Essential oils are the odorant chemicals extracted from plants. Aromatic plants grow in great numbers but not all of them yield enough essential oil to make it worthwhile to go through the extraction process. Some of them also have a very toxic effect and therefore cannot be used for therapeutic purposes in the practice of aromatherapy.

When one asks what is an essential oil, it is useful to think about their characteristics and appearance. Essential oils are fluidic, odorant, colored and volatile. This means they undergo chemical changes when they come into contact with sunlight, air and heat. They are not water-soluble but will dissolve in pure alcohol or chemical solvents such as fatty or oily substances, petroleum and ethers.

Essential oils have a density generally lighter than water which causes them to float on the surface of water. There are however some essential oils that are heavier and will sink to the bottom. They generally do not freeze, although there are some exceptions to this rule.

Always keep essential oils in cool temperatures, around 5° Celsius. They should be stored in dark glass containers that are tightly capped or sealed to stop evaporation and prevent oxidation. This will ensure they will keep their therapeutic properties for the length of their shelf life.

Essential oils must be kept away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent photocatalytic activity. When purchasing essential oils from a shop it is important to look out for where and how they are stored.

Essential oils are obtained from various parts of a plant including leaves (Thyme), roots (Ginger), seeds (Coriander), flowers (Chamomile), wood (Sandalwood), fruit (Grapefruit) and bark (Cinnamon).

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

What is an essential oil?

Adding skin food to your face and body is a wonderfully simple thing to incorporate into your everyday skincare regime.

Your skin absorbs chemicals and pollutants far quicker than your digestive system. Therefore it makes sense to think about what you are putting on your body not just what you are putting in your body. If you can eat it, you can put it on your skin!

You may well already have plenty of skin food already in your refrigerator, kitchen cupboards and your garden. Botanical ingredients have benefits and active healing properties including fruits, vegetables, herbs, oils, grains, nuts, seeds, pulses and dairy foods. Many are rich in vitamins, minerals, fruit acids, enzymes, amino acids, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), antioxidants and proteins.

Below is a list of many skin foods and their various uses and properties in each category.

Skin foods – fruits

• Apple – contains malic and tartaric acids which gently exfoliate the skin. Grated apple is very soothing and smoothing to a dry skin.
• Avocado – rich in natural oils. Mash the flesh and apply as a simple face mask. Avocado is soothing, softening and is an emollient to dry skin.
• Banana – contains mucopolysaccarides which improves skin hydration. Mashed banana can be used in skin preparations for its soothing and softening properties.
• Grapes – contains tartaric acid. Crushed grapes are very soothing, cooling and toning to the skin.
• Lemon – contains citric acid and is anti-bacterial and an astringent. Lemon juice is useful for treating oily and blemished skin (please note, it is best to use diluted). Also good for hair and skin preparations to counteract the alkalinity of soaps and shampoos and will reduce any product build up and irritation that may result from their use.
• Pawpaw/Papaya – contains the enzyme papain which has the ability to dissolve keratin and therefore dead surface skin cells. Mash the fruit and leave on your face for 10-15 minutes as a gentle exfoliant.
• Pineapple – contains the enzyme bromelain which is a gentle exfoliant. Either the flesh or the juice can be added to skin preparations.
• Strawberry – contains salicylic acid which removes dead skin cells, allowing it to absorb moisture more efficiently. The fruit can be mashed or juiced and added to skin preparations for its soothing, toning and mildly bleaching properties. Strawberry leaves can be infused and used as an infusion for oily skin.

Skin foods – vegetables

• Cucumber – hydrating and mildly astringent to the skin. Grated cucumbers make a gentle and mild astringent mask. Useful for sunburn. Slices are great to pop onto your eyes during a face mask. Mixes well with aloe vera.
• Lettuce – mash with a mortar and pestle to produce a very soothing preparation which promotes the healing of blemishes.
• Potato – juiced or grated potato is soothing and an anti-inflammatory. It can reduce bruising and calm puffy eyes.
• Tomato – has astringent properties making it useful for oily skin conditions.

Skin foods – nuts, seeds, grains, pulses

Ground nuts, seeds, grains and pulses are perfect for skin exfoliation for both the face and body. Use smaller grains for the face while the larger grains are best suited to the body. Suitable ingredients can be ground such as almonds, lentils, adzuki beans, rice, semolina, bran and lecithin.

Oats can also be used, specifically in the form of oat flour, oat bran and oatmeal which can all be used in skin preparations to sooth and heal the skin. Oats also relieves irritations, inflammations and itchiness.

Foot and body powders can be made from corn starch, potato starch, rice starch and chickpea flour. They can be combined with essential oils and herbs to make luxurious fragrant body powders or combined to make a dry hair shampoo.

Skin foods – herbs

• Aloe vera – the cooling gel is obtained from the plant’s succulent leaves. It is an effective healing agent for burns, injuries and acne. It is soothing, cooling and hydrating and stimulates the growth of new cells.
• Calendula – infusions can be made from the flowers and are antiseptic, healing, soothing and anit-inflammatory. Can also be used to highlight fair hair in a rinse.
• Chamomile – makes a soothing infusion that can help with wound healing. Used as a compress to soothe the skin and eyes and reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Comfrey – contains allantoin and mucilage which gives comfrey its excellent healing and soothing properties.
• Elder flowers – infusions are used for their mildly astringent and soothing properties. Makes a great skin toner and eye compress.
• Ginseng – can be helpful in increasing skin elasticity and in revitalising epidermal cell production.
• Lemon balm – antiseptic, astringent, soothing and healing. Useful for sensitive and blemished skins. The infusion is good to use as a facial toner.
• Lemongrass – good for oily skins to help normalize excessive sebaceous secretions.
• Peppermint – relieves inflammation, skin irritation and itchiness. The infusion has a refreshing and cooling effect on the skin and useful in hair preparations to combat dandruff.
• Rosemary – antiseptic, astringent, deodorant, stimulating and healing properties. Improves blood circulation and can help devitalised skin. Also useful in hair preparations to relieve dandruff, encourage hair growth and improve scalp conditions.
• Thyme – has antiseptic, astringent and healing properties. Used as an infusion, herbal vinegar or herbal oil in deodorants, shampoos, hair rinses, and aftershaves.

Skin foods – dairy

• Cream – rich in butterfat and contains lecithin. Cream is a good addition to facial masks to soften and soothe dry skins.
• Eggs – egg yolks are a major source of lecithin which is a natural emollient and preservative. Egg whites are very astringent and drying. Both are great to use on the skin and also in hair preparations to give body and shine.
• Yoghurt – rich in protein, calcium and vitamins. Yoghurt can be used as a face mask on its own or with other ingredients and is suitable for all skin types.

Stay tuned for our upcoming skin food recipes using these wonderful fresh ingredients from your kitchen or garden.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Skin Food

Many commercial deodorants on the market contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions when applied to the sensitive underarm skin. Not only that, many of these ingredients can be harmful when used regularly which deodorant usually is.

A common ingredient in commercial deodorants and antiperspirants is aluminum chlorohydrate and this is believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease. The aluminium compounds may disrupt the normal activity of acetylcholine which is deficient in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers.

For these reasons, it makes much more sense to avoid these commercial products and either buy natural deodorants or make your own. Below is a simple recipe to make a lovely natural deodorant spray choosing your favorite essential oils.

The ingredients are natural antiseptics and astringents that will help to combat the bacteria that is formed when the by-products of perspiration break down and are exposed to the air.

Natural deodorant recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons witch hazel
• 8 drops of essential oils

Method

Mix all the ingredients together and store in a jar with a spray lid. Shake well before each use.

Deodorizing essential oils

Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Grapefruit, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lemon, Lavender, Patchouli, Pine, Rosemary, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Natural deodorant

There are a wide variety of clays you can use for making facial clay masks. This quick guide to facial clays will help you find the best facial clay that is most suitable for your skin type.

French clays are clays with high mineral content and this gives them the active properties that affect the skin. They generate heat due to the mineral salt content and this helps the skin to release toxins. Facial clays are excellent for cleansing, drawing, detoxifying, exfoliating dead skin cells as well as being healing, soothing and toning.

Also known as Argiletz clays as they come from Argiletz in France, these facial clays come in different colours which is due to their mineral content and this gives each type its unique healing properties.

Green clay

Green clay consists mostly of chromium, nickel and copper. It is best suited to oily skins and useful for acne treatments. It reduces sebum production, exfoliates dead skin cells, assists in tissue repair, draws out toxins and calms inflammation. Green clay is ideal for poultices to relieve and sooth a variety of skin conditions.

White clay

White clay consists of pure aluminium oxide with traces of zinc oxide. It can be drying and is best suited for detoxification and balancing sebum and is milder than green clay. White clay is suitable for delicate, sensitive and mature skins. It can also be used as a deodorant and natural alternative to talcum powder.

Yellow clay

Yellow clay is derived from iron oxide. It helps to improve the condition of devitalised, tired and neglected looking skin.

Red clay

Red clay contains iron and is an oily and mildly absorbent clay. It helps to improve the condition of dry and sensitive skin and is excellent for cleansing as well as toning. A word of caution here, if using red clay please be aware that is can stain easily so use dark towels to cover clothes when applying it.

