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Essential oils are aromatic non-greasy
plant extracts, produced using various methods
such as steam distillation, expression, solvent
extraction, or maceration. Depending on the plant
and the way in which the oil is extracted they
fall into three categories:
- Base Note oils: These are
composed of the largest molecules and therefore
disperse more slowly (up to 7 days). They are
usually deeply relaxing and grounding. Examples
are Sandalwood and Rose.
- Middle Note oils: These
have a mix of small and large molecules, and
therefore disperse after 2 to 3 days. They are
usually balancing and centring. Examples are
Lavender and Geranium.
- Top Note oils: These have
tiny molecules and can have an instant effect
lasting up to 24 hours. They are usually uplifting,
opening, releasing. Examples are citrus oils
such as Lemon and herb oils such as Clary Sage.
When blending oils for your treatment an aromatherapist
will normally try and pick an oil from each category,
to give you both an immediate and lasting effect.
When blending it is important to consider which
oils blend well together.
Absorption of essential oils is
more thorough than you might think. They are absorbed
through the skin during massage or topical application,
and from there pass directly into the bloodstream.
Also, there are many nerve endings in the nose
that respond to essential oil air-borne particles,
which transmit messages to the brain and can evoke
memories or release hormones. And finally they
can be inhaled into the lungs and from there be
absorbed directly into the bloodstream. It is
therefore not surprising that an aromatherapy
massage enables the therapeutic properties of
the essential oils used to be fully realised by
the body, especially if the client is encouraged
not to shower for 12 hours afterwards. Other ways
of enjoying essential oils are in the bath; topical
application in creams, gels, bath oils; inhalation
through vaporisers, oil burners, candles; and
even a few drops in the iron or vacuum cleaner.
The ONLY oils that can be used
neat on the skin are Lavender and Tea tree. You
should always perform a skin test before using
an essential oil, as occasionally there may be
an allergic reaction. Just dilute, dab a bit on
the inside of your wrist, and wait 24 hours to
see if there is a reaction. Also, essential oils
should never be taken internally, diluted or otherwise.
If you have any doubts about use of specific oils
it is always best to consult a qualified practitioner,
as they are trained in the properties and safety
requirements of each essential oil.
Essential Oils - A to D
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Basil
- Top Note: A calming, uplifting oil, both
warming and cooling. It is known for its
ability to alleviate nervous problems, such
as anxiety and mental fatigue, as it promotes
calm and mental clarity. It is also good
for aches and pains, the immune system,
and digestive and respiratory conditions.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Black Pepper,
Clary Sage, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium,
Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Niaouli,
Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage.
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Bay
- Top Note: A warming, stimulating,
spicy oil, great as a scalp stimulant when
diluted in a hair rinse for dandruff, greasy
hair, and promoting growth. Also good for
muscular and joint aches and pains, neuralgia,
poor circulation, rheumatism, sprains, strains,
colds, flu, and infections. Often used in
aftershaves and hair lotions.
Blends well with: Citrus oils, Coriander,
Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender,
Rose, Rosemary, Spice oils, Thyme, Ylang
Ylang. |
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Benzoin
- Base Note: An uplifting, warming,
drying, comforting oil, good for poor circulation,
skin conditions, respiratory congestion,
and gout. It is also good for depression
and loneliness, bringing clarity and calm.
It has a strong sweet vanilla odour!
Blends well with: Cypress, Frankincense,
Jasmine, Juniper, Lemon, Peppermint, Petitgrain,
Rose, Sandalwood. |
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Bergamot
- Top Note: A refreshing, uplifting, and
balancing oil, known particularly for it’s
powerful antiseptic properties in relation
to skin, mouth, respiratory, and urinary
conditions. It can build confidence and
is effective for treating depression.
Blends well with: Black Pepper, Chamomiles,
Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium,
Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli,
Orange, Petitgrain, Palmarosa, Rosemary,
Vetiver, Ylang Ylang. |
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Black
Pepper - Base Note: A warming,
drying, stimulating, strengthening oil,
known for its ability to ease aches and
pains after sports. It is also know for
its digestive properties and ability to
clear congestion (physical and mental).
A masculine oil.
Blends well with: Citrus oils, Spicy Floral
oils, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram,
Rosemary, Sandalwood. |
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Cedarwood
- Base Note: A warming, drying, strengthening
oil, good for treating respiratory conditions
(especially clearing catarrh), arthritis,
rheumatism, and skin conditions including
excess oiliness. It is also good for nervous
stress/tension as it is calming and strengthening.
Blends well with: Benzoin, Cypress, Juniper,
Melissa, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Sandalwood,
Vetiver. |
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Chamomile,
German - Middle Note: A cooling,
soothing, and uplifting oil, well known
for easing digestive problems and it’s anti-inflammatory
properties. Use in a compress over parts
of the body that require treatment. It is
bright blue and some people either dislike
it’s smell or find it overpowering. It is
also good for easing mental or emotional
upset and irritability.
Blends well with: Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary
Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon,
Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile,
Rose, Rosemary, Tea tree, Ylang Ylang. |
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Chamomile,
Roman - Middle Note: A cooling,
calming, and uplifting oil, well known for
easing digestive problems and muscular aches
and pains. It can clear mental paralysis
and as such is good for easing anxiety and
tension. It shares many properties with
German Chamomile but is thought to be better
if an antispasmodic effect is required.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Clary Sage,
Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender
(Sleep…), Lemon, Lemongrass, Neroli, Orange,
Palmarosa, Petigrain, Rosemary, Rose, Sandalwood,
Ylang Ylang. |
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Cinnamon
Bark - Top Note: A warming, stimulating,
spicy oil, energising and uplifting. It
is a strong antiseptic and has a cleansing
effect, and is best used as a room fragrance.
In an essential oil burner it will blend
wonderfully with oils such as Frankincense
and Orange, and is a big favourite at Christmas.
Blends well with: Benzoin, Clove, Frankincense,
Mandarin, Orange, Ylang Ylang. |
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Clary
Sage - Top Note: A cooling, calming,
uplifting oil, good for high blood pressure
and throat and respiratory infections. It
is also good for addressing female hormonal
imbalances and treating anxiety and depression.
It is a general nerve tonic.
Blends well with: Citrus oils, Cedarwood,
Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper,
Lavender, Lemongrass, Pine, Sandalwood. |
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Coriander
- Top Note: A warming, comforting, and refreshing
oil, good for everyday muscular aches and
pains. Also good for eliminating excess
fluids or toxins, arthritis, gout, poor
circulation, rheumatism, digestive system
problems, colds, flu, infections, and measles.
Helps to alleviate nervous exhaustion, migraines,
and neuralgia.
Blends well with: Bergamot, Citronella,
Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger,
Jasmine, Neroli, Pine, Sandalwood, Spice
oils. |
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Cypress
- Base Note: A warming, drying, strengthening
oil, useful where there is an excessive
loss of fluid, e.g. sweating, menstrual,
and incontinence. It is also good for respiratory
conditions and strengthens glandular function.
Blends well with: Benzoin, Bergamot, Cedarwood,
Clary Sage, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin,
Marjoram, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Sandalwood. |
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Bibliography
The following books were referenced
for this section and are all available (via the
links) in association with Amazon.co.uk:
Aromatherapy
– A Practical Approach by Vicki Pitman
The
Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless
See our full range of Aromatherapy
books in the Further Exploration
section. |
