Aromatherapy 101: A Brief Introduction to Essential Oil Therapy by Uncommon Scents Aromatherapy®

Welcome to the Fragrant Universe... Since the time of the Pharaohs, precious essential oils have been used for healing, cosmetic and sacred purposes. Today, science has confirmed this ancient knowledge & aromatherapy is undergoing a renaissance. Here’s some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the fragrant liquid extracts distilled from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots and seeds of over 400 botanical species. They are the "heart and soul" of the plants, herbs, shrubs and trees that carpet our planet. These fragrant extracts are concentrated and contain vitamins, hormones, antiseptics and antibiotics. Essential oils have proven antibacterial, antiseptic and germicidal properties.

Common Sense Precautions
Essential Oils are highly concentrated botanical extracts and should be treated respectfully. The following guidelines will ensure the safe, effective use of your essential oils.

• With the exception of lavender and tea tree, essential oils should
  always be diluted in a carrier oil or base.
• Some oils have more probability of causing sensitivity than
  others so familiarize yourself with the properties of the
  essential oils before using.
• Do not take essential oils internally.
• Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, not a substitute
  for medical care and attention. For all medical conditions,
  please consult your physician prior to using aromatherapy.

How do Essential Oils Work?
The effectiveness of essential oils is due entirely to their biochemical makeup. The importance of using 100% pure, natural, unadulterated essential oils cannot be emphasized enough. Most essential oils on the market are commerical or industrial quality and unsuitable for aromatherapeutic usage. The healing power of Nature's pure, unadulterated essential oils cannot be synthetically reproduced. When inhaled, these complex organic chemicals travel to the oldest part of the brain, the limbic system, which governs hunger, thirst, sexuality, memory, creativity and the emotions. When applied externally through massage or bathing, the oils penetrate the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream where they are transmitted directly to the affected or weakened area.

How to Use Aromatherapy

• Massage: You can achieve maximum benefit from using aromatherapy by using it in combination with massage. Massage relaxes and tones muscles, improves lymphatic drainage and circulation and balances the flow of energy. Use 10 drops essential oil to 4 oz. cold-pressed oil like sweet almond, grapeseed, canola or sunflower.
• Bath: Water is healing and relaxing. It makes an excellent medium for aromatherapy. Use your therapeutic bath as a special treat or treatment, rather than as your daily cleansing ritual. Choose your essential oil depending upon the effect desired - relaxing, stimulating, muscle relief, etc. You can add 4-8 drops undiluted essential oils just before entering the bath (agitate water well), or add 10 drops essential oil in 4 oz. carrier oil or bath gel. You can also add the essences to unscented lotions & creams.
• Aromatic Diffusors: Candle-lit diffusors are a great way to introduce the benefits of aromatherapy into any environment. Fill the bowl of the diffusor with water and add 8-15 drops of your favourite essential oil or blend. The tealite's heat will warm the water and cause the oil to evaporate slowly into the air. 
• Aromatherapy ScentBall: A safe, easy & portable way to use essential oils at home or work. Just place 4-6 drops of your favourite single essence or synergy on the pad and plug it in.

Facts about Essential Oils
(from the Uncommon Scents Aromatherapy® Foundation Course)

Essential oils:

• have been used for thousands of years in religion, healing, cosmetics, perfumery and cooking
• are primarily used by three industries: pharmaceuticals, foods & flavourings & cosmetics & fragrances
• are extremely complex chemical cocktails which may contain hundreds of organic chemical constituents
• are mainly steam distilled from over 600 botanical species
• come from all parts of the plant including the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark and seedscome from all over the globe; like wine, some regions grow superior crops
• are highly volatile (quick to evaporate) and concentrated -only a few drops are required to be effective
• contain vitamins, hormones, plant estrogens, natural antiseptics and antibiotics
• are contained in special cells, glands or plant hairs within the plant. The quantity of essential oil within the plant varies from hour to hour and season. Cultivation and harvesting is further complicated by ecological factors like weather, climate and soil quality both during the growing season and at the time of harvest
• have two main functions within the plant: i) to protect the plant from disease and insect attack; and ii) to attract insects to ensure propagation and survival
• are all antibacterial to varying degrees; some have antiviral and antifungal properties
• may be difficult to extract and therefore costly
• have a unique ability to target specific body systems & organs
• are pleasurable to use!