Use & Care of Essential Oils ....By Aura Cacia Aromatherapy/Essential Oils Product List Choosing the Essential Oil

Essential oils are distilled from plant leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, barks and resins or are expressed from the rinds of citrus fruits. Because they contain no fatty acids, essential oils are not susceptible to rancidity like vegetable oils - but to pr otect them from the degenerative effects of heat, light and air, they should be stored in tightly sealed dark glass bottles away from any heat source. Properly stored oils can maintain their quality for years (citrus oils are less stable and should not be stored longer than six months after opening). Safety Tips

1. Always read and follow all label warnings and cautions. 2. Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children. 3. Never consume undiluted oils. Cook only with those oils approved for food use. 4. Don’t use undiluted oils on your skin (dilute with vegetable oils). 5. Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on your inner arm. Do not use if redness or irritation occurs. 6. Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes. 7. If redness, burning itching, or irritation occurs, stop using oil immediately. 8. Avoid use of these oils during pregnancy: bitter almond, basil, clary sage, clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper berry, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage, thyme and wintergreen. 9. These oils can be especially irritating to the skin and should be used with care: allspice, bitter almond, basil, cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, clove bud, sweet fennel, fir needle, lemon, lemongrass, melissa, peppermint, tea tree, wintergreen. In addition, angelica and all citrus oils make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Do not go out into the sun with these oils on your skin. 10. Sweet fennel, hyssop, sage and rosemary should not be used by anyone with epilepsy. People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Using Essential Oils

You can have fun and save money by creating your own body care products. Treat your skin to the benefits of lavender, chamomile, rosemary, geranium and sandalwood by adding a few drops of the desired fragrance to a bottle of your favorite skin cleanser,, moisturizer, mask or toner. Give yourself a hair treatment by putting a teaspoon of rosemary (for dark hair) or chamomile (for blond hair) in a 12 ounce bottle of shampoo or conditioner. For a monthly treatment, blend a half teaspoon of rosemary (or chamomile) and lavender oils int o 4 ounces of jojoba oil. Apply sparingly at night to your scalp and hair. Store left over blend in the refrigerator. Wash your hair thoroughly the next morning and enjoy the extra body and highlights the essential oils impart. Blending your own massage oils is easy. Just combine your favorite scents (1-3%) with vegetable base oils such as sweet almond, grape seed or apricot kernel oils. Refresh the air around you with essential oils by using a single oil or blending a combination of your favorites. Oils can be used on their own on a ceramic light bulb ring or by simply by using a few drops in water either in a diffuser or ceramic potpou rri burner. Or for an easy alternative, use a few drops of oil in an atomizer or spray bottle and spritz rooms that need freshening. Use the oils to create a particular mood or atmosphere or use the seasonal scents to give your home that special ‘holi day’ feeling.

Scent Crafting

Try your hand at perfuming. Experiment by combining your favorite essential oils one drop at a time with high proof vodka. Use blotting paper to test each blend. As you approach your fragrance goal, begin testing on your own skin to create a personaliz ed scent. Use essential oils to blend your own potpourri fragrances and to scent air fresheners, candles and sachets. Or simply try two or three drops in the rinse water when hand-washing clothes. With an understanding of basic techniques and precautions, the pos sibilities are as unlimited as your imagination.

Cooking

Due to their consistent flavoring and easy storage, essential oils are often used in food manufacturing. Home cooks can enjoy these same advantages. An essential oil provides the characteristic flavor and aroma of a cooking spice but will maintain its q uality longer. Essential oils also disperse more easily in liquid ingredients. Use sparingly - one drop replaces a teaspoon of dried herb or spice. To improve mixing add essential oils to liquid ingredients rather than dry. Note: not all essential oils are for internal consumption. Always check to make sure the oil you’re using is suitable for cooking before adding.