Harmony of  Body, Mind & Spirit to Achieve Perfect Health

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Aromatherapy Facts

Essential Oils Safety Guidelines :

As a rule it is advisable to use essential oils as external remedies only, because of the high concentration of oils and possible irritation or damage that they could cause if ingested. Oils are easily mixed with carrier oils or creams for external use and also vaporize easily for inhalation, so ingestion is not necessary or recommended. The whole herb or plant however, lends itself better to water (infusions and decoctions) and alcohol (tinctures) and so is better suited for ingestion, even though they lack the concentration of essential oils and do not have the same subtle effects on the mind and emotions. Always check the specific safety data before using a new oil. In general, oils should not be applied neat to the skin, but diluted in a carrier oil like almond oil, preferably cold pressed. Exceptions to this would be neat lavender oil which can be used for cuts, burns etc. Certain oils may be used neat as perfumes such as sandalwood or ylang ylang, but always do a patch test first and keep well away from the eyes.

Some essential oils can be hazardous either due to high toxicity levels or because they can cause severe  skin irritation. They should not be used AT ALL therapeutically. Such oils are : bitter almond, arnica, boldo, broom, buchu, calamus, camphor (brown and yellow), cassia, chervil, cinnamon (bark), costus, deertongue, elecampane, fennel (bitter), horseradish, jaborandi, melilotus, mugwort, mustard, oregano, pennyroyal, pine (dwarf) rue, sage (common), santolina, sassafras, savine, savory, tansy, thuja, thyme (red) tonka, wintergreen, wormseed and wormwood.

Essential oils which should be used in moderation – only in dilution and for a maximum of 2 weeks at a time – because of toxicity levels are : ajowan, anise star, aniseed, basil (exotic), bay laurel, bay (West Indian), calamintha, camphor (white), cascarilla bark, cassie, cedarwood (Virginian), cinnamon (leaf), clove (bud), coriander, eucalyptus, fennel (sweet), hops, hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, parsley, pepper (black), sage (Spanish), tagetes, tarragon, thyme (white), tuberose, turmeric, turpentine, valerian.

Oils which may irritate the skin, especially if used in a high concentration are ; ajowan, allspice, aniseed, basil (sweet), black pepper, borneol, cajeput, caraway, cedarwood (Virginian), cinnamon (leaf), clove (bud), corn mint, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, lemon, parsley, peppermint, pine needle (Scotch and longleaf), thyme (white) and turmeric. These oils should be used in half the usual recommended dilutions. Always mix them first in a base oil, cream or gel before applying to the skin and do not use more than 3 drops in the bath.

Some oils may cause skin irritation only in those people with very sensitive skins or can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Even some very common oils such as tea tree or jasmine have caused “sensitization”. It is important with those with sensitive skin to always to a patch test before using a new oil to check. Put a few drops on the back of the wrist, cover with a band aid and leave for an hour or more. If irritation or redness occurs, bathe the area with cold water and in future either reduce the concentration level by half or avoid completely. 

Oils which may cause sensitization are : basil (French), bay laurel, benzoin, cade, cananga, cedarwood (Virginian), chamomile (Roman and German), citronella, garlic, geranium, ginger, hops, jasmine, lemon, lemongrass, lemon balm (melissa), litsea cubeba, lovage, mastic, mint, orange, Peru balsam, pine (Scotch and longleaf), styrax, tea tree, thyme (white), Tolu balsam, turmeric, turpentine, valerian, vanilla, verbena, violet, yarrow, ylang ylang.

Some oils are photo toxic – they cause skin pigmentation if exposed to direct sunlight. Do not use the following oils either neat or in dilution on the skin if the area is exposed to the sun : angelica root, bergamot (except bergapten-free type), cumin, ginger, lemon, lime, lovage, mandarin, orange, verbena.

During pregnancy, use essential oils in half the usual stated amount, because of the sensitivity of the growing child. Oils which are potentially toxic or have emmenagogue properties (stimulates the uterine muscles) are contra-indicated. Avoid these oils completely : ajowan, angelica, anise star, aniseed, basil, bay laurel, calamintha, cedarwood (all types), celery seed, cinnamon (leaf), citronella, clary sage, clove, cumin, fennel (sweet), hyssop, juniper, labdanum, lovage, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, snakeroot, Spanish sage, tarragon, thyme (white). Avoid the following during the first 4 months of pregnancy : peppermint, rose, rosemary.

