Tag Archive | Aromatherapy

Rose Essential Oil for Sensuality

Dec18

RosesThroughout history the rose has been loved and won the hearts of many people. It is believed that the origin of the rose was Central Asia. Gradually roses began spreading across the world from China to India, Kashmir and Persia. From Asia the rose entered into Ancient Greece and from there to Egypt and Rome.

HISTORY

It is recorded, that in the thirteenth century, Thibaut IV, Count of Champagne, brought back a Terry Rose to his castle near Paris. During the years that followed, the cultivation of roses was a passion for the French, particularly of the town of Rouen. The development and breeding of the rose rapidly spread to the British Isle, throughout Western Europe, America and Australia.
Rose Water has been used in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. A Persian scientist by the name of Avicenna is credited with the invention of the process for extracting rose water from rose petals. It is believed the distillation of roses for the oil was originated in the late tenth century. Persia and Arabia began extracting rose oil in the eighteenth century. Currently the center for production of rose oil in the world is in Bulgaria near the town of Kazanluk. It is also produced in France, Italy, Germany, the Crimea, Turkey, Morocco and Moldova.
One of the brightest impressions in my life was the Rose Festival in Germany. There were life size parade floats, beautifully decorated, with buds and blooms of colorful roses and the air was filled with the wonderful fragrance of roses. The most significant rose parade in the US is the Tournament of Roses Parade held each January in Pasadena, California.

PROPERTIES AND USAGE

The best time to pick roses is immediately after blooming and before sunrise. At this point they contain the highest amount of essential substances. Appearance, aroma, and effects may differ depending on the country of origin and the nature of the climate in the year of production. In the world markets there are two types of oils, Rose Absolute and Essential Rose Oil or Rose Otto. Production technology of rose oil in Germany is a bit more complicated. The quality is considered better than Bulgarian. Rose oil contains about 300 components. It takes 100 kg of rose petals to get 0.5 kg of essential oil which makes the natural oil very expensive and not always available. Five ml of pure essential oil cost from twelve to fifteen dollars.

Table of Properties and Usage of Rose Essential Oil.

Oil name Rose absolute essential oil Rose essential oil or Rose Otto essential oil
Latin name Extraction is conducted with solvents or by means of carbon dioxide Extraction is done through steam
Production Viscous oil from orangish to brownish color Viscous oil from pale yellow to medium olive green
Scent Rich, sweet, roses, spicy, strong Rich, floral, rose, fresh
Volatility Low
The main property Stabilizer of emotions
Effect on the mental condition Stimulant of average degree
Adaptogen of low degree
Relaxing of average degree
Aroma diagnostic description Emotional lability, anxiety, fatigue, post-stress reactions, lack of confidence
Impact General: relaxing
Body: soothing
Mind: soothing
Spirit: encouraging		 General: balancing
Body: anti-aging
Mind: inspirational
Spirit: stabilizing
The main element Fire
Energy Cool and damp
Zodiac Sign/Planet Taurus/Venus
Enhances The aura, chakras, love, libido, sensuality, sexuality, happiness, satisfaction, openness of the heart
Improves Inner vision, clairvoyance, relationships, meditative state
Brings to life Harmony, comfort, calmness, purity, patience, luck and joy
Relieve Feeling grief, guilt
You can mix With most other oils: bergamot, chamomile, geranium, cinnamon, lavender, sage, ylang-ilang, lemon, Jasmine, sandalwood and others. This is one of the most rewarding of oils in blends.
Toxicity Non-toxic
Is it possible to use inside? You can, but only oil prepared by distillation with steam
Contraindications 1. Individual intolerance to the smell.
2. Cannot be used in early pregnancy (about 4 months; it is best to consult with your doctor or aromatherapist).
3. Cannot be used in the treatment of biochemistry.
4. It is not recommended to use together with the taking of homeopathic medicines.

You can BUY ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL here

The therapeutic properties of rose oil are: antidepressant, sedative, relieves anxiety and regulates emotional background, relieves headache and clarifies the thinking system, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, wound healing, tones up and cleanses the skin, improves elasticity and firmness of the skin, eliminates inflammation, irritation and flaking of the skin, bactericide and anti-virus, hypotensive, regulates heart arrhythmia, diuretic and astringent, aphrodisiac and relieves allergic reactions.
Rose oil is used for: the care of aging skin, skin tone, stretch marks, care for dry, sensitive or flaky skin, depression, apathy, headache, insomnia, stress, nervous tension, irritability, external and internal infections (pulpitis, flu, sore throat, conjunctivitis, etc.), burns, circulatory problems, varicose veins, increased pressure, arrhythmia, stomach ulcers caused by nerves, liver disease, constipation, nausea, infertility, irregular menstruation, and frigidity.

