Types of Lavender:
Lavandula angustifolia is the most common type of lavender and it hails from England It is oftentimes referred to as true lavender. Any true lavender will have the botanical name of lavandula as the prefix. (There are up to 50 different species, including lavandula officinalis and lavandula vera, yet they will all be simply lavender). Lavender grows all over the world, including many parts of the United States and Canada, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia, Croatia, China, and Australia. The reason the true lavandula angustifolia genus is so popular is due to the low rate of camphor, less than one percent, it retains after distillation. This lends the essential oil a strong floral aroma, but it also makes it quite effective in aromatherapy usage, especially in accelerating the healing of minor burns. Camphor is a chemical constituent that you dont want near a burn, and other versions of lavender, such as lavandin, lavenders cousin, which can contain up to 8% camphorare not effective for soothing delicate skin tissue.

Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) ~ According to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, lavandin is: A hybrid plant developed by crossing true lavender (lavender angustifolia) with spike lavender or aspic (lavender latifolia). Due to its hybrid nature, lavandin has a variety of forms: in general it is a larger plant than true lavender, with woody stems. Its flowers may be blue like true lavender, or grayish like aspic. The scent of lavandin is also sharper and more penetrating. While the plant grows in parts of Eastern Europe, Hungary, and Spain, cultivation is mainly in France.

Spike Lavender (lavandula latifolia) ~ Spike, sometimes referred to as Spanish lavender, is native to Spain, France, Italy, the Mediterranean region, and Northern Africa. The bright purple-blue flowers commonly found in true lavender are often a grayer hue in the spike variety. The essential oil is very penetrating, more herbal than floral, and retains a higher concentration of camphor than true lavender.

Lavender 40/42 ~ The lavender is blended with other lavenders to bring the percentage of linalol to between 40% and 42%. Linalol is an active component of Lavender that contains therapeutic benefits. Some Lavender essential oils can contain 40% and 45%.

Historical Uses for Lavender:
Lavender was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians in the sacred walled garden at Thebes. They prized the herb greatly, using it to make a soothing and healing balm that was part of the ritual of mummification. It was turned into an expensive perfume to adorn both the living and the dead. Perfume urns were sealed into tombs to provide fragrance, and when Tutankhamens tomb was excavated, the scent of lavender was still strong even after 3000 years. From The Book of Magical Herbs by Margaret Picton.

Surprisingly, lavender is found more frequently in commercial fragrances for men rather than women. This is one of the oldest scents in the fragrance world, made from oils extracted from the lavender and lavandin plants grown in France as well as spike lavender grown in Spain. From the book Perfumes, Splashes & Colognes by Nancy M. Booth. Examples of mens fragrances are: Aqua Lavanda, Cool Water, Drakkar Noir, Hai Karate, Lavanda, Le Male by Gaultier, Old English Lavender, Old Spice Fresh Scent, Pino Silvestre (conifer), Pour un Homme and Ungara Pour Homme all contain lavender and/or lavandin essential oils.

Benefits of Lavender:
This versatile essential oil is familiar to many of us. You should have a small bottle of it for your First Aid kit and/or to keep in your kitchen. Lavender is one of the best natural ingredients to help stop the pain from minor kitchen accidents such as burns from the oven/stove or knife cuts. A drop of lavender can ease the pain, and only the addition of the gel-like innards of a freshly sliced open aloe vera leaf is as good a remedy for instant relief. Combining the two is recommended, as aloe vera instantly cools a hot burn.

For sunburn pain, lavender is also recommended. Pesky mosquito or other insect bites bothering you? Try adding lavender essential oil to the problem area(s) and your skin will thank you.

Headaches may disappear when you massage a tiny amount of lavender on your temples or the nape of your neck.

Lavender and relaxation are two words that are virtually synonymous with each other. However, according to author Erich Keller in his book Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair and Skin Care he writes: Lavender is an all-purpose oil for skin care. Its effect is antibacterial, pain-relieving, healing for wounds, soothing for skin diseases, deodorizing, antiseptic, fungicidal, insect-repelling, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory. It may be used to treat all types of skin and is effective for acne and oily hair (as it regulates sebum production), itchy skin, hand care, cracked skin, bruises, shock injuries (in ice-cold compresses), acne scars, blisters, abscesses, furuncles, warts, boils, eczema, athletes foot (tea tree is more effective here, however), wounds, and burns. A bath with lavender soothes and heals the skin after sunburn.