Avoid in cases of high blood pressure : hyssop, rosemary, sage (Spanish and common), thyme.

Avoid in cases of epilepsy due to their powerful action on the nervous system : fennel (sweet), hyssop, rosemary, sage (all types).

Avoid in cases of diabetes : angelica.

Homeopathic treatment is not compatible with : black pepper, camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint.

BABIES AND CHILDREN

Always increase the dilution for babies and children to at least half the recommended amount. For babies, avoid the possibly toxic and irritant oils completely.

Babies 0-12 months : use only 1 drop of lavender, rose or chamomile oil diluted in 1 teaspoon carrier oil for massage or bathing.

Infants 1-5 years : use only 2-3 drops of the “safe” oils diluted in 1 teaspoon carrier oil for massage or bathing.

Children 6-12 years : use as for adults but in half the stated concentration.

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What is Aromatherapy?  

The last twenty years have seen an increase in complementary healing methods and the use of naturally derived products such as essential oils. Aromatherapy, often considered a fringe practice, has now become so accepted and respected that it is on offer to many hospital patients as part of their allopathic treatment. Manufacturers of health products, cosmetics and perfumes are acknowledging the value of essential oils to enhance the quality of their products and home use of oils has risen phenomenally. Current scientific research into the chemistry and medicinal use of certain oils has both confirmed and clarified their healing potential. Cultivation methods, location and climate, precise knowledge of species, extraction and distilling techniques have all had an enormous influence on the resulting oils available to the public, and all this allows for a more pure and therapeutic product.

When we peel an orange, smell a rose or crush a stalk of rosemary, we become aware of the unique scent of the plant. It is the innermost essential oils or “lifeblood” that give them their specific smell and flavor; in profusion as with the orange or in tiny quantities as with a rose. The tiny droplets of oil in the cells of the outer peel of the orange are very volatile and they evaporate easily, infusing the surrounding air with their well known smell. In contrast, the aromatic content of a rose is very small indeed; it will take one ton of petals to produce only 300g of rose oil, the main reason why pure essential rose oil is high priced. Essential oils certainly both attract or repel different insects or animals and are important in the transpiration and life cycle of the plant, rather like a hormone. Oils are found in all parts of a plant; seeds, bark, leaves, root, flowers and resin or gum. They have been used for thousands of years as incense, perfumes, cosmetics, medicines and for cooking. They were used in sacred ceremonials of many cultures; either rubbed on the body, burned or sprinkled for purification and protection and to enhance spiritual or psychic awareness. We still see this today with the burning of frankincense and myrrh during the Catholic mass. Probably the most famous associations concerning the first aromatic materials are those used by the ancient Egyptians. Papyrus scrolls dating back to 2800 BC describe the use of many medicinal herbs, fine oils, incense and perfumes; gums and oils like cedar and myrrh were used to embalm bodies. Natural aromatics made up one of the earliest trade items of the ancient world, and were considered rare and treasured items.

Marguerite Maury (1895 – 1968) was an intelligent and dedicated woman who did a lot to establish the validity of the efficacy of essential oils, and set up the first aromatherapy clinics in Paris, Britain and Switzerland. She was awarded two international prizes in 1962 and 1967 for studies on the use of  essential oils in cosmetology and focused mainly on the rejuvenating qualities of oils.  The word “aromatherapy” was first used in 1928 by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who was a French chemist employed in the family perfumery. One day while working he burned his hand and discovered by accident that lavender oil healed his hand rapidly with no scars. He then found that many essential oils were more effective in their totality than their synthetic substitutes or their isolated active ingredients.  In 1964, Dr Jean Valnet, a French doctor and scientist, used essential oils as part of a program successfully treating specific medical and psychiatric problems.

The word aromatherapy is somewhat misleading, as it suggests that it is healing that only works using the sense of smell and on the emotions. However, aside from the scent, each oil has a combination of constituents that interacts with the chemistry of the body which then affects particular organs or systems as a whole. When oils are used externally as with a massage oil, they are easily absorbed by the skin (at different rates depending on the type of oil) and sent around the body. If you rub a clove of garlic on the sole of the foot, it can be smelled on the breath shortly after. Essential oils have three modes of action as to how they interact with the human body. Firstly, the  pharmacological effect is related to the chemical changes that occur when an oil enters the bloodstream and reacts with hormones and enzymes; secondly, the physiological effect is related to the way that an oil affects the system of the body such as being sedated or stimulated and so on; and thirdly, the psychological effect which happens when an oil is inhaled and causes a response to the smell.