Pink clay

Pink clay is soothing, cleansing, hydrating and gently detoxifying. It exfoliates dead skin cells and is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It makes a great clay to use as a maintenance program for both face and body masks.

Other facial clays

There are a couple of other facial clays worth mentioning here that are not French clays yet just has useful in any skin care regime.

White kaolin

Also known as China clay, White Kaolin gives an astringent and drying effect on the skin. It is excellent as a detoxifier and improves the lymphatic flow and increases blood flow to the area applied. White Kaolin is best suited to normal and oily skin and like white clay above is a great alternative to talcum powder as a body deodorant.

Fuller’s earth

Last but not least is Fuller’s earth, a very common ingredient in facial clay masks. It is a soft, brown clay and another excellent exfoliator for dead skin cells and helps to stimulate the epidermis. Fuller’s earth is most suited to oily skins.

For more information on facial clay masks and some great recipes, please visit facial clay mask page in the natural skin care recipes section.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Facial clays – a quick guide

A beautiful head of healthy, lustrous, shining hair can be one of your greatest beauty assets. You can spend a fortune on commercial hair products, however, most products you can make yourself at a fraction of the cost using ingredients you already have.

You can’t change the type of hair you were born with but you can improve its natural state.

Using natural ingredients for your hair ensures gentle, revitalizing and restorative treatment and the best possible advantage for the protection and appearance of your hair.

The addition of essential oils can only be beneficial to your hair as each essential oil has their own therapeutic properties and penetrates deep into the hair follicle. Essential oils give your hair a natural shine and many encourage new hair growth.

The aromatherapy hair tonics below are suitable for most hair types including oily, normal and dry.

Oily Hair Tonic

• 100ml rose water
• 5ml cider vinegar
• 10 drops Clary Sage essential oil
• 12 drops Rosemary essential oil

Normal and Dry Hair Tonic

• 100ml chamomile flower water
• 5ml cider vinegar
• 10 drops Carrot essential oil
• 12 drops Geranium essential oil

Add all of the ingredients to a clean jar. Shake the jar to mix well and massage into clean, damp hair. Apply twice a week, shaking the jar well before each use. There’s no need to rinse the hair after application.

For a complete guide to using aromatherapy in all your hair care products, check out the Aromatherapy for Beautiful Hair ebook.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Hair Tonic

Birch essential oil has a powerful and penetrating aroma with many useful properties including being an antiseptic, analgesic, diuretic and sudorific.

It blends well with Chamomile, Ginger, Lavender and Thyme essential oils among others and was often used in the perfume industry.

To find out more of Birch Essential Oil and its uses visit the full profile here.

Image by: Andrew Butko [GFDL 1.3 or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Birch Essential Oil

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time in a woman’s life however it can sometimes cause all sorts of havoc on the body. Morning sickness can often be experienced early on and can range from mild to debilitating. To help calm your stomach, you can add a drop or two of Spearmint essential oil to a bowl of boiling water and have the bowl nearby to breath in the aroma.

If you suffer from insomnia during pregnancy which is also quite common, you can add a few drops of Mandarin essential oil to 30ml of sweet almond oil. Get your partner or a friend to gently massage this blend into your lower back. This will also assist with any lower back pain which is often another symptom.

Digestive problems and heart burn can also occur for a variety of reasons. Useful essential oils to use in this case include Coriander, Melissa and Lemon. Use very sparingly by adding 1 drop of each or one only to 30ml of sweet almond oil. This blend can then be gently massaged into your abdominal area.

Stretch marks are a common occurrence in pregnancy for obvious reasons. To prevent these you can use the stretch mark massage blend for pregnancy found in an earlier blog post. For best results, start using this blend as soon as you discover you are pregnant. If you use this blend consistently throughout your pregnancy, you could well escape from any signs of stretch marks at all.

It is extremely important in pregnancy to use only those essential oils that are recommended by a qualified Aromatherapist. Many essential oils contain emmenagogue properties which means to bring on periods or contractions. These include essential oils such as Angelica, Basil, Bay, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cumin, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Myrrh, Peppermint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme.

Essential oils that are euphoric such as Fennel, Basil and Aniseed should also never been used in pregnancy as they are potential nerve poisons.

The safest essential oils to use in pregnancy are Mandarin, Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli and Rose. These should only ever be used in moderation however, especially in the first three months of pregnancy and always consult a qualified Aromatherapist if in any doubt whatsoever.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

If you love essential oils and aromatherapy, you’ll love making your own aromatherapy perfumes. It’s fun and easy to do and also extremely rewarding.

I’ve picked 5 of my favorite perfume recipes from the website which you’ll find below. There’s lots more on the site or you can make your own perfumes by being creative and blending your own essential oils.

All instructions for making your own aromatherapy perfume recipes can be found here.

Moroccan mystique

• 3 drops Bergamot
• 2 drops Palmarosa
• 3 drops Rose
• 4 drops Sandalwood

Tranquility

• 4 drops Cedarwood
• 2 drops Clary Sage
• 1 drop Grapefruit
• 2 drops Mandarin

Devotion

• 1 drop Clary Sage
• 3 drops Patchouli
• 2 drops Rose
• 4 drops Rosewood

Joyfulness

• 2 drops Basil
• 1 drops Geranium
• 3 drops Melissa
• 2 drops Sandalwood

Poise

• 2 drops Basil
• 3 drops Bergamot
• 1 drop Coriander
• 4 drops Petitgrain

You can find many more aromatherapy perfume recipes here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

5 Fun Aromatherapy Perfume Recipes

Elemi essential oil is distilled from the tree bark of the elemi tree originating from the Philippines.

It is a useful expectorant to help ease lung problems such as coughs and excess mucous in the lungs. It has a grounding and calming effect on the mind.

To find out more of Elemi Essential Oil’s properties and uses see the full profile here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Elemi Essential Oil

There are various home remedies for stretch marks that can be very effective, especially when combined with regular massage. Stretch marks are often caused by weight fluctuation and during pregnancy. The most prone areas are breasts, stomach, buttocks and thighs although other areas can be affected such as the upper arms and the chest area. Body builders may see stretch marks appearing in these areas when they gain or lose muscle very quickly.

The following stretch mark remedies are simple to make at home and you can experiment using different essential oil blends depending on what you have in stock. Please keep in mind that if you are treating stretch marks in pregnancy, only use the last blend as the other three contain essential oils that should not be used if you are pregnant.

Stretch mark massage blend 1

• 20ml sweet almond oil
• 10ml wheatgerm oil
• 6 drops Cypress essential oil
• 4 drops Lemon essential oil

Stretch mark massage blend 2

• 20ml sweet almond oil
• 10ml carrot infused oil oil
• 5 drops Fennel essential oil
• 5 drops Geranium essential oil

Stretch mark massage blend 3

• 20ml sweet almond oil
• 10ml rosehip oil
• 7 drops Lavender essential oil
• 4 drops Mandarin essential oil

Stretch mark massage blend for pregnancy

• 20ml sweet almond oil
• 10ml wheatgerm oil
• 5 drops Tangerine essential oil

For all the blends above, add the ingredients into a clean jar and shake well to mix. Massage the blend into the areas affected by stretch marks in a circular motion. Do this regularly for the best effects and also for the prevention of stretch marks.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

Lavandin is a hybrid plant produced from true lavender and spike lavender. It produces a much higher yield, making it a less expensive essential oil than the other two.

It can be very effective for healing skin conditions such as dermatitis and can help with scarring. Great for stuffy noses and coughs due to its expectorant properties.

To find out more about Lavandin essential oil see the full profile here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Lavandin Essential Oil

This all over body moisturizer is perfect for dry skin especially that which has been exposed to the effects of air conditioning or over-exposure of the sun.

Keep a jar handy in the bathroom to massage into your skin after each shower or bath and just before bed. This will keep your skin feeling wonderfully soft and supple.

You can find the recipe for Body Moisturizer here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Body Moisturizer

These gorgeous aromatic bags are great to pop into smelly shoes to act as a natural shoe deodorizer. You can make the bags yourself or buy them from a store such as a craft store. I usually buy the muslin bags from Mountain Rose Herbs who sell them at a great price in packs of 10.

Simply fill each bag with dried leaves such as lavender and rosemary. You can also add some dried lemon or orange peel. Next add a few drops of essential oils. Some great deodorizing essential oils are lemon, lavender, thyme and sage. Just use whatever you have in stock and whatever appeals to you most.

Pop the bags into any shoes that need refreshing and leave in there until the next use!

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Natural shoe deodorizer

Anise-Star Essential Oil has a rather penetrating and pungent aroma, similar to liquorice. It should be used sparingly as it is a very potent essential oil and not often used in the practice of Aromatherapy.

It has great carminative properties so is useful for all sorts of digestive problems including feelings of nausea, flatulence and constipation.

It is generally best to avoid using Anise-Star essential oil in any natural skin care recipes due to its potency.

You can find more information about Anise-Star here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Anise-Star Essential Oil

To keep your garbage bin smelling fresh and clean, use this simple and cheap natural homemade recipe. All you need is baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate. It’s a natural ingredient, commonly used in baking so most kitchen cupboards will have this in stock.

Simply sprinkle the baking soda into your garbage bins then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This not only deodorizes the bin but gives it a wonderful aroma of the essential oil you add.