Safety/Precautions:
Unlike many other essential oils, there are few safety notes to share with you. Lavender essential oil can be used neat, meaning without diluting it in a plant based carrier oil, but it must be done in small amounts and only for minor skin problems. However, it is advised to dilute lavender with a vegetable carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc., just to make certain that your skin doesnt have an allergic reaction. Please be very careful when purchasing pure lavender essential oil to be used for minor medical burn treatment emergencies as you will need true lavender, the type containing the lowest amount of camphor, and NOT lavandin, the genus which has up to 8% camphor a burn causing ingredient!

Please do not take lavender essential oil internally!

Uses for Lavender:
Bath soak ~ All you need is approximately 15 drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing.
Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Lavender will fill the room with its soothing floral aroma and relaxation should follow.
Sachet ~ Add dried lavender buds to a small muslin bag and store in your drawers/cupboards, and especially where linen is stored. This method also works well as a natural bug repellent if you hang a scented lavender sachet in your closet(s) on a hanger.
Hair ~ Add two to four drops to your hairbrush and brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps to condition it naturally. Also, lavender is believed to stimulate hair growth and its antibacterial properties can help eliminate scalp conditions.

Blending With Lavender:
The happy combination of two florals is pronounced with the intermingling of rose, jasmine or geranium (Bourbon or Rose). For more dramatic combinations, consider mixing lavender with the following essential oils: bergamot or any citrus essential oil, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary sage, cedarwood, tea tree, oakmoss, vetiver, or pine.

Finding High Quality Lavender:
The most important things to look for on any glass bottle of lavender essential oil will be four categories. Naturally, you would expect to see Lavender on the label. However, here are the four facts that you will find on any bottle of essential oil from a reputable supplier/company:

1. Botanical/Latin name. If in search of true lavender it would be Lavandula angustifolia.
2. Part. What part of the plant has the essential oil been extracted from? For lavender, that is the flowering tops.
3. Method of extraction. Is it an absolute, enfleurage, carbon dioxide (CO2), or has it been steam distilled? In this case it has been steam distilled. While lavender can be found in CO2 form as its the most expensive, or as an absolute, the most common type is steam distilled.
4. Country of Origin. As noted, lavender comes from many different countries, and my personal preference is for the type from Bulgaria. Location can make a sizeable difference for many reasons such as climate, type of soil, high/low altitude, etc.

Other factors to look for are price, as too low of an amount means it has been adulterated in some way or is possibly synthetic. Essential oils should be stored in a glass bottle to protect the contents. Then you must continue to keep your lavender in the best environment and that would be in a cool, dark place.

For practical reasons, its better to buy a small amount. Not only is this more economical, but this way you can determine what lavender oil you like the best. You can consult with a certified aromatherapist for advice on obtaining the best quality lavender. Another way is to locate a reputable farm where lavender is grown, as this would be the best place in which to purchase your lavender essential oil. Lavender farmers will be able to answer your questions and advise you on what type of lavender is best suited for your needs. You will be advised that lavender is harvested in the summertime and that immediately after it has been distilled is not the best time to buy itusually one to two years after distillation is when it matures. For example, I purchased a bottle of lavender in April, and the following spring I started to notice a less herbal, and more rounded floral aroma. Another benefit to lavender is that it has a fairly long shelf life (approximately five years) and, like fine wine, can improve during its bottled lifespan.

About the author:

Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.comEverything Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, (including Bulgarian Lavender), lip balms, scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, Shea Comfort, custom SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 275+ fragrances, designer duplicates and essential oils.