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How Do Essential Oils Work? 

Methods of Application

Oils can be used easily and effectively by most people  in several ways for their perfume, therapeutic and cosmetic uses. They can be used as a perfume, massage oil, bath oil, in an inhaler or humidifier, in pot pourri both wet and dry, and as part of cosmetic and medicinal preparations. They should be kept in a cool place, preferably in dark glass containers with tight lids, out of the reach of children.

1.Massage – this is the most popular method used by aromatherapists as it disperses the oil over a maximum area of the body. Particular oils are used for each individual depending on the condition being addressed, and blended with a base oil, preferably a cold pressed, unscented  sweet almond oil. The essential oil content in a blend should be between 1% and 3% depending on the type of condition. Physical disorders such as neuralgia or arthritis need a stronger concentration than more emotional or psychological disorders. Twenty drops of essential oil is about one milliliter or ¼ teaspoon; to make a blend the following amounts can be used :

          Essential Oil                 Base Oil

          20 - 60 drops                100ml  (3 ½ fluid oz)

          7- 25 drops                   25ml    (1 fluid oz)

          3 - 5 drops                    5 ml     (1 teaspoon)

2. Skin Oils and Lotions – the essential oils are prepared almost as a massage oil, except that the base oil should include a more nourishing oil such as jojoba, avocado or apricot kernel oil. The emphasis is on treating the skin itself and particular disorders. Use a gentle circular motion of the fingers for absorption, without dragging on the skin.  A few drops of essential oil can also be added to a bland cream, lotion or face mask.

3. Hot or Cold Compresses – this is a very good way to use essential oils to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A hot compress is made by filling a bowl with very hot water and adding 4-5 drops of oil. Then dip a folded piece of soft cotton cloth into the water, squeeze out and place on the affected area until cooled to body heat. Repeat. These are very good for backache, rheumatism, arthritis, abscesses, earache and toothache.  Cold compresses are made using ice water and are good for headaches (use on the forehead or the back of the neck), sprains, strains and other hot or swollen conditions.

4. Flower Waters – to make a refreshing and cleansing flower water, add 20 to 30 drops of essential oil to a 100ml (3 ½ fluid oz) bottle of spring or de-ionized water and leave in the dark for a few days. Then filter through a coffee filter. The oil will not dissolve in the water but they will leave their aroma to it as well as their properties. Flower waters can be used in the prevention and treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema and to tone and clean the skin. The most often used oils are rose, orange and lavender.

5. Bath Oils – this is one of the easiest ways of using oils; add 5 to 10 drops to the bath water when the bath is full. It has been a method used since ancient times to relieve skin conditions, muscular aches, and for relaxation and sensual purposes. Be careful not to use oils which can cause skin irritation.

6. Vapourization – this is a good way to scent or purify  a room. Use an oil burner, diffuser, light bulb ring or a few drops of oil in a bowl of water placed on a radiator. Specific oils are used for specific purposes; sandalwood or cedarwood have traditionally been used in a ritual context to create peace and harmony; citronella or lemongrass are good oils for keeping insects away or cleansing the air of cooking or smoking smells; myrtle, juniper, rosemary and eucalyptus can be used to keep the environment free of germs and inhibit the development of flu or cold infections. Eucalyptus is especially good at night to relieve breathing difficulties or children’s coughs. Always make sure that the burner is in a safe place out of the reach of children.

7. Steam Inhalation – this is very helpful for sinus, throat and chest infections; also can be used as a face sauna to unclog pores. Add 5 drops of oil to a bowl of hot water, cover the head and bowl with a towel and breathe deeply for one minute.  Sitting in a steaming bath is another way to inhale an oil, but is not as concentrated.

8. Douche – useful to help common genito-urinary infections like thrush, cystitis or pruritis. Add 5-10 drops of tea tree to one liter (1 ¾ pint) of warm water and shake. This can be added to a sitz bath, bidet or a douche pot.

