Introduction
Welcome to the aromatherapy section of the site which includes plenty of information for you to get started in Aromatherapy. You will find a list of books that could be helpful for you to get started. But for those of you who live in the UK you can pick up a free book about holistic medicines such as aromatherapy and herbalism from your local boots store.
CAUTIONS: When using
pure essential oils at home remember the following...
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How to use essential oils.
massage: massage is the most common way to use essential oils. Massage combines the senses of touch and smell. Massage is also the most therapeutic way to use essential oils, since essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil, like sunflower, and rubbed directly into the skin.
in the bath: perhaps the most relaxing way to use essential oils. Essential oils can be added directly to a warm bath. Use six to eight drops per tub and mix thoroughly before getting in, then relax for 15 minutes to allow the essential oils to take effect
as an inhalation:: Inhaling essential oils is one of the best ways to treat coughs or colds. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of boiling water, cover your head with a towel, bend over the bowl and inhale for several minutes. Steam also opens the pores and lets oils enter the skin, so it's a good way to enjoy a facial to deep cleanse, moisturize or to brighten dull complexion. You could also sprinkle two or three drops of oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhale it.
Essential Oil of the Month
August: Lavender
(Latin name:
lavandula Officinalis)
Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils there is, and one of the safest and perhaps why it is one of the most widely/commonly used essential oil. Lavender comes from the word Lavare which means to wash. It was popular with the Romans who probably introduced it to England.
Keywords: Relaxing, Calming, Comforting.
Properties: Lavender is both relaxing and stimulating, a powerful antiseptic and healer, it calms, refreshes, invigorates and lifts the spirits.
Actions: In aromatherapy it is excellent for tension, tiredness or depression, it is a gentle sedative and helps one sleep at night, a couple of drops on a pillow or even in a bath before retiring. Lavender helps with many skin problems, i.e. preventing scarring from acne, and any aches or pains. Because it's so gentle it may be applied undiluted to burnt skin or insect bites. It has helped me greatly in the treatment of my frequent headaches.
an emotionally harmonizing oil which helps to balance your mind, body and soul. Stress, Shock, Worry and impatience can be helped by this gentle, versatile essence.
Use: Massage, baths, inhalation, compress. A few drops in a hot bath will make you feel pleasantly drowsy and relieve anxiety. Inhale a few drops from a tissue will clear the head and lift the spirits.
for more information about this oil and others check the book list section which has a list of good books about essential oils.
Your Astrological Essential Oil
Below is a list of astrological Essential oils according to your star sign. Use your oil to summon your personal strength in the month you were born (star sign month) or whenever you need an extra boost of personal strength or to remind you of your qualities. You could even find out your astrological candle (on the candle page) and anoint the candle with your astrological essential oil.
| Aries | cedar wood or chamomile |
| Taurus | patchouli or rose |
| Gemini | lavender or lemongrass |
| Cancer | eucalyptus or jasmine |
| Leo | frankincense or cinnamon |
| Virgo | rosemary or mimosa |
| Libra | geranium or spearmint |
| Scorpio | myrrh or ginger |
| Sagittarius | sandalwood or orange |
| Capricorn | cypress or neroli |
| Aquarius | lemon or juniper |
| Pisces | rosemary or pine |
Books and Links
Aromatherapy
- a guide for Home Use by Christine Wesstwood
offers a good, quick, guide to aromatherapy providing information on getting
started i.e. how to store essential oils, cautions... and offers a great
reference list to all the oils and giving their properties and how they can be
used. A great book to get started! and a t a great price £1.99 or $1.50
Book Blurb (what it says on the back of
the book)
Christine Westwood trained as a
aromatherapist in 1982. In addition to writing, she teaches and has a successful
Aromatherapy practice in London. Her first book "Aromatherapy - A guide for
Home Use" is a best selling title and is used by many schools and colleges
where aromatherapy is taught. It is popular with aromatherapists, health
professionals and home users alike. It is treasured for it's simplicity but
direct approach to the beneficial uses of Essential Oils. "Aromatherapy for
Stress Management" and "Aromatherapy for Healthy legs and feet,"
Christine's other titles, are equally well regarded and have made her one of the
best known authors of this category.
*Over 750,000 copies
sold world wide
*The definitive book on Aromatherapy
*Essential oils and ailments indexed
*Used by teaching schools in many countries
*Translated into Danish, German, Norwegian, Spanish and
Japanese.
Complementary
Medicine - Your guide to choosing Holistic medicines by Boots
A free guide available from your local
boots store covers holistic medicines such as Aromatherapy, Herbalism,
Acupuncture, Reflexology, Shiatsu..... grab one when your next in boots, it's
worth a look!
It includes a great table separating the essential oils into categories such as Relaxing, Body, Energy, and Mind and Soul. It also has a list of which oils blend well together. It's also looks great!
The Web - one great site I have come across is Aromaweb, it has great recipes for different conditions. you should take a look www.aromaweb.com
