Aroma: sweet, woody, and musky
Description This tall evergreen tree grows in the lush tropical rain forests of Brazil. The oil is distilled from the heartwood of the tree. The rose-scented wood was used to make furniture in France. The oil has been used in the perfumery industry, but rosewood oil has only been recently introduced into aromatherapy.
Uses Rosewood oil aids the respiratory system and is useful in treating stress-related conditions. It is recommended for balancing the emotions. This oil relieves headaches associated with nausea, stabilizes the central nervous system, and boosts an underfunctioning immune system
Safety No currently known precautions. Safe in dilution.
Sandalwood Oil
Parts used: bark and inner heartwood
Keyword: relaxer
Aroma: sweet, lingering, and exotic
Description Originating in southern Asia, this oil is an important therapy in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is distilled from the heartwood of the tree. Traditionally this oil is mentioned in Old Sanskrit and Chinese manuscripts. Many deities and temples were carved from this aromatic wood, and the oil was used in religious ritual.
Uses Sandalwood oil is used as a massage oil and it is useful for dry and allergic skin. Its cooling properties can soothe inflamed mucous membranes in respiratory ailments. It is said to have aphrodisiac properties that are reputed to increase the male libido. Genito-urinary tract infections can be treated with sandalwood. Its antiseptic properties can clear pus and infections.
Safety Safe in dilution, but avoid if you have depression.
Tea Tree Oil
Part used: leaves
Keyword: first aider
Aroma: medicinal, woody, and earthy
Description Originating in New South Wales, Australia, this colorless, strong antiseptic oil smells very medicinal. Crushed leaves were used by the aborigines to treat infected wounds and skin problems, but it was only after the First World War that anyone gave serious thought to its use. Before antibiotics came into existence, soldiers on the battlefields were treated with tea tree oil, which was kept in first-aid kits. Though relatively unknown outside Australia for many years, it is now a major force for healing.
Uses An excellent germicidal and fungicidal agent against virulent organisms. Tea tree is a bacteriostat; this means that it stops bacterial growth, so it is valuable today when bacteria are becoming resistant to many antibiotics. This oil is also a great all-purpose cleaner.
Safety Nontoxic externally, but may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Thyme
Parts used: flowers and leaves
Keyword: bacterial-cleanser
Aroma: fresh, green, and herbaceous
Description Native to Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean, thyme has now spread all over the world. It is thought to have been used as long ago as 3,500 BCE by the Sumerians. The ancient Egyptians used it for embalming, while the Greeks used it for medicinal purposes, and they still do. It was also used by the Romans for cookery and medicinally. Until the First World War, thyme oil was used with clove, lemon, and chamomile as a disinfectant in hospitals.
Uses Thyme is useful in warm baths and as a rub for joint pains, backache, and sciatica. It boosts immunity by stimulating the white blood cells, enabling them to fight off infections. Muscles and joints also benefit from thyme oil’s therapeutic actions that ease stiffness and arthritic conditions.
Safety Avoid sensitive or damaged skin. Do a patch test. Use well diluted and avoid if you have high blood pressure. In baths, dilute thyme oil below 1 percent. Prolonged use can cause toxicity.
Vanilla
Part used: resinoid from vanilla beans
Keyword: uplifter
Aroma: rich, sweet, and balsamic
Description This perennial climbing vine produces green capsules of fruit and is known as a balsamic resinoid. Traditionally, when the plant is grown it has to be hand-pollinated, but in Mexico, the hummingbirds do this instead!
Uses Vanilla is used as a fragrance in Oriental perfumes and pharmaceutical products. In aromatherapy, it is used only for use in burners and diffusers.
Safety Do not use medicinally for massage or skin care.
Vetiver
Parts used: grass and root
Keyword: tranquilizer
Aroma: smoky, woody, earthy
Description Vetiver is a wild tall perennial grass found in tropical areas. It is cultivated in the tropical and subtropical climates of Asia. The oil is distilled from the rootlets. The older root produces the better oil. Vetiver is known as the oil of tranquility due to its sedating and calming action.
Uses Its sedating and strengthening action makes it ideal for use in massages and baths. It is also useful in the treatment of acne and other skin problems. Vetiver eases liver congestion, stimulates circulation, and eases muscular pain. It is supportive when one is feeling emotionally low.
Safety Safe in dilution. No currently known precautions.
Ylang-Ylang Oil
Part used: leaves, flowers, buds
Keyword: lover’s enjoyment
Aroma: heavy, exotic, sensual/floral
Description Ylang-ylang originates in the Philippines and has now spread throughout tropical Asia. It was used as an ingredient of hair preparations in Europe, and the name means “flower of flowers.” The oil has been used in folk medicine in the Far East and in skin creams, helping keep skin hydrated and young looking.
