AROMATHERAPY is a natural therapy that uses essential oils extracted from the bark, leaves, blossoms and roots of plants, herbs and flowers. Although the term was first coined by French Chemist Renee Maurice Gattefosse in 1928, for thousands of years humankind has successfully delved into nature's pantry exploring the soothing, balancing and beautifying properties of these wondrous essenses.
How to use essential oils
Although they are natural, essential oils are volatile substances and can also be very potent. Therefore, you should always use them sparingly by the drop, and always with care.
Vapourisation
By using an oil burner (vapouriser) at home and at work you can benefit from essential oils 24 hours a day. Simply fill the dispenser bowl with hotwater, add 5-10 drops of your favourite oil, light the burner candle, and let the magnificient aroma envelop you.
Massage
An aromatherapy massage promotes circulation and can relax or stimulate according to your mood and the oils used. To make your own massage blend, add 5 drops of essential oil to 10 mls of a cold pressed organic oil such as jojoba oil.
Bathing
Bathing is the most invigorating way you can use essential oils, as it helps unblock congested pores and ease muscle tension and fatigue. Bathing with essential oils relaxes tired bodies, quietens the mind and calms the spirit. Add 10 drops of oil to a full bath. To tantalise the senses combine two or three oils.
A Guide to Essential Oils
Basil * from flowering tops and leaves of the herb
Ocimun basilicum * aroma - sweet an slightly spicy, used in perfumery
* Uses - concentration focus and inspiration
Bergamot * from the peel of the citrus bergamot tree
Citrus bergamia * aroma - refreshing, sweet, citrus
* Uses - Uplifting, great for anxiety and anger
Cedarwood * from the wood of the cedar tree
Juniperus virginiana * aroma - dry woody
* Uses - calming and soothing, great for meditation
Chamomile * from the dried flowers of the herb
Matri-caria recuita * aroma - strong, fruity
(german) * Uses - relaxing and calming, brings peace
Clary Sage * from the flowering tops and foliage of the herb
Salvia sclarea * aroma - powerful, herbal, nutty
* Uses - most euphoric oil, a warming pick-me up
Cypress * from the leaves/cones of the cypress tree
Cupressus semperrireus * aroma - refreshing, woody, spicy
* Uses - cleansing to the spirit, calms and settles
Frankincense * from the flowers and leaves
Boswellia carterii * aroma - woody, spicy deep yet refreshing
* Uses - elevating, soothing to mind and spirit
Geranium * from the flowers and leaves
Pelargonium graveolens * aroma - sweet, heavy, often used in perfumes
* Uses - oil of balance, quells anxiety, lifts the spirit
Jasmine * from the flowers of the jasmine plant
Jasmine officinalis * aroma - exotic, rich, sweet and floral
*Uses - according to legend, the potion for love
Juniper * from the berries of the juniper bush
Juniperus communis * aroma - fresh, crisp, slightly woody
* Uses - purifying and strengthening to the spirit
Lavender * from the flowers of the lavender shrub
Lavendula officinalis * aroma - light, fresh floral
* Uses -relieves anxiety and tension, natural insect repellent
Lemon * from the peel of the fruit
Citrus limonum * aroma - sharp, crisp, citrus
* Uses - refreshing and cooling, clarifying, natural astringent
Lemongrass * from the leaves of the lemongrass plant
Cymbopogon citratus * aroma - sweet but stong, lemony
* Uses - revives and energises, great for exhaustion
Lime * from the peel of the lime fruit
Citrus limetta * aroma - strong, sharp, bittersweet citrus
* Uses - stimulating and uplifting to tired minds
Marjoram *from the flowers & leaves of the marjoram herb
Origanum marjorana * aroma - rich, warm, slightly spicy
* Uses - sedating and relaxing, calming to the emotions
Myrrh * from the stem and branches of the myrrh bush
Commiphora myrrha * aroma - cloudy, almost musky and gumlike
* Uses - motivating, cools heated emotions
Neroli * from the petals of the orange tree
Citrus aurantbium * aroma - sweet, floral, Citrus
* Uses - euphoric, soothing and hypnotic
Orange * from the peel of te fruit
Citrus aurantbium * aroma - strong, refreshing, citrus
* Uses - oil of communication, dispels tension
Patchouli * from the young leaves of the patchouli plant
Pogostemon patchouli * aroma - rich, earthy, exotic, used in oriental perfumes
* Uses - grounding, balancing, sharpens the wits
Peppermint * from the leaves of the flowering tops of the herb
Mentha piperita * aroma - strong mnthol, sharp
* Uses - cooling, excellent for mental fatigue
Petitgrain * from the leaves of the orange tree
Citrus aurantbium * aroma - heavy, woody, floral
* Uses - refreshes the mind, calms
Pine * from the needles and cones of the tree
Pinus palustris * aroma - sharp, fresh forest
* Uses - deodorising, disinfectant, promotes strength
Rose Otto * from the petals of the roses
Rosa damascena * aroma - rich, sweet, delicate floral
* Uses - uplifting and positive, oil of the heart and femininity
Rosemary * from the flowering tops and leaves of the herb
Rosemarinus officinalis * aroma - strong, refreshing, herbal scent
* Uses - stimulates, invigorates the senses and spirit
Rosewood * from the wood of the rose tree
Aniba roseodora * aroma - deep, strong, woody, floral
* Uses - comforting, warm, balancing
Sandlewood * from the inner wood of the tree
Santalum album * aroma - heavy, exotic, woody with sweet overtones
* Uses - encourages peace and acceptance, soothing
Spruce * from the needles of the tree
Picea mariana * aroma - rich, woody forest pine
* Uses - elevating and uplifting, clears the air
Ylang Ylang * from the flowers of the tree
Cananga odorata * aroma - deep exotic, sweet floral used in perfumery
* Uses - euphoric, relaxing
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