nice n lovely.....aromatherapy

Thursday, January 1, 2009

nice n lovely aromatherapy

AROMATHERAPY

aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun -
Aroma - meaning fragrance or smell;
Therapy - meaning treatment.










Aromatherapy was used by the most ancient civilizations and is reputed to be at least 6000 years old. It is widely thought that Aromatherapy began in Egypt. A medical papyri considered to date back to around 1555 B.C. contains remedies for all types of illnesses and the methods of application are similar to the ones used in Aromatherapy and Herbal medicine today.







The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.Products that include synthetic ingredients are frowned upon in holistic aromatherapy oils.













Essential Oil Blends
Essential oils can be blended together to create appealing and complex aromas. Essential oils can also be blended for a specific therapeutic application. Essential oils that are carefully blended with a specific therapeutic purpose in mind may be referred to as an essential oil syngery. A synergistic essential oil blend is considered to be greater in total action than each oil working independently.

Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils (also known as Perfume Oils) are not the same. Perfume oils do not offer any therapeutic benefit. Creating your own personal essential oil blends is one of the most satisfying aspects of aromatherapy. Blends can be created for the sheer aromatic pleasure of the blend and are suitable for personal or room fragrancing.




Carrier Oil Profiles
Each carrier oil differs in its therapeutic properties and characteristics.

Sweet Almond Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil
Avocado Oil
Borage Seed Oil
Olive Oil
Camellia Seed Oil
Peanut Oil
Cranberry Seed Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Rose Hip Oil
Hazelnut Oil
Sesame Oil
Hemp Seed Oil
Sunflower Oil
Jojoba Watermelon Seed Oil


ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS TIPS:


Bath
Essential oils's usesJust add 3-6 aromatherapy essential oil drops into a shot of 6 ml vegetable oil bath foam. Dilute the mixture into water and stay in it for 20 minutes allowing the essential oil to infiltrate the skin while you enjoy the steam perfume. Choose an essential oil according to your mood: Rosemary or Sage oil in order to have a good start of your day; Lavender, Citronella or Melissa oil in order to calm and relax in the evening.

Massage
Essential oils's usesAdd 3 drops of essential oils into 6 ml massage oil (approximately 1 small spoon) or into milky water. Choose an aromatherapy essential oil accordingly to your mood or condition: Camomile and Lavender oil after depilation; Savory, Ylang – Ylang and Cedar oil for a sensual massage.

Perfume
Essential oils's uses Aromatherapy essential oils are applied as individual perfumes or in combination. They can be used just for pleasure or in order to improve the effect of other aromatherapy applications. Add 2-6 drops into 6 ml of basic almond oil, Grape seed oil or Jojoba oil. For a pleasing perfume try a blend of Geranium and Mandarin oil. Men can add Vetiver, Cypress or Rosemary essential oil in their aftershave or tonic lotion.

Room Fragrance
Essential oils's uses Add 4-8 drops in a bowl of an aromatherapy essential oil burner. Fill it with water and put it over a candle. It is the ideal natural way to kill every smell. Sage, Laurel and Eucalyptus are used to clean microbes in the air, while Lemon, Mandarin, Orange and Pennyroyal essential oils are used to clean room air from tobacco smoke and make a pleasant atmosphere.



Hair
Essential oils's uses Essential oils invigorate the scalp and take care of hair follicles contributing to better hair health and appearance. Camomile and Lavender oil are suitable for very dry and weathered hair. Add 3 drops into 6 ml hot massage oil and lightly rub your head. Then after giving your head a rinse with a shampoo, muffle your head with a towel for 20 minutes and. You can also add the aromatherapy essential oil of your choice to the conditioner or to the final rinse. For grassy hair try Camomile, Cedar wood, Geranium or Mandarin essential oil. Cedar wood, Rosemary and Laurel oils are used for hair lose (for men and women), while Rosemary and Cypress are appropriate as a hair tonic.