Uses This oil is useful for treating low blood pressure and nervous or emotional palpitations. It helps relax the mind and emotions, and balances blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. Ylang-ylang’s calming action creates a sense of well-being, and its aphrodisiac properties relax inhibitions for both men and women. It relaxes and arouses at the same time, due to its amazing adaptogenic properties.
Safety The strong odor may cause headaches. Do not use with inflammatory skin conditions. It may cause irritation on sensitive skin. Use well diluted.
“Without your health, you’ve got nothing going on. I thank God every day for good health.”
Ric Flair
Essential oils are powerful, concentrated substances and almost all must be diluted in a carrier oil before use. Carrier oils are facilitators that allow the essential oils to work their magic. These base oils used to dilute aromatherapy oils come from nuts, seeds, and vegetables. They are easily absorbed by the skin, and it is important to use an unrefined, good-quality carrier oil in order to gain the full therapeutic benefit. Before use, it is best to do a patch test to see if you react in any way. There are a number of these carrier oils, and some will be suitable for home use. I recommend that you have a whole range of these therapeutic oils in your beauty toolkit, as they have beneficial properties of their own. Try to buy cold-pressed oils, as these will have retained all the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils. It is a light, odorless oil that is ideal as a face and body massage oil. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, it can be used on all types of skin, but it is particularly beneficial for dry and problem skin. Cold-pressed almond oil is ideal to use as a massage base and also in the bath.
Apricot-Kernel Oil
This light-textured oil is extracted from the stones of the fruit, and it is especially suitable for dry, mature skin, but it can work on all skin types. It improves elasticity and is an ideal carrier oil to use as a base for facial massage blends. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it can be blended with less expensive oils such as grapeseed, almond, or jojoba.
Argan Oil
This soothing and moisturizing plant oil is high in omega fatty acids and vitamin E. It is produced from the kernel of the argan tree that grows abundantly in Morocco. Argan oil has become popular and is easy to obtain in health shops. It is an ideal base oil that supports the skin’s overall health. Nongreasy and nonirritating, argan is useful for healing and hydra
ting the skin, giving it a healthy boost.
Avocado Oil
This rich, green, heavy, viscous oil contains vitamins A and E and is an amazing conditioner for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin. The vitamin E content of this oil is vital for skin health. This important beauty vitamin is known as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off the damaging free radicals that age the skin prematurely. Avocado oil has another remarkable property: it is anti-inflammatory, so is an excellent oil to use for healing sun-damaged skin. Too heavy to use on its own, this oil is best blended with any of the basic carrier oils.
Evening Primrose Oil
This fabulous oil was used by Native American medicine men who knew of its therapeutic properties for wound healing. EPO is good for older complexions, due to its very rich content of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and vitamins. A precious ingredient, GLA helps to combat dry, devitalized skin. EPO oil is a star in natural medicine, and it is also very popular for internal use. This oil may, with regular use, externally help to prevent premature skin ageing, support regeneration, and protect against moisture loss. Taking the oil internally in the form of capsules can also improve the skin’s appearance. Due to its heavy, viscous consistency, EPO is best added to a basic carrier oil.
Grapeseed Oil
This oil, extracted from grape pips, is a favorite with aromatherapists due to its light texture and easy absorption. Because it has the least odor of all the oils, it allows the fragrance of the essential oils that will be used with it to come through. It is ideal for general body massage, as it does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin. Grapeseed oil is not particularly nourishing, though, so it benefits from the addition of richer oils in various blends, but this depends on what it is to be used for.
Hazelnut Oil
This pale-yellow oil contains anti-ageing, nourishing, and antioxidant properties. It is extremely light and is good for oily and combination skins due to its astringent properties.
Jojoba Oil
This base oil has a long history of use among Native Americans. It is actually a liquid wax and therefore an excellent carrier oil for use with essential oils. Golden yellow in color, jojoba is an excellent softening and moisturizing oil. It is light, nongreasy, and a good base when making up facial blends, as it is easily absorbed due to the fact that it resembles the skin’s own natural oils. Versatile, it can be used for facial massage and also for body and hair care. Every skin type can benefit from the use of this “liquid gold.”
Macadamia Oil
Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, this oil has a fine texture and is good in blends used for skin care. It is especially beneficial for mature and ageing skin. Virgin cold-pressed is best to use, but it is not easy to find on sale to the public. If you want to use macadamia oil, you must find a good-quality essential oil supplier.
Peach-Kernel Oil
This oil comes from the nut of the peach fruit. It is lighter than sweet almond oil and is good for dry, ageing skin that has thread veins. Fine textured, it is easily absorbed and rich in vitamin E—a powerful antioxidant—and essential fatty acids. This oil is also suitable for sensitive complexions. Easily absorbed, it is ideal to use as a massage base.
