30 ways to safely enjoy essential oils

Certain essential Oils are used in cuisine and drinks for flavouring and appetite suppression 
always use only one drop, always test for sensitivity
always follow an expert guide 



Inhalation on a tissue or aromastick is a safe and enjoyable way of using essential oils.

1.    Laundry.  To fragrance the laundry place a few drops of your essential oil onto a small piece of terry cloth and toss into the clothes dryer while drying. 

2.     Potpourri which has lost its scent can be revived by adding a few drops of essential oil.

3.   In a spray.   Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle, shake to disperse the oil and use as an air freshener or cleaner for worktops or for the mood effects of the oils.

4.     Waters.  Try the hydrolats the waters produced in the steam distillation of essential oils - there is good information on their use on the web for example in face masks

A display of Sp hydrolats in a shop

5.    Candles.  To enjoy a scented candle, take a natural candle and place a drop or two into the hot melted wax as the candle bums.

6.   In the bath.  Dont forget to dilute essential oil in a little oil or milk before placing in the bath to avoid splashing.  Always dilute if placed on the skin as a sensible precaution.

7.    Muscles For tired aching muscles or arthritis aches, mix 1 part Shirley Price muscles mix with 20 parts Fractionated Coconut Oil and use as massage oil.

8.    Headache Ease headache pain by rubbing a drop of Peppermint, Rosemary or Lavender oil onto the back of your neck.

9.    Massage To blend your own massage oil, add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 oz=30ml Fractionated Coconut oil.

10.   Carpets, Mats  Add 10 drops of essential oil to a box of baking soda, mix very well, let set for a day or two and then sprinkle over the carpets on your home. Let set for an hour or more, and then vacuum.  A drop of chamomile essential oil can be dropped on the doormat to create a relaxing homecoming.

11.  Pets.  To make a natural flea collar, saturate a short piece of cord or soft rope with Tea tree oil, roll up in a handkerchief and tie loosely around your pet's neck.  Remember pets are not at all well adapted to Tea Tree or Eucalyptus oil and these oils should not be placed on your pets paws or skin as their livers cannot eliminate them.  This is not to say pets cant safely enjoy the essential oil contained in other plants.  For example cats like Catnip.

12.  Odours? Shoes can be freshened by either dropping a few drops of Geranium essential oil directly into the shoes or by placing a cotton ball dabbed with a few drops of Lemon oil into the shoes. Athlete's foot? Melaleuca is great but you will have to apply for several weeks to banish the fungus

13. Illness Essential oils should not be taken internally except as advised by practicing aromatherapist and then under the supervision of a nurse or doctor.  If you are ill see your doctor!!

14.  A bottle of lemon, lavender, and peppermint oil make a great addition to the kitchen cabinet.  To fragrance your kitchen, bathroom cabinets and drawers, place a good scent dabbed on a cotton ball into an corner.

15.  Are mice a problem? Place several drops of Peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place at problem locations.

16.  Several of the carrier oils used to dilute essential oils have therapeutic and beautifying properties of their own.  Aloe Vera gel makes a great carrier.  For sunburn try the Shirley Price Lavender gel to assist a good nights sleep and the skins repair.

17.  You can apply just a drop of true Lavender oil or Melaleuca oil directly to cuts, scrapes or scratches to disinfect, for pain relief and to promote healing.

18.  Homemade soaps and lotions are easily made in the kitchen and offer therapeutic effects when scented with essential oils.  They make excellent gifts.

19.  Homemade sachets are more fragrant when essential oils are blended with the flowers and herbs.

20.  An essential oil dropped onto a tissue placed on a radiator will fill the room with a wonderful fragrance, and set a mood such as calming or uplifting. 

21.  A drop of lavender in a baby's bath makes for a pleasant and enjoyable bathtime for your baby.

22. Essential oils should be avioided around babies but jojoba oil makes for an excellent oil for use in the nappy area to prevent and calm skin irritation 

23.  Essential oils or blends make wonderful perfumes. Create your own personal signature essence! Add 25 drops to 1 oz=30ml of perfume alcohol or jojoba oil and allow to age for two weeks before using.   Follow the Sp natural perfume blending guide to create a harmonious perfume.

24.  To dispel mosquitoes and other picnic pests, drop a few drops of Citronella oil on the melted wax of a candle or on the barbecue coals

25.  1 drop of Lemon essential oil applied directly to a wart is an effective means of elimination. Apply the essential oil daily until the wart is gone.

26.  Rosemary enhances cognition, promotes alertness and stimulates memory. Inhale occasionally during long car trips and while reading or studying.

27.  Selling your home? Fragrance sells! Frankincense is an excellent way of clearing rooms of the effects of past occupation.