If you have old essential oils that are past their use by date, this is a perfect use for them.

You can find more aromatherapy home recipes here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Garbage bin deodorizer

Homemade potpourris are so much nicer than the shop-bought versions. They are more natural and don’t contain any chemical or synthetic ingredients and the aroma of the natural essential oils is much more pleasant and long-lasting.

This recipe makes an excellent aromatherapy gift but it’s also nice to keep for yourself. Or why not double the recipe and keep one and give one away?

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried golden mushrooms
• 1 cup star anise
• 1 cup dried wood shavings
• 1 cup dried orange peel
• ½ cup juniper berries
• ¼ cup coriander seeds
• 1 cup walnut shells
• 2 tablespoons orris root powder
• 8 drops coriander essential oil
• 8 drops juniper essential oil
• 8 drops orange essential oil

Method

• Place all the dried ingredients along with the orris root powder into a clean polythene bag and gently shake to mix.
• Add the drops of essential oils, gently shake again to mix then seal the bag tightly and leave it to sit for 2 weeks to cure.
• Shake the bag again after 2 weeks then pour all the ingredients into a pretty gift basket, bowl or box.
• If you’re giving this as a gift, cover with colored cellophane and wrap with a bow. Attach a gift card with the name, key ingredients and the essential oil mix.

This aromatherapy recipe is taken from the popular Aromatherapy Gifts ebook. For many more wonderful recipes and gift ideas, find out more about the Aromatherapy Gifts ebook here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Autumn Potpourri

Using aromatherapy around your home in cleaning recipes is not only a healthy decision you can make for you and your family, it fills your house with the beautiful aroma of essential oils.

If you have any old essential oils that have lost their therapeutic qualities, it’s also a great way to use them up and avoid having to waste them.

A very simple thing you can do is fill a bucket with hot water then add several drops of your chosen essential oil and use the water to mop your floors, clean your windows or even throw down your toilet to keep it smelling fresh.

A useful way to keep moths and weevils at bay is to wipe the inside of your cupboards with lavender oil. This also acts as a natural disinfectant. Alternatively, pour some drops of any of the citrus oils onto some cotton wool balls and tuck these into the corners of cupboards and drawers.

To make a natural air freshener, fill a spray bottle with water then add essential oils. It’s much more pleasant to spray this sort of mixture around your home than the commercial products full of chemicals.

If you have any ideas you’d like to share please leave a comment below.

Check out this page for more ideas on Aromatherapy Home Recipes.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Home Recipes

Jojoba is used in many essential oil recipes and is known to be very balancing. Because of this it’s great to use on all skin types including acne, inflamed skins as well as dry skin.

Jojoba has anti-inflammatory properties making it a useful addition to blends for arthritis and rheumatism. It is very stable giving it good keeping properties, therefore a good base to use for making aromatherapy perfume recipes and also for reed diffuser refill recipes.

You can find more information about Jojoba here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Jojoba

The final guide for essential oil notes is available today and covers the essential oil notes from O-Y. The previous guides can be found at guide to essential oil notes A-E and guide to essential oil notes F-N.

These guides can help when blending many essential oil recipes including for natural skin care, aromatherapy body scrub recipes and bath and body recipes.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Guide to Essential Oil Notes O-Y

Following on from yesterday’s guide to essential oil notes A-E, today we have the guide to essential oil notes F-N.

You can use these guides to help with blending your essential oil recipes. Not only for aromatherapy diffuser blends but it’s also handy for making aromatherapy perfume recipes.

Don’t forget, you can find out more about blending essential oils here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Guide to Essential Oil Notes F-N

Here’s a useful guide to essential oil notes which can help when making your aromatherapy essential oil blends. This first guide is for essential oils A-E, the rest will follow soon.

Ideally, essential oil blends should contain all three notes as this can create harmony within the blend. Once you’re arms with this knowledge, you can get creative and start making your own blends from your favorite essential oils.

You can find out more about essential oil notes and aromatherapy blends here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Guide to Essential Oil Notes A-E

Steam distillation is by far the most common form of essential oil extraction but there are other methods including enfleurage, expression, maceration and solvent extraction.

The method used depends on the part of the plant the essential oil is to be extracted from. For example, the delicate flower petals of roses, jasmine and neroli often requires enfleurage and sometimes maceration or solvent extraction.

Expression is often used for the rind of certain citrus fruit including lemons, oranges and grapefruit.

The steam distillation methods works well with leaves, seeds, roots, flowers and stems.

You can find out more details about the various methods of Essential Oil Extraction here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oil Extraction

Tagetes essential oil can be useful as a natural insecticide in the garden. It can also help to heal skin infections from wounds and cuts.

A very powerful oil, Tagetes should only be used in moderation.

To find out more uses for Tagetes Essential Oil visit the full profile here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Tagetes Essential Oil

Due to the popularity of the previous post ‘5 best essential oils for your skin type‘ this post now discusses the 7 best essential oils for your hair type.

Like skin types, there are also many different hair types and using the best essential oils recommended for each, is a great way to treat your hair. Many of the commercial hair care products on the market use chemicals that can actually damage your hair not to mention be detrimental to your health. By using natural hair care products with the addition of essential oils you can improve your hair’s natural state as well as look after your health.

A great way to do this is to make or buy a natural shampoo or conditioner base and add essential oils. Below is a list of the best essential oils for your hair type:

Oily: Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yarrow

Dry: Carrot seed, Geranium, Lavender, Parsley, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Yarrow

Normal: Carrot seed, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Parsley, Rosemary

Problem: Basil, Chamomile, Cypress, Lemon, Sandalwood, Sage, Thyme

Fragile: Birch, Carrot seed, Chamomile, Lavender, Parsley, Sandalwood, Thyme

If you want to find out more about looking after your hair using aromatherapy essential oils, you may be interested in the ebook ‘Aromatherapy for Beautiful Hair‘. This ebook has over 40 recipes you can treat your hair with as well as many bonus tips for looking after your hair. There is currently a summer special on this ebook offering a 40% discount. All you need to do is add ‘SUMMER2013’ to the discount area at checkout and you’ll get 40% off. Click on the book to find out more.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

7 best essential oils for your hair type

If you’re looking for a natural eye cream recipe you can make yourself here it is! This wonderfully nourishing eye cream is easy to make and very effective in helping to deal with those fine lines that often appear around the eye area.

This eye cream will not only reduce the signs of aging it will protect this delicate eye area and help your eyes to look refreshed.

Check out the recipe for Reduce wrinkles eye cream here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Want to make your own natural eye cream?

With its beautiful lingering aroma, Sandalwood essential oil is a popular addition to many perfumes. It also has a wonderfully balancing effect on the skin and is moisturizing and softening for aging skins.

For many more of its excellent properties, find the full profile for Sandalwood Essential Oil here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Using essential oils for natural skin care is a great way to enhance your beauty regime. The tiny molecules in essential oils can penetrate the layers of your skin, acting quickly to improve circulation, eliminate signs of aging and improve the overall condition of your skin.

There are many different skin types and for each one there are specific essential oils recommended. Below is a list of the most common skin types with a selection of five of the best essential oils for each one.

Aging skin: Carrot seed, Fennel, Neroli, Rose, Yarrow

Combination skin: Chamomile, Geranium, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Dry skin: Carrot seed, German chamomile, Myrrh, Palmarosa, Rosewood

Oily skin: Bergamot, Cypress, Juniper, Lemon, Tea Tree

Sensitive skin: Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Yarrow

Acne: Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Thyme, Tea Tree

Now you know the best essential oils for your skin type, check out some of these natural skin care recipes and experiment by mixing and matching the essential oils for your skin type with your favorite skin care recipe. Remember, just as important as choosing the best essentials oils for your skin type is to choose the essential oils that you love the smell of too!

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

5 best essential oils for your skin type

A very popular spice in cooking, Cumin essential oil has some wonderful properties too. It is a very uplifting and stimulating essential oil and is great when you’re feeling tired and worn out.

Cumin Essential Oil can also help with various digestive problems and can ease heavy menstruation.

Find the full profile for Cumin Essential Oil here to discover more of its useful properties.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Cumin Essential Oil

This coconut body scrub recipe combines the healing, soothing properties of Epsom salts along with coconut oil which is conditioning and wonderfully moisturizing to the skin. The aroma of coconut oil is somewhat reminiscent of seaside holidays and the addition of Ylang Ylang and Lime essential oils give it an exotic finish.

You can find the recipe for Coconut body scrub here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Coconut body scrub

Parsley Essential Oil has many healing benefits and is also excellent for the skin, especially aging skin. It makes a wonderful addition to a homemade hand cream.

Parsley Essential Oil is a powerful diuretic therefore can be useful for cellulite. It can also help with poor digestion as well as a sluggish circulation.

For many of its other great properties, you can find the full profile for Parsley Essential Oil here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Parsley Essential Oil

The history of aromatherapy is a fascinating journey with the Egyptian’s having the earliest records dating back to 4500BC. Then around AD 1000, Avicenna was the first to distill Rose in Arabia which later became known as the world’s center for of perfume production.

The art of perfumery became popular again later in the 12th century in Europe and the beginning of the great European perfumiers began in the 15th century.

The 17th century saw Nicholas Cuplpepper, author his famous book Culpepper’s Complete Herbal: A Book of Natural Remedies of Ancient Ills. This is when the therapeutic properties of essential oils started to become known.

