aromatherapy basics… what to use, how to use and why
Aromatherapy Basics
Aromatherapy has proven to be highly successful in assisting people in many situations over the ages. From relieving the symptoms of stress, helping to calm a restless family to assisting with health issues, the ancient science of aromatherapy has proven extremely useful to millions of people around the world.
Read on to find out what to use, how to use it and why we should use essential oils…
Moon Haven Australia’s “Aromatherapy in a Bottle” range consists of six (6) specialised essential oil blends, six (6) specialised Pulse Point Potions, eight (8) pure essential oil blends and four (4) massage oils. Each has been formulated by our highly regarded clinical aromatherapists to assist with everyday issues and concerns. We call it “Practical Aromatherapy”.
These blends have been formulated from the highest quality essentials oils in such a way as to bring the benefits of the plant directly to the consumer through the amazing science of aromatherapy.
Essential Oil (EO) Dilutions – How Much Should You Use?
The aromatic plants of the world have provided us with a marvellous gift for our health and well being in the form of essential oils. While being totally derived from nature, these precious substances should always be used with due reverence.
It does not necessarily follow that where a little of an oil is good, then a lot more is better!!! For instance one drop of lavender oil on your pillow will help you relax in readiness for sleep; while applying 10 drops of the oil is liable to keep you wide awake and your brain whirring away for hours.
Recommended Essential Oil and Essential Oil Blend Dilutions:
For general massage and skin applications, essential oils for the body are generally used at a dilution (in a suitable base) of 2.5% and the face at a maximum of 1%. For some specific applications essential oil can be applied at dilutions of up to 10% but always refer to a qualified aromatherapist when contemplating using these higher concentrations. As a general rule use half the above dilutions for babes, and toddlers,
Suggested Essential Oil Dilutions
|
Base Cream/Oil |
Face (1%) |
Body (2.5%) |
| 20 ml (1 tblspn) |
5 drops EO |
20 drops EO |
| 100 ml |
10 drops EO |
50 drops EO |
Oil Burners and vaporisers:
According to the size of the room add 6 to 10 drops to a water based oil burner or vaporiser. If using a waterless oil burner then you may use a little less.
Baths:
Add 5 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of milk. Pour this mixture into a warm bath for a beautiful aromatherapy bathing experience. The milk acts as an emulsifier, mixing with the bath water so that you do not have drops of concentrated oils floating on the surface of the water.
Scrubs:
Add 10 to 15 drops of your selected essential oil or blend to a half cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of your base oil of choice (try almond, sunflower, grape seed or sesame). Thoroughly combine, step into your shower recess and apply to your body in a gentle circular motion. The salt acts as a gentle skin exfoliant, the oil as a moisturiser and the essential oils bring their unique properties to your skin. Turn on the shower and rinse off …afterwards gently pat your skin dry and apply your favourite body lotion.
Essential Oil Blends:
Professionally formulated by Moon Haven Australia’s clinical aromatherapists, these six (6) essential oil blends cover a wide range of applications from a defence against illness to combating debilitating stress. Remember these concentrated pure essential oils MUST be diluted prior to use on the skin.
| Defend Essential Oil Blend –Strong antibacterial properties | Excellent essential oil for use in an oil burner or vaporiser for use in sick rooms or where you are looking for an added layer of protection during times of stress. Good for use in the office as well |
| Bliss Essential Oil Blend– Gently inspiring and uplifiting | For use in rooms – including the bedroom – to promote a feeling of happiness and well being |
| Essensual Essential Oil Blend – The perfect partner pamperer | Perfect for the living areas including the bedroom. Helps to promote a sense of togetherness |
| Refresh Essential Oil Blend – To uplift and energise | Ideal in offices and areas where you need to keep energy levels high and the mood positive. |
| Seduction Essential Oil Blend – Delightfully sensual | A lovely heady oil blend perfect for that romantic evening with the one you love. |
| Stress Less Essential Oil Blend – To relax and ease the stresses of the day | Extremely useful in places of high stress or at home when unwinding from the day’s activities. |
Pure Essential Oils:
Do it your way – with Moon Haven Australia’s selection of “must have” essential oils. These 8 pure essential oils form the basis of a good aromatherapy kit. Used singly or in a complex formula these eight oils will give you the flexibility to deal with most aromatherapy situations you may encounter. Remember these concentrated essential oil blends MUST be diluted prior to use on the skin!
| Bergamot – Citrus bergamia | Calms anxiety, depression, nervous tension and stress. Helpful for respiratory conditions and excellent in skin preparations for acne as well as dry skin conditions. |
| Lavender – Lavendula angustifolia | Promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation. Excellent for helping to deal with stress and anxiety. Helps to ease high blood pressure. Helpful antibacterial and skin rejuvenation properties. |
| Patchouli – Pogostemon cablis | Has a grounding and balancing effect on the mind and emotions. Banishes lethargy and sharpens the mind. A reputed aphrodisiac. Assists with soothing distressed skin. |
| Peppermint – Mentha avensis | Excellent for mental fatigue, digestive problems – assists in easing headaches and migraine. Helpful in rubs for muscular aches and pains |
| Rose Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens spp. | Great for hormonal, P.M.T. and menopausal problems. Gives balance to the mind. Keeps infection at bay, has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, helping the body dispose of waste. |
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
Helps to energise and aids in concentration and memory. Assists with clearing headaches & migraine. Relieves muscular aches and pains, Good for scalp conditions.
Sweet Orange – Citrus sinensis
Gently uplifts and energises making it perfect oil for use in school and the home. Promote positive energies and feelings. Excellent to use in public areas to promote harmony.Tea Tree – Maleleuca alternifoliaAustralian bush oil that is a strong antiseptic and fungicide. Excellent in anti bacterial oil burner blends and massage oils. Assists in treating dandruff and dry scalp conditions