Written By: Lisa Maliga

First things first! Always remember that essential oils are very potent and volatile liquids that can be very harmful if used carelessly. CAUTION: Never apply undiluted oil on the skin without use of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil or grape seed oil. Massage is perhaps the most popular way to use essential oils. It combines the healing art of aromatherapy with the healing art of touch. Self-massage is just as effective as being massaged by another person and lack of a partner is no excuse for not trying these relaxing recipes. As a general rule, always use ten drops of total essential oils per mixture, and keep it around five for maximum effectiveness.

You can always concoct your own innovative recipe using many essential oils that available in the market. You don’t really need a branded expensive aromatherapy product or go to an expensive aromatherapy spa and some wholesale aromatherapy vendors can be too expensive. Here are a few quick, instant and easy natural aromatherapy recipes that can be formulated at your home: Beat the depression with 3 revitalizing drops of orange essential oil and 2 drops of zesty ginger. Drive out insomnia with easeful drops of Roman chamomile, clary sage and bergamot oils. Reduce menstrual cramps with pacifying drops of peppermint, cypress and lavender oils. Soothe stress with calming drops of Roman chamomile, lavender and vetiver oils. Enhance memory with stimulating drops of peppermint and lemon oils. Boost your immune system with protecting drops of eucalyptus, pine and peppermint oils. Fight acne with toning lavender and antiseptic tea tree oil. Ease a grieving heart with oils of warm rose and sandalwood. Disinfect the kitchen sink with the citrus smell of lemon, lime and grapefruit oils.

Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils. All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness. Anti-Tension Massage: 2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples. Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips. Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil. Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil. Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins. Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil. Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints. Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage. Sensual Body Massage: 2 drops patchouli oil + 3 drops geranium oil + 3 drops rose oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Stimulating Body Rub: 1 drops peppermint oil + 1 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. This is an excellent winter rub. Summer Stimulating Massage: 2 drop lemongrass oil + 3 drops orange oil + 1 drop rosemary oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good for back and shoulder massages. Uplifting Massage: 2 drop bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil +2 drops petit grain oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Good early-morning body rubs. Varicose Vein Massage: 2 drops lime oil + 2 drops cedar wood oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly, using only fingertips. Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage: 2 drops rose oil + 1 drops violet oil + 1 drops geranium oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips. Oils which are not preferable for home use include: cinnamon, clove, hyssop, and sage. Oils which should not be used during pregnancy include: basil, clove, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rosemary, sage, and white thyme. Oils which are not recommended for steam facials include: bay, clary sage, ginger, juniper, pine, and tea tree. Oils which are photosynthesizing include, but are not restricted to: lemon, bergamot, lime, and orange. Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying these oils to your skin.

About the author:

Find more great aromatherapy information at http://www.essentia laromatherapy.co.uk

Written By: Lorna Findlay

Aromatherapy has been in existence for almost 3500 years and its use in our lives is as old as the dawn of civilization. It is the exotic art, and science, of using oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs to enhance health, emotional well being and beauty. Apart from its physical and mental advantages, essential oils can have soothing effects on the mind and emotions. The essential oils taken from plants and employed in Aromatherapy have been described as their “critical factors” – they are needed critically for the plants’ biological process, as well as being the substance which gives them their scent and aroma. Synthetic oil, even if chemically similar, lacks all the natural factors, and that vital critical factor, that make essential oils so valuable. Synthetic oils are not acceptable and desired is that the minor constituents are never identical in structure and composition. Essential oils are extracted from many physiological sources of bark, herbs, spices, woods and fibers and flowers, usually by distillation methods and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is only acceptable for aromatherapy, if the solvent used is completely removed, after the manufacturing process and no traces are identifiable.

Here are some of the most common uses that are associated with essential oils:

For Massage:

This is the most effective method of using the oils that combines all essential properties with the therapeutic power of touch and feeling. The oils should never be used undiluted, but should be diluted with an odorless carrier oil such as grape seed oil, sweet almond oil or peach. A dilution of 3% essential oil with carrier oil is the recommended level. This is approximately one drop essential oil to two milliliters of carrier oil. Essential oils are needed in very minute quantities. The skin is the largest surface part of the body and is assigned to keep out contaminants from the skin layers.