Scientists then found a way of producing synthetic fragrances in the 19th century and the benefits of essential oils and their natural properties unfortunately took a back seat.

Then in the 1920s, the father of modern-day aromatherapy, René-Maurice Gattefossé, coined the term ‘aromatherapy’ after an accident in his laboratory led him to realise the healing benefits of lavender essential oil.

In the mid 1960s, Dr Jean Valnet published the book Aromathérapie which is still used today by many Aromatherapists. Around the same time, Marguerite Maury discovered the benefits of using essential oils through massage.

As you can see the history of aromatherapy has come a long way. This post is just a very brief snapshot but you can find more information about the history of aromatherapy here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

History of Aromatherapy

Carrot Seed essential oil is excellent for aging skin, improving dryness and helping to manage wrinkles. Many skin conditions can benefit from using this oil including eczema, psoriasis, ulcers and wounds.

It is great for detoxifying the liver and is also useful as a carminative by controlling flatulence.

For many of its other useful properties, you can find the full profile for Carrot Seed Essential Oil here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Essential oils have many and varied properties and often these terms can be quite confusing. For example what does Analgesic mean? Or terms such as Bechic, Febrifuge, Sudorific?

Well Analgesic means to remove pain and essential oils such as Lavender, Peppermint and Rosemary are known to have Analgesic properties.

Bechic means to ease coughing and the essential oils with this property include Benzoin, Ginger and Sandalwood.

The term Febrifuge refers to combatting a fever and reducing body temperature. Examples of essential oils with this property include Bergamot, Lemon and Verbena.

Sudorific is a term meaning to increase perspiration and some essential oils that will help with this include Fennel, Juniper and Tea Tree.

You can find a full list of Essential oil properties and their meanings here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oil Properties

Spearmint essential oil is wonderfully uplifting and refreshing making it a perfect essential oil to revive a weary mind. It can help ease headaches, is great for digestive issues, and also has positive effects on the reproductive organs.

It makes a great addition to this softening lip balm recipe.

See the full profile for Spearmint Essential Oil for many of its other useful properties.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Spearmint Essential Oil

This nourishing organic hair treatment will keep your hair looking and feeling silky smooth, soft and radiant.

Perfect for any type of hair and can help, in particular, hair that has been damaged by harsh weather conditions such as sun, wind and humidity.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon organic milk
• 1 tablespoon organic yoghurt
• 1 ripe, organic banana
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid organic honey
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
• 5 drops lemon essential oil

Method

1. Mash the banana with a fork in a large wide-mouthed jug
2. Add the milk, yoghurt, honey and lemon juice and blend well
3. Add the lemon essential oil and gently mix into the blended mixture
4. Apply to clean, wet hair and massage well into hair and scalp
5. Wrap your hair with either plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave on for 45 minutes
6. Rinse well with warm water

Use this beautifully conditioning organic hair treatment once a week to keep your hair shiny and full of bounce.

For more Aromatherapy recipes for your hair care, please find more information about the Aromatherapy for Beautiful Hair ebook. For a limited time, we are offering a 35% discount on this and our other aromatherapy ebooks, Aromatherapy Gifts and Aromatherapy Natural Skin Care Recipes.

To redeem this special Black Friday offer, simply enter BLACKFRIDAY into the discount code area at checkout and press ‘Update Cart’. Offer expires at midnight on 28 November, 2012 MST.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Organic Hair Treatment

Here’s a wonderful new aromatherapy recipe to try if you suffer from tired and puffy eyes.

This eye tonic will leave your eyes feeling refreshed and sparkling. It’s also great for reducing any wrinkles around this delicate area.

Very simple to make and it makes enough for many uses.

Find the aromatherapy recipe for Eye Tonic here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Eye Tonic

Yarrow essential oil is extracted using the distillation method. The familiar bushes with pink or yellow flowers are commonly found in North America as well as in many European countries.

It has an interesting history as it was believed to have been used by Archilles in the Trojan wars, hence its latin name Achillea millefolium.

The Yarrow plant was used by the Druids and Ancient Chinese for divination purposes and was popular for warding off evil spirits!

For a wonderfully uplifting blend to use in an aromatherapy diffuser, mix Yarrow with Juniper and Verbena essential oils. This blend can help banish depression.

The essential oil of Yarrow has many useful properties, click here for the full profile for Yarrow Essential Oil.

You can purchase Yarrow essential oil online here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Yarrow

Are you interested in studying aromatherapy? Finding the best Aromatherapy Course to suit your needs can sometimes be quite daunting. There are plenty of different Aromatherapy Courses to choose from, either online, in a classroom situation or sometimes a combination of both.

If you are wanting to study Aromatherapy as a career choice you will have to undertake practical elements that you cannot do online such as massage therapy and case studies. It is possible however, to do some elements of the course online such as Essential Oil Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology and other theory topics depending on whether your chosen course offers it.

The important thing however is that you do your research well to ensure you chose a high quality course with a fully qualified instructor.

If you wish to practice Aromatherapy, once you have completed the course, you must ensure the qualifications you end up with are recognized by one of the leading aromatherapy associations such as the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) or the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA).

Here are some tips to help you look for the best aromatherapy schools:

• Be sure that you know the teacher’s qualifications and that they are approved by either the IFA or the NAHA. Find out about their background and skills. Have they had their own Aromatherapy practice? How long have they been an Aromatherapy practitioner? These and other questions are important for you to get an idea of their experience and if they can provide you with an all round education in aromatherapy.
• Find out if the courses being offered are formulated in accordance with the standards set by the IFA and/or the NAHA. Although they don’t necessarily need to be a member of these organizations, the courses they offer should still be based on the association’s course guidelines. Some aromatherapy schools may choose not to become a member of a certain organization due to high membership costs. However this does not mean the quality of their education be any less than those who are members.
• Visit an Aromatherapist yourself for a treatment to see if this is something you would like to do as a career. Ask them about their experiences and where they studied. They may be able to recommend a college as well as other study resources. You may need to visit a few Aromatherapists to find one you feel comfortable with and who can give you the best advice and their opinion of aromatherapy courses.

More information

• Aromatherapy Courses
• International Federation of Aromatherapists
• National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists

If you have advice or recommended aromatherapy colleges, feel free to leave a comment below.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Tips to Help You Choose An Aromatherapy Course

This Sunday in Australia and New Zealand it will be Mother’s Day. If you’re struggling to come up with a suitable gift for Mum this year here are some wonderful Aromatherapy Perfume Recipes that she may appreciate.

• Warmth
• Egyptian empress
• Tranquility
• Inspiration
• Tenderness

You can also find a Mother’s Day Perfume recipe especially for the occasion!

Making any of these aromatherapy perfumes is straightforward, just follow the easy instructions on making aromatherapy perfume recipes.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

5 Perfume Recipe Ideas for Mother’s Day

The secret ingredient in this anti-aging facial clay mask is Slippery Elm powder.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) has wonderful healing and hydrating properties. When added to a facial clay mask, it is the perfect ingredient for aging or dehydrated skins that needs that extra nourishment.

In powder form, Slippery Elm is an extremely soothing herb with a high content of mucilage. Once it is mixed with water, it will swell and form a thick, gel-like paste, making it easy to spread over your face.

Red clay is also added to this facial mask as it is excellent for dry, sensitive and mature skin.

The essential oils of Immortelle, Chamomile and Bergamot complete this clay mask recipe to further enhance its healing, soothing and rejuvenating actions.

Click here to view the recipe for Anti-aging Facial Clay Mask

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Anti-aging Facial Clay Mask

I often receive emails from readers asking for more information on the shelf-life of the natural skin care recipes on this website.

This is an important consideration as none of these recipes contain preservatives, unlike many commercial products on the market.

Each recipe is different, depending on the individual ingredients used. To start with however, you should follow a few simple guidelines around hygiene:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly before making any of the recipes.
• Ensure all of the equipment and utensils you are using is clean as well as the bench space you intend to prepare the recipes on.
• Avoid dipping your fingers into containers as this can introduce foreign germs.
• Use a small spatula, cotton bud or other clean implements for the purposes of measuring out raw ingredients and mixing.
• If you intend on making aromatherapy recipes often, consider having a separate set of utensils specifically for this purpose, such as measuring spoons, measuring cups, jugs, spatulas, bowls, and mixers.
• Choose non-aluminium saucepans such as enamel, Pyrex or stainless steel. Some ingredients such as lemon juice can react with aluminium.
• Use scrupulously clean jars and containers to store your products in with tight-fitting lids.

Assuming you are vigilant with your hygiene as outlined above, below is an indication of the shelf-life for the different types of natural skin care recipes:

• Recipes containing raw ingredients such as eggs, fresh herbs, yoghurt, fruits and vegetables are recommended to be made in small batches and used the day you prepare them or no longer than 3 days if stored in the fridge.
• Moisturizers, creams and lotions can be kept for up to 1 month or 2-3 months if stored in the fridge.
• Facial clay masks should be used within 2 weeks and stored in the fridge. If they dry out, freshen with distilled or filtered water.
• Shower gels can be kept for up to 3 months.
• Facial oils will keep for up to 6 months. It is recommended to refrigerate them unless they contain Jojoba which will solidify if stored in the fridge.

