If you want to learn more about the wonderful benefits of aromatherapy, come to one of my classes or seminars, schedule a consultation or an Aromatherapy Party in your home. There is a wealth of information in herbal books as well as on the web. For extensive information about the uses of essential oils, including the recommendations for use, properties of the oils, and chemical analysis go to the Young Living® website at http://www.youngliving.us/ or http://www.essentialscience.net or the Mountain Rose website - see link in section below.
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Sources for Therapeutic Essential Oils & Supplies:



http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/cgi-bin/Main.pl?=093477&BID=30
Click on this link for Mountain Rose Essential Oils, herbs, teas & supplies

Try before you buy!
You can order a sample size bottle of essential oil from me to try out before you buy a big one - most samples range from $1 - $6. I can also make a custom blend for you of your favorites oils.

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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is an ancient art using essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, fruits, nuts, seeds, bark, and roots. This art and science has been practiced for centuries for health, healing, for perfumes and a variety of other uses. Much of our knowledge comes from China, Tibet, Japan, India, Egypt and the Middle East. All native cultures used plants & herbs for healing and beauty. Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, and other essential oils and their uses are mentioned in the Bible.  

Therapeutic Grade - is the highest grade of essential oils, meaning they have no carriers, additives, chemicals or synthetics of any kind. These oils are 100% organic, pure, unadulterated (Therapeutic Oils have no additives – like alcohol, glycol, or solvents.) and have been carefully selected for particular results. And they are carefully distilled at low temperatures to preserve all the important constituents that give them the therapeutic properties.

These oils contain anywhere from 50-300 unique plant constituents that are valuable for medicinal use. Young Living®, Mountain Rose, Forever Young and other Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are the highest level of quality and purity. They are distilled carefully to preserve all the beneficial constituents and meet strict standards for quality and purity. Some Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils can be used internally (use one drop with caution: Peppermint, Spearmint, Citrus, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine). Most  therapeutic grade oils should NEVER be taken internally (like tea tree oil).

Fragrance & perfume oils are labeled "not for internal use" because of the chemicals, synthetics & additives used for fillers. Only therapeutic grade oils have been clinically proven to be effective in the body, to penetrate the cell walls, to influence brain and body chemistry. Oils that are chemically created, altered or mixed cannot enter the cells and do not provide any benefit. 

Therapeutic Grade Oils will be more expensive, you will be getting the highest quality, pure oil. and  a little goes a long way. One way to check is by price - therapeutic grade individual oils will also vary widely in cost according to the amount of flowers/plant material needed to produce it. Fragrance or perfume oils are generally all priced about the same. After all, if you want to use Lavender, you want the real thing, not a few drops of low grade lavender oil in a bottle of chemicals, lesser quality carrier oil & artificial fragrance.

Perfume, Fragrance & Commercial Grade - have no therapeutic benefits. These are used for perfume, heath & beauty aids and cosmetics, and cleaning products and they do not contain the same natural plant oils & components that give you the benefits of therapeutic grade oils. Even if an oil is labeled 'natural'  it can contain additives, artificial fragrance, chemicals and synthetic ingredients. They may smell good but be aware that these are NOT therapeutic grade but are a lower grade of distillation.

Perfume Grade - have no therapeutic benefits. Perfume oils can contain additives such as pesticides, fungicides, artificial fragrance, colors and other chemicals created in a laboratory. Fragrance & perfume oils are labeled "not for internal use" because of the chemicals, synthetics & additives used for fillers. (What's in your Lavender bottle?)  

Fragrance Grade oils - have no therapeutic benefits. They are less expensive, and of course, much lesser quality. Fragrance oils vary in quality. Many fragrance oils cannot be used on the skin -- check the label carefully for cautions. These lower-grade oils are used for candles, air fresheners, potpourri and the like, for fragrance only.

Commercial Grade - have no therapeutic benefits. These oils are very low grade and used mainly for cleaning products. They have no therapeutic benefits.

Food Grade - have no therapeutic benefits. Be aware that most food grade oils contain alcohol and / or a large amount of carrier oil.  Some have additional artificial fragrance, colors and other additives. Check the label carefully.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Modern chemistry has verified the benefits of essential oils through extensive analysis of chemical components and the impact on human physiology. Essential oils have been shown to affect the brain, the nervous system, blood pressure, hormones and the immune system. Clinical studies have proven that certain oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Our sense of smell is the most direct path to our emotions. Essential Oils have been shown to work on different levels – physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual. The sense of smell – inhalation is the fastest route into the bloodstream. The fragrance goes directly to the Limbic system of the brain where memories and emotions can be triggered.