For Bath:

Using oils in baths is a simple, effective and pleasant exercise to relax and receive the therapeutic and soothing effects. It is well known that water itself has therapeutic value, which further enhances the powers of the oils. For daily use, add 10 drops of essential oil or a blend to the water and then bathe yourself for some time, while you deeply inhale the superior vapor. Be a bit careful about the quantum oil you use, while bathing your children. For Compressing Add 10 drops of essential oil to 50ml of warm water to soak a piece of cloth in the water, wring out the excess and place the cloth on the affected part.

For Inhalation Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into a bowl of steaming water then place a towel over your head to inhale the vapor for a few moments. Feel yourself rejuvenated and free of tension. For Vaporization All essential oils are known antiseptic and evaporate easily, thus make very good air-fresheners. Different oils usually create different atmospheres. For example, relaxing Sandalwood or Clary Sage are good for ravishing parties or cool Peppermint and pepper clears your mind, when you need to do hard work. Diffusers can be used to make oils diffuse slowly in your home.

As Perfumes

It is very easy to make your own distinctive perfume by skillfully blending different oils. Try blending with different permutations and combinations, by mixing with a carrier oil or non-fragrant alcohol. Do your own experiment.

Storing Essential Oils

Because essential oils are affected by sunlight and higher temperatures, they should be stored in dark glass bottles, with tight stopper caps. Cap should be secured properly and the bottle stored in an upright position. Maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. Never allow these oils to come in contact with children. Never store essential oils in plastic bottles. Good Essential oils have a shelf life of several years if properly stored, while the oils derived from orange, lemon and lime will not last long. Patchouli is rare kind oil which actually gets better as it ages. It is oil with properties like an age old wine. Mixing Essential Oils Blending different oils in various proportions can yield you some fabulous products. You should have right knowledge and a will to experiment various combinations. It is strongly suggested that you use a good, brand new dropper, so that it is easy to measure the actual number of drops easily. Do not mix up oils as they are known to get unstable too quickly. Use a different dropper for different oil to avoid cross contamination.

Uses that are associated with aromatic essential oils are various; different oils have their own special applications and benefits. How ever, no single oil is exactly similar to another in its application, aroma, scent and appeal. It means any essential oil has its own charisma and special niche. Go ahead and enjoy the exotic presence of your own aromatic oil.

About the author:

Richmond Va On Site Corporate Massage

Written By: Brad J.

Aromatherapy is not a new phenomenon. It is being used for skin care since thousands of years. In the ancient age, the Egyptians and the Romans used the Aromatherapy oils for skin care. Beautiful ladies have made it their secret companion to acquire beautiful and shinning skin for ever.

Aromatherapy skin care oils comprise of effective qualities to endorse and sustain the healthy and youthful skin for you. Though in the modern age, all that was natural is being replaced by cosmetic. The novel chemical processes have produced artificial versions of the naturally scented oils. These oils can have good fragrance but not that good therapeutic quality.

Aromatherapy is a very easy process and does not demand much effort from your side. It is so easy to be done at home. It encompasses simple ways that do not need you to come outside your house and contact any high profile parlors. With Aromatherapy you can treat your skin suitably by not wasting any extra dollars from your pocket. Aromatherapy makes your skin look fresh and healthy without costing any extra bit of pains either physically or financially.

There are so many factors that keep affecting your skin. They change the color and even the texture of your skin drastically. Some unwanted allergies, stale make-up, incompatible cosmetics and exposure to sub can very severely damage your skin. Aromatherapy not only controls all these unwanted affects but also helps your skin fight them well.

For attaining the best results, you should get started with Aromatherapy skin care at an early age. You will yourself feel the best results. Your skin will last for a good long period of time.

There are many therapies that work together collectively in Aromatherapy skin care. For this you can get the essential training from an expert or can learn it yourself reading some good articles from health and fashion magazines. On the Internet also there are many websites that provide genuine and useful information about Aromatherapy skin care.

You can use essential herbs and oils with freshening aroma. Mix them well in your bathtub. Then, get a magnificent dip in the tub and relax. Relax as much as you can. Leave off all the worries and tensions of your routine life. Think yourself as a princess relaxing in her castle; or, a free bird diving in the blue sky at her own wish. Aromatherapy skin care will work in a wonderful way to melt away all your stress. It will pamper you and make you fresh and ready for the new day.

