Aromatherapy Basics
What is an oil... what to use... how much to use...
Aromatherapy has proven to be highly successful in
assisting people in many situations over the ages. From relieving the symptoms of
stress, helping to calm a restless
family to assisting with health issues, the ancient science of aromatherapy has
proven extremely useful to millions of people around the world.
Read on to find out what to use, how to use it and why we should use essential oils...
Moon Haven Australia’s “Aromatherapy in a Bottle” range
consists of six (6) specialised essential oil blends, six (6) specialised Pulse
Point Potions, eight (8) pure essential oil blends and four (4) massage oils. Each has been formulated by our highly
regarded clinical aromatherapists to assist with everyday issues and
concerns. We call it “Practical
Aromatherapy”.
These blends have been formulated from the highest quality
essentials oils in such a way as to bring the benefits of the plant directly to
the consumer through the amazing science of aromatherapy.
Essential Oil (EO) Dilutions - How Much Should You Use?
The
aromatic plants of the world have provided us with a marvellous gift for our
health and well being in the form of essential oils. While being totally
derived from nature, these precious substances should always be used with due
reverence.
It
does not necessarily follow that where a little of an oil is good, then a lot
more is better!!! For instance one drop of lavender oil on your pillow
will help you relax in readiness for sleep; while applying 10 drops of the oil
is liable to keep you wide awake and your brain whirring away for hours.
Recommended Essential Oil and
Essential Oil Blend Dilutions:
For general massage and skin applications, essential oils for the
body are generally used at a dilution (in a suitable base) of 2.5% and the
face at a maximum of 1%. For some specific applications essential oil can be
applied at dilutions of up to 10% but always refer to a qualified aromatherapist
when contemplating using these higher concentrations. As a general rule
use half the above dilutions for babes, and toddlers,
Suggested Essential Oil Dilutions
|
Base Cream/Oil
|
Face
(1%)
|
Body
(2.5%)
|
|
20
ml (1 tblspn)
|
5
drops EO
|
20
drops EO
|
|
100
ml
|
10
drops EO
|
50
drops EO
|
Oil Burners
and vaporisers:
According to the size of the room add 6 to 10 drops to a
water based oil burner or vaporiser. If
using a waterless oil burner then you may use a little less.
Baths:
Add 5 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of milk.
Pour this mixture into a warm bath for a beautiful aromatherapy bathing
experience. The milk acts as an
emulsifier, mixing with the bath water so that you do not have drops of
concentrated oils floating on the surface of the water.
Scrubs:
Add 10 to 15 drops of your selected essential oil or blend
to a half cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of your base oil of choice (try almond,
sunflower, grape seed or sesame). Thoroughly combine, step into your shower
recess and apply to your body in a gentle circular motion. The salt acts as a gentle skin exfoliant, the
oil as a moisturiser and the essential oils bring their unique properties to
your skin. Turn on the shower and rinse
off …afterwards gently pat your skin dry and apply your favourite body lotion.
Essential Oil
Blends:
Professionally formulated by Moon Haven Australia’s
clinical aromatherapists, these six (6) essential oil blends cover a wide range
of applications from a defence against illness to combating debilitating
stress. Remember these concentrated pure essential oils MUST be diluted
prior to use on the skin.
|
Defend
Essential Oil Blend –Strong antibacterial properties
|
Excellent essential oil for use in an oil burner or
vaporiser for use in sick rooms or where you are looking for an added layer
of protection during times of stress. Good for use in the office as well
|
|
Bliss
Essential Oil Blend- Gently inspiring and uplifiting
|
For use in rooms – including the bedroom – to promote a
feeling of happiness and well being
|
|
Essensual
Essential Oil Blend – The perfect partner pamperer
|
Perfect for the living areas including the bedroom. Helps to promote a sense of togetherness
|
|
Refresh
Essential Oil Blend – To uplift and energise
|
Ideal in offices and areas where you need to keep energy
levels high and the mood positive.
|
|
Seduction
Essential Oil Blend – Delightfully sensual
|
A lovely heady oil blend perfect for that romantic
evening with the one you love.
|
|
Stress Less
Essential Oil Blend – To relax and ease the stresses of
the day
|
Extremely useful in places of high stress or at home when
unwinding from the day’s activities.
|
Pure Essential
Oils:
Do it your way – with Moon Haven Australia’s selection of “must
have” essential oils. These 8 pure
essential oils form the basis of a good aromatherapy kit. Used singly or in a complex formula these
eight oils will give you the flexibility to deal with most aromatherapy
situations you may encounter. Remember these concentrated essential oil blends MUST
be diluted prior to use on the skin!
|
Bergamot – Citrus
bergamia
|
Calms anxiety, depression, nervous tension and stress. Helpful
for respiratory conditions and excellent in skin preparations for acne as
well as dry skin conditions.
|
|
Lavender – Lavendula
angustifolia
|
Promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation. Excellent
for helping to deal with stress and anxiety. Helps to ease high blood
pressure. Helpful antibacterial and skin rejuvenation properties.
|
|
Patchouli – Pogostemon
cablis
|
Has a grounding and balancing effect on the mind and
emotions. Banishes lethargy and sharpens the mind. A reputed aphrodisiac.
Assists with soothing distressed skin.
|
|
Peppermint –
Mentha avensis
|
Excellent for mental fatigue, digestive problems –
assists in easing headaches and migraine. Helpful in rubs for muscular aches
and pains
|
|
Rose
Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens spp.
|
Great for hormonal, P.M.T. and menopausal problems. Gives
balance to the mind. Keeps infection at bay, has a stimulating effect on the
lymphatic system, helping the body dispose of waste.
|
|
Rosemary – Rosmarinus
officinalis
|
Helps to energise and aids in concentration and memory.
Assists with clearing headaches & migraine. Relieves muscular aches and
pains, Good for scalp conditions.
|
|
Sweet Orange - Citrus sinensis
|
Gently uplifts and energises making it perfect oil for
use in school and the home. Promote positive energies and feelings. Excellent
to use in public areas to promote harmony.
|
|
Tea Tree – Maleleuca
alternifolia
|
Australian bush oil that is a strong antiseptic and
fungicide. Excellent in anti bacterial oil burner blends and massage oils.
Assists in treating dandruff and dry scalp conditions
|
|