Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy comes from the two Greek words aroma, meaning fragrance and therapy meaning healing. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being.

Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit, it enhances both physical and emotional health. Essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood.

What is aromatherapy used for? 

Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.

Essential oil applications

Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or skin absorption.

Inhalation: the oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or breathed in, for example, in a steam bath this provides not only a pleasant smell but provides respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits.

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, affecting the most vital organ the brain.

Molecules enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body.

As the molecules reach the brain, they affect the limbic system, which is linked to emotions. Essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.

Skin absorption: Essential oils are lipophilic. Passage of the oil through the skin and into the bloodstream is aided by this property and the small molecular structure of the essential oil molecules. You know that massage increases the blood supply to the area being massaged. So, the rate of absorption increases with massage.

  • Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
  • They must always be diluted with carrier oil.
  • Most common carrier oils are sweet almond oil or olive oil
  • Ingesting, or swallowing, essential oils is not recommended.
  • If taken by mouth, the oils can damage the liver or kidneys.

Benefits

Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions

It has been shown to reduce:

  • Nausea
  • Pain and body aches
  • Anxiety, agitation, stress, and depression
  • Fatigue and insomnia
  • Muscular aches
  • Headaches
  • Circulatory problems
  • Menstrual problems
  • Menopausal problems
  • Alopecia, or hair loss

What do essential oils do?

Different oils have different uses and effects.

Bergamot (top note) essential oil is said to be useful for the urinary tract and digestive tract. When combined with eucalyptus oil it may help relieve skin problems, including those caused by stress and chicken pox.

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$8.96 inc GST

Black pepper (middle note) essential oil is commonly used for stimulating the circulation, muscular aches and pains, and bruises. Combined with ginger essential oil, it is used to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility.

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$13.88 inc GST

Chamomile (middle note) essential oil contains a high percentage of good oleic acid and a low ratio of linoleic acid. This makes it a light oil which allows the skin to breathe if applied topically. It also helps unclog pores, prevents breakouts, and premature signs of ageing and is great for eczema.

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Clary Sage (top-middle note) essential oil has a powerful soothing aroma, applying the oil to these areas will promote feelings of balance and relaxation

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$17.21 inc GST

Eucalyptus (top note) essential oil can help relieve the airways during a cold or flu. It is often combined with peppermint. Many people are allergic to eucalyptus, so care should be taken.

 

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Geranium (middle note) essential oil can be used for skin problems, to reduce stress, and as a mosquito repellent.

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Geranium Rose (middle note) is used as an Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. also has Analgesic and anti-anxiety properties. Can be applied to skin as an astringent that tightens, brightens, and removes dead skin cells. It can also be used as a soothing and antimicrobial topical agent to help treat bacterial acne

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Lavender (middle note) essential oil is used as an antiseptic for minor cuts and burns and to enhance relaxation and sleep. It is said to relieve headache and migraine symptoms.

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Lemongrass (top note) essential oil is used to freshen the air, reduce stress, and uplift the mood. Lemongrass is also used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain, and boost immunity.

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Lemon (top note) essential oil is said to improve mood, and to help relieve the symptoms of stress and depression.

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$7.46 inc GST

Lime (top note) essential oil is often used as an internal cleanser, may also support healthy immune function

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$22.46 inc GST
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Marjoram (middle note) essential oil is commonly used for runny nose, coughs, colds, infections, and various digestion problems.

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Orange Sweet (top note) essential oil is uplifting and calming it can help with nervous tension, sadness, and can also improve the aroma of a stale room. It can also help support normal function of the immune system.

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Patchouli (base note) essential oil that is often used for things such as skin conditions, relieving stress, or controlling appetite.

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$8.96 inc GST

Peppermint (top note) used as a dietary supplement for digestive problems, the common cold, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is also used topically (applied to the skin) for headache, muscle aches, itching, and other problems and is stimulating and soothing at the same time. Helps clear the respiratory system and effortlessly focus on your breathing

 

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Rose (middle note) essential oil are used to hydrate dry skin, clear acne, reduce signs of aging, minimize the appearance of scars and help with conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

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Rosemary (middle note) essential oil may promote hair growth, boost memory, prevent muscle spasms, and support the circulatory and nervous systems.