 (Remember the smell of Grandma’s home baked cinnamon rolls?) So essential oils affect not only your physical body, but your emotional and spiritual body as well.

Aromatherapy is particularly useful when combined with Reflexology and Hot Stone Therapy massage. In addition to smelling the fragrance of the essential oil, the skin, muscles and reflex points on the hands and feet absorb the massage oil. The benefits of the oils are therefore absorbed into the body and bloodstream in several ways.

How to Care For Your Essential Oils
Young Living and other therapeutic grade oils are living and delicate. They must be handled and stored properly to maintain their freshness, purity and quality:

* Store your oil bottles in a cool place - never in heat or direct sunlight (not in your car or on a windowsill), keep away from dampness and magnetic frequencies (never near the TV, computer, radio, etc...) Keep oil bottles closed tightly.

* DON'T touch the dropper or lip of the bottle - or bacteria from your hands, mouth, etc.. may  contaminate your entire bottle of oil.

* Be sure to replace the cap immediately after use. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Some oils are very volatile and will diffuse into the air  if not stored properly.
 
* Keep your oils in the original bottle. Never store your oils in a bottle with a rubber dropper - the oil will quickly degrade the rubber which then will fall into your oil and ruin the entire bottle!

* Oils can be naturally flammable - never put into a candle or flame.

* With proper storage and care, oils can last for years.

How to Use Essential Oils  
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. Please let me know if you are interested in ordering single oils or blends for specific purposes from Young Living, as I am a local independent distributor.

* These oils are powerful and a little goes a long way. Remember to start with only 1-2 drops of each type of oil.

* Always use pure, therapeutic grade, quality oils.
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* If you are pregnant, ill or under a doctor's care, please consult a qualified medical professional before using any essential oil.

* Be aware that, just like herbal remedies, oils can interact with certain medications. If you are taking medication, ask your pharmacist about using essential oils.

* Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

* Do not apply essential oils on infants or toddlers.

* Note: Essential oils are very concentrated and therefore much more powerful than using fresh or dried herbs. Please keep out of reach of children, and never use in eyes or in ears.

Inhalation/Vaporization:
* Inhale directly from the bottle (to protect the purity of the oil don't touch the dropper)

* Inhaling certain essential oils like eucalyptus, can relieve congestion, clear your head and make breathing easier. Some oils have specific antimicrobial & antiviral properties and can help prevention illness. (See The Story of Thieves below)

* Add 3-5 drops of pure essential oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapor for 5-10 minutes or put 2-3 drops on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale

* For overnight care of respiratory symptoms, use a special glass diffuser, or add 1-2 drops to the well of a warm-mist vaporizer. 

Natural Air Freshener - kills germs too
 * Applying a few drops of your favorite oil to a cotton ball for use in home, office or car

*  Put a few drops of essential oil in water in a spray mist bottle to use as a room deodorizer.

* Light bulb rings and fragrance diffusers work well and they are good air fresheners – caution –    use no more than 1 drop as the heat will greatly intensify the fragrance.

On the Skin
* Skin Sensitivity - To prevent skin sensitivity or reaction use only the highest quality therapeutic grade essential oils. If you are using oils on the skin, it is very important to check the properties for each one -- many can be irritating or sensitizing, especially to people with allergies, hives, or asthma.

Check the label and product information. Test a tiny amount on the inner elbow to make sure there is no shin sensitivity or reaction. 

Important - Be aware that using certain oils (especially citrus oils) may cause a reaction in sunlight -- your skin can be very photo-sensitive for several hours after applying the oil.  

* You can treat aches, pains, injuries, with essential oils use Lavender, Pan Away or Purification

* Make your own body fragrances with essential oils. Wear a few drops as perfume or cologne on your pulse points, on the ears, etc...

* Direct Application – Dilute by adding 1-2 drops of an essential oil to a 2-3 TBL of  carrier oil - be sure to use an organic carrier oil, such as grape seed, almond, or sesame. Apply topically to help irritated skin, release muscle spasms, soothe sore muscles and relieve muscle tension.

* Compress - Add 3-5 drops of pure essential oil to a bowl of warm or cool water. Use a  cotton cloth, wring out and place onto the area. Repeat as needed.

* Reflexology – using a few drops of essential oils on various points of the body is effective for certain conditions, providing relaxation and stress release. See the Interactive Reflexology Chart for more information about using oils on reflex points.

* Massage - Make your own massage oil or lotion -- Pure essential oils should always be diluted in a vegetable oil or lotion base. Add 3-5 drops of Lavender or a Lavender blend to ½ cup of almond or any oil or lotion base.

