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Essential Oils

Index INDEX

O What are Essential Oils

Top 12 Essential Oils

Benefits of Essential Oils
Why Quality Matters
Carrier Oils
Blending

Essential
Essential Oil Index
History of Essential Oils
Regulations
Application Methods
Cooking
Topical Application

Oils
Resources
Internal Application

Aromatic Application

Lifestyle Application

Safety and Warnings

Sources of Essential Oils

Extraction Methods

Properties of Essential Oils

Aromatic Science

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

What Are Essential Oils? Benefits

Top 12 Essential Oils Most
Commonly
Used Essential
Oils
• Peppermint
• Essential oils are the volatile, evaporative, liquids which are extracted from aromatic plants, • Lavender
trees, and grasses. • Eucalyptus
• Oils are found in the sacs or secretory cells, within the fibers of the plant. They create the • Tea Tree
fragrances that one notices when encountering these plants. • Sandalwood
• Essential oils come from all over the world, just as plants are specific to certain climates. • Lemon
• When used for therapeutic purposes, only pure, certified, therapeutic grade essential oils • Ylang-Ylang
should be used in order to achieve desired effect as well as prevent adverse reactions caused
• Frankincense
by possible impurities.
• Roman Chamomile
• Many essential oils are of light viscosity and clear although some are heavier.
• Geranium
• All essential oils are fat soluble only and will not dissolve in water.
• Rose
• Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, needing carrier oils in order to properly utilize
• Bergamot
them.
• There are many uses for essential oils, benefiting all human functioning, the mind, body, and
spirit, in nature.
• Essential oils can be utilized in a vast variety of methods, ranging from oral consumption to
cleaning solvents.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Top 12 Essential Oils Most

Commonly
Used Essential
Top 12 Essential Oils Most
Commonly
Used Essential
Oils Oils
Peppermint Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
– Bee Sting / Insect Bites
• • – Viral Infection
Refreshing, cooling, uplifting, and restorative – Minor Burns Antibacterial and Antimicrobial, effective at cleansing
– Insomnia
• – Hay Fever the mind, body, and home.
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically – Urinary Tract Infection
• Example of uses: – Cold Sores •
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
– Indigestion •
Example of uses:
– Colds/Congestion
Lemon
Eucalyptus
– Skin Blemishes
– Headache • Most commonly know for cleansing properties
• Best known for respiratory benefits, has many more – Yoga Mat Cleaner
– Stress – Pink Eye •
• Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
– Energy, Increased Alertness Can be used aromatically and topically – Razor Burn / Ingrown Hairs •
• Examples of uses:
– Sore Muscles Examples of uses: – Cuts and Burns
– Congestion – Disinfectant
– Mouthwash
– Oral Hygiene
Lavender Sandalwood – Energy Enhancement
– Headache
• Versatile, uplifting, and healing – Fever
– Arthritis •
Best known for it’s spiritual enhancement abilities
– Memory Booster
• – Pest Repellent •
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
• • Examples of uses:
Examples of uses:
– Anxiety / Stress
– Calming / Anxiety
– Cancers
– Sleep Aid

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Top 12 Essential Oils Most

Commonly
Used Essential
Top 12 Essential Oils Most
Commonly
Used Essential
Oils Oils
Ylang-Ylang Frankincense

• – Cancers • – Skin Conditions

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial, effective at cleansing Best known for usage in religious ceremonies.
– Viral Infection – ADHD
the mind, body, and home. •
– Insomnia
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically – Shock
• • Example of uses:
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically – Urinary Tract Infection – PMS
• – Scar Tissue
Example of uses:
– Mood Enhancement
– Skin Blemishes Lemon Geranium
– Pain
– Yoga Mat Cleaner
– Pink Eye • Most commonly used as holistic treatment therapy – Warts • Sometimes called the “women’s oil” due to it’s
– Razor Burn / Ingrown Hairs and overall well-being – Anti-inflammatory benefits with menstruation and menopause.
– Cuts and Burns • •
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
• Roman Chamomile •
Examples of uses: Examples of uses:
Sandalwood •
– Stress In Ancient Egypt was dedicated to the sun god, Ra, – Cellulite
• – High Blood Pressure – Bleeding (Hemostatic)
Best known for it’s spiritual enhancement abilities who restored wholeness to the self.
– Lice Treatment – Tonic
• •
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically – Antibacterial Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically – Deodorant
• Examples of uses: • Examples of uses:
– Aphrodisiac – Antibacterial
– Anxiety / Stress – Depression

