h e a r t s c e n t
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is the use of natural essential oils extracted from plants to affect mood and promote health.
h e a r t s c e n t
AROMATHERAPY BASICS
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to support the wisdom of our bodies. As a natural component of the world’s health care tool box, they support our bodies naturally, when used properly.
FOR BEST RESULTS:
- Use essential oil blends at the first sign of discomfort or to prevent issues is the most effective use of this all natural option.
- Use as indicated on the label or as directed by Aromatherapist.
- As with all natural products it is advised to store away from heat and direct sunlight to maintain quality.
- Because these are fresh ingredients, it is recommended that you use within 6 months to one year from the date of purchase.
- As with any product if irritation occurs, discontinue use.
RECOMMENDED READING
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AROMATHERAPY HISTORY
As part of the herbal medicine chest, AROMATHERAPY has been used for thousands of years. They found essential oils in the tombs of Egypt. And most of us know of the Bible reference to the value of Frankincense and Myrrh – more valuable than gold.
For many years, perfume and medicine were the same thing. They were dispensed together in an APOTHECARY.
In the mid 1800s – synthetic compounds were being developed by chemists around the world. This was the first time that perfumes were unsuitable for medical use.
During WWI and II, surgeons treated the wounds of soldiers, sterilized instruments, and treated gangrene with essential oils
In 1928, French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse , was in a bad fire. In order to prevent a serious burn, he applied lavender directly to the affected arm and was pleasantly reminded of the amazing benefits of this oil. He continued to work with essential oils, he wrote an important book and coined the term – AROMATHERAPY
In the 1970s French doctors started taking an interest in essential oils again, spurring greater clinical research.
And today we can find it readily available for our use.
According to WHO – over 85% of the world population still relies on herbal medicine
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AROMATHERAPY INDUSTRY
In EUROPE there are three basic models:
- GERMAN model promotes inhalation
- ENGLISH model uses topical applications of diluted essential oils
- FRENCH model employs these two plus internal methods under the supervision of a trained aromatherapist
The Medical dictionary has a definition of Certified | Clinical Aromatherapist as a person who is trained and professionally certified in the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
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ESSENTIAL OIL QUALITY
Aromatherapy has become very popular lately. I am happy to see the resurgence of this lost art. It does concern me that a few companies are using marketing terms to promote or set their product apart from the rest. The FDA does not inspect or endorse any essential oils, so the phrases “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” or “GRAS” have no official meaning other than they have been used for marketing purposes.
Trained Aromatherapists tend to group essential oils into four main quality categories:
- FIRST – Wild crafted, single species
- SECOND – Organic Cultivation, single species
- THIRD – Traditional Cultivation, single species
- FOURTH – Traditional Cultivation, multi species
At h e a r t s c e n t , we only use the first two categories. All oils are wild crafted and/or certified organic.
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ESSENTIAL OIL DILUTIONS
All essential oils should be diluted before use. Here are a few simple guidelines:
- For children over five years, elders, and those with serious health conditions, essential oils need to be diluted to a maximum of 1%, (a total of 5-6 drops of essential oil to 1 oz of carrier oil).
- 2% dilution = 10-12 drops of essential oils diluted in one ounce carrier is suitable for massage or oils for the face
- In the Bath: Use only 5-8 drops total of essential oil. It is best not to pour the essential oils directly into the bath water. Dilute them first in;
- one ounce of bath salts or
- ½ ounce of any carrier oil or
- one cup of whole milk or heavy/light cream.
- 3% = 15-18 drops of essential oils diluted in one ounce carrier. This is a good starting dilution for healthy adults dealing with temporary everyday concerns.
- When dealing with an acute situation you may increase the dilution to about 10% (50-60 drops/ounce of carrier) for two days. As always, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
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ESSENTIAL OIL CARRIERS
These are the plant based oils that we use to dilute essential oils to apply to the skin. These lovely oils have a number of healing properties and are safe and gentle for everyone.
ALMOND – contains fatty acids as well as vitamins A and E and penetrates easily into the skin. It is quite an effective emollient for moisturizing the skin and hair.
APRICOT – is very similar to sweet almond oil, but it is more suitable for sensitive and mature skin AND the unrefined oil has an amazing aroma.
CASTOR – the fatty acids found in castor oil are very effective in the treatment of everyday aches and pains, including: sore muscles, rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.
GRAPESEED – is especially useful for skin types that do not absorb oils well, and it does not leave a greasy feeling.
JOJOBA – makes a great scalp cleanser for the hair, and is equally wonderful for the skin because it has absorption properties that are similar to our skins own sebum.
SESAME – is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine (oil pulling, massage, etc) and is balancing to all doshas.
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HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS
INHALING – is the quickest method for receiving the benefits of essential oils. Look how quickly a smell can trigger a memory. Apply the DILUTED oil to your palms, cup around your nose and inhale. You can also apply anywhere on your upper body so that you can breathe in the healing fragrance throughout the day.
APPLYING TO THE SKIN – diluted in salves, oils (ROLLERS), lotions and bathing provides an enjoyable relaxing experience. Our skin is permeable. For muscle and joint pain, you should apply to the site of discomfort just as you would any other product. If you massage or apply heat it will increase absorption and effectiveness.
As with any product, discontinue use if irritation occurs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This information is for educational purposes only. As with all essential oils, DILUTE BEFORE USE. Always perform a small skin patch test with properly diluted oil prior to use. Keep away from children.
