Aromatherapy
The positive effects of certain olfactory stimulants have been shown to bring about measurable positive effects on the limbic
system and the brain—the seat of memory and emotion. Essential Oils have amazing healing properties and are absorbed
both by smell and osmosis when applied on the skin via carrier oils, creams, or lotions. Keep out of the reach of children.
Click on #1 or #2 for more about Aromatherapy.

  Introducing Aromatherapy

In times past, certain fragrant plants were found to heal the body, either ground into a powder to be placed in a snuff box or in small bouquets to wear. Essential oils were discovered to enhance the mind, body, and spirit, and also turned out to be effective for many different kinds of treatments.

Aromatherapy goes as far back as 7000 BC, when the Egyptians used essential oils in to preserve mummies.  When King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in 1922, an ancient calcite pot in his burial chambers gave off the fra­grance of Frankincense when it was opened. More recently, when a forensic scientist unwrapped the bandages of a 3,000-year-old mummy, a strong aroma of Myrrh and Cedarwood was noted. Essential oils were not only used during mummification but were burned as fumigants, used as medicines, or blended into per­fumes and cosmetics in ancient times.

Egyptians practiced primi­tive forms of steam distillation using pots of clay. They produced several kinds of aromat­ic extractions such as Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Juniper, and Cala­mus. Some of the work of the ancient Egyptian aromatherapists have lasted to this day. Cleopatra used the aromas of Roses and Orange Blossoms to woo Marc Antony.  Even the sails on her ships were infused with these aromas so that a cloud of scent followed her wherever she went.

The Greek and Roman cultures used essential oils for many of the same purposes as the Egyptians, as has been found in numerous excavations. The Greeks loved aromatic plants and would spread fragrant herbs, such as mint leaves, on their temple floors. Hippocrates recommended aromatic baths and mas­sage to prolong life.

Victorious Romans were awarded laurel crowns after winning competitions.  Garlands and crowns of mint and rosemary commemorated important occasions and victorious battles. The Romans were famous for their scented baths and fragrant massages. It’s believed that the name of the lavender plant came from the Latin “lavare--to bathe."  

The Bible has 100 ref­erences to various essential oils. In Matthew 26:6, and Mark 14: 3, the Bible tells how a woman anointed Jesus' head with an expensive perfume that filled the house with the scent of Spikenard; in John 12: 3, Mary poured pure Spikenard on Jesus’ feet and dried them with her hair. The gifts from the Magi to the Christ child: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh have been interpreted to represent life, death, and rebirth.

The Black Plague in the 17th century killed over a third of the population of Europe. The stench of decomposing dead bodies was everywhere.  People believed that the smell had the disease in it, and so balls of pomander and herbal nosegays were used to cloak the unpleasant smells. The men used hollowed-out walking sticks filled with Aromatic substances. French doctors wore head-to-toe leather cloaks. They protected their faces with grotesque beaked masks. Aromatic herbs were placed inside the bird-like beak to protect them from infection. This strange attire is believed to be the source of the term “Quack” in reference to incompetent doctors.  London perfumers and glove makers used essential oils to scent their gloves and assured purchasers that this would help them to remain immune to the plague. Because the town of Buklesbury, England, was spared from the Plagues, it was attributed to the fact that it was the center of the lavender trade.

A French scientist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, had his first encounter with aromatherapy while researching the healing properties of essential oils and their antiseptic and cosmetic abilities. He was injured in a laboratory explosion that resulted in severe burns to his hand. In intense pain, he grabbed a beaker of full-strength Lavender oil and drenched his burned hand with it.  To his surprise, the lavender oil took the sting out of his burn, his skin healed very quickly, and there was no scar.

Advancing the science of aromatherapy, another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valnet, during a severe shortage of drugs in World War II, suc­cessfully used essential oils to treat wounded soldiers. Later, he utilized essential oils to wean long-term psychiatric patients off their chemical drugs. Today, the use of essential oils, known as True Aromatherapy, is becoming more common.

 

HOW AROMATHERAPY WORKS

Aromatherapy is based on the natural fragrances of essential oils that enhance healing and soothe the emotions.  Most of them may be applied to the skin for absorption into the tissues of the body to promote healing. The term, “neat” means that the oil in question does not need to be diluted and will not harm the skin (e.g., Lavender). Some oils have to be blended with carrier oils to dilute their intensity, so that they will not cause a rash, burning, or drying.