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Top 12 Essential Oils Most

Commonly
Used Essential
Benefits of Essential Oils Enriching your
life with
essential oils
Oils
Rose

• Used throughout history in aromatherapy, as a

– Herpes Essential Oils can enrich your life through enhancing mind, body, and spirit.
– Addictions
healing tonic, and for mood elevation • They are easily absorbed through the skin due to the small molecular size
– Infection
• • Powerful antioxidants, preventing mutation, fungus, and oxidation in cells
Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
• • Have antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-
Example of uses:
parasitic, antiviral, antispasmodic, and antiseptic nature
– Antidepressant • May detoxify cells and blood
– Antibacterial • Contain sesquiterpenes and can pass the blood-brain barrier assisting in relief from
– Aphrodisiac
degenerative brain disease
– Skin Irritation
• Aromatic in nature, purifying air by removing toxins, increasing oxygen, destroying
– Pain
odors, and inhibiting bacterial growth
• Promotes emotional, physical, and spiritual healing
Bergamot • Suppresses symptoms of illness holistically
• Gives Earl Grey tea it’s flavor • Natural, allowing relief without harmful side effects common in pharmaceutical drugs
• Prevents illness
• Can be used internally, aromatically, and topically
– Stress
– Immune Booster

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

History of Essential Oils Application Methods

Essential oils can be used in a multitude of ways
Essential oils have been used for centuries in religious ceremonies, marriage ceremonies, courtship, cosmetics, burial Topical
services, medicines, and other areas. Through trial and error, ancient civilizations found that essential oils served
useful purposes in all areas of mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Aromatically

Essential Oils usage can date as far back 4500 BC in Egypt. Each deity had it’s own fragrance as well as using the Internally
oils in the process of embalming. In Egypt oils served as both medicines as well as perfumes.

Greeks believed all aromatic plants were of divine origin. Hippocrates believed that the key to good health is found in Daily Uses
taking a daily aromatic bath and massage utilizing essential oils.

Ancient Hindu medicine, Ayurveda, used plant extracts and essential oils in their healing potions.
The use of essential oils and aromatherapy can also be found referenced to in the bible. In Israel, oils were used in
religious ceremonies, in healing, and were highly valued.

Early civilizations learned that by ingesting certain roots, flowers, berries, and other natural materials, certain ailments
were alleviated. They also found that certain psychological and physiological effects occurred when burning different
twigs and leaves.

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Essential Oils
Topical
Direct Application
• Essential oils are very potent so use caution to not
use too much and dilute when called for.
• Areas on the feet, wrists, and behind the ears absorb
oils quickly due to large pores.
• Layering through applying each individual oil one at a
time is preferred over mixing oils for topical use.
Massage
• or organ.
Stimulates the muscles, skin, and connective tissues,
increasing blood flow and allowing oils to be more
effectively absorbed and delivered within the body.
• Use caution when using massage with those who
have certain illnesses or are pregnant.
• Use care to only use light to medium massage strokes unless
trained as a professional message therapist.
Reflex Therapy
• Application of essential oils to contact points in feet or hands.
• Allows oils to enter neuro-electrical pathways through
vibration.
• Particularly of benefit when trying to pinpoint a certain system
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Essential Oils
Topical
Auricular
• Warm compresses are best for aches and pains.
• Similar to reflex therapy, using specific areas on the
• Allow compress to stay in contact with area for 1-2 hours
ear to create effects in specific systems or organs.
minimum for best results.
• Hot compresses are especially effective after massage.
Compresses
• Through using water mixed with essential oils and
absorbing into a towel to apply to the body.
Bath
• Can be used either hot or cold.
• Apply desired amount of oil (usually 3-6 drops) directly into
• Place towel or cloth on the surface of the water to
bathwater.
saturate. Oils will collect at the surface.
• Add to bathwater after filling to preserve more volatile
• When using a hot compress, cover saturated towel essential oils.
with a dry towel and hot water bottle. • Can be added to shower gels and bath salts to allow it to be
• When using a cold compress, cover with plastic more evenly dispersed.
wrap. • Apply directly to washcloth and rub into body.
• Cold compresses are best for inflammation, fever, • After bathing, can be added to body spray and applied.
and sprains.
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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Aromatic
Diffusion
• Most effective through a nebulizing diffuser, oils are
misted into the air for inhalation and cleansing of air.
• Other diffusers may us cool air to bring the oils into
the air.
• Diffusers that use a strong heat source are not
Hot Water Vapor
• Heat water, adding 1-3 drops of essential oil and inhale.
• Heat may reduce therapeutic benefits
Vaporizer/Humidifier
• Add oil into vaporizer or humidifier to introduce into air.
Aromatic
Perfume/Cologne
• Wear 1-2 drops of oil directly on wrists or neck.
• For mist, dissolve 10-15 drops essential oil in 20 drops
alcohol and 1 tsp distilled water. Apply to wrists or
neck.
Steam Room
• Special steam head attachments aroma oil pumps are
available for purchase to use essential with
• Mist essential oil and water mixture directly into the
steam room once steam has set in.

