. Helps travel sickness, migraine & headaches. Antiseptic-Gargle for sore throats. Mental stimulant for fatigue, clarity of mind and a good mosquito repellent (few drops on pillow).
~ Rosemary - Stimulating. Good for fatigue, concentration and memory.
~ Sandalwood - Relaxing and soothing. Has been know to put people in reflective and meditative frame of mind. Also good for sore throats and coughs.
~ Tea Tree - Strong antiseptic. Good for viral and bacterial infections, including colds and influenza.
~ Ylang Ylang - Sensual and uplifting. Helps against depression and anxiety. Also known for its aphrodisiac properties.
Carrier Oils
~ ALMOND OIL - Fine, rich, highly nutritious oil ideal for face and body massage. Used to prevent skin from wrinkling and to soothe irritation.
~ PEACH KERNEL OIL - Light, fine textured oil rich in Vitamin A, nourishing to facial skin. Excellent for dry or sun-dried skin.
~ OLIVE OIL - Rich in vitamins. Has a warming effect and is excellent for massaging to stimulate the circulation.
~ JOJOBA OIL - A very fine textured liquid wax, quickly absorbed.
Can be used on the most sensitive skin. A luxurious moisturiser for dry and ageing skin.