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$7.46 inc GST

Rosehip moisturises the skin, promotes skin regeneration, improves skin flexibility and permeability, improves skin texture and even reduces the appearance of acne scars or stretch marks.

 

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$8.21 inc GST

Sandalwood (base note)essential oil is believed by some to have aphrodisiac qualities.

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Tea tree (top note)essential oil is said to have antimicrobial, antiseptic, and disinfectant qualities. It is commonly used in shampoos and skin care products, to treat acne, burns, and bites. It features in mouth rinses, but it should never be swallowed, as it is toxic.

 

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$5.21 inc GST

Ylang Ylang (middle note) essential oil is used to promote relaxation, kill bacteria, lower blood pressure. It is also part of a combination spray used to kill head lice. The smell is used for memory and thinking skills.

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Blended Oils Range

Anxiety Blend – A combination of Lavender (middle note), Bergamot (top note), Ylang Ylang (Middle note) and Lime (top Note) which creates a calm space in an instant, calming the mind, allowing the inner self to release feelings of anxiousness, nervous tension & panic.                                 

  • Lavender has been used internally for mood imbalances such as anxiety including “nervous stomach”.
  • Bergamot helps relieve anxiety and improve mood
  • Ylang Ylang. used to promote relaxation
  • Lime can clear your mind and encourage mental energy
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$12.38 inc GST

D Stress Blend – A mixture of Orange (top note), Marjoram (middle note) Lavender (middle note), Lemon (top note) and Ylang Ylang (middle note) to help unwind and relax, the soothing scents of these oils are a great place to start.

  • Orange used to help relieve anxiety and stress
  • Marjoram has the properties of anesthesia and tranquilization, which has special effects on soothing emotions and can fight against depression, sadness, tension, and anxiety
  • Lavender has been used internally for mood imbalances such as anxiety including “nervous stomach”
  • Lemon is more effective at relieving stress than any other essential oils
  • Ylang Ylang. used to promote relaxation

 

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Harmony Blend – A mixture of Lavender (middle note), Geranium Rose (middle note) that provides an uplifting aromatic experience, effective in instilling wholeness in your home, workplace, relationships and oneself. 

  • Lavender has been used internally for mood imbalances such as anxiety including “nervous stomach”
  • Geranium Rose is used as an Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. also has Analgesic and anti-anxiety properties.
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Intimate Blend – A mixture of Wild Orange (top note), Ylang Ylang (middle note) and Patchouli (base note).Research suggests several kinds of essential oils may have aphrodisiac properties when inhaled before or during intimacy.

  • Wild orange used as an aphrodisiac        
  • Ylang Ylang. used as an aphrodisiac, helps with anxiety, Impotence, Low Libido (men & women) promotes relaxation.
  • Patchouli Used as an aphrodisiac, helps with Low Libido (men) and acts as a stimulant.
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$12.38 inc GST

Meditation Blend – A mixture of Basil (top to middle note) , Peppermint (top note) and Rosemary (middle note) they can help to center, ground, and focus the mind and help eliminate or reduce negative energy from the mind, body & soul by encouraging insightful, elevating feelings of positivity, determination, optimism, gratitude.

  • Basil acts as an adaptogen, controlling the release of cortisol, it can ease the effects of stress and anxiety.
  • Peppermint is stimulating and soothing at the same time. It will help to increase your present moment awareness, and can bring about a sense of vitality. Helps clear the respiratory system and effortlessly focus on your breathing.
  • Rosemary is Stimulating and energizing and promotes mental clarity, calming and grounding. Great for restoring balance.   
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$12.38 inc GST

Vitality – A mixture of Eucalyptus (top note), Lavender (middle note), Peppermint (top note), Grapefruit (top note) and Geranium Rose (middle note).This blend contains oils with powerful antioxidant properties and many more supportive wellness benefits, including digestive and immune support when used daily.