MEDICINE

Early medical practitioners used distilled rose water, rose oil and rose confection paste for the sick. The oldest preparations of roses was rose water and ointment. The first written source about it dates back to the fourteenth century. For example, a mixture of rose oil with vinegar was used for disinfecting and treating open wounds.
Rose water is very effective in soothing tired, fatigued eyes and for the treatment of diseases of the eye. It is also very effective in subduing symptoms related to conjunctivitis (pink eye). Washing the eyes several times a day, prepared with a warm rose water solution, will help provide relief.
Rose oil is also used in dentistry. Introduced into the cavity of the caries tooth, it will relieve pain for 3 to 4 hours. Rose water is used for the treatment of periodontal disease. It helps to strengthen, helps with bleeding gums and bad breath. There is a paste made with essential rose oil for the treatment of pulpitis. Introducing it into the cavity of carious teeth, the bacteria are destroyed within 5 minutes. I particularly like to use rose water to rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth.
The use of rose oil is an excellent adjuvant in treatment of bronchitis, catarrh, laryngitis, sore throat and tonsillitis. For inhalation use 6-10 drops of oil to the device for inhalation or in a bowl with hot water. For rinsing you can use the following recipe: use 2-3 drops of rose oil in a glass of warm water and gargle 4-5 times a day.
Rose oil acts directly on the central nervous system. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and the emotional and psychological state of mind. It is considered a mild sedative agent and antidepressant. Rose oil can help relieve stress. It also eases feelings of fear, anger, jealousy and suspicion. You can take 2-3 drops of rose oil in 1 teaspoon of honey or herbal tea.
The use of rose oil in aromatherapy provides a potentially effective treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. In ancient psychiatry rose oil was used to determine the psychological state of a patient. By placing clean rose oil on the inside area of the wrist and wait 30 minutes, the scent would change depending on the mental state of the person. In the hysterical and psychopathic person the odor would become sour smelling. Patients with strong character and resilience would acquire the aroma of a tart scent. In others, when the oil changes rapidly and are romantic, they will have the aroma of candid rose.

BODY, SKIN, AND HAIR CARE

Rose essential oil is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, creams, hand lotions and shampoos. Due to the high cost of producing pure oil some dealers will dilute rose oil with geranium or palmarosa essential oil to extend the rose fragrance and sell at a reduced price. When preparing your own emulsions at home it is recommended that you buy rose oil from a trustworthy source.
Rose tonic is very efficient to use for wiping the face, the skin around the eyes and neck morning and evening. When used as an antiseptic it tones the skin making it firmer and more elastic and smooths wrinkles (especially around the eyes). Pure rose oil, in a mix of equal portions with vegetable oil, can be used for cold sore or scars. You can also add rose oil to different basis as a carrier for massage, lotions and tonics for skin care of the face or body, shampoos and conditioners for hair care. Add the oil to the base and mix well. Before use shake mixture thoroughly to insure quality of the emulsion.
General information about the amount of oil for different methods of application of aromatherapy are given in the article “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE” . In this article I will give some recommendations for using rose essential oil. For topically use (massage) mix 3-6 drops per 15 ml of vegetable oil (olive, corn, almond, etc.). For internal use mix 1-2 drops per teaspoon of honey 2 times a day. In the bathroom: 6-7 drops in 1 tablespoon emulsifier (milk, honey, sea or table salt). To enrich cosmetics mix 4 -5 drops in 10-15 ml of the base (cream, tonic, lotion, mouthwash, etc.)

HOME AND COOKING

Dried roses make a great potpourri for the home. Place in a basket or decorative bowl for a lingering scent. Rose petal sachets can add a delightful fragrance to your lingerie drawer, linen closet or just about any place in the home.
Rose oil is also used in cooking and as a flavoring agent for a variety of drinks. It has a very distinctive flavor and has been used by cooks from the Middle East, India and China as a flavoring agent for cakes and other pastries for centuries. It’s not unusual to find an Indian, Persian or Middle Eastern recipe calling for rose water as a flavoring ingredient. American chefs and home cooks also use rose water to add a wonderful aromatic note to both sweet and savory dishes.
 