28.  The precious oils of Jasmine, Rose and Neroli have pronounced mood effects.  Jasmine oil massaged sparingly onto the shoulders assists in the delivery of babies and can reduce the effects of depression and baby blues which can follow the birth.  Available as pure oils or in 5% dilution with jojoba.

29.  You can infuse stationary with essential oil by leaving a cotton wool ball with a drop of essential oil in the stationary draw.  This will make letters more memorable as the scent is associated with the letter in the mind.

30.  Gifts can be made more memorable simply by putting a couple of drops of essential oil on them before giving.

Take a course?  At our factory in Hinckley and at Imperial College London I and the Sp tutor team have a programme of courses ranging from introductory to professional use of essential oils.

Aromatherapy for health professionals is at the heart of Shirley Price Aromatherapy. It draws from several philosophies guiding and inspiring us in the ‘art of living well.’ In simple terms, aromatherapy is a holistic system which guides us so that we can live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle and prevent things going wrong. It recognises that we are all unique and focuses on food, lifestyle, massage, exercise and the use of essential oils to suit our individual psychology and needs for mind and body and spiritual growth.

The art and science of aromatherapy encourages us to take responsibility for our own health according to the different stages of our lives and the environment we live in. These factors all have a big impact on our health and it makes sense to adapt our lifestyle accordingly so we can continue to live in harmony with our body and stay in optimum health.

Aromatherapy is all about living life to the full and keeping yourself on top form

- whatever the day throws at you! 

Essentia

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. Although the word Aromatherapy makes it sound as if the oils are inhaled, an excellent way of enjoying the benefits of essential oils, they can also be massaged into the skin or -- rarely -- as with other herbal remedies taken by mouth in highly dilute form as flavouring or to affect the liver or gut. You should never take essential oils by mouth without specific instruction from a trained and qualified specialist. Whether inhaled or applied on the skin, essential oils are gaining attention as an alternative treatment for infections, anxiety, stress, and other health problems. In most cases scientific evidence is still lacking.  However since the award of the Nobel prize for medicine to scientists mapping the human smell receptors aromatherapy has received increased scientific attention.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, or flowers of plants. Each contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix determines what the oil is used for. Some oils are used to promote physical healing -- for example, to treat swelling or fungal infections. Others are used for their emotional value -- they may enhance relaxation or make a room smell pleasant. Orange blossom oil, for example, contains an active ingredient that is thought to be calming.

Essentia

Everyday Organic Essential Oils on the kitchen shelf

Everyday Organic Oils for the kitchen shelf.  

Safety and dosage issues

For appetite suppression try Shirley Price Organic Grapefruit too.

If flavouring 16 fl oz of water as part of a slimming plan to replace soft drinks do not exceed a dosage of one drop.

Remember essential oils can be inhaled on a tissue or placed in an aromastick 

(available for separate purchase)

Jojoba Oil is close chemical to the body's own skin oil and can be used on its own or to dilute an essential oil but should not be taken internally at all.

Essential oils should not be taken internally for care purposes except on the advice of a qualified aromatherapist under the supervision of a doctor or nurse.

Essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin.  

Keep aware from children and the eyes.  

Avoid in pregnancy.

Discard after 12 months of opening or by the best by date.

Citrus oils can be phototoxic if applied even diluted to the skin.  Avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds for at least two hours after use.

As a Soil Association licensee and member of the Aromatherapy Trades Council Shirley Price Aromatherapy Ltd is committed to the responsible use and marketing of essential oils.

perfume paired dinner

You can find out more about the expert use of essential oils and hydrolats in food and drink below 

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aromamedix

http://www.bush-sense.com/

Aromatic Cuisine - Food as Medicine

A day long workshop overviewing the use of aromatics in cuisine.

Learn how to use essential oils, absolutes and hydrosols safely to transform food into medicine.

For those who have not seen Mark in the kitchen you are in for a visual and aromatic treat. His passion for aromatherapy is rivaled only by that for fine food!

Mark has been using aromatics in cooking and recipe creation for a number of years. He has been known to torment students of Aromatic Chemistry with mouth watering recipes to illustrate the powerful and benefical therapeutic uses of these highly prized substances. While not formally trained as a chef, Mark has received many comments from friends, family and students alike over the years that he is one, none-the-less. His passion for fine food and his deep understanding of how to blend aromatics has made this an easy path to walk. “You are what you eat” is a well known quotation and in the modern, fast food world we see this all to often, with poor health and vitality the usual outcomes experienced. The concept of “Food as Medicine” is not new, but the usage of highly concentrated aromatics at the kitchen level IS! Once you understand the basic concepts and guidelines covered in this workshop you will easily see the unlimited aromatic possibilities. Overcoming the limitations of supply of fresh herbs and spices and being able to deliver potent, healthy, energetic food that is not only flavoursome but has real health benefits is very very rewarding whether you are a five star chef or a cook in the family home.