  • Eucalyptus is used as a medicine to treat a variety of common diseases and conditions including nasal congestion and asthma. Diluted eucalyptus oil may also be applied to the skin as a remedy for health problems such as arthritis and skin ulcers.
  • Lavender has been used internally for mood imbalances such as anxiety including “nervous stomach”
  • Peppermint is stimulating and soothing at the same time. It will help to increase your present moment awareness, and can bring about a sense of vitality. Helps clear the respiratory system and effortlessly focus on your breathing.
  • Grapefruit is used to help suppress appetite, Promote weight loss and will help balance your mood. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial Effects, help reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure.
  • Geranium Rose is used as an Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. also has Analgesic and anti-anxiety properties.
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$10.84 inc GST

Rejuvenation – A mixture of Grapefruit (top note), Bergamot (top-middle note), Lavender (middle note) and Cypress (middle note). Improve your skin’s natural composition by reducing stretch marks, cellulite and imperfections. Your natural support for healthier, younger looking skin.

  • Grapefruit is used to help suppress appetite, promote weight loss and will help balance your mood. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial Effects, help reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure
  • Bergamot helps relieve anxiety and improve mood
  • Lavender has been used internally for mood imbalances such as anxiety including “nervous stomach”
  • Cypress is an astringent, providing antibacterial support to the skin. Healing and strengthening ability for the skin, firms and tightens loose sagging skin as it stimulates muscle tissue.
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$10.46 inc GST

What are top, Middle (Heart) and base notes for essential oils?

  • Top notes are those you smell immediately
  • middle note will last longer than a top note (about one to two hours) The middle note of a blend can also be referred to as the “heart” or “bouquet” of the aroma. 
  • Base notes are the scent that lasts the longest and is the one you remember most.

Caution when using essential oils

Since essential oils cause reactions, not all the oils will benefit everyone. Chemical compounds in essential oils can produce adverse effects when combined with medications. They may reduce the effectiveness of conventional drugs, or they may exacerbate health conditions in the individual.

Individuals with any of the following conditions should be extra careful when using aromatherapy:

  • An allergy, or allergies
  • Hay fever, a type of allergy
  • Asthma
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis

People with the following conditions must be extremely cautious:

  • Epilepsy
  • Hypertension, or high blood pressure

Use of aromatherapy by pregnant or nursing mothers has not been proven safe by research, so it is not recommended.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, aromatherapy may pose a risk to the developing foetus. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid peppermint essential oil, as it may be expressed in breast milk.

Essential oils derived from citrus may make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, increasing the risk of sunburn.

Some oils may affect the function of conventional medicines, so people who are using medications of any type should first check with a qualified pharmacist or doctor.

There are many factors that affect the quality of oils. These factors include:

  • the soil the plant has been grown in
  • the country in which the plant has been grown
  • the annual quality of the crop which depends on climatic changes
  • the way the plant has been grown, for example, organically or with chemicals
  • the way plants are collected and stored.

The price of an oil depends on:

  • the country of origin, (quality of the crop and cost of labour)
  • the numbers of plants required to produce commercial quantities
  • ease of collection
  • the number of intermediaries in the trade.

Because aromatic plant oils are natural products many people presume that they cannot be harmful. There are certain oils, such as camphor which should never be used in an aromatic massage.

Product storage and handling:

Aromatic plant oils should be stored and handled with care. Aromatic plant oils are classed as ‘volatile’, which means they evaporate easily. The storage and handling of products determines, to some extent, their shelf life and effectiveness. The following are guidelines for the storage and handling of aromatic plant oils:

  • Oils should be stored away from direct sunlight and in amber coloured glass as they are damaged by ultraviolet light.
  • Oils should be stored in a cool area as they are affected by heat.
  • Bottle caps should be replaced immediately after oils are decanted and closed tightly.
  • Once the oil has been diluted with a carrier oil its shelf life reduces so it is important to store pre-blended oils carefully. If wheatgerm oil has been added the shelf life is prolonged.
  • Citrus oils have a shorter shelf life than other oils.
  • If the smell of the oil changes and the carrier oil becomes rancid the product should be disposed of.
  • Oils should be stored on impervious surfaces as they can damage plastic, painted or polished surfaces.
  • Care should be taken when using aromatic oils on children and dilutions should be lower when applied to children.
  • A stronger dilution does not mean that the blend will be more effective. It may cause unwanted side effects. Product labelling should always be followed
  • The storage room should be separate from the service area.
  • Child proof lids should be used on all essential oils.
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