Cleaning & Laundry
* Add a few drops of essential oil to the washing machine to give your clothes a clean, fresh smell - just add to a washcloth and drop in the machine. Tea tree oil in the wash acts as a disinfectant. 

* No more dryer sheets - Use essential oils - put a drop of your favorite, try  lavender or lemon on a washcloth and add to your clothes dryer. You can make a dryer blend of 1 drop Geranium to 6 drops Lemon - fabulous! Shake & use 1-2 drops of this blend on the washcloth.

* Make sachets for drawers with lavender or your favorite floral fragrances

* Shoe deodorizers - make small sachets or rice bags for shoes - use tea tree, eucalyptus or Thieves for sneakers, lavender or florals for dress shoes.

* Add a few drops to dishwater, or natural household cleaners. Many oils are are antibacterial and antiviral.

* Put a few drops of essential oil in water in a spray mist bottle to use as a surface cleaner & room deodorizer. (Test on small area before applying, do NOT apply to wood, use care with plastics.)
 

Baths
* Add 2- 3 drops of essential oils to your bath - but don't add directly to the water. Make your own bath salts at a fraction of the cost! Or add a few drops to your organic bath products.

* Foot Baths - great for foot baths, too! Tired feet will thank you! This can be a calming or energizing alternative to a full bath while you watch TV or read. Make these bath salts for a wonderful aromatherapy footbath.
 

Disclaimer:
This information is intended for educational purposes only.

The information provided here is not in any way intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind.

Reflexology and massage and other body work modalities are natural & holistic  therapies which should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.

Please consult a qualified medical  provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding any medical condition.

I believe we all have the ultimate responsibility for our own health and wellness.

Therefore, the decision to use any information presented here is the sole responsibility of the reader.

Handcrafted Aromatherapy Items For Sale in My Office: * * Gift Baskets (Custom Available)
* Rice Packs for Hot/Cold Therapy
* Rice Packs for Hands or Knees
* Rice Packs (small size) for Kids & Babies
* Foot Bath Salts - Relaxing or Energizing
* Trial Size Therapeutic grade essential oils
* Custom Blends for your needs
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Essential Oil Consultation 
Wondering which oils are good for you? Want to try before you buy? You can schedule a personal consultation session in my office to smell a variety of oils, learn about their benefits and try before you buy! This is a fun and informative way to learn more about aromatherapy and essential oils. FREE with massage or bodywork. Only $10 (20-min) if scheduled separately.

Deluxe  Aromatherapy Massage
1 1/2 hr -$95  1 hr- $75  1/2 hr - $40
A totally relaxing & rejuvenating experience for head, hands & feet.  First, fragrant & nourishing essential oils are applied to your scalp and hair, then you’ll totally unwind and de-stress with a wonderful head, neck and scalp massage. These fragrant essential oils are the purest of aromatherapy that have wonderful benefits for the entire body, are very beneficial for your scalp and hair. Then, while you relax to soothing music, your hands and/or feet will experience the benefits of hot stone massage & reflexology to release all your stress & tension.  All 1-hour Aromatherapy Head, Hand & Foot Sessions Include: * A deep conditioning essential oil  treatment for hair and scalp * Therapeutic  Massage of the head, neck and scalp * Reflexology & massage of your hands and/or feet with Hot/ Cool Stones *  Reiki Energy Work to balance your chi!

Each session is totally  customized for your needs for deep relaxation, stress release and pain relief. Great therapy for headaches, tension in head & neck, a great gift for someone who sits at a computer all day! Totally wonderful, blissful!
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More Information - For extensive information about the uses, cautions, how essential oils work, effects on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body, healing oils of the Bible and more see the Essential Oils Desk Reference, which can be ordered from:

Essential Science Publishing
1216 South 1580 West
Orem, Utah 84058
(800) 336-6308
http://www.essentialscience.net
 

Popular Essential Oils & Their Uses:

Chamomile – used for centuries for relaxation, skin care and to aid digestion & for colic.

Citronella - derived from a species of geranium, it has been used by many cultures for medicine, for skin care and as an insect repellant. (Be SURE to use therapeutic grade, not the oil they sell for patio candles which is toxic tot he skin and could cause blistering.)

Clove - Used extensively in the dental & food industry for toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash
 and flavoring. Also has many medicinal properties.

Eucalyptus -- inhalation can help relieve respiratory symptoms.  Also antibacterial, antiviral.

Geranium -- traditionally used in Egypt & India for skin care. Also said to be helpful for fibromyalgia.

Lavender  -- calming and sedative, has been used since ancient times to treat headaches, and for skin irritations and burns. Lavender is calming,   soothing and assists in relaxing the nervous system.