The essential oils of aromatic plants, such as Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Eucalyptus are extracted by means of a steamed distillation process, in which the resulting essential oils are at least 50 times more potent than the plants from which they are taken.  It takes about 100 pounds of fresh herbs to make one pound of essential oil.

Some Essential oils are “volatile,” which means that they can quickly evaporate into the air.  Diffusers emit a cloud of fragrance that the sinus cavities can absorb immediately.  The inhalation process is superior to taking herbal supplements in capsule form, since a very small quantity of essential oil goes a long way. 

Upon inhaling the diffused essential oils, the “limbic system” recognizes the pleasant scent, and the brain responds to it with feelings of relaxation and pleasure.  It can affect the subconscious as well as the conscious mind. For instance, when we smell spoiled food, our brain immediately recognizes the danger to the body and we throw it away; perhaps you have experienced a certain smell that reminds you of a wonderful feeling or place.  Pure Essential Oils are best for inhalation and skin applications results.

 What is Aromatherapy and Aromachology?

Aromatherapy is the all-natural way of treating the body, mind and spirit with natural aromatic substances that are harvested from nature. "Aroma" refers to substances that give essential oils their characteristic odor or smell. "Therapy" refers to the fact that essential oils have been used in healing for centuries. Aromatherapy also refers to the use of essential oils for beauty and body treatments. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular beauty treatments in clinics and spas throughout Europe and the Americas.   

Aromatherapy by means of essential oils in some countries is used as part of their medical practices. Pure, unadulterated essential oils and products can be used in many ways to alleviate a number of physical problems and provide a healthier environment in the home.  The study of psychology as it relates to odors is sometimes referred to as Aromachology. Aromatherapy and aromachology differentiate the science, study and theory of (aromachology) from the application by clinicians and aromatherapists (aromatherapy).

Essential Oils at Work
Essential oils have certain natural balancing effects. The correct application can instigate a reaction in the body to achieve a state of homeostasis or balance. Essential oils can affect the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, blood pressure, and hormone balance as well as other body systems. Essential oils respond to the human body’s need at any given time. For instance, if the body is worn down and sluggish, essential oils can have an effect of stimulation. Essential oils work as phytohormones. The molecules mimic some of the natural hormones and act as messengers or keys to the related systems of the body.

Mixing two or more essential oils together creates a chemical compound that is different from any one of the component parts.

Properties of Essential Oils
Each essential oil has its own therapeutic properties and uses. Various essential oils have antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, diuretic, antivenomous, antitoxic, antidepressant, sedative, nervine (relieves many nervous disorders), analgesic (reduces pain), hypotensol, hypertensol, digestive, expectorating, deodorizing, granulation stimulating, circulatory stimulating, and diuretic qualities.

What Essential Oils Do

  These Essential Oils have amazing properties in them

 Essential Oils that have Anti-Viral Properties:
Allspice, Anise, Balsam Fir, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Blue Camphor, Cassia, Cajuput, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Garlic, Helichrysum, Juniper, Labdanum, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Melissa, Myrrh, Niaouli, Onion, Oregano, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Sage, Tarragon, Tea Tree-(also known as Melaleuca) and thyme.  

Essential Oils that have Antibacterial Properties:
Bay Laurel, Bergamot , Black Pepper, Cajuput, Cassia , Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove Bud , Cypress, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lavender Spike, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Marjoram, Niaouli, Oregano, Palma Rosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sage, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Thyme. 

Essential Oils that have Antiseptic Properties:
Basil, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lavender, Lemon, Pine needle, Rosemary, Sage,
Tea Tree and Thyme. 

Essential Oils that have Anti-Fungal Properties:
Sage, Thyme, Oregano, Savory, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Tagetes, Lavandin, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Lavender.

WHAT ARE BASE AND CARRIER OILS?

Bases and Carrier oils dilute the intensity of some Essential oils that might cause irritation to the skin. They have no scent. Essential oils retain their scent when mixed with a base or Carrier oil. Some Essential oils may be used directly on the skin, such as Lavender, but others can dry or burn the skin in full strength form, such as Tea Tree oil.  Before using essential oils, it is best to perform a skin patch test, in which you apply a small drop of the essential oil to the inside of your elbow or behind the ear. Then wait 24 hours to see if the skin has a reaction to it. This test can also be done with Bases and Carrier oils.

