Aromatherapy Course
Take Charge of Your Health with Essential Oils
Laura Moorehead
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Laura Moorehead
License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
The information in this course is not intended to take the place of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner. Recommendations within the course are believed to be effective, but, since actual use of the oils by others is beyond the authors control, no expressed or implied guarantee as to the effects of their use can be given or liability taken. This information herein is copyrighted and, as such, may not be distributed in any way without the author’s permission.
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Welcome to Essence Journeys Introduction to Aromatherapy. Thank you so much for your purchase. You are about to embark on a journey that will empower you to take charge of your health, using the power of essential oils. Never again will you feel at a loss as to what to do when you are suffering from everyday health concerns. Below you will find the course outline so that you can see what we will be covering. At any point during the course, or after you have fully digested it, you may email me for your free 15 minute consultation. Include any questions you have regarding the oils, or how to use them, and I will answer them in the order asked until the time is used up. My email is laura@aromatherapyonlinecourse.com. I look forward to working with you. Have fun!
Many blessings, Laura Moorehead
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Table of Contents
Lesson 2: Blending Essential Oils
Lesson 3: An Aromatic Lifestyle
Lesson 4: Essential Oils and the Home
Lesson 5: Emotional Applications of Essential Oils
Lesson 6: Quality and Care of Essential Oils
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Purchase Essential Oils
I highly recommend having the oils discussed in the course, on hand. This way you will be able to experience the exercises and suggestions made throughout the course for yourself, and so deepen your learning and familiarity with the oils. Knowing which oils to use when is as much a result of using the oils daily, as it is about studying their properties.
If you don't already have them, I offer kits containing all twelve oils that we will be covering. These are very high quality pure essential oils. They are tested for purity and are grown without pesticides, or are wild crafted. The kit provides 1 dram (1/8 oz) of each of the 12 oils. The Rose oil is diluted to a 10% solution in vegetable oil in order to make the kit more affordable (1 full dram of rose oil costs $80), but if you would like an undiluted dram of rose, please let me know. The kit costs $45 and includes 1 dram each of frankincense, chamomile, ylang-ylang, lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, tea-tree, peppermint, rose (10% solution), rosemary, clary sage and thyme. If you would like 1/2 dram of each of the oils (with 10% rose), the price is $25. Individual oils may also be purchased. I think you'll find that these prices are very competitive for good quality oils. Shipping within the US is $7 via priority mail and takes about 5 business days.
Please click on the links below to purchase your kit through paypal, or email me for alternative arrangements. I also offer many more aromatherapy products on my web site at www.aromatherapyonlinecourse.com/products.html
To purchase the 1 dram kit, please click here
To purchase the 1/2 dram kit, please click here
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Lesson 1
History and Methods
Welcome to the world of essential oils. It is a land full of exciting discoveries, delightful aromas and profound empowerment in the area of your personal health and well-being. Essential oils have gifted me in many areas over the last ten years. They have helped me heal from colds and flu, supported me in relaxing and centering at important moments, focused my mind, healed cuts and headaches, improved meditations, disinfected my house, calmed turbulent emotions and become a gift that I love to share with others. Over time, each oil has unfolded its own personality and even become a friend. It is a delight for me to share this information with you so that you can begin your own journey into Aromatherapy.
History
Some form of essential oils was used in almost every native culture. The Egyptians used aromatics in embalming, the Greeks attributed sweet smells to Divinity, and the Babylonians even perfumed the mortar with which they built their temples. However it wasn’t until 1920 that Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, Ph.D. who was a French cosmetic chemist, coined the term “Aromatherapy”. While working in his lab he received a third degree burn on his hand and forearm. He immediately plunged his arm into a vat of lavender oil, thinking that it was water. To his astonishment, the pain subsided and was gone within a few minutes. He decided to continue applying Lavender to his arm and noticed that over time the burn healed without any blistering or scarring. This experience led him to analyze essential oils in greater depth and he discovered that they contained enormous healing properties. He shared his work with a friend, Dr. Jean Valnet, a medical doctor working in Paris. Dr. Valnet began using essential oils during World War 2 when he ran out of antibiotics. He was stunned to discover that the oils were able to reduce, even stop infections, saving many soldiers lives.
From there, the word has spread into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. Essential oils are used in many different ways by diverse people from soap makers and perfumers to hospitals and doctors and everybody in between.
What is an Essential Oil?