9. Neat application – essential oils are mostly not applied to the skin in an undiluted form. Exceptions to this would be lavender which can be applied directly to burns, cuts and insect bites; tea tree to pimples; lemon to warts.  

The Body - Actions and Applications 

THE SKIN

Problems of the skin are often a physical manifestation of underlying conditions, such as toxicity build up in the blood, hormonal imbalances or problems of the central nervous system. The versatility of oils are very useful here as they are able to help these problems on a number of levels. Being soluble in oil and alcohol and imparting their scent to water, they provide the ideal ingredients for skin care in the following ways :

Antiseptics : for cuts, insect bites, spots : for example, thyme, sage, eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, lavender

Anti-inflammatory : for eczema, infected wounds, bumps, bruises : for example, German and Roman chamomile, lavender and yarrow

Fungicides : for athlete’s foot, candida, ringworm : for example, lavender, tea tree, myrrh, patchouli, sweet marjoram

Granulation stimulants or healing agents : for burns, cuts, scars, stretch marks : for example, lavender, chamomile, rose, neroli, frankincense and geranium

Deodorants : for excessive perspiration, cleaning wounds : for example, bergamot, lavender, thyme, juniper, cypress, Spanish sage and lemongrass

Insect repellants and Parasiticides : for lice, fleas, scabies, ticks, mosquitos, ants, moths : for example, spike lavender, garlic, geranium, citronella, eucalyptus, clove, camphor, atlas cedarwood 

THE CIRCULATION, MUSCLES AND JOINTS

Essential oils are readily absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, and those with a warming effect also influence the inner organs. They warm the skin and provide pain relief by analgesic or numbing the area, also relieving local inflammation by setting free mediators in the body which cause blood vessels to expand. The blood id then able to move more quickly and reduce the swelling.

Hypotensives : for high blood pressure, palpitations, stress : for example, sweet marjoram, ylang ylang, lavender, lemon

Hypertensives : for poor circulation, chilblains, listlessness : for example, rosemary, spike lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme

Rubefacients : for rheumatism of the joints, muscular stiffness, sciatica, lumbago : for example, black pepper, juniper, rosemary, camphor, sweet marjoram

Depurative or antitoxic agents : for arthritis, gout, congestion, skin eruptions : for example, juniper, lemon, fennel, lovage

Lymphatic stimulants : for cellulites, obesity, water retention : for example, grapefruit, lime, fennel, lemon, mandarin, white birch

Circulatory tonics and astringent : for swellings, inflammations, varicose veins : for example, cypress, yarrow, lemon

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Inhalation is an excellent way of using the properties of essential oils as they cause an increase in bronchial secretion which his beneficial for many respiratory disorders. They are then absorbed into the blood circulation even faster than by oral circulation.

Expectorants : for catarrh, sinusitis, coughs, bronchitis: for example, eucalyptus, pine, thyme, myrrh, sandalwood, fennel

Antispasmodic : for colic, asthma, dry cough, whooping cough : for example, hyssop, cypress, atlas cedarwood, bergamot, chamomile, cajeput

Balsamic agents : for colds, chills, congestion : for example, benzoin, frankincense, Tolu balsam, Peru balsam, myrrh

Antiseptics : for colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, gingivitis : for example, thyme, sage, eucalyptus, hyssop, pine, cajeput, tea tree, borneol

THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Although it is not recommended that essential oils be ingested, they can be effective on the digestive system by applying externally. This is somewhat limited compared with the internal effect of herbal remedies such as infusions or tinctures.

Antispasmodics : for spasm, pain, indigestion ; for example, chamomile, caraway, fennel, orange, peppermint, lemon balm, aniseed, cinnamon

Carminatives and stomachics : for flatulent dyspepsia, aerophagia, nausea : for example, angelica, basil, fennel, chamomile, peppermint, mandarin

Cholagogues : for increasing the flow of bile and stimulating the gall bladder : for example, caraway, lavender, peppermint, borneol

Hepatics : for liver congestion, jaundice : for example, lemon, lime, rosemary, peppermint

Aperitifs : for loss of appetite, anorexia : for example, aniseed, angelica, orange, ginger, garlic

GENITO-URINARY/ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

The reproductive organs can be affected by absorption through the skin into the bloodstream and hormonal changes. Some have a strengthening effect as well as helping to combat specific problems like menstrual disorders or genital infections. Others contain plant hormones that either copy the corresponding human hormones, or influence the levels of secretion of other glands like the adrenals or thyroid.