For best results in Aromatherapy skin care, use quality skin softener. Also take up a lubricant of sweet almond oil. Do a good massage or just keep it applied on the skin. It is capable of reducing friction by making your skin smooth. Almond oil is good for skin as it contains vitamins B1, A, B6 and B2 with extra dose of vitamins.

After all this, it is also essential to steam your face. Do some treatment with fingers on your facial skin, while standing in the shower for some extra time. This will open your blocked pores and will remove the dead skin. Aromatherapy skin care will definitely improve the effect of your selected facial treatment.

You should not forget to cleanse your face well. Aromatherapy skin care will help you to do away with unwanted bacteria and leave your skin scented with the fragrance of natural herbal scent. And just after this, put a masker on your face. One great fruit masker that suits well to all types of skins is the papaya facial. To reduce fine lines and puffiness to revitalize your darkened skin around eyes, use cold compresses as part of Aromatherapy skin care.

Aromatherapy skin care is very effective and quite easy to do. Just collect the essential oils and other material and you can get started for it at your home itself. You can buy a kit from a nearby store or on the Internet. It does not take much to get started for the Aromatherapy skin care. And the results that it gives will bring you on the seventh cloud of joy. So, what keeps you waiting?

About the Author: Brought to you from http://www.goodaromatherapy.com by Jay Morganson

Written By: Jay Morganson

There are many aromatherapy oils which are used in the art of aromatherapy and these are too lengthy to list here. However, there are many benefits to be had from aromatherapy oils but you need to understand that there can be some drawbacks for use in aromatherapy although many people say there are greater benefits.

There are two ways in which essential oils are used in aromatherapy. These are by inhalation and by application to your skin.

Inhaling aromatherapy oils is where the vapor given off by the oil is inhaled into the lungs. This is thought to incite the brain and cause it to trigger a reaction to the oil. It is also thought that there is a physical well being by breathing the vapors directly into the lungs. Remember that safety is of the utmost importance and always follow the manufacturers instructions as otherwise a reaction, possibly very severe can take place. It is important to remember to consult a trained specialist before using aromatherapy oils.

The other method of using aromatherapy oils in is by application to the skin. It is thought that when oil is applied to the skin it is absorbed into the blood stream and is useful for many health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Again, I must stress the safety aspect as aromatherapy oils are usually very strong and it is important that they are always diluted before you use them. To dilute them a carrier oil is needed and these are oils such as grape seed oil, sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil.

Another way that aromatherapy oils can be used is to act as an insect repellent. We are all familiar with the use of citronella in candles. I find these excellent as a way of keeping bugs at bay.

Aromatherapy oils can also be blended together and this can be done with a carrier base but not always. Combination oils can have even more benefits in aromatherapy as they then offer a combination of uses. The Internet has many sites where you will be able to find recipes for blending together different oils with their uses listed as well.

The term aromatherapy is a fairly recent phrase first thought to have been used in the 20th century but the practice of aromatherapy has been around for well over 1000 years.

The Egyptians are thought to have developed a way of distilling oil from cedar wood and the Chinese have used plant and herbal incense from a very long time which they burned to give a feeling of well being.

Ren-Maurice Gattefoss, A Frenchman, is first thought to have used the term aromatherapy after he supposedly treated a nasty burn with the nearest liquid to hand which turned out to be oil distilled from lavender. This wound healed quickly and it left no scaring. This started his in-depth research into essential oils.

We are now becoming more aware of natural products after we have relied on synthetic drugs for many years and aromatherapy is growing in popularity. Most of us prefer to use natural products, such as aromatherapy oils, to sooth and heal our minds and bodies. Gattefoss would have said, Long Live Aromatherapy, but he would have said it in his native French. Using essential oils for aromatherapy is natural and is an excellent way to help calm and sooth our troubled 21st century lives.

