Essential Oils 101
Essential oils play an integral part in everything we do at janegee. We love nature and turn to it for help with all our problems and concerns.
Natural is how we are meant to be.
Essential oils are the lifeblood of plants. These precious oils are a gift from nature and with their recent popularity we are seeing this wonderful natural resource being exhausted. There are only so many growers and suppliers in the world and our concern is that oils will become cost prohibitive. Or lost altogether! We need to learn how to respect them and use them wisely. janegee is dedicated to helping you explore, use and celebrate living with pure essential oils.
Read on to learn about these amazing oils and how to safely and effectively use them.
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy is not merely about fragrance, as many people believe, but about the chemical components that make up the essential oils.
When used properly, essential oils can address conditions such as
- Anxiety and Depression
- Muscle Pain and Headaches
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Skin Issues
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are the aromatic liquids that are extracted from the glands of flowers, leaves, roots, needles, woods and resins.
Essential oils offer so many amazing benefits that when used regularly and correctly can create a dramatic and lasting improvement in a person’s general health. Some oils have antiseptic properties to help combat local infections,
Anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce swelling and redness, euphoric properties to help lift your mood, sedative properties to calm the central nervous system, and much, much more.
Mixing essential oils for aromatherapy at janegee in Portsmouth, NH
SAFETY
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be harmful if not used carefully. Skin irritation and sensitization can occur, and can be irreversible, so it is important to have a good understanding of how to use the oils safely and effectively. By following the guidelines below you will have peace of mind and can enjoy using essential oils in your daily life.
Dilute essential oils before applying to the skin (there are exceptions for acute issues).
Do not use essential oils internally unless directed by a clinical aromatherapist for a serious condition.
Research indicates that the digestive system is not the most efficient way to benefit from essential oils and they are not to be used as daily supplements or detox aids.
Use caution in pregnancy and avoid use on or around infants and small children.
Many essential oils are toxic to small animals. Especially avoid topical use. Instead, use a pure hydrosol on your pets.
Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Avoid using essential oils around children under the age of 5 except under the supervision of an adult knowledgeable about their use.
Many citrus oils are phototoxic, meaning they react chemically to sunlight and can damage skin. Exceptions are sweet orange and steam distilled lime.
METHODS OF APPLICATION
Diffuse
Add 3-5 drops to an ultrasonic diffuser or a tea light diffuser with a carrier oil.
Room Spray
Add 10 drops of essential oil for every ounce of water. For example, if you have a 4 ounce bottle, add 40 drops of essential oil and fill the rest with water. Shake well before each use.
Bath
Add 10 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil or ¼ cup of Epsom salts. Always dilute essential oils before adding to your bath water. Breathe deeply and soak for at least 20 minutes.
Steam Inhalation
Great for sinuses and allergies. Simply add 1-2 drops to a large bowl of hot steamy water, cover your head with a large towel and lean over the bowl. Remember to close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Avoid with children under 5.
Massage and Body Oil
Add 5-10 drops to an ounce of jojoba oil or other liquid carrier oil of your choice.
Personal Aromatherapy Inhaler
One of the most effective ways to benefit from essential oils is through direct inhalation. Direct inhalation refers to the technique of breathing in an essential oil directly from a bottle, tissue, handkerchief, or cotton ball. Direct inhalations are most commonly used to give the body relief of respiratory congestion and emotional distress. This form of aromatherapy is also has a great effect on the nervous system.
JANE’S FAVORITE OILS
Lavender (lavendula angustifolla) - The most versatile of the oils. Useful for burns, cuts, headaches, stress and anxiety. Promotes sleep and is also safe for children.
BlueMel (blend of melaleuca plants and blue cypress) - Now diffused in hospitals all over the country, this oil has high antibacterial and antiviral properties. A go-to first aid oil.
Rose Geranium (pelargonium graveolens) - An adaptogen that balances hormones, relieves stress and improves circulation in the skin.
Peppermint (entha x pipertia) - Opens congested nasal passages, stimulates mental alertness, settles nausea, relieves headaches, and more.
Grapefruit (citrus paradisi) - A happy scent, great for boosting your mood and stimulating the lymphatic system. This oil is photosensitive, so be cautious if you’re going out into the sun.
DILUTION GUIDELINE
(for topical applications)
1% = 5 to 6 drops*
2% = 10 to 12 drops*
3% = 15 to 18 drops *
*of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil or lotion
Percentages Explained
1% for children, elderly or those with sensitive skin or compromised immunity.
2% for everyday use in lotions, body oils, room or body sprays, and baths.
3% for acute situations where you will only be using the blend on a small area of the body for a short period of time (pain, headaches, and remedy blends in general)
At janegee, our goal is to supply people with the best quality essential oils and to educate you on how to safely and effectively use them. By treating essential oils with respect and following the steps outlined above, you will be able to safely and effectively enjoy the amazing benefits that aromatherapy can offer!