recommended since they may damage the molecular • Most effective with cool mist versions. Room Spray
• Ultrasonic vibration vaporizers especially effective, allowing
integrity of the oil. • Use glass container to prevent essential oils from
• suspension of oil in air for longer periods of time.
For most effective therapeutic value, diffuse for 15 reacting with plastic.

minutes out of each hour. • Fill bottle with a 1 tsp water to 3 drop essential oil ratio.
Fan/Vent
• Place oil source on or behind fan or in vent to introduce into
Direct Inhalation
the air. Sauna
• Hold oil close to face and inhale.
• Add essential oil to water to pour over rocks.
• Easiest method of inhalation of essential oils.
Burner
• May apply 1-3 drops onto cloth, cotton, towel, or
• Use tea light candle under basin containing oil. Fill top basin ½
otherwise, placing close to face and inhaling.
way with water and add 8-10 drops essential oil.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Internal Daily Life Application

Sublingual
Cooking
•
Place 1-2 drops directly underneath tongue. Cooking Sleep and Relaxation •Use in body sprays
• • Add to recipes and ingest through eating •Foot/hand soaks
Oils are rapidly delivered to blood stream. • Diffuse into air
• Keep in mind oils are concentrated and only a very small Air Freshener
•
Capsule amount is require to achieve desire results. Apply directly to pillow Toothpaste
•
Apply as a linen spray
• Place 1-10 drops of essential oil in either an empty • Mix oil with baking soda to brush teeth and gums.
Vaginal Insertion •
Bathe before rest Cleaning
capsule or capsule filled with ingestible carrier oil and
• Dilute oil in carrier oil and apply through vaginal syringe, Increase Energy
swallow. • Disinfectant
holding in place with tampon or soak directly into tampon. • Diffuse into air
• • Trash can deodorizer
Good way to apply essential oils internally that have • Alternative vaginal method, mixing oil with warm water and
• Add into morning beverage or meal • Dishes
unpleasant taste. applying as a douche.
• Incorporate into morning bathing • Mildew spray

Bathing • Mirror Cleaner

Beverage
Rectal Insertion • Eliminate mold
• Add desired dosage to beverage to drink. • Add essential oils into bathwater
• Deposit oils into rectum using a rectal syringe. Laundry
• Alternative rectal method, placing essential oil into a capsule • Use as bath oil
• Degreaser
and inserting the capsule into rectum. • Mix into shower gel/bath salts
• Cleansing wash
• Use in dryer
*Caution* When applying essential oils internally, use only pure, therapeutic grade oils.
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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Daily Life Application Safety and Warnings Caution

Whenever using essential oils, take care to research the proper ways
Furniture Polish to use them as well as potential adverse reactions and contraindications.
Toothpaste
Clothing
Skin-Patch Test
• Mix oil with baking soda to brush teeth and gums.
• Deodorizer, using satchel with essential oil on it placed • If you have any allergies or sensitive skin, perform a skin-patch test prior to using essential oils.
in drawers or closet. • Use a clean area on the inside of you lower arm and apply 2 drops to an antiseptic-free plaster and leave on forearm for 48
Eliminate paint fumes hours, or apply oil directly to skin and cover with bandage.
Carpet •
Avoid use of the oil if any redness, swelling, or blistering occurs.

• Carpet cleaner Adverse Reactions

• Carpet deodorizer • Immediately wash skin with fragrance-free soap to remove the oil.