Importance of Carrier/Basic Oils

Dec5

Article about Importance of Carrier/Basic OilsCARRIER OILS

Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used in aromatherapy to create bath oils, massage blends prior to topical application and skin and hair care blends. The choice of carrier oil depends on the therapeutic benefits being thought. Base oils have lots of vitamin E and are often used from 10 to 25% with other carrier oils for longer shelf life of the blend.

COSMETIC OILS

Almond: Recommended for all skin types, including very dry, sensitive, aging or itchy skin. Cold pressed oil is especially rich in nutrients. The consistency of the oil is very light, with a delicate scent. Relatively inexpensive. Recommended for home kits. Can cause allergies and it is recommended to test for allergy before using. Buy unrefined oil.

Apricot: Made from crushed apricot kernels. It is recommended to use for the care of all skin types; including, dry, aging, delicate, sensitive and inflamed. It is very light with a mild fragrance and easily absorbed by the skin. It is quite expensive.

Avocado: Used to treat dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles and sunburn. Not recommended for oily skin. Easily absorbed. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Rich with nutrients, especially vitamin E. Cold-pressed avocado oil is unrefined and produces a rich emerald color and aroma of the fruit. If the oil is pale yellow, it means it has been refined, usually odorless and low in nutrients.

Borage Seed: Expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils. It is used in a variety of skin disorders including eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Coconut: Promotes tanning and is used in products for both skin and hair care. Soothes and nourishes dry skin. Especially useful for the treatment of hair and scalp. Gives the hair a beautiful shine. Due to its thick consistency it is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. It is recommended to test for allergy before using.

Evening Primrose: Recommended for dry and aging skin. Also used for dermatitis, allergic rashes, eczema and psoriasis. It has a very fine texture. Recommended for use in blends with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%.

Grape seed: Recommended for all skin types, especially for very oily skin. The oil is light with almost no scent and has a mildly astringent and antiseptic quality. It can be used alone as the carrier oil or mixed with other more nutritious oil in smaller amounts up to 10%.

Hazelnut: It is well absorbed and has a slightly astringent action. Usually mixed with a lighter oil such as almond in equal proportions.

Jojoba: Recommended for normal, dry and oily skin. Penetrates deep into the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect if the skin is irritated or inflamed due to acne or eczema. Good tool for hair care. It has a thick consistency and is recommended to warm in a water bath before mixing with other components for blending. Expensive.

Macadamia: Excellent skin moisturizer. Recommended for dry, premature aging skin and to promote healing following sunburn. Originating from Australia. Unrefined it has a light golden color.

Passion fruit: Used as a nourishing moisturizer in skin care and is particularly beneficial for those with aging, acne-prone, or mature skin to improve skin elasticity. Usually added to a blend or mixture. It has a delicate sweet fragrance.

Peach: Made by pressing the pits to produce a very light oil with a delicate sweet aroma. It has a penetrative consistency and well suited for the treatment of facial skin. It is quite expensive.

Peanuts: Extremely rich in vitamins and minerals. The oil has a thick texture with the scent of nuts. It is recommended for use in blends or mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 25%. Peanuts contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.

Rosehip seed: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect. It quickly absorbs into the skin replenishing moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin to help prevent dehydration. It is commonly used for a variety of skin conditions. It is also helpful in reducing scars and fine lines. Golden-red color.

Safflower: Used for all skin types. The oil is a potent hydrator and ideal for dry, itchy skin. Its hydrating properties promote elasticity and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is a light yellow color with a faint nutty aroma. Has a short shelf life. Best purchased unrefined.

Sea Buckthorn: Has rejuvenating and wound-healing effect, affecting the regeneration of skin cells. The oil can be applied directly to the skin for preventing sunburn; healing wounds including bedsores, burns, and cuts; for acne, dermatitis, dry skin and eczema.

Sesame: It is recommended for care of all skin types. Used in the compositions for the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. In India this oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has a pale yellow color and mild nutty aroma. Interestingly, sesame oil has a similar effect as a sunscreen cream with a SPF factor of 4. Do not use the flavored dark brown oil used in Chinese cuisine.

Soybean: The oil can restore the luster and the glow of one’s skin. It can aid in healing the damage that is done to skin by pollution and by sun exposure.