Antispasmodics : for menstrual cramps, labor pains : for example, sweet marjoram, chamomile, clary sage, jasmine, lavender

Emmenagogue : for scanty menses, lack of menses : for example, chamomile, fennel, hyssop, juniper, sweet marjoram, peppermint

Uterine tonics and regulators : for pregnancy, excess menses, PMS : for example, clary sage, jasmine, rose, myrrh, frankincense, lemon balm

Antiseptic and bactericidal agents : for leucorrhoea, vaginal purities, thrush, candida : for example bergamot, chamomile, myrrh, rose, tea tree

Galactagogues : for increasing milk flow : for example, fennel, jasmine, anise, lemongrass. (for reduction of milk flow : sage, mint, parsley).

Aphrodisiacs : for impotence and frigidity : for example, black pepper, cardoon, clary sage, neroli, jasmine, rose, sandalwood, patchouli, ylang ylang

Anaphrodisiacs :for reducing sexual desire ; for example, sweet marjoram, camphor

Adrenal stimulants : for anxiety, stress related conditions : for example, basil, geranium, rosemary, borneol, sage, pine, savory

Urinary antiseptics : for cystitis, urethritis : for example, bergamot, chamomile, tea tree, sandalwood

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Nearly all essential oils have bactericidal properties and by promoting the production of white blood cells they will help stop and treat ongoing infectious illness.

Bactericidal and antiviral agents (Prophylactics) : for protection against colds, flu  : for example, tea tree, cajeput, niaouli, basil, lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot, camphor, clove, rosemary

Febrifuge agents : for reducing fever and temperature : for example, angelica, basil, peppermint, thyme, sage, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree

Sudorifics and diaphoretics : for promoting sweating, eliminating toxins : for example, rosemary, thyme, hyssop, chamomile  

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Some oils will have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, while others will act as a sedative. Some are known to be “adaptogens” – they have a balance or normalizing effect. Words such as “relaxing” or “uplifting” have more to do with odor description and emotional response rather than physiological effect, although the two are related. Therefore some oils such as bergamot and lemon can be sedating to the nervous system but uplifting to the spirit, while those such as jasmine and ylang ylang can be nerve stimulants but relaxing on an emotional level.

Sedatives : for nervous tension, stress, insomnia : for example, chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, sweet marjoram, lemon balm, hops, valerian, lemon

Stimulants : for convalescence, lack of strength, nervous fatigue : for example, basil, jasmine, peppermint, ylang ylang, neroli, angelica, rosemary

Nerve tonics (Nervines) : for strengthening the nervous system as a whole : for example, chamomile, clary sage, juniper, lavender, marjoram, rosemary

THE MIND

This is probably the most well known but least understood area of aromatherapy. We know that through history aromatic oils have been used for their power to influence the emotions and mental state, such as with the use of incense in ceremonies. The olfactory nerve tracts run directly into the limbic system which is the part of the brain connected with memory and motion; this shows that scents can evoke a powerful and immediate response which is not clearly understood. We also do not know to what extent the effect of an oil is dependant upon its chemical or physiological make-up, or to what extent it relies upon a belief or an association. When considering the psychological or emotional response to a particular oil it seems more suitable to look at the temperament of the individual under a particular circumstance, rather than to predict a set reaction.  A variety of factors would include how the oil was applied, how much was use;, what circumstances it was applied under;, the age, sex, personality of the individual; the state of mind of the individual; if they have any previous experience with the particular oil; the ability to smell or not smell. As individual needs are considered, we begin to see the versatility of the essential oils.

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The recommendations & information at this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Any plant substance can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Triple Aspect Herbs cannot be held responsible for claims arising from the mistaken identity of any herbs or from the inappropriate use of any remedy. Do not try to self diagnose or attempt treatment for any serious or long term problem or while undergoing a prescribed course of treatment without consulting a medical professional. At present we only ship within the U.S.  See Shipping Info for limitations and  for orders to Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.  Copyright © 2002 tripleaspectherbs.com. All rights reserved.

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