• Grease remover •
Expose skin to air to promote evaporation.
•
• Gum remover Keep out of sunlight
•
• Place cotton ball with 4-6 drops oil into collection area Apply a mild corticosteroid if needed
of vacuum to freshen room while vacuuming. Double Check Possible Reactions if These Apply:
Insect/Pest Repellent • If you are taking aspirin, heparin, warfarin, paracetamol

• Bug Repellent • During pregnancy

– Lavender, lemongrass, patchouli, basil • With high blood pressure, fever, epilepsy, liver problems, skin sensitivity, or allergies

• Mice Repellent • If using on an infant or small child

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Safety and Warnings Caution

Safety and Warnings Caution

It is important to always use caution when using essential oils

Even toxic essential oils can still be used if used properly. Take extra care to know what the Always use caution and research possible side effects when using essential oils.
proper application and dosage when using them.

Toxic Essential Oils: Possible Skin Reactions:

• • Cinnamon (Leaf) • Mugwort • Tagetes • Irritation:
Ajowan
• • • This is where a substance comes into contact with the skin, and causes anything from a mild itch to burns. The important
• Clove (Bud) Mustard Tansy
Anise (Star) thing is it that once the substance is removed and healing takes place, there should be no more problems.
• Bay Laurel • • • • Sensitization - a far more serious situation than irritation:
Coriander Nutmeg Tarragon
Once the substance has been introduced to the skin, it can cause permanent changes in the immune system in a similar
• Bay (West Indian) • • •
Costus Parsley Seed Thuja manner to a vaccination. On first use no adverse effects may be seen. However, the body has been sensitized, and next time
Bitter Almond • • • the same or a similar substance is used, a reaction may occur. The severity can again be just a mild itch, through to the
• Elecampane Pennyroyal Thyme (White) extreme of severe anaphylactic shock. However, the later in aromatherapy is almost unknown. Sensitization in aromatherapy
• Boldo • • • is something to be on constant alert for. If after using any essential oil or absolute, an irritating or burning sensation, or a
Eucalyptus Pepper (Black) Turmeric
blotchy irritable skin rash are noticed, then that particular oil or chemically similar ones should not be used again. This type of
• Buchu • • Rue • reaction is far more likely to occur with therapists rather than their clients.
Fennel (Sweet) Valerian
• • • Sage (Spanish) • • Photosensitization (sometimes referred to as photo toxicity):
Calamintha Hops Wintergreen
This is where a substance coming into contact with the skin can react with ultra violet light. This reaction may cause anything
• • • • from mild brown blotches through to severe burning of the skin. The condition can be long lasting and subsequent exposure of
Calamus Horseradish Sassafras Wormseed
the skin to ultra violet light can trigger a reaction. It is vital to remember that it is ultra violet light which causes the problem and
• • • •
Camphor Hyssop Savin Wormwood this can occur even on relatively dull days. Therefore it is not as many aromatherapy authors say "caused only by bright
• • sunlight". The main essential oils to avoid in this respect are expressed Bergamot and Lime. The Bergamot grade known as
• Jaborandi Savory
Cassia FCF is perfectly safe
• Cedarwood (Virginian) • •
Juniper Southerwood
"Essential Oil Safety." Essential Oil Safety.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Safety and Warnings Caution Sources of Essential Oils

• Flowers
Phototoxic essential oils may cause skin discoloration or promote burning and rash • Herbs
when used in or before exposure to sun or sun-like devices. • Resins and Roots
Phototoxic Essential Oils: • Citruses
• Angelica Root
• Trees and Woods
• Lemon (cold-pressed) • Spices
• Bergamot
• Lime (cold-pressed)
• Bitter Orange
• Grasses, Seeds, and Shrubs
• Lovage
• Cassia
• Mandarin
• Cumin
• Opopanax
• Ginger
• Verbena
• Grapefruit

Ketones:
Essential oils containing ketones must be used with caution. Appropriate application and use of these are safe, however, misuse or
overdose can cause permanent damage as it can act as a neurotoxic because ketones are so easily able to pass the blood-brain
barrier.