Wheat germ: Recommended for dry, cracked, aging, itchy or sun-burned skin. Used for stretch marks and to reduce scarring. Natural antioxidant, rich in nutrients, especially vitamin E (greater than avocado oil). The oil has a rich orange-brown color and strong scent. The oil is thick in consistency and recommended for use in mixtures with lighter base oils in a ratio of up to 10%. Contain allergens and it is recommended to test for allergy before using.

VEGETABLE OILS

Corn: Recommended for all skin types. Has a light yellow color, fine texture and little aroma. Use only refined oil.

Olive: Particularly used for dry and dehydrated or inflamed skin. Good to use for dry and brittle hair. Taken orally as a means of disease prevention. The oil is best cold pressed. Quite thick and has a characteristic deep olive odor. Usually blended with lighter base oil. For example; with almond oil at a 50/50 ratio. Best to buy high quality or organic.

Sunflower: Used for any skin type. It is a very versatile oil, light in texture with little aroma. Contains vitamins A, B, D and E. Inexpensive. The best oil is cold pressed and organic.

OIL, INFUSED WITH HERBS

Oil, described below, is prepared by the infusion method under direct sunlight. Crushed parts of the respective plants and placed in vegetable oil (e.g., olive) for brewing.

Recipe for oil brewed with herbs or seeds:
1. Half fill a glass bottle with crushed parts of freshly picked plants or seeds.
2. Fill it with pure olive (or other) oil, preferably slightly heated.
3. Shake bottle vigorously.
4. Keep the bottle in direct sunlight either on a windowsill or outside for 7-10 days.
5. When the oil is ready, strain it through a filter made of cloth (cheesecloth or fine nylon mesh) and pour into a bottle made of dark glass for storage. You can add a little wheat germ oil to extend shelf life.

Calendula: It is recommended for chapped, inflamed, itchy skin, burns and other skin problems. Usually added to the base mix in a ratio of up to 25%. Applied topically the oil’s antifungal action is also great for treating athlete’s foot.

Carrot seed: Commonly used as a supplement. Carrot seed oil is extracted from wild carrot seeds by steam distillation. It has a rejuvenating effect and is great for aging skin. It is known for its ability to alleviate skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Added to the carrier oil mixture at a ratio of up to 10%. Carrot seed oil is an amber-colored oil with a soft earthy smell.

St. John’s wort: Commonly used as a supplement to treat neuralgia, or pains in muscles and joints. The oil made from St. John’s wort can be applied topically to relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation. Often it is mixed, 50/50, with calendula oil. It is recommended to test for allergy before using. St. John’s wort can also make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight when applied topically.

Carrier Oils For Beginners: Discover The Characteristics, beauty, and health benefits of carrier oils for mixing Aromatherapy Essential Oils
Paperback – September 5, 2014
by Lindsey P

Aromatherapy User Guide

Nov29

Article about Aromatherapy User GuideIf you decide to do aromatherapy, you should know and use the special rules for the use of essential oils and safety in aromatherapy.
Essential oils are made from ether-containing parts of plants and are produced by several methods: using steam, hydrocarbon gas or solvents. The method of production affects the quality of the product.
One can distinguish three levels of quality:
1. Pure essential oils
2. Cheap oil series
3. Synthetic oils
For aromatherapy it is better to buy pure essential oils, as they contain therapeutically influencing components. On the packaging of oils of good quality, there is information about the Latin name and the parts of the plant from which the oil is obtained; a method of production; and a country of origin. Cheaper essential oils are produced at the expense of lower quality raw materials or by adding other cheaper substances. For example, in the global market, lavender oil is valued and comes from raw materials which are grown in Provence. Lavender oil produced in Moldova, however, has lower quality properties and is cheaper. The cheaper series oils have less therapeutic effect, and synthetic oil does not have a value from the point of view of aromatherapy. Chemical substances give only the smell, while the greatest therapeutic effect of pure essential oils are based on the influence of the components of the oil.
They affect people differently pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically. The pharmacological effect is a biochemical change in the body caused by the aromatic oil in the blood, in turn interacting with the hormones and enzymes. The physiological effects related to the properties of oils. For example, lavender is calming, rose lifts the senses. The psychological impact is the individual reaction of a person, which may be associated with positive or negative memories of past events.