There are many kinds of bases and carrier oils that come in cosmetic grade for topical use on the skin.  The bases include Water, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and butters which are considered heavy oils.  Carrier Oils include Neem, Sweet Almond, Sesame, Evening Primrose, Coconut, Flaxseed, Sunflower, Hazel Nut, Foraha, Cocoa Butter, Shea butter, Palm, Olive, Safflower, Macadamia, Peanut, Rose Hips, Kukui Nut, Oyster Nut, Rapeseed, Grapeseed, Soybean, Jojoba, Wheat Germ, Apricot Kernel, Castor, Carrot Seed, Mango butter, Glycerin, Corn, Mineral, Avocado, Borage seed, Canola, and many more. 

The Following are used most often:

Water-is used as a carrier for baths and foot soaks. Water is the best carrier for a long term soak.

Aloe Vera-Has healing properties all its own for burns, irritations, and raw open wounds.

Sweet Almond Oil- Good for all skin types.  Generally used for dryness, soreness, itching, and inflammation, and contains Minerals, vitamins and proteins.

Sunflower Oil – Good for all skin types.  Generally used for dryness, soreness and inflammation. Leaves a satiny, smooth, non-greasy feel. It contains Vitamins A, B, D and E, and has a high lineolic acid content.  It has both protective and healing effects on the skin. It also has a natural sunscreen effect on the skin.  Used for leg ulcers, bruises, skin problems, and circulation.

Safflower Oil- High in polyunsaturated fatty acids.  Used for circulatory problems, asthma, painful joints, sprains, and bruises.

Grapeseed Oil- For skin types that don't absorb oils very quickly. A natural Vitamin E and F Antioxidant, with an anti-aging effect.

Jojoba Oil- From the Jojoba Bean. A liquid wax base oil similar to natural secretions produced by the skin. Jojoba oil has antioxidant properties. It keeps skin and hair moisturized and nourished for long periods of time. Also high in Vitamin E and collagen.  Good for all skin types. 

Apricot Kernel Oil- Properties similar to Sweet Almond Oil. Great for facial use. For skin types that don't absorb oils very quickly. Great for mature skin.

Fractionated Coconut Oil- Saturated fatty acids absorbs quickly, without staining. Can be sprayed directly on skin.  Is non-greasy, leaves skin silky smooth. Good for all skin types.

Witch Hazel- Natural astringent and anti-inflammatory for all skin types.  Has 14% alcohol content.

Lotions and Creams- Essential oils can be added into any Lotion or Cream that you like to use, preferably compounded from natural substances.

Essential Oil Ideas

1. Add 8 drops of Lavender Essential oil to a 2 oz. spray bottle of distilled water. Shake well, and spray your pillowcases before you iron them.  You can also try this with your choice of Essential Oil on your clothes.

2. Add 4 to 8 drops of any essential oil to an Aroma Brass (or ceramic) ring placed on a light bulb. It will diffuse into the air whenever the light is turned on.

3. Add 4 to 8 drops of any essential oil to an oil candle burner mixed with water.  Stir and enjoy the aroma.

4. Make your own scented potpourri. Add 4 to 8 drops of Essential Oil and a teaspoon of witch hazel to a one-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water. Spray over the potpourri mix and enjoy the aroma.

5. To eliminate odors in the kitchen, add 10 to 15 drops of Essential Oil to a pan of boiling water. The aroma in your house will be delightful.

6. Make your own carpet deodorizer with baking soda and your favorite essential oil. Mix the same way as for potpourri (in No. 5). Don't saturate the soda too much, or it will melt away.

7. Put a few drops on your vacuum bag each time you change it. It will smell fresh, even where it is stored.

8. Place a few drops in all your trash cans.

9. Place some Essential Oil drops on a clean rag or washcloth and place it in the dryer with your clothes.

10. Add some to the inside of the toilet paper roll.

11. To make your own perfume, fill a bottle ¾ of the way with your choice of carrier oil, and add 1 drop of frankincense, 2 drops Lavender, and 3 drops of another favorite Essential Oil to make your own perfume.

12. For the Car put two or three  drops on a cotton ball and place it in the ash tray opened or place the side of the cotton ball that has no oil on it on the dash in the sun. When you come back to the car you can smell the pleasant aroma.

“

Diffusers, how do we use them?”

