Essential oils are naturally occurring fragrant substances produced by many different plants in greater of lesser quantities. Whilst botanists may argue that their main purpose is as a means of self-protection, or healing for the plants, to the traditional herbalist their role is perfectly clear; scent is a subtle, almost etheric form of communication to which even the most primitive organisms are able to respond. Fragrances carry the souls of plants and thus reveal their essential character. By appealing to our senses of smell, plants communicate with us on the deepest and most instinctive level. Fragrance receptors (olfactory receptor cells) are located in the oldest part of the brain which is not governed by reason. Instead, it responds to external stimuli on an entirely intuitive level. The sense of smell thus forms the gateway to the subconscious mind and even taps into what Jung termed ‘the collective consciousness’. By acting on this part of the brain, scent can powerfully effect the mind, which in turn, is thought to affect the body. Certain compounds present in essential oils have a direct physiological effect on the body. Many of these properties have long been employed in traditional folk medicine across the world.
Essential oils are precious substances, as it requires a great quantity of raw plant material to extract small amounts of these oils. In their purified form they are highly concentrated and very powerful.
| Main Methods of Extraction | |
| Cold Press | Some plants, such as lemons and oranges, are so rich in essential oils that pressure alone is sufficient to extract their oil content. |
| Distillation | Most fragrant plant materials are subjected to a process of steam, water or dry distillation, during which the volatile and non-water soluble parts of the plant are isolated. To purify the resulting oil from any non-soluble residues it is sometimes re-distilled or rectified. |
| Concretes | Some essential oils are too volatile for hot water and steam distillation. These are usually extracted with hydrocarbon solvents. The resulting substances, known as ‘concretes’, usually contain a certain amount of wax and are solid. |
| Absolutes | Absolutes are purified concretes, derived by separating the essential oil content from the waxy, non-soluble part of the concrete. The medium of extraction is usually ethanol (pure alcohol), which is evaporated in the process. The resulting essential oils tend to be extremely concentrated and may contain a minute amount of alcoholic residue. |
| Attar/Otto | The word ‘attar’ means scent, smoke or essence, and is usually used to indicate distilled Rose oil, as opposed to Rose absolute, which is derived by solvent extraction. Vast amounts of petals are required to yield even a small quantity of oil (3000:1), which makes this oil extremely precious. |
| Resinoids | These are derived from resinous exudates, such as gums, oleo resins or balsams by means of hydrocarbon solvent extraction. |
| Enfleurage | This method is one of the most ancient methods of extracting essential oils. Traditionally it was used for floral creams and lotions known as pomades. To make a pomade a sheet of glass is coated with a specially treated type of odour-free fat, called ‘chassis’. Freshly cut flowers are spread on the sheet and as they dry, their volatile oils become fixed in the chassis. More flowers are added until the fatty base is completely saturated, at which point is is called a ‘pomade’. To create an absolute the volatile oil is separated from the fatty base mixture by treatment with alcohol. |
| Safety |
| Pure essential oils are highly concentrated substances which should always be treated with due respect. |
| Familiarize yourself with the use and application procedures of each individual oil you are intending to use and take note of all cautions. |
| Never take essential oils internally! * |
| Do not apply essential oils neat (undiluted) on the skin. The Aromatherapy recommended standard dilution is 1-3%, though certain oils may be used in higher or lower dilutions depending on the individual oil in question. |
| Always adhere to recommended dilutions and quantities. |
| Keep your oils out of reach of children and pets. |
| Sensitive skin types are advised to test oils on a small area of the inner arm prior to general use. |
| Never allow essential oils to enter eyes. |
| If you are pregnant, consult an aromatherapist for suitability and safety of specific oils. Many oils should not be used during pregnancy, some only need to be avoided for the first 3-4 months, others may be helpful during labour, but pose a risk during the months before. |
| If you suffer from a serious medical condition such as (but not exclusively) high blood pressure, cancer, thrombosis, varicose veins or epilepsy, consult a qualified aromatherapist for professional advise on recommended oils and doses. |
| We support the notion of people taking responsibility for their own well being. However if symptoms persist or re-occur or you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor whom you can trust and who is prepared to work with you in exploring natural health alternatives. |
| * … unless you know better. 🙂 |
Aromatherapy
In ancient times the etheric qualities of essential oils were widely employed by priests and priestesses of virtually all religions. Being so subtle and immaterial, scent was regarded as divine. Amongst other things, fragrant oils were used to attract spirits, gods and goddesses, to banish evil energies and to purify the temples. Devotees and worshippers anointed themselves to offer sweet aromas to the gods and to facilitate divine communion through the subtle energy of these sacred scents. Recently, the study of the physical and emotional affects of aromatics has become a specialized aspect of herbalism, now widely known as aromatherapy. Aromatherapists employ both the phytochemical properties of essential oils (eg. anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, etc.) which therefore be regarded as a truly holistic treatment for the body, mind and spirit.