Facial and skin care
Essential oils' uses Aromatherapy essential oils help sebaceous glands to function properly improving the whole skin health. Add 2 essential oils drops every 6 ml of cleansing cream, tonic lotion or milky water and create your unique cosmetics. You can make mixtures that can last for weeks, but remember that essential oil’s attributes are more effective when the blend is fresh.


Babies and Children Care
Essential oils' uses Aromatherapy essential oils are very wholesome and beneficial for babies and children as far as they are used carefully. Before applying them to their sensitive skin, essential oils should be diluted into cleansing cream or water. For babies, it is better to add only 1 drop of essential oils into 10 ml of cream. Respectively, add 1 drop for every 6 ml of cream, lotion or milky water for children (half of the adult’s dose). The children’s deep sleep can be facilitated by Lavender essential oil, while Mandarin calms and soothes.



Blending Basics
In aromatherapy blending, only natural ingredients such as essential oils, absolutes, CO2s, grain alcohol, carrier oils, herbs and water are used. Because aromatherapy blending requires and benefits from the use of unsynthesized chemicals, you shouldn’t have high expectations for perfectly duplicating your favorite commercial fragrances.

Essential oils can be categorized into broad groups based on their aromas. An example categorical system is as follows:
Limit your creativity and experimentation. Additionally, there are always exceptions. But to get you started, below are some categories that generally blend well together

:* Floral
* Woodsy
* Earthy
* Herbaceous
* Minty
* Medicinal/Camphorous
* Spicy
* Oriental
* Citrus









Harmonizing Your Blend
Have you ever noticed that a fragrance smells differently after several hours than when you first apply it? Some essential oils evaporate more quickly than others. As the oils in a blend evaporate, the aroma will change to reflect the aroma of the remaining oils.
Using the analogy of a musical scale, oils that evaporate the quickest:
top notes. ~usually within 1-2 hours
middle notes. ~that evaporate with 2-4 hours are considered
base notes. ~oils that take the longest time to evaporate



Essential oil recipe


Dry Hand Lotion
Ingredients:
* 8 oz. unscented lotion (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented lotion, shower gel and shampoo)
* 10 drops Patchouli
* 20 drops Sandalwood
* 5 drops Carrot Seed

Directions: The best way to blend the oils with the lotion is to pour the lotion into a bowl, add the oils and then mix very well. Once mixed, add the lotion back to the bottle. Patchouli, sandalwood and carrot seed oils help aid with dry skin. The patchouli and sandalwood oils have a lovely rich scent when blended together. The carrot seed oil is wonderful for the skin, but is a little harsh in aroma. Borage and Evening Primrose are wonderful carrier oils for helping the skin. If you have either of these oils or can afford to get a small quantity, add a little to your lotion for to give your skin even more nourishment. It is always wise to do a skin patch test first on new blends first before using often to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity to the blend.

Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 10 drops Roman Chamomile
* 5 drops Clary Sage
* 5 drops Bergamot

Directions: Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow to aid you in falling asleep.
If you prefer to make a diffuser blend that you enjoy during the hour before bedtime, make a blend with a ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Clary Sage to 1 drop Bergamot and add to your diffuser.
Lavender can also help provide relaxation and drowsiness, but using more than 1-2 drops can have the opposite effect.

Arthritic Joints Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
* 20 drops Roman Chamomile
* 5 drops Black Pepper

Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Gently massage into arthritic joints using a small amount of oil.

Stuffy Nose Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 15 drops Eucalyptus
* 13 drops Pine
* 2 drops Peppermint

Directions: Blend the oils together in a clean dark-colored glass container, preferably one with an orifice reducer (a built-in dropper insert). Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale occassionally to help clear a stuffy nose.

Aromatherapy Blend for Bruises
Ingredients:
* 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil
* 8 drops Helichrysum

Directions: Mix the Helichrysum into the carrier oil well. Apply lightly to bruises 1-2 times a day.