Delivery methods in order of most ketone toxic to least: Oral, Rectal, Vaginal, Topically, Inhalation

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Extraction Methods Extraction Methods

Solvent:
Essential oils are derived from various sources in a variety of different ways
Used with plant material with low yields of oil. Material is added to the solvent where the
Distillation:
solvent absorbs the properties of the oil then the solvent is evaporated and the left over substance is
Used to heat the plant material until a vapor is formed, then in cooling, the vapor becomes
filtered. Gentle process, but leaves some of the solvent along with the essential oil.
liquid. The material is covered in watered and heated in a vacuum-sealed container. It is slower than
Carbon Dioxide Extraction:
steam distillation and less effective due to the heat damaging certain components of the essential oils.
Keeps the gas under high pressure at a constant temperature that is lower than steam
Steam Distillation:
distillation, being a more gentle way of extracting the essential oils. The necessary equipment is very
Plant material is added to water then brought to a boil or kept in a separate chamber where
expensive so this method is generally reserved to producing only expensive herbal and floral essential
steam is released into the chamber holding the plant materials. The steam that is created runs
oils.
through a cooler and the essential oil is collected off of the top of the cooled water. This is the most
Phytonic:
commonly used method of extracting essential oils
This process uses solvents, phytosols, which allow the oils to be captured at room
Expression:
temperature. The exclusion of using heat in the extraction process keeps the properties of the oils in
Only used with citrus. Performed by squeezing and puncturing the skin of the fruit
tact. Due to the use of potentially harmful fluorohydrocarbons, this method is not eco-friendly.
allowing the oils contained in the sacs, allowing the oil to run out and be filtered. Sometimes referred
to as “cold-pressing”

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Properties of Essential Oils Properties of Essential Oils

Anti-Allergic chamomile
Anti-venomous basil, thyme

Antibiotic tea tree

Anxiety roman chamomile, clary sage, jasmine, lavender, neroli, sandalwood

Antidepressant bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemongrass, neroli, orange

Astringent cedarwood, cypress, frankicense, geranium, hyssop, juniper berry, lemon,

lime, myrrh, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood

Anti-Neuralgic cloves, lemon

Balsamic clary sage, eucalyptus, myrrh, niaouli, pine, tea tree

Antiseptic basil, bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, fir, frankincense,
lavender, lemon, rose, sandalwood
Carminative basil, bergamot, carrot seed, cinnamon, clove, ginger, hyssop, juniper berry,
lemon, lemongrass, orange, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, thyme

Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils." Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils."

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Properties of Essential Oils Properties of Essential Oils

Concentration basil, ginger Fever bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger, lemon

Decongestant eucalyptus, lavender, niaouli, peppermint, pine Gout juniper berry, geranium, peppermint

Hangover cypress, grapefruit, juniper berry, pine, rosemary

Detoxification cedarwood, grapefruit, lemon, orange, rosemary

Hypertension hyssop, rosemary, thyme

Disinfectant clover, juniper berry, lime, myrrh, pine

Headache basil, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, peppermint

Energy basil, grapefruit, lemon, orange, rosemary

Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils." Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils."

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Properties of Essential Oils Properties of Essential Oils

Indigestion cardamom, ginger, lemon, peppermint Memory basil, rosemary

Influenza black pepper, cinnamon, clove, cypress, ginger, lemon, peppermint Menstruation clary sage, geranium, lavender, roman chamomile, marjoram

Insomnia roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage, neroli, sandalwood Mumps german chamomile, lavender, tea tree

Jet Lag basil, geranium, grapefruit, peppermint, rosemary

Nausea clove, ginger, peppermint

Laryngitis bergamot, cypress, lavender, lemon

Neuralgia black pepper, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, peppermint

Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils." Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils."

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Properties of Essential Oils Properties of Essential Oils

PMS clary sage, roman chamomile, geranium, neroli, rosemary

Tonsillitis lavender, tea tree

Relaxation clary sage, geranium, lavender, neroli, sandalwood, ylang-ylang

Tonic basil, black pepper, carrot seed, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, ginger,
hyssop, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, neroli, orange, pine, rose, rosewood

Scarring helichrysum, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood

Windburn roman chamomile, lavender

Sedative bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, lavender,

mandarin, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang

Sinusitis basil, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, pine, rosemary, tea tree

Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils." Adapted from "Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils."

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Aromatic Science Aromatic Science Components

of
Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is a step in removing the divide between mind, body, and spirit found in Monoterpenes
Western Medicine.
Molecule Type Effects (example)
There are many breakthroughs in the area of neuropsychology and the relationship
Monoterpene- Stimulant (pine, orange)
between emotion, healing, and health. hydrocarbons
Ketones Mucolytic (sage, hyssop)
Science is constantly finding more and more connection between the interdependence of Aldehydes Calmative (citronella, melissa)
the mind and the body, making essential oils very powerful in treating many different Esters Antispasmodic (lavender, clary sage)
ailments as well as prevention. Alcohols Natural Tonic (palmarosa, peppermint, coriander)
Phenols Stimulant, Irritant (oregano, thyme)
Essential oils have medicinal, holistic, and therapeutic benefits that are unique to each Oxides Expectorant (eucalyptus, tea tree, niaouli)
essential oil and it’s effect on the human body.

