In ancient Egyptian times they used oils from flowers and herbs in their baths and for skin care, not only for their aromas but for the medicinal properties too. These oils are the volatile part of any plant and are extracted in different ways, by distillation, steam or compression. Once you have their oils they can be used individually or mixed together and can be put in the bath for a hot soak, a few drops added to a diffuser so the sweet aromas fill the air or added to a carrier or base oil for a massage. You can even get candles containing these oils or could add net oil to the melted wax as it gathers on the top of a burning candle.
All plants contain essential oils but in different quantities, some more than others. To get just one teaspoon of jasmine oil it takes 40,000 hand- picked jasmine flowers which is why this in one of the more expensive oils to buy. Rose is another flower that does not contain many oils and are usually extracted by using a solvent. The only down side with this method is that is gathers other properties from the plant as well as their oils. These are then known as absolutes and are well known in the fragrance industry and in cosmetics.
Fine essential oils are like diamonds or a fine champagne and known as the soul of any plant. Essential oils all have their own properties and used for different reasons, from rejuvenating, balancing and deep cleansing. They easily absorb in to the skin and can help psychologically and physically. Benefits of aromatherapy oils range from relief of headaches, mood swings, muscle relaxants, blood circulation and other healings.
There are hundreds of essential oils on the market and can be a daunting experience when going out to buy for the first time. Almost anyone can use essential oils but precautions do need to be taken. Because they are very potent it is important to dilute any oil before putting it on the skin and not to put too much in the batch as they can burn. You must ask yourself why you want to use these oils whether it be for a particular ailment and then how you are going to administer, either massage or inhalation so as to get the right ones. Below are a few just to get you started.
Basil - floral sweet aroma used for uplifting, energising and refreshing.
Bergamot - fresh and fruity used for uplifting and inspiring. An excellent deodoriser.
Chamomile - fruity, apple -like used for its calming properties
Clary sage - spicy, hay-like aroma for a euphoric feeling
Eucalyptus - Best known for inhalations and liniments and is very invigourating.
Geranium - A leafy-rose aroma with fruity, minty undertones. A soothing, mood lifting oil.
Grapefruit - This has a bitter citrus aroma which is very refreshing.
Lavender - A fresh almost eucalyptus aroma used in insect repellants, deodorants and room sprays. A calming and purifying influence.
Majarom sweet - Warm and spicy with a hint of nutmeg. Warming and balancing works well on sore muscles.
Orange sweet - Used for its refreshing, uplifting properties.
Rosemary - with its strong fresh, camphor aroma invigourates and clarifies.
Sandalwood - a sweet wood warm aroma. Perfect for that sensual soothing atmosphere
Ylang ylang - an intense floral almost jasmine aroma used for euphoria and sensuality.
Once you get used to the oils and their aromas you can mix your own but be careful with quantities.
There are many sites and books on the subject including my other site Aromatherapyrecipes.org.
Tony Marks is a writer providing information articles. You can check out his latest site at Aromatherapy Recipes where he provides unbiased information and advice on a range of products including Essential Oils and much more.
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