Oil Burner Diffusers with candles –

This kind of burner has a place at the bottom for a tea light candle and on the top is a well were you put water and place 4 to 6 drops of your favorite Essential Oil. Light the candle and the heat from the flame lets the aroma fill the room.  Keep an eye on the flame. When it goes out there might still be oil and water in the well. Clean the well so that it will be ready for the next use. This kind of Diffuser comes in many sizes and shapes made of glass, ceramic and metal.

Night Light Diffusers -

Brass Ring Diffuser -

Heavenly Scent Diffuser -

Car Lighter plug in Diffuser -

This diffuser plugs into your car cigarette lighter.  Place 4 to 6 drops of your favorite Essential Oil 
on the little card, slide it into the slot and plug the device in to your lighter. It runs off the car battery. 
It will freshen the air in your car. Replacement cards are included so that you can change your scent.

Ceramic Disc Diffusers -

Reed Diffusers -

Also try our NEW "Diffuser Oils" in any diffuser
There are many kinds of diffusers out there. These are just a few of them. But they
are a wonderful to diffuse and enjoy Essential oils for your mind body and soul.

Burn and Sunburn Remedy Suggestion

Put ice on burned skin until the pain is relieved. Blot skin dry. Put a good coat of honey on the burned area. (Yes, honey!)  Honey has many natural therapeutic qualities—it can help to heal damage to the skin. Be sure you have a damp washcloth to blot up excess honey, but most of it will be absorbed into the skin. (This works for other burns, too.) Then just sit back and relax for about 20 minutes before you rinse off the excess honey with very cold water. Then again, blot dry the skin. Don't rub it. After this treatment, you should experience relief from the sting of the burn. If it still hurts, repeat the process. The honey speeds the healing process as well as preventing scars. If you are allergic to honey, try lavender essential oil instead of honey. It isn't as sticky, but it will also heal and prevent scarring. We have found that the honey works faster than lavender.

Precaution: 

 Always consult an Aromatherapist regarding the use of essential oils, and tell your Physician that you

are using essential oils. Take care and caution in the application of all products.  They are absorbed

through the skin. Essential oils for use on the skin need to be diluted with a base and / or carrier oil.

There is no scientific evidence for the following; there are those who believe that epileptics should
avoid Camphor, Fennel, Hyssop, Sage, Rosemary, Birch, or Wintergreen. Pregnant women should avoid
Origanum, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Wintergreen or Birch for at least the first three
months of their pregnancy, unless under the care and guidance of an Aromatherapist and Physician.

Test all products on inside of elbow or behind the ear for 24 hours. If allergic reaction occurs discontinue use. All
cream and oil products are for external use only. Do not put in eyes or mouth. Keep out of the reach of small children.

("Essential oils can be harmful and even fatal to pets, do not apply them to your pet
unless under the supervision of a Certified Aromatherapist and / or Veterinarian.")

(All creams and Oil products from Soothers can be applied to skin, feet, hands, face and meridians.)

Ingredients

Aloe Vera - a succulent plant with healing properties. The pulp of the leaves may be used for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing.  It enhances healing for burns and other skin conditions.  There are no known side-effects.

Apricot Kernel Oil - carrier oil and natural moisturizer for skin types that cannot absorb oils efficiently. Good for mature skin.

Bees Wax - a natural wax manufactured by bees for cells where they store honey (honeycomb).

Calciferol - part of Vitamin D -- promotes healthy skin.

Carboner - a white powder, lightly acidic, used as a thickener for both water and oils in cosmetics.  A low volume is recommended for sensitive skin. High volumes are utilized in gel formulation processes.

Castor Oil - cosmetic grade natural vegetable oil from castor beans. Used to bind ingredients that include water in cosmetics. Creates a sticky feeling on the skin, but soothes skin irritations. Used in bath oils, perfumes, cosmetic face masks and lipsticks.

Cetheth-20 - derived from vegetable oil, used as a thickening agent in cosmetics to stabilize mixed ingredients.

Cetyl Alcohol - solid organic compound that was one of the first alcohols to be isolated from vegetable oils such as palm oil and coconut oil.

Coconut Oil (plain and / or Bleached and Deodorized) - natural saturated fat extracted from coconuts.

Used in soap, shampoos conditioners, and lotions. Helps promote lather as a cleansing agent. Beneficial to skin.

Colloidal Silver - actual silver atomized in solution.  Considered a natural mild antibiotic and antiviral.

