• What is Aromatherapy?
• What is Aromatology?
• How do Essential Oils Work?
• What is Cosmetic Aromatherapy?
• Natural vs Artificial
• Toxic Ingredients in Personal Care Products
• Product Quality

Each plant has a distinguishable 'signature' scent. The benefits of essential oils are achieved from absorption through the skin & inhalation. The aromas act on the olfactory senses - nerve receptors in the nose that transmit to the limbic system in the brain to regulate body metabolism, relaxation, caloric levels, insulin balance, sexual arousal, etc. The brain responds to the aroma of an essential oil by retrieving an associated memory. Inhalation can increase productivity & information retention.

Responses can be relaxing, balancing, energizing, uplifting & can produce gratifying sensations, euphoria & a sense of well-being. The brain registers aromas twice as fast as pain. The sense of smell is relayed immediately, has the longest recall of all senses & triggers the pituitary gland to release nurochemicals in the body.

• Enkephalin reduces pain & creates a feeling of well-being
• Endorphins reduce pain & induce sexual feelings
• Seratonin counteracts anxiety, helps relax & calm

Essential oils encourage the stimulation of the body's natural healing mechanisms.

SOME ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY TIPS

Safety precautions always need to be considered when using essential oils.

Essential oils are very concentrated, so it's important to handle them with care. They are full strength & should not be used internally or applied to the skin undiluted. Keep out of reach of children & animals. Store properly in tightly sealed amber glass bottles. Essential oils are sensitive to light & heat, some metals & plastics. Consult an aromatherapist or alternative medical professional before using essential oils.

If you are pregnant or nursing, have heart disease, epilepsy, high blood pressure or diabetes, seek the advice of a health professional before using essential oils.

Here are some contraindications:

CONSUMING ALCOHOL: clary sage should not be used because it can greatly increase the effects. Marjoram & chamomile can cause drowsiness.

EPILEPSY: avoid fennel, hyssop, sage & rosemary as they can trigger an attack.

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT (PHOTOSENSITIVITY): the following make the skin more sensitive to ultra-violet light - angelica, bergamot, caraway, cassia, cedarwood (Virginia), cinnamon bark, dill weed, grapefruit, honeysuckle abs, laurel leaf abs, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, tangerine & verbena. Do not use before exposure to strong sunshine, sunbeds or other sources of UV light.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: avoid using rosemary & thyme.

KIDNEY PROBLEMS: caution with coriander, juniper & sandalwood; avoid rosemary.

PREGNANCY: consult a professional health care practitioner. Avoid basil, cedarwood, clary sage, coriander, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, parsley seed, peppermint, rosemary, sage & thyme. Avoid lavender, chamomile & rose during the first four months, & after that use only as a 1% dilution.