Essential oils are aromatic substances derived from plants. Steam distillation is the most common method of extraction. Oils can be extracted from the flowers, leaves, fruit, rind, seed, resin or root. Some oils require a great deal more plant matter to produce than others. For example, it takes 60,000 roses to provide one ounce of Rose essential oil whereas Lavender only takes 220 pounds to extract 7 pounds of oil. Essential oils contain vitamins, antiseptics, pre-cursors to hormones, anti-viral agents, and anti fungal properties. They are also anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antivenomous, sedative, nerve tonics, pain relievers, antidepressants and much more. It is like having an entire pharmacy at your fingertips. Generally, essential oils are 75-100 times stronger than dried herbs and much more alive, carrying the vital essence of the plant. Because of the chemical structure of essential oils, they are able to penetrate the cell wall and transport much needed oxygen and nutrients within. The oils can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs where they then make their way into the blood stream. The sense of smell affects the limbic system of the brain, which controls emotions and memory, and the hypothalamus, which regulates the pituitary, which in turn balances the entire hormonal system of the body. This is why Aromatherapy is so powerful.
Methods of Use
There are many ways of applying the oils depending on the effect you want to achieve.
In most cases, essential oils should not be used neat on the skin, as they can be too strong. A neat oil is one that is used undiluted.
Inhalations
These are used particularly in the case of upper respiratory issues, such as colds, coughs and sore throats. Fill a basin with steaming hot water. Place 2-5 drops of your chosen essential oil or blend in the water. Lean over and cover your head and the basin with a towel. Breathe in the aroma for 10 minutes or longer.
Room Diffusion
This method is used to diffuse a beautiful aroma through the house, disinfect the air if someone is sick and to boost immunity through inhalation. The oils are simply added to the diffuser, according to its type.
Do not use diffusers that require heat, such as candles, or light bulb activated models, since heat destroys the therapeutic properties of the oils. So many students have asked me where to get diffusers, that I decided to research the best available and offer it for sale. The diffuser I chose is, to my mind, one of the best on the market. There are various problems with most of the diffusers out there. Either they use heat, which destroys the therapeutic properties of the oils, or they use too much essential oil, proving very expensive to use. Other problems I have encountered are models that are too fragile, or just too difficult to use. This diffuser seems to have solved all these issues with grace. It uses a nebulizing system for fine micro-particle diffusion, delivering a powerful effect despite its small size.
These diffusers are available for $48 plus $11 shipping.
To purchase the diffuser, please click here
Baths
Helpful for overall absorption into the body, boosting immunity, skin conditions and general relaxation. Always dilute oils before placing in bath. Place 5-10 drops of your chosen oil or oil blend in 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil (almond, grapeseed or any common kitchen vegetable oil). Disperse this mixture in the bath and soak for at least 20 minutes. Pat dry so as not to rub off the oils.
Compresses
These are effective for pain relief of a specific area. Fill a basin with hot or cold water depending on your need. Place 3-5 drops of your chosen oil or oil blend in the water. Lay a washcloth over the surface of the water and then wring it out. Place the washcloth over the painful area.
Massage
Great for stress relief, immunity, muscle aches, detoxifying, etc. Full body massage: Add 15 drops of your chosen essential oil or oil blend to 1 oz of vegetable oil. For targeting specific areas you can increase the dilution to 30 drops per oz of vegetable oil.
Safety
Essential oils are extremely powerful substances that if not used correctly can cause serious problems. Below is a list of the most common contraindications (situations when oils should not be used). If you have any doubt in using an essential oil, please consult a doctor or qualified aromatherapist.
The following essential oils should never be used by anyone:
Bitter almond, Boldo leaf, Calamus, Clove leaf, bud or stem, Yellow Camphor Horseradish, Jaborandi leaf, Mugwort, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Sassafras, Savin, Southernwood, Tansy, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormseed, Wormwood. Sage, Aniseed and Hyssop have reports of side effects and should also be treated with extreme caution.
Children
Children’s skin is much more sensitive than that of an adult and so great care should be taken in using essential oils with them and many should not be used at all. Take care to store all essential oils out of reach of children. We will cover more of this in the last lesson.
Pregnancy
Some oils pose a risk to a developing baby and should not be used during pregnancy. These are:
Basil, Clary Sage, Hyssop, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Sage, Fennel, Peppermint, Rose, and Rosemary. Most pregnant women are extremely sensitive to smell and so are self-regulating around essential oils. In my practice, I use half the normal quantity of oils with a pregnant lady, since they do cross through the placenta to the baby.
