Traders of yore sought valuable fragrant flowers for the power of their constitutional properties. In the middle ages herbalists including Nicholas Culpeper (1652) and John Gerard (1597) began categorizing herbs for their therapeutic benefits. Fragrant flowers have brought an influx of prosperity to the perfuming Industry. Greeks and Egyptians concocted aromatherapy oils for seduction and therapeutics, becoming quite possibly the greatest master perfumers and herbalists known to history.
Step 1
Choose a dark glass bottle to maintain freshness, minimize evaporation, maintain potency and keep the oil from going rancid quickly. Keep the bottles out of direct sunlight in a darker room such as a pantry or the lower back shelf of a refrigerator for extended life. Aromatherapy blends may be kept up to two months, yet specific oils are known to increase potency with time.
Step 2
Select a base carrier oil such as sweet almond, grape seed or jojoba oil to dilute and combine with an essential oil fragrance. Carrier oils are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals and increase absorbency. Essential oils address physical conditions such as acne, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and emotional stress.
Step 3
Measure the carrier oil and combine with the essential oil(s) using the measuring cup, dark glass bottle and funnel. Dilution ratios are critical. According to aromatherapist Clare Maxwell Hudson, dilute 10 drops of essential oils with 20 ml of carrier oil, or for sensitive skin 5 drops of essential oils with 20 ml of carrier oil.
Certain oils complement each other. Carri Reichert uses a basic aromatherapy blend for massage clients by combining 20 ml of almond oil with 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of tangerine.
Step 4
All fragrances do not blend well together. Combining too many fragrances may produce a headache or allergic reaction. Start with a few mild combinations to determine your sensitivity level. Pregnancy and other physical conditions may not be conducive to use of essential oils.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider a patch test of the essential oil chosen prior to use to eliminate the chance of skin irritation. Put a small drop in the crease of the elbow and allow to penetrate for several hours. If redness or itching ensues, discontinue use and avoid blending the oil.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, nose or mucous membranes after hand contact with essential oils to avoid burning and injury. Flush immediately with cool water or seek professional help from the local poison control center.
Things You'll Need
- Essential oils
- Carrier oil
- Dark glass storage bottle
- Measuring cup
- Funnel
References
- Frontier Natural Products: Blending Essential Oils
- "Clare Maxwell-Hudson's Aromatherapy Massage Book;" Clare Maxwell-Hudson; 1994
Member Comments