Two chemical families, terpenes and phenylpropanes make up the vast majority of
essential oils.
Schnaubelt, Kurt. Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 1998. 21. Print.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Aromatic Science Components

of
Essential Oils
Why Quality Matters
Sesquiterpenes
While it is tempting to purchase low quality essential oils at a less cost, but when it comes to essential oils,
Molecule Type Effects (example) you get what you pay for!
Sesquiterpene- Anti-inflammatory (german chamomile)
hydrocarbons
Alcohols Various (sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli) Producing pure essential oils is costly, which is why it is more expensive to get a good quality essential oil.

Lactones Mucolytic (inula graveolens, laurel) Look for essential oils that are “pure”, “certified”, AND “therapeutic-grade”.

Phenylpropanes Essential oils that are not pure, therapeutic grade may smell identical to their more expensive counterparts, however,
there is a large possibility that high pressure, high temperatures, rapid processing, and chemical solvents were used to
Molecule Type Effects (example)
more cost efficiently produce the oils, therefore depriving the oil of the needed quality to produce therapeutic results
Estragol Antispasmodic (tarragon)
when used.
Anethol Antispasmodic (anise)
Eugenol Sensitizing (clove)
Producing pure oils can be very expensive, some oils take multiple tons of plant material to produce one pound of
Cinnamic Aldehyde Antiseptic (cinnamon, cassia)
essential oil. Some pure oils are sold for over $10,000 a pound.

Schnaubelt, Kurt. Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 1998. 21. Print.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Carrier Oils Carrier Oils

• Carrier oil, also known as base oil, is used to dilute essential oils before they are Carrier Oil Therapeutic Benefits and Uses
applied to the skin. They are called “carrier oils” because they “carry” the essential
oils into the skin. Sweet Almond Oil Pale yellow, almost odorless, has soothing properties. Rich in minerals, vitamins, essential
fatty acids, and proteins. Protects and nourishes skin.
• Carrier oils are generally nonaromatic, unlike essential oils. Apricot Kernel Oil Yellow with light, silky texture. Nourishing, high in vitamin E, rich in essential fatty acids, and
• Another reason carrier oils are used is because they will not evaporate like essential emollient. Easily absorbed.
oils, which are more volatile. Avocado Oil Deep green with nutty aroma. Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids. Thicker, rich,
emollient, and deeply penetrating. Can be mixed with lighter carrier oils.
• Look for carrier oils that are pure and preferably cold-pressed.
Borage Oil Rich source of GLA. Non-irritant and skin softening.
• Different carrier oils can produce different therapeutic properties.
• Always be mindful of health conditions and sensitivities when choosing a carrier oil. Calendula Oil Infused oil. Healing, aids in tissue regeneration, and nourishing to skin.

• Carrier oils can be easily blended to combine their properties of viscosity, Camellia Good for skin conditions.
acceptability, lubrication, absorption, aroma and so forth.
Carrot Oil Infused oil not to be confused with carrot seed essential oil. Bright orange, rich in beta-
• The term infused oils means that the essential oil(s) have been previously added into carotene and vitamins. Excellent skin tonic.
the carrier. Coconut Oil Solid at room temperature, good for creams. Skin softening, aiding in moisture retention.
• All carrier oils should be kept cool, and away from strong light to prevent spoilage. Antibacterial and antiviral properties. Fractionated coconut oil will stay liquid and not spoil.
Evening Primrose Oil Golden-yellow, viscous. Excellent moisturizer and rich in GLA. Anti-inflammatory, high in
antioxidant.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Carrier Oils Carrier Oils

Carrier Oil Therapeutic Benefits and Uses Carrier Oil Therapeutic Benefits and Uses

Grapeseed Oil Refined, light oil. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Fine , non-greasy, Rosehip-Seed Oil Pale yellow to orange. Tissue-regenerating properties.
texture, easily absorbed. Pale green.
Sunflower Oil Vitamin rich, soothing effect on skin.
Hazelnut Oil Pale yellow with strong nutty aroma. Easily absorbed, gentle, and mildly astringent. High in
vitamin E. Wheatgerm Oil Rich orange color. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Antioxidant.
Hemp Seed Oil Highly therapeutic. High in essential fatty acids and nourishing. Anti-inflammatory.