High Blood Pressure
The following oils should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure:
Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Skin Irritants
Citrus oils are the common culprits here, such as, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena and Melissa. Thyme oil is also very strong and Peppermint or Tea-Tree should be treated cautiously if you have sensitive skin. Fennel used in the bathtub has been known to create irritation.
Photosensitizers
This group of oils makes the skin more sensitive to the suns rays and can increase your chance of burning or sun damage. Do not use the following before sun exposure or tanning beds. Angelica Bergamot Cumin Lemon Lime Orange Verbena
Epilepsy
The following oils can trigger an attack of epilepsy in someone suffering from the disease. Fennel Hyssop Sage Rosemary
Essential oils are perfectly safe when these guidelines are followed. Now that we’ve covered the serious stuff, let’s explore the oils that you can use. Each week we will go into two new oils in depth. This week we will cover Lavender and Rosemary.
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Lavender
Latin Name: Lavendula Officinalis
Family: Labiatae
Source of Oil: Flowering tops
Primary cultivation: France, Tasmania
Odour: Herbaceous and floral
Note: Middle
Properties: Analgesic (pain reliever), antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, bactericidal, decongestant, hypotensive, insect repellant, sedative and vermifuge (gets rid of worms)
Strongest characteristic: Calming, soothing and balancing
Contraindications: (Situations in which the oil should not be used) None
Blends with: Lavender is very versatile and blends with a variety of other oils. It is a good oil to add to heavy floral blends, since it will cut through the heaviness and lighten the aroma. Lavender also does well with the citrus oils, such as lemon or orange. Frankincense is another good choice.
The name Lavender comes from the Latin word lavare meaning “to wash” and in ancient times this was the oil of choice in cleansing wounds and, during epidemics, to disinfect and purify the air. Lavender is one of the most widely used essential oils today and also one of the mildest and safest. It has a long list of uses and is the oil that I recommend everyone starting with.
Nervous System
Migraines, headaches, nervous tension, stress, insomnia, fainting, hypertension, soothing, sedating and balancing. Lavender is a phenomenal de-stressor. If I am feeling wound up and exhausted after a full day’s work, this is the oil that I would seek out to release tension, particularly at night when I am wanting a good night’s sleep.
Recipes
Headaches due to stress
This is one of the rare cases where I would use a neat oil. Rub a couple of drops around the temples and at the base of the skull. Adding a drop or two of peppermint if you don’t have sensitive skin can be very effective, providing the same action as an aspirin in its’ simultaneously stimulating and relaxing effect that increases circulation to the area. You can also try a cold compress with these oils.
Stress
A full body massage with Lavender would certainly do the trick, but if you don’t have a willing masseuse at hand, try a bath using up to ten drops of Lavender diluted in vegetable oil. Soak for 20 minutes and feel like new.
Insomnia
Put a couple of drops of Lavender on the corner of your pillow. Also try adding Marjoram for added sedation. Clary Sage thrown into the mix enhances dreams.
Respiratory System
Sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, flu, throat infections, fever
Recipes
Sinusitis, coughs, throat infections, flu
A steam inhalation with 2-5 drops of Lavender is very soothing to the pain of these infections and the antiseptic and antibiotic properties get to work on the root of the problem. Diffusing Lavender in the sick room fights viruses and helps to boost immunity.
Asthma
Inhaling pure Lavender oil stopped my brother’s asthma attack right away. Some asthma sufferers are allergic however, so proceed with caution.
Skin Care
Burns, acne, dermatitis, eczema, wounds
Recipes
Burns
Apply neat Lavender oil to the site of the burn 3 times daily until healed
Acne
Add 1-2 drops of Lavender to your cleanser for added antibacterial properties.
Cuts and scrapes
Apply neat oil to site of cut
Mosquito bites and insect stings
Apply neat oil to stop itching and pain. This is very effective.
Insect Repellant
Apply a few drops to clothes to deter insects. Adding citronella increases the effectiveness.
Pain
Lavender is a wonderful oil for pain of all sorts. It takes the edge off and relaxes at the same time. Lavender compresses can be used to treat pain locally.
Recipe
Menstrual cramps
Try a warm compress on the abdomen with 4 drops of Lavender and 4 drops of Clary Sage. I have seen this make a huge difference.