Other considerations:

• Sterilize your jars and containers for products you intend to store for longer periods.
• Always label your products with the name and date you made them.
• Store your products in a cool, dark and dry area.
• To prolong the shelf-life of creams and moisturizers, consider using a spatula or cotton bud each time you apply them rather than using your fingers.
• Any products stored in the fridge should be kept separate from food, for example in a salad crisper or in a large plastic box.
• If a recipe contains water you should always use filtered or distilled water and never tap water.
• If a product smells bad or off, discard it immediately. Bacteria and mould can be harmful and once a product has spoiled there is no way to recover it.

Did I miss any aromatherapy recipes you’re unsure of the shelf-life of? Leave a comment below or on the Facebook page.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Shelf-life of Natural Skin Care Recipes

Blending your own essential oils can sometimes be quite an art and it’s always fun to experiment. Whether or not you’re familiar with making your own essential oil blends, you’ll only improve with practice.

If you’re new to aromatherapy your stock of essential oils will be much more limited than if you have been collecting them for years. Personally I have built up my aromatherapy stock of around 70 essential oils for over 20 years but when I started out I just had the bare minimum that I could afford at the time.

A good base to start from could include Rosemary, Lavender, Orange, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Cedarwood and Bergamot. You can build on these over time and as a suggestion try to include an oil from the various aromatic families such as woody, citrus, earthy, floral, herbal, medicinal, and spicy. This gives you a greater variety of which to base your essential oil blends.

Examples of each of these families are:

• Woody – cypress, juniper
• Citrus – mandarin, grapefruit
• Earthy – patchouli, vetivert
• Floral – rose, ylang ylang
• Herbal – clary sage, basil
• Medicinal – tea tree, pine
• Spicy – ginger, coriander

It’s also good to have a variety of notes – top, middle and base notes. There is more information about these and aromatherapy blends here.

Depending on the mood you’re in when making your own essential oil blends, this can also have an impact on the outcome. It may sound a bit odd and it’s difficult to explain but blends can turn out very different for each individual, even if you use the same essential oils. I like to think that each oil has it’s own personality, just like we do!

Often when I want to make a new blend I’ll open my cupboard where I keep my essential oils and use my instinct to choose the first one. Once I’ve chosen the first oil, I then either instinctively know the next two or three I’m going to blend with it. If my ‘gut’ isn’t working too well that day, I’ll take inspiration from the list of essential oils I know to work well with it.

As an example, if I choose Frankincense as my first oil, I can see which other oils will blend well with it from its profile page. Also taking into account the top, middle and base notes, from the list I would then choose as my final blend Frankincense, Black Pepper and Orange.

If you’d like to share your blends or ways you like to blend, please leave a comment below.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oil Blends

With the New Year brings a fresh motivation to do those little tasks that never seem to get done. For a few months now, I’ve been meaning to refresh my reed diffuser jars which have all dried up and I’ve been wanting to try a new reed diffuser recipe to do this.

Previously I have used Jojoba along with vodka and essential oils to refill my diffuser jars however a good quality Jojoba oil can be expensive when you have a few reed diffuser jars that need refilling. So for a change I decided to use Dipropylene glycol.

Dipropylene glycol is used as a base for many commercial cosmetics and skin care and I wouldn’t usually use it for aromatherapy recipes, however for a reed diffuser base I believe it has no nasty side effects. I would avoid it in natural skin care recipes however.

The benefit of using Dipropylene glycol in this case is it’s cost effectiveness so I wanted to test it out and see whether it is just as effective as a base for my reed diffuser refills as Jojoba.

I’m pleased to say it’s worked a treat. I made up two refills last week and since then have noticed the beautiful aromas permeating throughout the house. My husband has even requested I make one up for his office!

So here’s the recipe I used:

Aromatherapy Reed Diffuser Recipe

• 12-16 drops Essential Oils
• Dipropylene glycol (fragrance grade – DPGF)

You will also need a reed diffuser jar and the reeds. If you don’t already have the jar, the best type is one with a narrow neck. You can purchase the rattan reeds online or from a craft shop.

Simply fill your jar about 75-80% to the top with the Dipropylene glycol. Add your chosen essential oils and mix well so the essential oils are dispersed effectively into the base. Add the reeds to the jar and stir gently if you have enough room, if not gently shake the jar.

You can turn the reeds at this stage or you can leave them as they are and the mixture will eventually makes its way up the reeds to diffuse the scent.

Turn the reeds weekly to refresh the aroma, gently shaking the jar at the same time.

Essential oil suggestions

Uplifting blend

• 5 drops Basil essential oil
• 5 drops Lemongrass essential oil
• 5 drops Rosemary essential oil

Relaxing blend

• 4 drops Geranium essential oil
• 4 drops Patchouli essential oil
• 4 drops Petitgrain essential oil
• 4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil

The blends above I used for the different areas of my home. The uplifting blend is perfect for my office and the relaxing blend for the living area which is upstairs so neither aroma interferes with the other.

For an alternative recipe using the Jojoba as mentioned above please see the Reed Diffuser Refill Recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

New Reed Diffuser Recipe

Holiday season is fast approaching, and if you haven’t already started, it will soon be time to get busy shopping for gifts to give your loved ones. But have you ever considered the idea of making your own gifts instead of shopping for them?

There are plenty of aromatherapy recipes on this website to get you started. You can choose from Bath and Body recipes, Natural Skin Care recipes, Aromatherapy Diffusers, even Aromatherapy Holiday recipes.

If you want to try your hand at making your own aromatherapy perfume recipes, you can find detailed instructions as well as over 20 perfume recipe suggestions at the Aromatherapy Perfume recipes section.

You can try blending your own essential oil blends both for perfume recipes and diffuser blends as well as many of the bath and body recipes and other recipes throughout the website. As long as you have an understanding of aromatherapy blends, all you need is your creativity and imagination.

For an even wider choice of aromatherapy gifts you can make this holiday season, you can check out the Aromatherapy Gifts ebook which has something for everyone. From perfumed bags to scented candles, geranium soap balls, potpourris, aromatic bath salts and much, much more. There is even a section on wrapping paper, cards and gift decorations. You’ll never be short of ideas with this ebook, not just for this holiday season but for years to come.

So why not try making your own aromatherapy gifts this holiday season? You can start off by trying out many of the free recipes already on this website and if you want to take it a step further, consider purchasing the specialized ebook on the subject, Aromatherapy Gifts.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Gifts Like An Expert

Healthy looking skin is often a reflection of your inner health. Many factors come into play here including diet, exercise, environment and lifestyle. If you lead a balanced, healthy life taking all of these factors into account you’re well on your way to a healthy and radiant complexion.

To further enhance your skin, the use of natural skin care products can make a huge difference to your appearance. Incorporating as many natural ingredients as you can into your skincare regime is not only sensible but satisfying as you know you’re doing your bit for the environment.

Aromatherapy essential oils are are among the most effective ingredients you can treat your skin to. They should never be used neat on your skin however, but are best included in a specially devised preparation along with other natural ingredients. These could include carrier oils such as almond, apricot, avocado, rosehip, jojoba, wheatgerm, and grapeseed. Ensure you only use high quality vegetable oils such as these and never consider using mineral oils like baby oil which can clog pores and do more harm than good to your skin.

Other ingredients worth noting that are suitable for adding to natural skin care products include beeswax, cocoa butter, floral waters, facial clays, Fuller’s earth and even some ingredients commonly found in your kitchen such as yoghurt, honey, cinnamon, lemon, cider vinegar, cucumber and fresh herbs.

Many of these ingredients have natural healing abilities and you’ll find that using fresh ingredients from your kitchen or garden can be extremely rewarding. The importance of feeding your body fresh, organic foods is well documented so why not treat your skin with the same respect!

Learning how to prepare and blend various natural skin care recipes can be lots of fun and is not as difficult as you may think. You’ll find many aromatherapy essential oil recipes for natural skin care throughout this website. For those of you who would prefer to have an easy-to-follow companion guide all in one place, I have compiled the most popular recipes into a beautiful ebook for a very reasonable price. You can find more information about this new Aromatherapy Natural Skin Recipes ebook here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Natural Skin Care

Making your own shower gel is as easy as adding your favorite essential oils to a good quality shower gel base. This recipe recommended a blend of uplifting essential oils making it a suitable recipe for your morning shower but you can easily substitute other aromatherapy oils making it your own.

Click here to go to the recipe – Easy Shower Gel

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Easy Shower Gel

If you constantly suffer from headaches you know how debilitating they can sometimes be.

Often the cause can be unknown but there are common triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, sinus problems, stomach upsets or excessive alcohol to name a few. Other causes could be spinal issues, eyestrain, dental problems, depression, PMT and some medications such as the contraceptive pill or HRT (hormonal treatment therapy).

Headaches are the result of the membranes and blood vessels around the brain and the scalp muscles tightening or stretching.

Aromatherapy and essential oils can help to ease the pain caused by headaches by aiding in relaxing these tight muscles. Blend the mixture below and gently massage into your temples, scalp and back of your neck. Find a quiet place where you can lay down and relax with your eyes closed, preferably with an eye bag placed over your eyes. Breath deeply and enjoy the aroma of the essential oils and feel them relaxing all your tightness leaving you feeling calm and releasing any pain.

