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If you are wondering what Aromatherapy is all about, please take a look around.

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This page is created for those people who like myself have realized the importance and benefits of using essential oils as part of our everyday life.  

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

Plants have been used for healing since the dawn of time.  In their flowers, seeds, leaves, roots and bark, the plants have a natural healing power depending upon how they are used.  Plants have been used as medicines, tonics, body beautifiers, mind stimulants, aphrodisiacs, perfumes etc. Many years ago, it was thought that certain herbs imparted immortality, however, nowadays it is no longer so foolish.  For we know that herbal preparations can and do promote cell regeneration.  The powers of herbs were first recorded when man began to write, records dating back to around 4500 BC by the Egyptians show the use of Aromatics.

It was not until the 19th century that the effects of essential oils on humans was researched and it was a French chemist by the name Rene Maurice Gattefosse who after burning his hand in his laboratory discovered that Lavender Oil had healing properties.  In 1937 he published a book on the anti-microbial effects of the oils and the term "Aromatherapy" was born.

What is An Essential Oil then

Essential Oils are volatile aromatic essences extracted from plant parts.  They have been extracted by various methods from flowers, roots, leaves, woods of plants from around the world.  Essential Oils are used in Aromatherapy which simply means a therapy using aromas.  Essential Oils are fragrant and oily and are highly sensitive to light and heat, thus are stored in dark glass containers to protect the life of the oils.

How Do Essential Oils Work

Essential oils enter the body and have their affect by either inhaling via the nose or absorbed through the skin.  When inhaling the oils, tiny particles of the oil are taken to the roof of the nose where the olfactory system is located.  The cilia which are thin hairs then transmit information to the olfactory bulb situated behind the eyes.  Smell signals then are decoded and sent throughout the body.  

Essential oils have a tiny molecular structure that can permeate the skin especially when blended with a carrier oil and enter via the hair follicles and pores.  On entering the bloodstream they are carried around the body by tiny blood-carrying capillaries.

Important Information About Essential Oils

Essential Oils are for EXTERNAL use only.  Avoid contact with the eyes, ears and mouth.  Always read and follow the label instructions before use and if in doubt about a particular essential oil please obtain advice from a qualified Aromatherapist. Essential Oils should be diluted always before use.  Essential Oils may cause photosensitivity, skin irritation and if irritation develops discontinue use.  Keep essential oils out of reach of children and animals.  Essential Oils should only be used on children on the advice of a qualified Aromatherapist.

A skin patch test should be conducted on a small skin area prior to using an essential oil for the first time to determine skin sensitivity.  To do this place a small amount of the essential oil which has been first diluted into a carrier oil (see list) on the inside of your elbow and apply a band-aid.  Wait 24 hours and if there is any reaction the essential oil should not be used.

If after using an essential oil you develop a skin reaction such as irritation, a burning sensation or a rash, for slight irritation, simply wipe off any excess oil blend with plain vegetable oil.  The reaction should pass quickly.  If the reaction is stronger, use vegetable oil to wash the area.  Remove the oil, apply again.  Repeat a few times to 'flush' the skin of essential oils.  

If an essential oil gets into your eyes - flush  eyes with water and seek medical attention.

For accidental ingestion please do not try and self-treat.  Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Take the bottle of essential oil with you for identification as some essential oils can damage the kidney, liver and nervous systems if ingested.

USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR A NURSING MOTHER. 

IF YOU SUFFER FROM EPILEPSY, HEART CONDITIONS, LOW OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PLEASE CONSULT A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE USE.

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