Ric Wiley is an Internet Marketer who enjoys writing about a varied range of subjects. A reformed smoker and heavy drinker he now spends a lot of time exercising, keeping fit and running. Check out his latest site at http://www.first-choice-health.com

Written By: Ric Wiley

Essential oils, extracted from plants and its parts form the crux of aromatherapy. These oils stimulate the brain, effect our body hereby improving our mood, relaxing and rejuvenating us. Extracted in various ways, they are highly concentrated and should not be used directly onto the body. They should be blended with carrier oils such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, etc, for best results.

If you are new, then explore this world of fragrance at home with a handful of inexpensive oils. To avoid allergic reactions to essential oils, perform a skin test before you indulge yourself. Take a drop of the oil on a cotton swab. Apply it to the inside of your wrist or inner elbow. Cover the area with a bandage and avoid washing for 24 hours. If there is no itching or redness, oil is safe for external use.

Basic oils that any beginner can start with:

- Lavender – Most basic and very important oil in aromatherapy. Helps in relaxation, calming and balancing of mind. Acts as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, detoxifier and sedative. Soothes cuts, burns, bruises and insect cuts. Relieves stress if blended with your usual bath oil.

- Rosemary – Acts as stimulant for mental health and physical body on low energy days. Relieves muscular strains, sprains and headaches. Alleviates fatigue, congestion and prevents scar tissue formation.

- Bergamot – Oil for refreshing and upliftment. Acts as antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant and deodorizer. Could be slight irritant to skin.

- Peppermint – A great mental stimulant and digestive aid. Eases headache and fatigue. Behaves as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant.

- Tea Tree – A versatile antiseptic that is very gentle on the skin. Remedy for infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, gum disease. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic oil.

- Lemon – Great for dispelling a somber mood, lemon oil can be used to treat insect bites, alleviate tension, headaches and stimulate immune system.

- Tangerine – Works well to create a bright, uplifting atmosphere. It’s soothes and calms insomnia and promotes digestion.

- Floral oils – Great stress relievers. Add floral oils like rose, jasmine along with carrier oils to your bath oils for a soothing massage.

- Germanium – Eases stress, acts as antidepressant, adrenal, hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative and antiseptic. Helps during PMS.

- Clary Sage – Relieves PMS. Soothes and relaxes mind and body. Works as antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative.

- Clove – Relieves toothache pain, asthma, sinusitis. Avoid using it directly on the skin. Acts as antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic and disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus – Cools the body in summer and warms in winter. An effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion, cough and neuralgia. Also works as antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.

About the author:

Kevin Pederson is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an Online guide to Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.

Written By: Kevin Pederson

Leaving animals along for a long period of time, lack of attention, unhealthy food, abandonment, etc are some of the common causes of stress in animals. These could lead to health problems like fatigue, excessive itching, shedding, panting and even aggression. Aromatherapy can be used to treat hot spots, itchy skin, ear infections, rashes, bites, cuts, scrapes, incisions from surgeries, stinky breath, flatulence and the list goes on

Dogs are man’s faithful friends for life. Bringing affection, joy and loyalty into our lives, they are more emotionally dependent on their owners. They are in tune with our moods and show more difficulty in coping with emotional stress and loneliness. Hence they require more attention then any other animals.

If your dog is suffering from yeast or ear infection use either of these oils to treat it. Put these oils in a spray bottle with a base oil and swab the inside of the ear after cleansing.

- Lavender – soothes the skin and relieves itching
- Tea Tree – powerful antibacterial and antifungal
- Bergamot – antifungal properties
- Roman Chamomile – soothing and gentle, aids in healing tissue.

To repel fleas, use peppermint, citronella, lemon and clary sage essential oils. Ticks are repelled by essential oils such as Geranium, Bay, Lavender and Myrrh. 15-20 drops of these oils diluted with base oil and sprayed on your dog daily will keep the ticks and fleas away.

Mix 6 drops of lavender, 1 drop of Neroli and 4 drops of Marjoram essential oils with carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil. Apply on the spine and head lightly. Repeat when necessary. This blend will relieve emotional stress.

To relieve Anxiety & Loneliness – Blend 1 drop of Rose otto, 5 drops of cypress and marjoram essential oils with carrier oil. Apply on the spine and head light, repeating whenever necessary.