Rosehip Oil
This rejuvenating oil has traditionally been used for hundreds of years in South American countries for its healing properties. Rosehip oil has been shown to heal burns, scars, and stretch marks. Used in blends for skin regeneration, its rich, hydrating, essential fatty acid content includes omegas 3 and 6 in the form of GLA (gamma linolenic acid). The oil encourages tissue repair. Due to its high fat content, rosehip oil is very good for use in prematurely ageing skin, helping to improve skin radiance when skin is lackluster. This magical oil has also been found to smooth away wrinkles and crow’s feet.
Wheatgerm Oil
The ancient Egyptians used this oil, and it has been found in tombs dating back 2,000 years. Highly nourishing, rich, and aromatic, wheatgerm oil is extracted from the wheatgerm that contains the life force of the plant. If unrefined, it is rich in vitamin E, the beauty vitamin, and its powerful antioxidant properties heal scar tissue, burns, and stretch marks. Wheatgerm oil’s consistency is too sticky to use alone as it is the heaviest of the carrier oils, but it is a good addition to blends that will be used in massage mixtures for dry, cracked skin. One part in four of a lighter oil would be a good mix.
“Aromatherapy without massage is like an orchestra without a conductor.”
Robert Tisserand
Essential oils may be used singly or mixed together to make your own personal synergistic blends. These pure essential oils can be blended with any carrier oil (base oil) that you choose to suit your individual taste and according to the purpose that you have in mind. Because essential oils are concentrated and powerful, they must be diluted when used on the skin. Creating different blends is fun, and with experience you will learn which ones suit you best. Why not keep a journal so that you can keep notes of your favorite blends and combinations? The oils I suggest below are my own personal favorites, and they are by no means prescriptive. Your choices may be different! But one suggestion that I would make is to use the oils with the properties that will be useful for the action you require the essential oil to perform.
I have listed some blends to get you off to a start, but try out your own mixtures as well. You can select from a wide range of pure essential oils and natural oil bases that are available in good health stores, and you can enjoy the endless fascination of discovering and creating new blends with these multi-tasking oils.
Stimulating Blend
Use the pure essential oils of rosemary, bergamot, and/or juniper berry in a sweet almond, wheatgerm, and vitamin E base oil. With their strong, refreshing, and purifying aroma, they will stimulate your senses and bring clarity to your mind, especially if you have been experiencing mental fog.
Relaxing Blend
Use clary sage and lavender in a grapeseed and vitamin E oil carrier base. With their warming and soothing aromas, this blend is good to use when you are feeling physically and emotionally run-down. This versatile oil blend is good for balancing the mind and body, and if you have trouble sleeping, it can help you get a good night’s sleep by encouraging feelings of peacefulness and calm.
Blend to Banish Colds
A good blend to banish colds that are a nuisance and very uncomfortable is the oils of pine, thyme, eucalyptus, or cypress. Choose three of these aromatherapy oils and use them in a body massage, inhalations, or a diffuser.
Breathe-Easy Blend
Use the head-clearing oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and pine needles in a sweet almond and vitamin E base oil. This blend will help to clear the airways for easy breathing, and it is useful for cold relief. Use during the cold and flu season as a preventative. The antiseptic and invigorating properties of these oils will help you avoid catching the bacterial and viral infections that abound during this season of the year. Inhalation using these oils or using them as a chest rub will help ease breathing when you feel congested.
Sport and Exercise Blend
Three essential oils—eucalyptus, rosemary, and black pepper—blended in a wheatgerm and vitamin E base oil are a good mix to use before taking part in active sports or any exercise, as this strongly fragrant blend will care for the muscles and tendons, helping to prevent tears. This is a good massage blend if you have overworked and are in need of restoring your vitality.
Enlivening Blend
The pure, refreshing, and stimulating essential oils of pine needles and rosemary, blended in a grapeseed and vitamin E base oil, make an energizing, exhilarating, and activating mixture for the body and mind. It will uplift and restore vigor if you are feeling mentally run-down and will help ease fatigue.
Improved Well-Being Blend I
The cooling, toning action of geranium and uplifting jasmine, blended with strengthening patchouli, is a mix that will enhance well-being, uplift the mind, and balance the emotions.
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nbsp; Improved Well-Being Blend II
The combination of these three fragrant essential oils—geranium, rosewood, and ylang-ylang—blended in a sweet almond and vitamin E base oil will increase feelings of well-being by helping to reduce strain and tension. Geranium’s sweet, floral fragrance and rosewood’s musky and woody aroma, combined with ylang-ylang’s euphoric yet relaxing scent, will restore and strengthen the body, helping it to resist infections; steady the emotions; and keep the body systems in balance and harmony.
On-the-Go Blend
If you want to start the morning on a lively note, try using versatile lavender with energizing basil, which helps fight fatigue, along with Roman chamomile. This is a good first-aid oil mix, blended in a sweet almond and vitamin E base oil. Used first thing in the morning when you shower, this sparkling blend will keep you going from dawn till dusk. This mix is clearing and strengthening to the mind and body, helping the nerves relax and relieving stress.
Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Page 4