Hypercicum Oil (St. Soothing and antiseptic. Tightens skin.

John’s Wort)
Jojoba Oil Liquid wax, light texture, deeply penetrating. Antibacterial. Moisturizing with emollient
properties. Resembles natural skin oils.
Macadamia Oil Skin lubricant, easily absorbed. Non-greasy.

Neem Seed Oil Effective in treating skin ailments, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Also used as insect-
repellent and organic insecticide.
Olive Oil Moisturizing, aiding in skin regeneration.

Peach Kernel Oil Emollient and nourishing, skin protectant. Slowly absorbed. Common in skin creams.

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Blending Blending
v When essential oils are blended together, they can work better than used alone, by enhancing the effects v When blending it is preferred to use glass containers and utensils to avoid chemical reactions that can be
of the other oils in the blend. found when using plastic or metal

v Essential oils are blended in order to create fragrances, for therapeutic, and for medical qualities. v Make sure to provide room at the top of the container.
v People are generally more attracted to blends that will benefit their natural well-being. v Add essential oils into carrier oil base.

v Always take caution to mix essential oils that are compatible. v Make sure to keep track of what mixtures and how much are used when you create new blends so you

v Experimentation and experience is the key to successfully blending. can refer to it to recreate blend.

v When essential oils are used together with enhanced effects, this is called “synergy”. This is how they v After creating blend, it is best to let site for 24-48 hours to allow the oils to truly blend.
interact with each other .

v The blend will evolve and subtly change over time, making blending more of an alchemy and art.
v Since each person’s needs and conditions are unique, the most effective blends are also different to each
person using the essential oils.

v Each blend will contain unique properties

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Blending Blending
Top, Middle, and Base Notes
Top, Middle, and Base Notes
Each essential oil contains top, middle, and base
Top Notes notes. These evaporate over time, which is why a
• fragrance’s aroma will seem to change over the When blending, it can be beneficial to keep in mind the evaporation rate and the
The aroma immediately noticed.
• duration of wearing it. Different oils each plays a intensity of each essential oil in order to deliberately create base, middle, and top
Sharp, penetrating, volatile
tendency to be top, middle, or base notes when notes.
•
Extreme
blended together.
• For example, Patchouli has an evaporation rate of 100, meaning it will not
Hot or Cold
• Light, fresh and dissipate quickly evaporation over a long period of time, making it a good base note; while
Base Notes

• Fixatives
eucalyptus has an evaporation rate of 5, evaporating quickly and making it a good
Middle Notes choice as a top note.
• Rich and heavy
• Gives body
• The evaporation rate and intensity are good indication of what note an oil would be
Deepens blend
• Warm
• best used as, but by no means, the rule.
Pulls into skin
• Soft, rounded, mellow
• Barely able to be noticed before application
• Usually bulk of blend

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Essential Oils Essential Oils

Blending Blending
Another way of choosing blends is through using four different
classifications: Perfume Families
• The Personifier – Oils that are used first and should be 1-5% of the Floral
blend. They have strong, sharp aromas and last a long time. They have – lavender, neroli, jasmine
strong therapeutic action and are dominant.
Green Earthy
– Examples: clary sage, clove, and ylang-ylang oils
– rosemary, basil – oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli
• The Enhancer – Oils that are used second and should be 50-80% of the
blend. These will be predominant. They have sharper aromas and they are Chypre Woodsy
the dominant oils in the blend. – composed of citrus top notes, a middle centered,
– pine, cedar
– Examples: bergamot, melaleuca, and rosemary oils and a mossy animalic base note
Herbaceous
• The Equalizer – Oils that are used third and should be 10-51% of the – patchouli, cleary sage, vetiver
– marjoram, rosemary, basil
blend. They are not as sharp and last a shorter amount of time. They Citrus
create not only the balance but the synergy in the essential oil blend. Minty
– orange, lemon, verbena
– Examples: bergamot, frankincense, lavender, and sandalwood – peppermint, spearmint
• The Modifier – Oils that are used last and should be 5-8% of the blend. Spicy
Camphorous
They have mild aromas and do not last long. They harmonize the blend. – nutmeg, clove, cinnamon
– eucalyptus, cajuput, tea tree
– Examples: bergamot, eucalyptus, and lemon
Amber (Oriental)
– ginger, patchouli, frankincense

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