THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF OILS Safety To ensure safe use of essential oils please adhere to the following: Essential oils are highly concentrated substances and should be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Some of the common carrier oils are almond (sweet), apricot kernel, avocado, borage, flaxseed, grape seed, hazelnut, jojoba, kukui nut, sesame, sunflower, walnut. Only pure essential oils and pure unrefined carrier oils should be used. Never purchase oils that are solvent extracted, synthetic, or refined. the refining process removes valuable nutrients, and chemical preservatives are added to extend the shelf life of the product. The oils of basil (sweet), bergamot, cinnamon leaf, clove, grapefruit, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, orange, pepper (black), peppermint, spearmint, and tangerine can irritate the skin, especially dry skin. If any skin irritation should occur as a result of the essential oils, immediately apply lavender oil neat or a carrier oil to the area. this will quickly soothe the skin. Citrus oils are photosensitive to ultraviolet rays and may cause a skin reaction. Keep out of the sun (or other sources of ultraviolet light) for a minimum of four hours after treatment with a citrus oil. If you are prone to allergic reactions, carry out the following allergy test before using an oil for the first time. Place one drop of carrier oil or lotion on your breastbone or behind your ear and leave for 12 hours. If there is no adverse reaction, dilute one drop of the oil in half a teaspoon of the carrier oil or lotion, and rub the mix on your breastbone or behind your ear and leave for 12 hours. Handling Of The Oils Essential oils spilled on furniture will remove the finish; therefore, be careful when handling the bottles. Store essential oils in brown-colored glass bottles and keep them in a dark, cool place. Always use a glass dropper when measuring drops of essential oil. Keep all bottles tightly closed to prevent the oils from evaporating and oxidizing. Always store essential oils out of reach and out of sight of children. Helpful measurements 100 drops=1 teaspoon=5 mL 300 drops=1 tablespoon=15 mL 600 drops=1 ounce=30 mL 600 drops=4 ounces=120 mL 600 drops=4 ounce=(dry)=100g HOW TO USE AROMATHERAPY Diluting Neat essential oils are powerful, concentrated substances. Prior to use on the skin, they are normally diluted in a carrier oil or lotion to facilitate application and to ensure against a skin reaction. Suitable carriers Your skin will benefit if you use cold-pressed vegetable oils as carriers, since these are enriched in vitamins, particularly B and E, and are easily absorbed. Oils of grape, Safflower, and Sweet Almond are light and easy to use. Wheat germ, olive and avocado oils are thicker, good for dry skin, and usually mixed with a lighter carrier oil. Macerated calendula oil, obtained by infusing marigold petals in a carrier base, is invaluable for skin problems. Jojoba, a liquid wax, is good for all skin types. Carrier lotion is made from emulsified oil and water. It is an ideal carrier for use in self-application since it is nongreasy. Application In this self-application method, apply the oil on the skin, rubbing it in until it is fully absorbed. Application is used when a massage is not absolutely necessary. Aroma Lamps An aroma lamp has a small container that is heated after water and essential oils are added. When the water becomes hot the aromatic vapors are dispersed into the air. Baths The oils do not readily dissolve in water but will disperse rapidly when swished around. Add a total of six to eight drops of one or more essential oils to a warm bath. Do not use very hot water, since this will cause the oil(s) to evaporate too quickly. For maximum benefit, stay in the water for 10 to 20 minutes. Body Powders Body powders are used to scent, deodorize and disinfect the skin. Directions: Measure the amount of cornstarch needed and pour into a small wide-mouthed glass jar, then add the essential oils. Mix the ingredients thoroughly: Allow the powder to sit for a day before use. Cremes cremes are very useful aromatherapy products. They are easy to apply, readily absorb into the skin, and have a smooth texture. Natural vegetable butter can be used as a medium in the cremes. Directions: Place the indicated amount of vegetable butter in a wide-mouthed glass jar, put the jar into a small pot of water, and heat. When the butter is melted add the carrier oil, mix well, and remove from the heat. As the mixture cools, add the essential oils and stir well. Diffusors Diffusors disperse a mist of microparticles of essential oil, which creates an aromatic atmosphere indoors. Different types of diffusors are available on the market. Choose a smaller or larger unit, depending on the size of the area to be fragranced. The formulas given for diffusor use are in percentages rather than drops due to the different types or units. In one type, essential oils are added to a pad that is vaporized by an electric fan. A second type has a small glass bottle that essential oils are placed into. The oil is then propelled into a nebulizer and vaporized into the air. A third type requires the essential oils to be place on a pad and released the vapors though a warming process. Facial Sauna This method is used as a facial cleansing treatment and to open clogged pores and revitalize problem skin. Directions: Heat a small pot of water and pour it into a bowl, then add the essential oils. Immediately drape a towel over your head to form a tent over the bowl. Close your eyes, and lean over towards the vapors for five to 10 minutes Steam Inhalation Inhaling essential oils bring speedy relief to respiratory and stress reacted problems. Caution: Close your eyes when inhaling. For immediate effect, sprinkle a total of six to eight drops of a blend of essential oils on to a tissue. Inhale deeply three time. Add three to four drops of an essential oil or blend of oils to a basin of hot water. Lean over the basin, covering your head with a towel and inhale deeply several times. Caution: Do not use this method if you have asthma, as concentrate stream can cause choking. This page host by Get your own Free Homepage