Aromatherapy Headache Blend

30ml sweet almond or apricot oil
15 drops Lavender essential oil
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
10 drops Rosemary essential oil

Usually headaches are not linked to any serious disorder however if you suffer chronic headaches or you constantly wake up with an extremely painful headache or if they interrupt your sleep you should seek medical advice.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Headaches and Aromatherapy

This Natural Laundry Soap recipe is kind on your clothes as well as being much kinder on the environment than many of the chemical laundry products found in many laundry cupboards.

As well as being biodegradable, this natural laundry soap is easy to make and inexpensive – not to mention it smells fabulous!

Click here to go to the recipe – Natural Laundry Soap

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Natural Laundry Soap

Bergamot essential oil is known to be antiseptic and antibacterial, thus, making it effective in fighting against bacteria, fungi and other viruses.

It is an essential oil that is said to have originated from the Canary Islands. In fact, some would claim that it was Columbus who first brought the bergamot plant from the Canary Islands on the way to Italy where it is being cultivated now.

This oil is extracted or pressed from a bergamot plant, and can be used in a variety of ways.

Read on to learn about the different uses of bergamot essential oil, especially on addressing some of your health issues.

• You may apply a couple of drops of bergamot essential oil using a cotton ball and then inhale the aroma to gently lift your spirits, lessen anxiety, and remove any fear and anger that you may feel. It is also great in calming your nerves.
• Add about 3-5 drops of this oil to your bath water, in order to treat skin infections and any feeling of vaginal itch.
• Place a few drops of bergamot in an aromatherapy diffuser to help combat fatigue and relieve exhaustion, thus, providing you a boost of energy.
• You may also use it to apply to irritated skin, such as acne, insect bites, cold sores, and even eczema and psoriasis.
• For cleansing and healing of the skin, add 3-5 drops of the oil to a bowl of hot, steaming water, and then cover your head with a towel to keep the steam in.
• Lastly, you may add the oil to your bath water in order to help relieve stress and depression.

Other uses of bergamot essential oil include increasing one’s appetite, removing any intestinal parasites and can also be used in making perfumes.

You can find more information about bergamot oil here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Several Uses for Bergamot Essential Oil

Winter-time seems to have hit Australia earlier this year with some very cold days and even colder nights. Along with winter comes colds, flue, sore throats and coughs.

Rather than heading to the supermarket or pharmacy for over-the-counter or prescription medications that tend to only mask and suppress the illness why not try some natural relief from essential oils?

Using a more natural approach as a remedy is not only better for your long term health but will boost your immune system. Next time a virus strikes, your body will be stronger and better able to deal with the various types of bugs going around.

While you can buy herbal and essential oil remedies from many supermarkets and health food stores it’s also pretty simple to make your own natural homemade remedies.

Here are a few suggestions below, an herbal winter tea, a soothing chest rub and an inhalation. Using all of these in combination is a good idea along with plenty of rest and basically just paying attention to the symptoms your body is try to tell you about.

Herbal Winter Tea

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• Small piece of fresh ginger
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 clove garlic
• Boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method

1. Add the juice and the grated rind from the lemon into a clean coffee plunger.
2. Add the grated ginger, crushed garlic and fresh thyme then pour boiling water over to fill the plunger.
3. Stir in the honey then allow the mixture to diffuse in the plunger for 5-10 minutes before drinking.

Soothing Chest Rub

Ingredients

• 5 drops Benzoin essential oil
• 12 drops Naouli essential oil
• 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 2 tablespoons Avocado oil

Method

Combine all the ingredients above into a small jar or bowl. Mix well and rub over the chest, upper back and throat.

Eucalyptus Inhalation

Ingredients

• 5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• Hot water

Method

Half fill a large basin with the hot water then add to this the Eucalyptus essential oil drops. Place a towel over your head enveloping the basin leaving as few gaps as possible. Gently inhale the Eucalyptus fumes for 10-15 minutes, breathing deeply. You may need to come up for air occasionally if it gets too overpowering or to blow your nose.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Winter Virus Remedies

Here is a super easy facial gel using aloe vera and essential oils. This recipe includes blends for acne, dry skin and problem skin such as rosacea.

You can use your own natural skin care blend if you prefer, be creative and use your favorite essential oils best suited for your skin type.

Click here for the new aromatherapy essential oil recipe for Aloe Vera Facial Gel

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aloe Vera Facial Gel

Geranium oil has a beautiful fragrant scent making it a great addition to your essential oil collection. It is a very versatile essential oil and is one of the best essential oils to have around your home.

Aside from its fragrance, it also has a lot of health benefits, such as improving your skin’s condition and helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is also good for treating depression as well as balancing your hormones.

The oil is extracted from the leaves of the geranium or pelargonium flower. The plant is popularly known to treat clean cuts. It has a very light floral scent which tends to linger making it very useful as an uplifting air freshener.

Here are a couple of ideas on how to use Geranium oil:

To Improve Skin Conditions

To help improve your skin condition, mix a few drops of geranium essential oil with 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Massage this blend into your skin to treat dry, oily or combination skins. This blend will also help to treat burns, frostbite as well as acne. This is due to its antiseptic properties, and not only does it help heal, but it also helps in preventing infection.

Balances Hormones

Geranium essential oil is very helpful for females who suffer from hormonal imbalances. It can be used to treat PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps as well as menopause symptoms. You can add a few drops of Geranium to a diffuser or a vaporizer or pour a couple of drops onto a cotton ball and gently inhale. For those suffering from menstrual cramps, try massaging a few drops of Geranium oil blended in a tablespoon of carrier oil to the affected areas. If massage is too painful, add some drops of the oil to a warm compress and then cover the abdomen in order to ease any pain.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

The Health Benefits of Geranium Oil

Why not treat your Mum this Mother’s Day to this special Mother’s Day hand cream recipe? This recipe will sooth and protect hands and help them to stay soft and youthful looking, combating signs of aging.

This uplifting as well as relaxing blend includes the wonderful Melissa essential oil. This month, Mountain Rose Herbs is offering 20% off Melissa also known as Lemon Balm. To check it out, click on the Monthly Specials tab over at their website.

Click here to go to the recipe – Mother’s Day hand cream recipe

If you want another idea for Mother’s Day, try this Mother’s Day Aromatherapy Perfume Recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Mother’s Day Hand Cream Recipe

Jasmine oil is extracted from a plant that has a scientific name of Jasminum grandiflorum and is also commonly known as the royal jasmine. The plant is said to have originated from China and the northern part of India. Currently, countries like France, Italy, Egypt, China and Turkey are the main producers of Jasmine. The name Jasmine came from a Persian word ‘yasmin’.

The pure and authentic jasmine oil is extracted from a small white star-shaped flower that grows from an evergreen shrub. The flowers need to be picked at night, because this is the time that its aroma is at its intense level. A solvent is usually used for its extraction.

This essential oil has a very sweet, exotic, and rich floral fragrance that is so sensual and asserting. This wonderful oil is very relaxing and is highly beneficial to our emotions. And because of this, the oil is highly valuable, helping people to boost their self-confidence or self-esteem. Jasmine is also excellent for the skin and can also be used to balance hot, dry and very sensitive skin types.

Jasmine essential oil is known to treat severe depression, because of its soothing effect on our nerves, while generating confidence and optimism as well as revitalizing and restoring our energy. It even helps facilitates childbirth, providing relief of the pain during delivery. It is also very effective in treating post-natal depression and promotes regular flow of breast milk. Because the oil is deeply soothing and calming nature, it also helps those that have sexual problems, like impotence and premature ejaculation. Furthermore, it has a beneficial effect on one’s respiratory system, by soothing coughs, hoarseness on the throat and even laryngitis.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Jasmine Oil and Its Health Benefits

There are many excellent uses for essential oils which may be past their use by date. Usually after about 2 years, essential oils no longer have strong therapeutic properties, however their beautiful aromas will last for many years.

The kitchen is a great place to use any old essential oils to freshen things up.

Probably the most obvious use is to make a kitchen spray for everyday use. Keep this handy and use to wipe down surfaces or simply to spray in the air to cleanse any bad smells. You can make this up using a spray bottle, fill with water and add 20-30 drops of either one essential oil or a blend of a few. You will find a list of essential oils suitable for the kitchen below.

You can add a few drops to your dishwashing up liquid which will make this chore more pleasant when washing dishes. You can even add essential oils to your dishwasher. Before adding the powder, add a few drops into the dispenser and the wonderful aroma will be released during the washing cycle.

Essential oil drops can be added to a bucket of hot water for mopping the floor, not just for the kitchen but the whole house. You’ll have a pleasantly smelling house for a few days when you do this.

For freshening up tea towels and kitchen clothes, soak them in very hot water with a few drops of essential oils added to the water.

Pouring a few drops of essential oils down your drain each day will leave the kitchen sink deodorised.

There are many essential oils suitable for the kitchen including Pine, Thyme, Tea Tree, Basil, Lavender, Geranium, Eucalpytus, Rosemary and all of the citrus oils such as Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange and Petitgrain. Use these essential oils on their own or make up a blend.

Other aromatherapy kitchen recipes on this website include Kitchen bench wipe and Coffee scented kitchen soap.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy in the Kitchen

Three of the most beautiful essential oils make for a very special valentines day blend for you to enjoy in your aromatherapy diffuser.