Mark Webb is well known within the world of essential oils and aromatic substances and has written and published - Bush Sense - Australian Essential Oils and Aromatic Compounds back in 2000.
He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Plant Biology and Diplomas in Remedial Massage and Aromatherapy with additional training in Aromatic and Botanical Medicine.
Since writing Bush Sense he lectured for 6 years at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) and TAFE NSW before relocating to Brisbane 3.5 years ago to take up a consulting position in research and development of aromatic products. Mark now operates a private consulting business Aromamedix Pty Ltd to the biotechnology, food & personal care industries. He is a full member of the Australian Cosmetic Chemists Association (ASCC) and has continued with his research into Australian aromatic plants and promoting the clinical and medicinal uses of these unique substances.

 In this workshop Mark will take participants upon an aromatic journey of a different kind. We will venture into the world of ... the kitchen. Aromatic substances such as fresh or dried herbs and spices have been used in virtually all cultures across planet Earth for many hundreds of thousands of years. Using the highly concentrated extracts of essential and expressed oils and absolutes is however far less common in the noncommercial kitchen than it should be. Many people would never consider adding these powerful substances to food or beverages because of their fears and a basic lack of understanding of the safety issues.
Workshop Content:
A general discussion of the various types of aromatic substances and their uses within the culinary framework.

• Why sometimes fresh ISN’T always better.
• Safety 101 - How to use aromatics safely and with confidence.
• What are the risks involved and the safety margins.
• What to look for in product selection.
• Dose - How much is too much?
• Aromatic Cooking Kit - 20 aromatics you really want in the kitchen.
• Carriers - what carrier substances to use and when in recipes.
• Recipes Conversion - Learn some basic rules to convert your current recipes into aromatic

based cuisine.

Throughout this workshop Mark will be demonstrating a number of recipes from a variety
of dishes and beverages from around the world that you will get to try as part of this flavoursome workshop.
An aromatic experience NOT to be missed!
Investment: $150 per person (GST Inc.) and includes all workshop notes, recipes and sampling of aromatic foods on the day.

http://www.selectbotanicals.com.au/seminars

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Jasminum Grandiflorum - love in a bottle

Today Jasmine has practically disappeared from Grasse. It is still grown in Morocco, but the two major producing countries are now Egypt and India. In India the flowers are traditionally cultivated for ornamentation, and an extraction industry was started up in the late nineteen-seventies.

Jasmine blossoms in the summer, from June to October. The flowers open before dawn and must be picked very early in the morning. The concrete come from Jasmine plantations in Tamil Nadu and is processed in France to produce the absolute. Worldwide production of Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) concrete ranges from 7 to 8 tons, mainly from India and Egypt. I like the Indian the best. It is a lot sweeter than the egyptian.

Jasmine makes the ideal gift that a man can give to his wife. This is particularly so at the time of giving birth. A little Jasmine massaged onto the shoulders or inhaled in an aromastick will both help with the labour and relieve the mind of anxiety. This is important after the birth in preventing 'baby blues' turning toward post natal depression. Jasmine is not a cheap oil. My own purchase of 1kg at a time would like the neroil and Rose Otto purchase a small car. However in pregnancy the oil is unequalled and it can be bought inexpensively in a 5% jojoba dilution. If you call the factory the oil can be mixed in an oil of your choice or supplied unmixed in 3ml quantity with an aromastick. Students can order in 1ml quantity (we have an even smaller bottle!). Always consult your midwife however many midwives have sought training in complementary therapies and aromatherapy in particular so are aware of Jasmines properties.

You can read more about aromatherapy in pregnancy in Denise Tiran's excellent e-book http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Happy-Pregnancy-Yourself-ebook/dp/B004KZOMHI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1333570461&sr=8-5

Ian Brealey

College kits time

College kits on their way out.  These Sp boxes hold 24 and 48 essential oils.

We can provide the oils in smaller bottle sizes which makes an economical way of assembling a college kit.

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Aromatherapy for sunburn

Everyone enjoys going to the beach with the kids.  Sensible precautions such as staying out of the sun between 11-3 and covering up make sense and can avoid sunburn.   

A sunburn is a burn to living tissue, such as skin, which is produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun's rays. Usual mild symptoms in humans and other animals include red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV radiation will often produce a suntan.

Sunscreen is widely agreed to prevent sunburn.  Clothing, including hats, is considered the preferred skin protection method. Moderate sun tanning without burning can also prevent subsequent sunburn, as it increases the amount of melanin, a skin photoprotectant pigment that is the skin's natural defense against overexposure.  The only cure for sunburn is slow healing, although some skin gels can help with the symptoms.

Normally aromatherapy oils and lotions are chosen for their ability to penetrate the skin.  It is important that the sunscreen does not penetrate the skin or the protective effect of the sunscreen is lost.   

Aloe vera blended with lavender taken at bedtime will help moisturise the skin.  

