Uses of Aromatherapy

Since each drop of essential oil is equivalent to at least one ounce of plant material, it is extremely important that they not be abused.  Because of their potency, they should be used sparingly and by the drop. Beginners in the art and use of aromatherapy should not use them internally or take essential oils orally, as any oil can be dangerous at high doses and even toxic.  As one advances in knowledge and understanding of these valuable plant essences, a study of how to approach this type of utilization can be undertaken, but for the beginner, it is best to avoid oral use.

External use of essential oils is very gratifying and beneficial for a wide range of conditions physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  Their pleasurable aspects add to the joy of existence and impart an overall state of well-being, thus enhancing one's quality of life.  Essential oils add a natural elegance and richness to your surroundings. They should always be diluted in an appropriate carrier, and we will discuss the various ways to do this. 

The following discussion will present ways to use essential oils to benefit one physically, emotionally and mentally, and then finally on a higher more subtle plane of spiritual dimensions.  As mentioned earlier, each essential oil is derived from a particular part of the plant.  

Those oils produced in the roots of a plant will tend to have a grounding energy and will be potent stimulants of the vital functions of the body such as the digestion.  

Those found in the plant's leaves have a strong affinity with the prajna energy or respiratory system and correspond to its vital body. 

The essential oils found within the flower of a plant are very refined and subtle and extremely difficult to extract.  The flower is the plant's ultimate achievement and represents creativity at a higher spiritual level and their fragrances tend to be very exhilarating and even intoxicating.

The oils produced in the seeds of plants are less sophisticated and are usually fortifying and invigorating and represent a kind of humbleness and straightforward essence on the physical plane.

Oils found in the woody components of trees and bushes give us a sort of centering or equilibrating power to open our consciousness to the higher spheres without losing control.  They are especially beneficial fragrances for use in meditation.

Finally, essential oils from odorous resins or gums found in some trees and bushes will provide therapeutic benefits to the glandular system and are especially useful in cosmetic and healing preparations. 

MASSAGE is probably one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to benefit from the use of essential oils in Aromatherapy.  These oils are absorbed completely by the skin in 1-2 hours and penetrate deep into the tissues.  The slow gentle hand manipulation of the skin and tissues unravel tension, soreness, congested areas, hidden pains, and other sensitive spots on the body.  The added benefit comes when the essential oils manifest their magic in astounding ways and reveal their richness and power to you as you allow them to impart their benefits to your body, mind, and spirit.

Essential oils are always blended with a cold-pressed base oil such as sweet almond, grapeseed, avocado, or canola oils.  Various other base oils may be used for certain types of skin conditions.  For dry skin, almond, olive, palm, or peanut oils are beneficial.  Cocoa butter may also be used as a base for dry skin blends.

Normal skin will benefit from a base oil of corn, cottonseed, sesame, sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oils.

For oily skin, soybean or linseed oils work well as do most of the nut oils.  

Your blend should begin with your chosen base oil or a combination of base oils.  The general rule of thumb is 1/4 oz. essential oil to 12-14 oz. base oil. Adjust accordingly for smaller amounts.  Only about 2% of your blend will be essential oils and the remaining 98% will be your cold-pressed base oils such as sweet almond, grapeseed, canola, etc.  The essential oils are powerful and potent, so only a few drops are needed to reap the benefits from them.  

Massage oils can be created for a variety of purposes:  to sooth and calm; to stimulate or increase sexual desire; to relieve pain; to energize; to soften skin; or to increase circulation.  If you have medical conditions to consider, it is always a good idea to consult your physician beforehand regarding a particular use.  See Recipe section for various blends.

AROMATIC BATHS are another method of using essential oils to enhance your bathing experience.  They have the added benefit of forming a synergistic effect with the water to produce a pleasing physical, psychological, and spiritual action on the nervous system and the rest of the body.  You can use the oils pure and undiluted (5-15 drops) in a normal bath or combine them in a vegetable oil or non-fragrant bath gel or liquid soap. As the oils penetrate your skin and diffuse into the tissues, you will relax and enjoy a most delightful experience.

See the Recipe section for aromatic bath blends for:  calming; stimulating and energizing; increasing libido; better breathing; muscle aches and pains; controlling nervousness; and more.

SKIN CARE AND COSMETIC USES of essential oils are naturally rejuvenating and restorative.  NEVER EVER apply essential oils undiluted on the skin.  They should be added in small amounts to lotions, skin creams, gels, or toilet water, and avoid getting in the eyes.  There are blends for all skin types and many skin conditions such as eczema, acne, dry or oily skin, seborrhea, and even wrinkles.  

Facial steam baths can be extremely beneficial for unclogging pores and relieving tired skin.  Use 5 o 15 drops of essential oils in a bowl of hot water and cover your head with a large towel.  Add a couple of extra drops every 5 minutes or so, and in 10-15 minutes, you will feel the steam unclog your pores.

Even your hair can benefit from the benefits of plant essences.  1/4 oz. of essential oil in a 16 oz. of shampoo or conditioner can do wonders.  Various recipes are listed in the next section for treating dry hair, oily hair, normal hair, scalp conditions, and even dandruff.

AROMATIC DIFFUSION disperses essential oils in the air via a diffuser or a nebulizer.  This type of application has a strong action on the respiratory system, circulatory system, the heart, as well as the nervous system.  It is one of the easiest and most pleasing ways to enjoy essential oils.  Since many spiritual disciplines advocate the importance of breathing, the aromatic diffuser is an efficient tool for receiving the spiritual benefits as well as the physical enjoyment through the psychic centers and lungs of the body.  

Fragrance is subjective, so each individual will have their favorites.  However, particular essential oils enhance or promote certain feelings.  Recipes are in the next section for using aromatic diffusers for the following:  calming; stimulating; enhancing sexual desire; promotion of lung health, controlling nervousness, insomnia, and depression; and strengthening memory.