Mix together in an aromatherapy diffuser the following essential oils:

• 2 drops Jasmine
• 1 drop Rose
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Valentines Day Aromatherapy Diffuser Blend

Many people ask me what is the best way to start their own Aromatherapy Business. You may be about to qualify or have recently qualified as an Aromatherapist.

You may have had your own Aromatherapy practice for some time and you need help in building up your business and clientele.

Alternatively, you may be currently be working in someone else’s natural therapy practice and you feel it’s now time to start out on your own.

If any of the above applies to you then I may have found the perfect course to help you succeed in your Aromatherapy business. UK company, Essentials for Health, offer distance learning in the comfort of your own home. You can study at your own pace and fit it in to suit your schedule.

This is a film based online learning course and you’ll receive your own comprehensive workbook and course manual. This top quality tuition is taught by Gill Tree, celebrated speaker and award-winning entrepreneur.

Find out the best way to market your new aromatherapy business and attract the perfect clientele. You will learn how to develop the tools specifically for your business.

Click on the banner below to learn more.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Starting Your Own Aromatherapy Business

If you suffer from dry, sore or chapped lips, try this easy to make, all natural lip balm recipe which will heal and soften the roughest of lips.

Lip balm recipe

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Lip balm recipe

For a limited time, StrawberryNet is offering up to 75% discount off cosmetics, perfumes, and skin care. Well worth checking out if you need to stock up for 2011. Just click on the banner below.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

New Year Sale at StrawberryNet

With Christmas looming closer, if you’re stuck for present ideas for your family and friends, why not consider making that someone special their very own Aromatherapy Perfume? Here’s a list of the top five aromatherapy perfume recipes from this website:

• Devotion
• Inspiration
• Joyfulness
• Poise
• Moroccan Mystique

You can find the instructions here on how to make these gorgeous aromatherapy perfumes.

If you want to be a bit more adventurous and you haven’t already got the Aromatherapy Gifts ebook, check it out for some fabulous new ideas and really impress your loved ones this Christmas.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top 5 Aromatherapy Perfume Recipes

After receiving my latest batch of new essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, as always I decided to experiment with a few new aromatherapy diffuser blends. I haven’t used Rose Geranium too much before so I really wanted to include that in one of my new mixes. Rose Geranium is very similar to Geranium but I find it a much lighter smell and of course with a gorgeous rose-like aroma. The latin name is Pelargonium graveolens and Geranium which has more of an apple-like aroma is Pelargonium odorantissimum.

So if I wanted to use this essential oil, what could I find to blend with it? Firstly I wanted an uplifting blend as I had a full day of work ahead of me. One of my favorite essential oils that I love to diffuse when I’m working is Basil. I did a quick smell test and my sense of smell agreed that they would blend well together so all I needed was to find a third essential oil. Bergamot is another lovely uplifting and refreshing aromatherapy oil and on doing the smell test again all three work together beautifully.

Here is the blend and the amounts that I added to my diffuser:

• 3 drops Rose Geranium
• 2 drops Basil
• 4 drops Bergamot

In keeping with the Geranium theme, the next day I decided to try another blend, this time with the normal Geranium. This essential oil blend also needed to be uplifting and one of the many essential oils I love for this is Ginger. Ginger essential oil is also excellent for sharpening the memory which can be very helpful for my various work activities. Lime is another wonderful aromatherapy oil for both memory and sharpening the senses. As well as being uplifting I find it very refreshing if I’m feeling tired and in need of that extra boost.

So for diffuser blend number two, here are the amounts I used:

• 2 drops Geranium
• 3 drops Ginger
• 3 drops Lime

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends

A popular ingredient for cooking, Cardamom is also a wonderful essential oil which warms the emotions and helps deal with many digestive disorders. For a warming winter blend for your aromatherapy diffuser, mix together 3 drops of Cardamom essential oil, 3 drops of Orange essential oil and 2 drops of Coriander essential oil.

Click here for the full profile for Cardamom Essential Oil.

For the month of November my recommended supplier, Mountain Rose Herbs, has 20% off Cardamon and 25% off Orange essential oils if you don’t already have these.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Cardamom

Here’s a handful of the best natural skin care recipes that have been on this website for a while and may have got lost amongst all the pages that we have now.

I’ve chosen these natural skin care recipes to showcase as these are the ones I’ve had most the emails and comments about in the past few years so I know they are the most popular. They’re not in any particular order so just click on which ever one sings out to you and go ahead and give it a try – or more than one!

If you have a favorite on your own, leave a comment in the box below.

• Deluxe Facial Oil
• Reduce wrinkles eye cream
• Facial Clay Masks
• Anti wrinkle cream
• Cinnamon and Orange Facial Scrub

I get a lot of emails asking me to recommend where to get the various ingredients such as the essential oils themselves or the clay for masks, carrier oils, beeswax and so on. I have a recommended list on the Aromatherapy Supplies page but to make things easier I have listed below my preferred two suppliers.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Best Natural Skin care Recipes

I recently had an email from Desney who is one of my avid readers on this blog. She is getting married very soon and wanted some natural skin care recipe suggestions to help with blackheads, pimples and cellulite. As these problems are quite common, I thought I would share my answer on this blog to help anyone else who may be suffering the same problems.

Hi Desney

Thanks for your email and your further questions for essential oil recipes that could help with your current skin problems as well as cellulite.

I have a couple of good recipes that can help with cellulite on my website, please find the links below:

Stimulating Bath Oil
English Ivy Body Scrub

For your blackheads and pimples I recommend the following recipes:

Facial Clay Mask for Acne

If you find this too harsh then try the following which may be better as you say your skin is fairly sensitive at the moment:

Soothing Clay Mask

Cinnamon and Orange Facial Scrub

I would also recommend this deluxe facial oil to use at night time.

All the instructions and further information about each recipe are on the links I’ve provided above.

I hope these help and again I wish you all the best for your upcoming wedding.

Kind regards
Rose

If anyone else has any suggestions or ideas to help Desney out, please feel free to leave a comment below.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Help with blackheads, pimples and cellulite

This wonderful essential oil, originating from New Zealand, is very similar to Australia’s Tea Tree oil. Click here for the full profile for Manuka Essential Oil.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Manuka

Your elbows can often become very dry and sometimes even scaly so using this rich elbow cream on a regular basis, will help your elbows to become soft and smooth.

Elbow Cream

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Elbow Cream

The Directory of Essential Oils by Wanda Sellar is a book I’ve had in my bookshelf for over 17 years. That fact that my copy is dog-eared and stained with essential oils proves how much I’ve used it and referred to it over the years.

I’ve always found it to be a wealth of information as it contains valuable insights into so many of the popular as well as not so popular essential oils.

I’ve often referred to it when I’m making blends for my aromatherapy diffuser, natural skin care products and even simple room sprays. It provides useful knowledge about which oils blend well with others and their many properties and their effects on mind and body.

What I especially love is the way the author has researched the history of each essential oil and myths that surround their beginnings.

If there is one book you ever buy on aromatherapy and essential oils this is most definitely the one I recommend the most.

For more information and more recommended books please visit the aromatherapy books page.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

The Directory of Essential Oils – book recommendation

• How the Safe Cosmetics Bill will Affect Natural Cosmetics

July 26, 2010
– More great information on the safe cosmetics bill.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on August 2, 2010

If you suffer from acne or even just the occasional break-out, try this new facial clay mask recipe, especially for acne.

Facial Clay Mask for Acne

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Facial Clay Mask for Acne

• The Lesson of "What Harm Can it Do?"

July 26, 2010
– If you’re concerned about The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010, this article is a must read. Listen to the podcast 26 July, 1pm New York time for more information – http://www.indiebusinessradio.com/

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on July 26, 2010

Imagine seeing the look on your friend’s and family’s faces when you give them a special aromatherapy gift that you’ve made yourself!

This inspirational guide shows you step by step, how you can easily create wonderful presents using essential oils, herbs and many other natural ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen or garden.

Apart from saving you money on expensive presents, your gifts will stand out from the rest. You’ll never be short of gifts ideas with these safe and natural recipes and you’ll always find something for everyone (including yourself!)

Even better, as it’s a downloadable ebook you can have it today (with no need for delivery fees) ! It’s just $12.99 USD.

Read more: Aromatherapy Gift ebook

Yes! I Want To Download Aromatherapy Gifts Now!

PS. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with Aromatherapy Gifts I will refund 100% of your money. Just notify me within 60 days, no questions asked.

Aromatherapy for Beautiful Hair ebook

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Do you want to find out how to make personalized Aromatherapy Gifts?

Not wanting to use favoritism as I do love all essential oils but I was recently asked which essential oils would rate in my top 10 so here they are and a brief explanation why:

1. Rose for being the epitome of exquisiteness.
2. Neroli for it’s hauntingly feminine aroma.
3. Jasmine because it is so delicate and slightly exotic.
4. Angelica for it’s balancing and revitalizing properties.
5. Chamomile for it’s gentleness and extremely calming abilities.
6. Lemongrass for it’s vivid and tangy aroma.
7. Ylang Ylang for it’s sensuousness.
8. Lavender because it is so versatile.
9. Rosemary for it’s amazing ability to clear your head.
10. Basil for it’s lovely uplifting qualities.