Immune System
Use Lavender in the bath or in a diffuser on a regular basis to increase white blood cells and boost immunity.
Psychological/Spiritual
Lavender is effective in situations in which there is hysteria or wild emotions. It’s sedative, calming and balancing properties are invaluable. Massage would be the preferred method of use for the added benefits of touch, but a bath is also very a good choice. I have used this oil many times at moments when calming, grounding and relaxing are what is needed. Sometimes all you need is to place a drop or two on a tissue and inhale.
As you can see, this oil has a huge variety of uses because of its’ complex chemical structure. If there was just one oil I could have at home this would be the one.
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Rosemary
Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Family: Labiatae
Source of Oil: Leaves
Primary Cultivation: Tunisia
Odour: Camphoraceous
Note: Middle
Properties: Astringent, analgesic, antiseptic, bactericidal, adrenal cortex stimulant, cardio tonic, raises blood pressure, promotes perspiration, parasiticide, nervine
Strongest Characteristic: Stimulating, particularly to the brain and circulation.
Contraindications: (Oil should not be used) Epilepsy, 1st 3-4 months of pregnancy, high blood pressure
Blends With: Rosemary and lavender make a good pair for a herbaceous blend. Lemon is another friend for this oil.
The name of this oil was taken from two Latin words meaning “dew of the sea”. This is because the plant is most at home growing near the sea. According to legend, the flowers used to be white but they turned blue after the Virgin Mary hung her cloak on a Rosemary bush when the Holy Family paused to rest on their journey to Egypt. Rosemary has been in use in medicine for centuries dating back to the ancient Greeks who burnt sprigs of the plant on their shrines.
This is an oil that is intensely stimulating and can be used whenever this action is desired.
Nervous System
Fainting, headaches (from too much mental effort), clearing and focusing the mind, poor memory, impaired senses (loss of smell, poor sight etc.)
Recipes
Fainting and clearing the mind
Place a couple of drops on a tissue and inhale. Rosemary’s powerfully stimulating and focusing qualities are very useful in these situations. If you need to be alert, try a blend of 2 drops Rosemary, 2 drops Peppermint and 2 drops Basil. These oils are all noted for their effect on the brain.
Memory
If you need to remember a specific thing, as in studying for an exam, inhale the oil while you are studying and then again when you need to recall the information. The association effect stimulates the brain to recall the needed information.
Impaired Senses
Once again, inhalation seems to be the best method to reawaken the senses.
Respiratory
Because of its’ bactericidal properties, Rosemary is a nice addition to a steam inhalation for colds, and sinusitis.
Recipe
For an effective cold/cough/sore throat buster try a steam inhalation of 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Rosemary, 2 drops Eucalyptus, and 1 drop Thyme. Breathe this in for 10-15 minutes and repeat as often as needed (every hour is ideal)
Skin Care
Congestion, scalp disinfectant and tonic
Recipe
One of the best hair and scalp tonics I know is Rosemary. You can add a few drops to the final rinse after shampooing, or, to make a scalp tonic, add 4 mls of Rosemary to 100mls of high proof vodka.
Liver
Rosemary has a particular affinity with the liver, stimulating the production of bile and acting as a general liver tonic. The best application is through the skin using full body massage or warm compresses directly over the liver.
Circulation
Rosemary stimulates circulation and thins the blood. For this reason, I have used it to great effect with cases of arteriosclerosis and high cholesterol. Regular full body massage is the best method because it provides the added benefits of increased circulation and relaxation. Obviously, diet is also a major factor in these situations.
Muscular, Arthritis and Rheumatism
Because of its’ ability to increase circulation locally, Rosemary, combined with the pain killing effects of Lavender can be very useful here.
Recipe
Add 15 drops each of Lavender and Rosemary to 30mls of vegetable oil and massage the affected area. Alternatively, use the warm compress method with 2 drops of each oil. It is important to move the affected area after treatment so as to prevent congestion from released toxins.
Psychological/Spiritual
Rosemary was used in Medieval Europe to drive out evil spirits and can still be used today as a psychic protector. Since it is so stimulating, it is best to use it in the morning. Put 1 or 2 drops on your hands, rub them together and smooth your hands over the whole body. To energetically cleanse and protect spaces, use Rosemary in a room diffuser. On the emotional level, Rosemary is helpful in situations where more clarity is needed. Any of the methods work for this application.