SAFETY RULES

1. NEVER USE undiluted essential oils or essential oils not mixed with a base carrier, unless required by the recipe, because essential oils can be highly concentrated and even very toxic. When applied to the skin undiluted oils may cause irritation, redness and burning.
2. When beginning to use an unfamiliar essential oil, make sure you find the smell is NICE or pleasing, and TEST yourself for the ALLERGENICITY to this oil. A new oil can harm you if you don’t like the smell – it is a psychological reaction. The article below gives methods to check for allergic reactions, which depend on the type of oil. Also consult the available information on oils, including PRECAUTIONS. For example, rose oil is not to use in the first months of pregnancy, and citrus oils are not to be used before going out in the sun.
3. Some essential oils CANNOT be used during pregnancy, or if a person suffers from asthma, epilepsy and (some other diseases – you need to either leave this out or state the disesase). In particular, dill can not be used during depression and clary sage can not be combined with alcohol. Anyone with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop oil, rosemary, any kind of sage and pine. If you are pregnant or have a serious medical condition, please consult with a specialist.
4. Do NOT USE essential oils more than necessary. Essential oils, as a natural product, will do less harm than chemical drugs. But, like any other substance in large amounts, they can be harmful. As one becomes more familiar with the world of aromatherapy and using essential oils, one will gradually feel how much of a recipe is needed for the proper result. It depends on the ability of the nose to distinguish the smell, skin type and awareness of the senses, and psychological reactions to the oil.
5. There are essential oils that are NOT SUITABLE for aromatherapy. For example, oil of wormwood, mint marsh, onion, camphor, horseradish, bitter almond, and some others.
6. Do NOT USE the following oils before going out on the sun since they can cause the formation of age spots. These are oils of: lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, lime, bergamot, verbena, honeysuckle, dill, patchouli, cinnamon, caraway, laurel, and dill.
7. Essential oils SHOULD NOT be ingested without special consultation with a specialist. Purchased oils can be of insufficient quality for ingestion, so for your own safety, ensure the quality of the essential oil.
8. Do NOT TREAT severe illness themselves only by means of aromatherapy. Be sure to consult your doctor.
9. Essential oils should be stored out of the reach of CHILDREN. Treat them like medications that need to be stored properly.
10. Do NOT STORE essential oils or blends in plastic bottles as they will evaporate through the plastic.
11. Essential oils should be stored AWAY from heat.

THE BASIC RULES

1. Essential oils should be stored in DARK (cobalt or brown) GLASS bottles because of their sensitivity to exposure to light and air. They should be tightly closed and stored where possible, IN A COOL PLACE (not less than 0 C (32 F) but not more than +30 C (86 F).
2. The dosing of essential oils given in DROPS.
3. RECORD composition and proportion of mixtures of components, date of manufacture and purpose of use of the stored blends.
4. Pay attention to the safety precautions for the oil.
5. Begin to use essential oil or a blend with the SMALLEST of dosages. Additional amounts can be added if the desired affect does not occur with the smallest dose.
6. When using a diffuser, only use it for 20 minutes the first several times.
7. For new recipes prepare the composition or blend with a small amount of base (for example, 5 ml of cream) to check the suitability of the recipe.
8. When you take the first and second bath with an essential oil or blend, do not stay in the bath for more than 4-5 minutes. If you have not felt any distress or discomfort, then you can safely use a proven recommendations.>
9. For security purposes, before using a new oil it is advisable to check your reaction for any allergies, depending on how it will be used. This is especially important for those who are allergy-prone.

METHODS OF TESTING FOR ALLERGENICITY

1. For inhalation and cleansing: Apply 1 drop of oil on a handkerchief, and only sniff the handkerchief for one day. The next day apply oil to the surface of the wrist and, if you do not have any allergic reactions, including headache, weakness, and ( you need to state what other reactions could be, or omit this others), you may begin to use it.
2. For use on the skin: Pre-check technique for inhalation and cleansing. The first method is to apply base oil on the sternum or behind the ear to check for allergic reactions. Leave on for 12 hours. If no adverse reaction occurs, add a drop of essential oils for massage by mixing in a teaspoon of a carrier oil and applying the mixture on the sternum or behind the ear. Again, check the reaction of the oil after 12 hours. The second method: Take a 2 – 3 minute bath with 1-2 drops of essential oil.
3. For use inside the body: Blend 1 drop of the oil with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and take three times during the first day. Double the dose the next day, again taking it three times during the day. If no allergic reactions occur, then you can ingest this oil or blend.

The article “AROMATHERAPY APPLICATION METHODS’ GUIDE” discusses the different methods of using essential oils and the article “EQUIPMENT LIST AND MEASUREMENT GUIDE” gives some hints including percentage composition.