Perfume
Ingredients:
* 25 drops Sandalwood
* 3 drops of either Rose, Jasmine or Neroli
* 1 tablespoon of Jojoba carrier oil

Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Dab a drop onto your pulse points. Please note that this blend has a heavy concentration of essential oils and is meant to be used sparingly. As with any new oils and blends that you use, do a skin patch test prior to using regularily.





Perfume Recipe: Combine These Aromatherapy Oils
1 drop Ylang Ylang
1 drop Tangerine
2 drops Jasmine
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Vanilla
3 drops German Chamomile
1/4 ounce Jojoba oil

Use a small dark glass vial to store your perfume oil, and be sure to keep the lid on tight. You can also add a few drops of Vitamin E oil as an antioxidant to help preserve this oil-based perfume blend.

Shower Gel
Ingredients:
* 4 ounces unscented shower gel (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented shower gel, lotion and shampoo)
* 40 drops of lavender or your favorite essential oils (be sure that the oils that you choose to use are gentle to the skin, and always do a skin patch test first).

Directions: Add the essential oils to the 4 ounce bottle of unscented shower gel and mix extremely well. You do not want to have pockets in the shower gel where the oils collect as the concentration of essential oils could cause skin irritation and also because your gel will not be fragranced thoroughly. Use as you would any shower gel.

Acne Blend
Ingredients:
* 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
* 10 drops lavender essential oil
* 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree
* 2 drops bergamot
* 1 drops geranium
or without bergamot:
* 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
* 12 drops lavender
* 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree
* 1 drops geranium

Special Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after applying this oil since bergamot is a phototoxic oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get called "bergaptene free" that eliminates the phototoxic properties of the oil.

Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the essential oils and tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for a minute or two. Apply a small amount to the face, neck or back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside the ears. Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed.

Aromatherapy Insect Repellent Recipe
Ingredients:
* 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
* 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is not). Alternatively, you may omit the alcohol and increase the amount of distilled water to 3 ounces.
* 15 drops Citronella
* 10 drops Lavender
* 10 drops Eucalyptus
* 5 drops Lemongrass

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 3 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add 30-40 drops of essential oil. Essential oils can very in strength. You may want to try 20 drops at first especially if you live in a household with someone who is sensitive to strong aromas. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.

To Use: Shake the bottle before each use. Essential oils do not fully dissolve in water and alcohol and will settle. If you do not shake the bottle, you risk having concentrated droplets of essential oil irritate your skin.

Mist onto your skin and clothing and reapply as necessary. Discontinue use if you feel sensitivity from the repellent. Be careful not to mist delicate fabrics or surrounding furniture that may be harmed by the ingredients in the repellent. Be especially careful not to allow the mist fall onto into open beverages.

Everyone and every situation is different., there is no guarantee that this recipe will prevent you or other users from being bitten by insects and it hasn't been scientifically tested for effectiveness. You assume all responsibility for trying or modifying this recipe and seeing if it works for your particular needs. This recipe has not been tested for the prevention of ticks or their bites.

Vanilla Room Spray
* 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting
* 1.5 ounces of distilled water
* 1.5 ounces of vanilla extract
* Up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oils if you would like to add to the vanilla aroma.

Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use since an air freshener, by its nature, will come in contact with all those in your household.
Directions: Fill the spray bottle with 1.5 ounces of vanilla extract and 1.5 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add up to 10 drops of your essential oils if desired. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.

Linen Spray Recipe (Bed Linen Spray)
Ingredients:
* 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting
* 30-40 drops of your favorite calming/relaxing or sensual essential oil or essential oil blend keeping the safety data of the chosen essential oil(s) in mind.
* 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not) or 3 ounces of distilled water.

Example blends of essential oils that may be used:



Calming/Relaxing:
* 10 drops Lavender
* 10 drops Clary Sage
* 10 drops Mandarin or Bergamot

* 30 drops Roman Chamomile

* 20 drops Roman Chamomile
* 15 drops Bergamot

Sensual:
* 15 drops Sandalwood
* 15 drops Grapefruit or Bergamot
* 2 drops Rose
* 2 drops Jasmine

* 10 drops Sandalwood
* 2 drops Jasmine
* 2 drops Ylang Ylang
* 3 drops Ginger
* 10 drops Bergamot
* 3 drops Lime

Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use.