It really is very difficult to narrow down my top 10 essential oils and I could easily list them all for their wonderful, unique properties.

Please share your favorites in the comments section below!

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top 10 Favorite Essential Oils

A new addition to the facial clay mask recipe page is the Facial Clay Mask for Mature Skin.

Please find the new recipe here – Facial Clay Mask for Mature Skin

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Facial Clay Mask for Mature Skin

Guest post by Jack Bleeker

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga and aromatherapy are all known forms of alternative therapies. For mesothelioma patients, such complementary therapies can ease their pain and bring them peace. Specifically, aromatherapy is known to boost physical and psychological well-being. The distilled and highly concentrated plant-based oils are blended by professional aromatherapists to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of cancer patients.

The use of perfumed oils dates back thousands of years to ancient times. René Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, originated the term “aromatherapy” and discovered the healing effects of Lavender oil when he burnt his hand and subsequently used the extracted plant oil to ease the pain.

Although there is no available scientific evidence that aromatherapy cures or prevents diseases such as mesothelioma, studies and physicians at mesothelioma clinics have discovered that the alternative treatment, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, can be an asset to a cancer patient’s treatment plan.

In Britain, there have been reports of reduced anxiety, depression, tension and pain in cancer patients who receive aromatherapy massages. Studies have also shown that breathing the vapors of peppermint, ginger and cardamom oil, among others, relieves nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation. The use of essential oils has even been known to alter the psyche of an individual and relieve depression. Studies have also shown that the effect in which essential oils play on the mind can ease depression, stress and anxiety. Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Lemon are specifically known to relax the body.

Aromatherapy may be administered in several ways. The oils may be inhaled indirectly via a room diffuser, inhaled directly through an individual inhaler, or by an aromatherapy massage, where diluted oils are rubbed onto the body.

Many patients who face incurable cancers, reach a place where they lose hope. Unfortunately, for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, there is no cure and patients are left with a bleak mesothelioma prognosis. In order to fight their condition, mesothelioma patients must keep their hopes high, and the proper incorporation of aromatherapy may allow them to do so.

Jack Bleeker, Mesothelioma.com

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy helps ease physical, emotional pain

Another new recipe added in the natural skin care section is the anti wrinkle cream.

Please find the new recipe here – Anti wrinkle cream

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Anti wrinkle cream

• Risks of *Aromatherapy* – Is *Aromatherapy* Safe For You To Use *…*

June 16, 2010
– Good advice on Aromatherapy safety.

• *Aromatherapy* business makes scents

June 16, 2010
– Great case study of a successful Aromatherapy business.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on June 23, 2010

In this aromatherapy book, ‘Aromatherapy In Your Diet’ by Daniele Ryan you will discover the therapeutic benefits of everyday foods. This book contains many recipes, menu suggestions and food ideas so you can enjoy the health benefits of aromatherapy without using essential oils.

Daniele lists over 100 beneficial foods, which can have immediate healing effects. These range from herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary and mint to fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds and cheeses. As well as giving the nutritional breakdown of each food, she describes its therapeutic uses and suggests delicious ways of including it in your cooking.

‘Aromatherapy In Your Diet’ also includes a section which looks at the 12 systems of the body and how to maintain the health of each of these systems.

An excellent purchase for anyone interested in aromatherapy and in improving their health through their diet.

Eating these foods delivers their unique healing and health-giving properties straight into your body where they can begin to work immediately.

More recommended Aromatherapy books

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy In Your Diet – book recommendation

• NAHA Article June 2010

June 16, 2010
– Interesting article on endangered plants, specifically those used in aromatherapy.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on June 16, 2010

Too much exposure to the sun can cause lasting skin damage and increases the possibility of skin cancer. Be sensible when exposing yourself to the sun and if you are unfortunate enough to overdo it, try these special after sun care treatments to help alleviate any discomfort.

More info on after sun care

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

After Sun Care

If you’re struggling to think of a gift for Father’s Day, why not make your Dad a special, personalized aftershave. Men like to take care of their grooming just as much as women, and there’s nothing nicer than a clean, fresh smelling man!

As well as this new Aftershave recipe we also have a recipe for a Natural Shaving Cream.

In addition, Amazon have some incredible deals this Father’s Day. Why not buy Dad a lovely new electric razor to go with your personalized aftershave or one of those classic barber type razors. Here’s just a few ideas below but have a good browse on Amazon as there’s plenty to choose from:

More Father’s Day deals at Amazon.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aftershave for Father’s Day

• *Aromatherapy* via USB

May 7, 2010
– If you love gadgets this one’s for you!

• 5 of the Best Nontoxic Cleaners You Aren't Using

May 4, 2010
– Great suggestions for using what you already have in your kitchen cupboards for cleaning your house the safe, non-toxic way. Cornmeal for soaking up grease! Tabasco for polishing chrome … and much more.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on May 11, 2010

If you want to give your Mum something a bit different this Mother’s Day, why not make her this exquisite perfume. Find a fancy bottle and make this easy to follow aromatherapy perfume recipe for a lovely personalized touch.

Find this new aromatherapy perfume recipe here.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Mother’s Day Aromatherapy Perfume Recipe

New essential oil profile – Aniseed.

Aniseed has a liquorice aroma and can be quite sharp, yet warming. Cold temperatures tend to solidify the oil so it may need to be warmed before use.

Click here to see the full profile of Aniseed essential oil.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – Aniseed

• Is clary sage oil estrogenic?

May 4, 2010
– Very interesting and informative post about the wonderful essential oil – Clary Sage.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on May 4, 2010

It’s easy to overlook your neck when moisturizing, so keep this gorgeous firming neck cream next to your regular moisturizer so you remember to apply it daily.

Click here for the neck cream recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Neck Cream

• Therapetic grade *essential oils* – fact and fiction | Robert Tisserand

April 15, 2010
– An excellent read!

• *Essential Oils* & Their Purpose | LIVESTRONG.COM

April 15, 2010
– A few essential oils noted for their uses.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on April 22, 2010

• NAHA News Going Green Article April 2010

April 15, 2010
– An excellent article if you are an Aromatherapist. Very useful and thorough information.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on April 15, 2010

A special Easter essential oil blend for your aromatherapy diffuser.

Click here for this essential oil blend.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Easter Essential Oil Blend

• Now, the Cosmetics Jar Matters, Too

March 25, 2010
– Interesting article about eco-friendly packaging and the various issues companies are facing in choosing how best to store their products.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on April 1, 2010

In this short aromatherapy video, we show you around the new Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes website.

Click here to watch the new Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes video

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Video

• Aromatherapy and Sleep Issues: Using *Essential Oils* to Have a Good *…*

March 24, 2010
– An excellent article to read if you’re one of the unfortunate people who suffer from sleep problems.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Top News for Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes on March 25, 2010

Guaiacwood originally comes from South America and is also found in The Bahamas and Florida. Being a resin, the consistency of Guaiacwood is solid at room temperature and will need to be heated before use. Guaiacwood is a useful fixative often used in perfume making and is also a popular ingredient for soaps.

Click here for more information.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oils Profile – Guaiacwood

My good friend Diane has been asking me for months for a reed diffuser refill recipe. You may been in the same situation as Diane and have bought a reed diffuser from the shop some time ago which has now dried up and needs refilling. Rather than purchasing the synthetic ingredients, try this recipe to make your own reed diffuser refill using pure essential oils.

Click here for more information.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Reed Diffuser Refill Recipe

The Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes Blog is a great way of keeping you up-to-date with what’s happening on this website and in the world of aromatherapy. It…

• lets you know when new aromatherapy essential oil recipes and profiles are added
• keeps you up-to-date with other news about aromatherapy and essential oil recipes
• features special announcements such as book and product reviews, new recommended suppliers, and much more

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes Blog

This Natural Shaving Cream is great for both men and women. It is excellent for a man’s bristly beard as well as for the softer feminine hair on legs, underarms, bikini and Brazilian.

Click here for the recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Natural Shaving Cream

Nutmeg was used for embalming in Egyptian times. It has been used in dental products, for flavoring foods and in many perfumes and hair products.

Click here for more information.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oils Profile – Nutmeg

Celebrate the New Year with this delightful blend, helping you to create more clarity for the year ahead.

Click here for this new recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

New Year’s Day diffuser blend

Birch Hill Happenings, for all your Aromatherapy needs, this one-stop online shop supplies 100% pure essential oils, base products, bottles and jars, diffusers, and everything else you need to get started making your own Aromatherapy Essential Oil recipes. Visit their website and check out their huge range – Birch Hill Happenings.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Aromatherapy Supplier

Caraway is is a very old spice which dates back to Roman times where they used the seeds in their bread making. It was also used in Egyptian times and most recently is very popular in the Western European countries of Germany and Austria where the herb is added to sausages, sauerkraut and bread. Caraway is also used in making the liqueur Kümmel.

Click here for more information.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Essential Oils Profile – Caraway

This uplifting blend is great for helping with mental strain and fatigue and will aid in improving your memory.

Click here for the recipe.

This post via the Aromatherapy Essential Oil Recipes blog where you can get the latest information on aromatherapy and essential oil recipes.

Uplifting diffuser blend for your home office or study