6 drops of lavender, 2 drops of roman chamomile and 4 drops of petitgrain essential oils mixed with carrier oil and applied to spine and head lightly reduce nervousness & hyperactivity.

Keep in mind dog’s sensitive sense of smell into account when using essential oils. A dog that is besieged by the smells of blends may pace, whine, or rub her / her head on the ground. Introduce your dog to essential oils slowly and in small amounts.

About the Author:

Sharon Hopkins is the Webmaster for Aromatherapies.net, an Online guide to Aromatherapy alternative medicine, essential oils, recipes, synergies, blends, oil profiles and products.

Written By: Sharon Hopkins

Are you going away on business trip? Whether you have to meet clients, give presentations, hold seminars, business meetings, etc, one can surely feel stressed out. Take along with you lavender, peppermint, marjoram and Neroli essential oils. – Massage your body with 1 drop of marjoram and lavender oil each mixed with sweet almond or calendula oil after a warm bath to lessen the jet lag effect. - Are you jittery before a big presentation or a meeting? Inhale few drops of Neroli oil to settle all the butterflies and ease all the nervousness. - For headaches or migraines, concoct 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil and massage it on your forehead, temples, sides and base of your neck. It will ease the headache away and let you stay alert. Few drops of lavender oil on your pillow will allow for peaceful night of sleep. - Eating out and upset stomach go hand in hand. Massage 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil on your stomach to help you with indigestion. Or you can try a peppermint tea.

Holidaying with your sweetheart or going for your honeymoon? Make sure you smell desirable all the time. Rose & jasmine oil are considered romantic oils. - 1 drop of rose and jasmine oil each in 100 ml of jojoba oil makes a nice personal perfume for your holiday. - A single drop of Ylang Ylang with its oriental scent is heady potent seduction perfume. - For a romantic bath, add little of your personal perfume to the bath gel or water. You can use the perfume as massage oil on your partner.

Out with the kids. Calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile essential oil and tea tree oil are some of children’s oil that comes handy. - Inhale a drop of lavender or peppermint oil from kerchief or tissue to ease the nausea and travel sickness. - Got a tired kid on hand. Get your child to relax and inhale lavender oil. - For small babies, apply lavender oil on your neck and shoulders so when you carry your little one around, the fragrance stays with baby. - Stomach upset or colic trouble – 1 drop of chamomile mixed with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil rubbed clockwise on tummy will ease the stomachache. - Lavender oil rubbed on the body helps to keep insects away. - Few drops of calendula, lavender & chamomile oil is good for cuts and bruises. - Aloe Vera gel or lavender oil applied to sun burn will soothe the pain.

About the author:

Kevin Pederson manages aromatherapy sites offering information on Aromatherapy Essential Oils , concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits.

Written By: Kevin Pederson

Before I get started take note that fragrance oils (fragrances) are not essential oils. This is because they contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide therapeutic benefits like essential oils.

Essential oils are the pure “essence” of a plant and when used properly will provide both psychological and physical benefits. There are many essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. CO2s and absolutes are often defined as part of the term “essential oil”.

Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated and should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. When applied to the skin essential oils are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of physical conditions including: health, hygiene, mental and beauty. To apply essential oils to the skin carrier oils (pure vegetable oils) are used to dilute the essential oils and carry them to the skin. Examples of carrier oils include (but are not limited to): apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil.

Inhaling essential oils is believed to offer both physical and psychological benefits. The aroma of a natural essential oil stimulate’s the brain to trigger a reaction. The naturally occurring chemicals in essential oil are drawn into the lungs and can supply a physical benefit, as well. Be careful. It is easy to use essential oils in a dangerous way.

Oils can be blended together to provide a specific therapeutic action, or pleasing aroma. Synergistically blending oils in proper proportions is considered to have a further reaching effect than that of each oil working alone. This is what the art of essential oil blends is all about.

About the author:

I am a full time webmaster living in the United States. When I am not working then reading or eating is occupying my time. I spend most of my time working on Big Blog Directory and my Online store.

Written By: Tim Semones