Deionized Water - water that has had particles and components that interfere with stability and performance of cosmetics filtered out.

Dimethicone - a fine silicone 'sand' with unique fluid properties.  It gives a smooth, silky feel on skin.  An effective emollient. Used to reduce scarring and to heal wounds.

DMDM Hydantoin - cosmetic grade of formaldehyde used as a preservative. Used in low volumes for cosmetic products.

Essential oils - oils extracted from whole fragrant and / or aromatic harvested bulk herbal plant material by a process of distillation. They have natural medicinal and healing benefits.

Grapeseed Oil - carrier oil, with natural Vitamins E and F--antioxidant and Anti-aging effect.

Green Tea - herbal tea with healing and longevity properties.

Glycerin - natural cosmetic grade vegetable plant extract used as a cosmetic emulsifier and moisturizer.

Herbs - natural, safe, edible, and suitable for topical application to the body for a wide variety of ailments.

Hydroxyethcellulose - a by-product of corn, which is used as a binder in many cosmetics, makeup foundations, shampoos, mascaras, hair rinses, tanning products and lotions.

Jojoba Oil - extracted from the Jojoba plant, it is a carrier oil, natural sunscreen, antioxidant, and has healing and moisturizing effects on skin; high in Vitamin E and collagen.

Lake Salts - naturally occurring in saline bodies of water.

Methylparaben - wood alcohol and benzoic acid, found naturally in cherry bark, raspberries, tea, anise, and cassia barks.

Natural Coloring - cosmetic grade, similar to food coloring. 

Palm Oil - natural plant extract from palm butter. Used in baby soaps, soaps, salves, and ointments.  

Panthenol - Vitamin B5.  

Propylparaben -  preservative against bacteria and fungus. From benzoic acid, it is found naturally in cherry bark, raspberries and tea.

 Propylene Glycol - cosmetic grade humectant, used to retain moisture. Is in foundations, deodorants, hair spray mascaras, baby lotions, mouthwashes, and lipsticks.

 Water - natural water that is filtered and distilled to remove any chemicals, algae, or bacteria.

 Retinol / Retinol Palmitate - Vitamin  A.

Safflower Oil - from the flowers of the safflower plant.  Carrier oil, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids

Shea Butter - Made from the fruit of the Mangifolia, or Karite Tree.  Promotes cell-regeneration, as well as moisturization and cleansing.

Sodium Cocoate - from natural coconut oil. Cleansing agent and moisturizer.

Sodium Hydroxide - a form of soda lye used in shampoos, soaps, and shaving creams as a sudsing agent.

Sodium Laurate - cosmetic grade weak lathering agent. In soapless shampoos, bubble bath, toothpaste, and lotions.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate - cosmetic grade water softening lathering agent used in bubble bath, soapless shampoos, toothpastes, lotions, and creams.

Sodium Myristate - natural vegetable fat used in shampoos, soaps, creams, and lather foaming agent.

Sodium Stearate - a fatty acid stearic acid emulsifier and thickening agent used in toothpaste, deodorants, soap less shampoos and shaving lather. Doesn’t irritate the skin. 

Sorbitan oleate - from plant fats, emulsifier used in shaving creams, lipsticks and soft soaps.

Sorbitol - a natural sugar sweetener made from fruit, also has humectant qualities.

Soybean protein - conditioner for skin as well as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Stearic Acid - derived from vegetable fats and oils. Known as a sensitizer.

Sucrose - a sugar-derived preservative and antioxidant in cosmetic form.

Sunflower Oil -  organic carrier oil, high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Sweet Almond Oil – used as a carrier for essential oils. Can heal irritated or dry skin.

Titanium dioxide - a natural cosmetic grade mineral used as a whitener in face powders, lipsticks, nail polish, candy and chewing gum.

Tocopheryl Acetate - Vitamin E.

Triethanolamine - cosmetic grade detergent and cleansing agent. Used in lotions, soaps, shampoos and bath powder.

Vitamin A - Retinol / Retinol Palmitate.

Vitamin B 5 - Panthenol.

Vitamin D - Calciferol, promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin E - Tocopheryl Acetate.

Vegetable Glycerin - natural cosmetic grade vegetable plant extraction used as a cosmetic emulsifier and moisturizer.

Witch hazel - a natural herbal astringent, natural alcohol, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and local anesthetic.  Refreshes the skin.