Sunburn prevention.....Shirley Price offer a Factor 15 and factor 25 sunblock in a low absorbant white lotion

Sunburn healing...Shirley Price Lavender Burnagel will assist with the symptoms of sunburn and promote a healthy nights sleep. 

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Q. What is aromachology?

Aromachology studies the effect of aroma upon human psychology. Specific scents stimulate the olfactory pathways in the brain and can sub-consciously induce feelings of reassurance, confidence, relaxation, happiness and well-being, amongst other emotions. It is said to differ from Aromatherapy, which is associated with the use of essential oils to enhance wellbeing in a physical way however aromatherapy for mental health and wellbeing and quality of life in challenging circumstances forms the larger part of professional aromatherapy. 

Scientific evidence that such an association exists between aroma and emotional state is accumulating. Shirley Price Aromatherapy have incorporated this evidence into a range of products for use in the following applications:

- Hospital environments to reassure patients undertaking treatments – alleviate stress / depression
- Reduction of anxiety associated with flying, by introducing scents into aeroplane cabins
- Impregnation of bed linen with relaxing aromas to help induce sleep 
- Building confidence around the use of medical / personal products
- Reassurance of the efficacy of cleaning / hygiene products
- Reduction of perceived pain
- Complementing psychological counselling or treatments
- Customised fragrances – e.g. energising, confidence boosting 
- Environmental marketing – enforcing brand recognition, influencing purchasing behaviour in the retail sector for spas, hotels, supermarkets

 Healthcare environments value our solutions to reinforce the consumer and patient emotional well-being, by triggering feelings of confidence and reassurance where apprehension and anxiety are more normal. 

let food be your medicine

watch the documentary trailer

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My office

The view of my office today.  244 essential oils to the right, 200 products to the left.

We are lucky that the offices are on the first floor of a former textile factory so the windows are large and the ceilings high.

The factory is open Monday to friday 9-5 and visitors are very welcome.

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Student handouts - A4 Chemistry/Botany

A4 Chemistry/Botany Students Handout
Where I can I like to get the rote learning onto a single side of A4. 

The classification by chemical families linking to relaxing, stimulating etc goes back to L'Aromatherapie Exactement Piere FrancHomme and Dr Daniel Penoel, via our Shirley Price College lecture notes feeding back practice from the aromatherapists, Katja Svoboda, Rosemary Caddy (her excellent book is Essential Oils in Colour), Battaglia.

Besides these sources I use supplier certificates of analysis and MSDS sheets - anywhere I can derive the summary info. 

Properties. The next stage once you have settled on your oils is to ascribe the mental and bodily properties ascribed to them by the Congress of Grasse. 

These are very well summarised in the Shirley Price books. The 2011 edition of Aromatherapy for Health Professionals benefits from a CD with EO information on. This book also benefits from contributions from other practitioners, researchers and educators like Rhiannon Harris. 


Ian Brealey

Q. How do you classify essential oils?

Can I just say   On chemistry, mathematics and intuition.  The aromas defy every effort at classification (if they didnt they would not be so potent).  Still science is increasingly on the case and perhaps one day the mathematical beauty of the aromas and their many effects on the individual will be set out in visual artistic terms for all to see and admire in the same way as we admire flowers and fruit the other half of the construct. In the meantime we have the pictures of the plant which is beauty enough.

With 600 active smell receptor genes thats (at least) 600! (shriek, 600x599x598 etc) mathematical possibilities of mental let alone cellular perception beyond relaxing and stimulatiing.  Somehow certain plant families navigated their way through that to provide us in evolutionary terms with aromatic materials that would do us good and which we would find visually and even emotionally pleasing while at the same time providing a differant visual and fruit protocol to insects .  That really is amazing.

Intuition is important too in making sense of this complex psychological landscape of the individual meeting the complex psychological landscape of the oil. Valerie Worwood had a good go at this. The 'bubbles' and 'crunches' in the chinese meridians may not come naturally to western minds but they are an excellent diagnostic tool.

Essentia

Q. What are some of the best oils to use with someone who has chronic fatigue syndrome and depression?

 for younger more resilient clients also take a look at the florals eg for post natal depression. a nice sweet indian jasmine for use at and after the birth can have the added benefit of preventing baby blues before they start. A jasmine blended in jojoba isnt expensive and many husbands will be only be too glad to be of some assistance massaging in a little of the blend at the birth. keep the midwife informed and if the client is home blending be sure to ask them to label the bottle. denise tiran has a nice ebook from the professional midwives perspective.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-Happy-Pregnancy-Yourself-ebook/dp/B004KZOMHI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1333321441&sr=8-8

her heavier tome is here
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clinical-Aromatherapy-Pregnancy-Childbirth-Denise/dp/044306427X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333321441&sr=8-3

Esentia