Lemon – one of the best antioxidants, also helps the immune system and is a great cleanser for the entire system. Lemon is a disinfectant and is very antiviral and antibacterial.

Peppermint – has been used for centuries to aid digestion, relieve nausea and headaches. May also help motion sickness and morning sickness.

Rosemary – used for centuries as a hair conditioner, and to assist mental clarity.

Sage -- not just a kitchen herb! Sage has been the 'sacred herb' and has been used as medicine in Europe & Asia for centuries.

Tea Tree - helps muscle spasms, sprains and skin irritations, is anti-fungal. Caution - External Use only!

Calming Oils:  Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Rose

Stimulating & Energizing Oils: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tea Tree

Using Essential Oils During Cold & Flu Season:
Essential oils can assist your immune system to stay healthy and to fight off the various viruses and bacteria we all are exposed to everyday. In addition, they help cleanse the blood, increase circulation and increase the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Many Young Living® Essential Oils have been clinically proven to have potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. (See The Essential Desk Reference info at bottom of this page). So if you have a scratchy throat, the sniffles or feel a cold coming on you can help your body fight it.

Effective ways to use these oils:

 -- Test a tiny bit on the inside of your elbow for skin sensitivity before using on any part of the body. If you tolerate them, you can add a few drops to massage oil or lotion and rub into the chest, around the throat and the lymph glands under the chin.

- Massage 1-2 drops on each hand or bottom of the feet (see the Interactive Reflexology Chart  for the reflex points on the hands & feet for sinus, lungs & lymph glands).

-- Place 1-2 drops on the ear lobes or behind the ears, (never, never in the ear canal).

-- Inhalation - Inhale directly from the bottle, or use 2-3 drops in an aromatherapy diffuser.

The following Young Living Essential oils & blends may assist you to remain strong & healthy throughout the cold & flu season. (Information from Young Living Essential Oils Desk Reference): Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Lemon, Purification, RC, Sacred Mountain and Thieves Oil.

The Story of Thieves Oil
 -- from the Essential Oils Desk Reference, p. 120, order from http://www.essentialscience.net

According to the story, during the 15th century, there was a group of thieves who made a fortune by robbing those who were dead and dying of the plague. They were apparently able to escape getting sick. When word of this got back to the King, he sent his Knights to capture these thieves, and when brought before the King he spared their lives for their secret. He learned that they had been former spice merchants & perfumers of the day. When the plague spread thru Europe, the ports closed and shipping was suspended.
These spice merchants then turned to robbery, carrying off the family jewels and silver from the dead & dying.

Their Secret?  They knew how to use certain spices, oils and herbs to protect themselves, and by anointing themselves with various spice and plant oils they were able to remain healthy during the plague.

After extensive research into these 15th century formulas, Young Living® scientists created a special anti-bacterial, antiviral formula which they named Thieves®. This is a potent formula containing oils of cinnamon, cloves, eucalyptus, lemon and rosemary. Clinical testing reports that this blend has a 99% kill rate for airborne bacteria, and is very effective against many cold, flu, respiratory and other bacteria and viruses. Another advantage to using these essential oils is that since they are natural, living substances, studies show that viruses and bacteria have not been able to develop resistance to them like antibiotics and many commercial soaps and cleaning products.

Thieves Essential Oil is very effective when used in an aromatherapy diffuser for relief of congestion due to colds and flu, bronchitis, etc... You can also just inhale directly from the bottle to clear sinus congestion. Since it is a Young Living Oil you can also use Thieves internally, with care -- for indigestion, sour stomach, headaches and toothache. Try a small bit on a toothpick to see if you can tolerate it - it tastes very cinnamon-y, clove-y. Thieves can be used directly on nail fungus – use a small amount with care to see if you can tolerate it, then if ok, apply directly & use 1 x 2 times daily. You can make a great cleaning spray with Thieves that is very antibacterial, antiviral. Just add a few drops to a cup of water and use for cleaning bathroom or kitchen surfaces. Don’t use on wood surfaces and test on plastics or other surfaces. When everyone in the household is sick with colds and flu, you can add a drop or 2 to the dishwasher or washing machine to kill germs.
Caution: be aware that Thieves® is a very strong and powerful blend, very concentrated. Avoid eye contact and always use with caution.  Don’t handle your contact lenses even after touching the bottle. Test a small amount to be sure it is not irritating to the skin. Essential Oils don’t easily wash off with water so if you get any on your hands or skin, use several drops of any kind of oil (cooking, olive, etc… ) to dilute it before you wash off.
Be aware that Thieves Oil may also cause the skin to become photosensitive for several hours after use, so don’t use on areas of the skin that will be exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.