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 3 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add 30-40 drops of essential oil. Essential oils can very in strength. You may want to try 20 drops at first especially if you or your partner are sensitive to strong aromas. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after the linen spray has had time to sit. Mist your sheets lightly. Be especially careful not to allow the mist to fall onto your skin, furniture or into open beverages. Be careful also to only use lightly colored essential oils otherwise your linen spray could stain your bed linens.




The below blends can help enhance memory recollections, memory retention, and help concentrate. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Directions: Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you'd like to use the blend and follow the directions below:

Diffuser Blend:
Multiply your blend by 4 to obtain a total of 20 drops of your chosen blend. Add your oils to a dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rollling the bottle in between your hands. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bath Oil:
Multiply your blend by 3 to obtain a total of 15 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by using the 15 drop blend in the Bath Oil recipe.

Bath Salts:
Continue by using the 5 drop blend in the Bath Salts recipe.

Massage Oil:
Multiply your blend by 2 to obtain a total of 10 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by using the 10 drop blend in the Massage Oil recipe.



Blends to Enhance Memory and Concentration:
Blend #1
* 3 drops Rosemary
* 2 drops Lemon
Blend #2
* 4 drops Cypress
* 1 drops Peppermint
Blend #3
* 1 drop Basil
* 2 drops Rosemary
* 2 drops Cypress
Blend #4
* 3 drops Lemon
* 2 drops Hyssop
Blend #5
* 2 drops Peppermint
* 3 drops Lemon







Blends to Combat Anger:
Blend #1
* 1 drop Rose
* 3 drops Orange
* 1 drop Vetiver
Blend #2
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang
* 1 drop Jasmine
Blend #3
* 1 drop Roman Chamomile
* 2 drops Bergamot
* 2 drops Orange
Blend #4
* 3 drops Orange
* 2 drops Patchouli





Blends to Help Increase Confidence:
Blend #1
* 2 drops Bay Laurel
* 3 drops Bergamot
Blend #2
* 3 drops Orange
* 2 drops Rosemary
Blend #3

* 4 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Jasmine
Blend #4
* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 2 drops Cypress

Blends to Ease Fear:
Blend #1 - Suited for Times When You Also Need to Be Energized
* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 2 drops Bergamot
Blend #2 - Suitable for Times When You Need To Be Relaxed and Calm
* 2 drops Clary Sage
* 2 drops Roman Chamomile
* 1 drop Vetiver
Blend #3
* 3 drops Sandalwood
* 2 drops Orange
Blend #4
* 2 drops Jasmine or 2 drops Neroli
* 2 drops Frankincense
* 1 drop Clary Sage


Blends to Aid Self Confidence and Insecurity:
Blend #1
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Jasmine
* 1 drop Vetiver
Blend #2
* 2 drops Cedarwood
* 1 drop Bergamot
* 1 drop Frankincence
Blend #3
* 4 drops Sandalwood
* 1 drop Jasmine
Blend #4
* 2 drops Frankincence
* 3 drops Sandalwood



Stress Relieving Blends:
Blend #1
* 3 drops Clary Sage
* 1 drop Lemon
* 1 drop Lavender
Blend #2
* 2 drops Roman Chamomile
* 2 drops Lavender
* 1 drop Vetiver
Blend #3
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Geranium
* 1 drop Frankincense
Blend #4
* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 1 drop Jasmine
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang



references n thanks to:

http://www.cepp.utm.my/
prof. dr mohd roji sarmidi
prof. ramlan abd aziz
rosnani hashamprof
zarani mat taher
noor azwani zainol
nor zalina othman

http://www.aromaweb.com/default.asp
http://www.aromatherapy.com/