What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids containing the aroma and theraputic qualities of the natural sources that they were extracted from, including Flowers, Seeds, Leaves, Berries and Roots of a wide variety of plants and herbs. |
Usage Instructions
Massage - Create your own blend
Start with 10ml of carrier oil, which should be sufficient for an average person. Divide the quantity of carrier oil by 2 to find the number of drops of essential oils to add (so for 10ml of carrier oil add 5 drops, 14ml add 7 drops etc). The amount of oil will vary depending on the skin type and body size, and more oil is generally required for hairy bodies! If you find you are running out, add more carrier oil to the mix.
Choose upto 3 essential oils and add a total of 5 drops of your chosen essential oils to the 10ml of carrier oil. Use a measuring beaker to measure and mix the oils in, and then either use straight from the beaker or use a palm blending bowl.
Massage - Use ready made oils
For convenience you can just use a Ready Made Oil, but you will lose the option of creating specific blends. When you have a range of essential oils you can try different blends each time, and taylor them to you mood or specific requirements.
Vaporisers
To use essential oils to frangrance a room put a small amount of water on a special oil burner and light a 'nightlight' candle inside. When it has heated up, add upto 5 drops of essential oil to the water. This is also useful when a member of the family is ill as it has been shown that the aroma can inhibit infection by airbourne bacteria and viruses (such as cold and flu).
Baths
Use a total of about 5-8 drops off essential oils in a bath. First run the bath, which should be warm but not hot (the oils will evaporate too quickly), then add the oils and mix in well. Relax for at least 15 minutes in the bath.
Inhalation
Useful for respiritory tract problems. Pour 2 pints of boiling water into a bowl, add 10 drops of an essential oil or combination of essential oils into the water, put a towel over the head and lean over the bowl. Close your eyes and inhale for a few minutes at a time, but for no longer than 10 minutes total. Eucalyptus is a popular oil for inhalation.
Tissue
Put 3-4 drops on a hankerchief or tissue and gently inhale, as a more convenient alternative to inhalation. Useful for when you are out and about. Peppermint is useful for travel sickness. |
Important information
Storage
Essential oils should be stored in amber glass bottles with an airtight top. Pure Essential Oils should not be stored in clear or plastic bottles as the oils are quite powerful and will damage the bottles (this does not apply to carrier oils or ready mixed oils). Bottles should be stored in a cool place out of direct light, and should be clearly labelled. Most oils can be kept for about 2-3 years.
Warnings
Keep out of reach of children. Do not use undiluted on the skin. Do not take internally. Do not use citrus oils prior to sun bathing as they are photosensitising. If you are pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or epilepsy seek professional advise prior to use. Keep away from the eyes. Do not get the oils on polished surfaces. |
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