About Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a healing art, which uses the essential oils of aromatic plants and trees to promote health of body and serenity of mind.
Interest in aromatherapy is growing year by year.
Professional aromatherapy treatments are now available in beauty salons, fitness clubs and hairdressers, while essential oils are used therapeutically in modern hospitals and health centres.
Cosmetic aromatherapy aims to rejuvenate and beautify the body through the use of aromatic oils and generally to improve our outward appearance.
Essential oils can be used to improve the complexion or to treat specific skin conditions.
Beauty is not just skin deep. The condition of the skin expresses the overall health of an individual. Beautiful and healthy skin encourage a sense of well being, self-confidence, self-awareness and self-motivation.
Aging is inevitable, but essential oils can do much to slow down the effects. They encourage regeneration of healthy cells and help to keep skin supple and elastic.
The regular use of facial oils containing Cicatrisant oils (those that stimulate new growth to prevent wrinkles) is vital. These are Lavender, Neroli, Frankincense, Carrot Seed, Myrrh, Rose, Patchouli, Geranium, Fennel, Palmarosa, etc.
Essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. They are generally obtained by steam distillation from the flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, leaves, bark or roots of plants.
They are highly fragrant and volatile and are not water-soluble. They do however mix well with pressed vegetable oils which are referred to as "carrier oils", eg. olive oil, almond oil, etc. Essential oils are diluted in these carrier oils for safe application to the skin.
Essential oils potentially are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. They also have the ability to alter body chemistry and therapeutic responses. They need therefore to be used appropriately!
Because they contain no fatty acids, essential oils are not susceptible to rancidity like vegetable oils-but to protect them from the degenerative effects of heat, light and air, store them 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
- Keep oils tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
- DO NOT use undiluted oils on your skin.
- Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
- Many oils should be used with caution or avoided during PREGNANCY.
e.g. Basil, Clary Sage, Clove, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Almond Bitter, Fennel, Hyssop, Rose, Sage & Thyme.
- The following oils should be avoided before exposure to the SUN: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange & Tangerine.
- EPILEPTICS should avoid using the following oils: Fennel, Hyssop, Rosemary & Sage.
- Use the following oils with caution if you have HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme.
- People who are ALLERGIC TO NUTS should avoid using those products which contain oils derived from nuts. Please check the formula on product package before use.
* If any sort of irritation occurs, remember the oils are not water soluble. If an essential oil gets in the eye, add one drop of pure vegetable oil to the eye. Rinsing with water doesn't work. If skin irritation occurs discontinue use and rub the area with vegetable oil.