Uses
Massage
This is one of the most common methods employed by aromatherapists. Massage relaxes the body and relieves stress and tension. The value of using essential oils in conjunction with massage lies in the fact that they can therapeutically affect both the emotional and the physical body. Fragrance acts directly on the deeper levels of the mind, whilst the therapeutic qualities of the oils themselves are absorbed into the skin.
Baths
Bathing with essential oils can make one feel like Aphrodite herself. It is a wonderfully sensual way of enjoying essential oils and attuning to their subtle energies.
Steam Inhalation
This method is particularly useful for skin conditions, catarrhal congestion, sore throats, colds and coughs and any other afflictions of the respiratory system. (Not recommended for asthma). It works on the same principle as evaporation, but is more direct. Steam inhalations are prepared by taking a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and adding a few drops of the oil of choice for a particular condition. Cover both head and bowl in a large towel, taking care not to let the steam escape. Breathe deeply for a few minutes. Keep tissues handy as the application will stimulate mucus discharge. Stay wrapped up and warm afterwards to avoid getting a chill. This method can also be employed as a facial steam bath to deep cleanse the pores and refresh the skin.
Evaporation
A beautiful way of cleansing the atmosphere, getting rid of unwanted smells, purifying the air in a sick room or just scenting a space for the pure delight, is to evaporate essential oils with an oil burner. Fill the water well with warm water and add a few drops of essential oil. Light the candle underneath and enjoy the fresh fragrance filling the space. Don’t let the water well dry out completely and don’t forget to blow out the candle afterwards.
Lotions
Essential oils can be blended specifically for topical use in skin care. We offer essential lotions, body gels, baths gels and more.
Compresses
Hot or cold compresses are very effective external applications used to treat pain. Prepare a bowl of water, add about 5 drops of oil and immerse a cloth or towel in it. Wring out excess water and apply directly to the affected area. Leave in position until the towel has reached body temperature. Repeat if required. Hot compresses are mainly used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle aches and abscesses. Cold compresses are generally used for nerve pain, headache and to reduce swellings.
Ointments
This application is one of the most ancient and traditional methods of using fragrant oils. Diluted properly the blend can be used as a natural perfume or as an anointing oil for ritual cleansing and to invoke protective spirits. We offer essential perfumes.
Flower Waters
Flower waters are old favorites in skin care. Whilst essential oils are insoluble in water, they nevertheless transfer their fragrance and some of their healing properties to the water. Flower waters can also be used to cleanse and consecrate a sacred of magical space prior to ritual.
Essential Oil Infusions
Aromatic herbal infusions and fragrant oils have played an integral role in religious ceremonies and magical rituals for thousands of years. In ancient times the subtle scents of plants were regarded as the manifest aspect of their etheric souls. They were thought to purify the hearts and minds of people and to open the doors of perception. Special aromatic oil blends, known as anointing salves, were used for purification and consecration rites prior to performing ceremonies or entering a sacred space. Some herbs were sacred to particular Gods and Goddesses or used to invoke a particular kind of energy (eg. to attract rain or stimulate fertility, etc.). The infusions we carry are created using only pure essential oils and absolutes, potentized with our unique magical herbal infusions. Each aroma is designed with a specific purpose, energy or divinity in mind, though the versatility of their application is only limited by your imagination.
Vaporizer
Our infusions are ideal to use with an oil burner of vaporizer as magical fragrances for meditation and healing proactices, ceremonial or ritual purposes, or simply to scent your home with these beautiful fragrances. Fill the water well with warm water and add a few drops of oil. Light the candle underneath and enjoy the fresh fragrance filling the space. Don’t let the water well dry out completely and don’t forget to blow out the candle afterwards.
Sprinkling
To cleanse a space, create a particular atmosphere or invite specific energies into your home, a few drops of an appropriate oil blend can be added to a bowl of water. Agitate the water to disperse the oil and use for sprinkling around the house after cleaning.
Anointment, Bath & Massage
Infusions can be combined into bath & body products. They can also be used undiluted for anointing candles in candle burning rituals.
Perfumes
Wear your favorite infusion as a natural perfume to surround yourself with a whiff of special magic. We offer infusion perfumes which have been blended to be be wearable.
Caution
Never use infusions internally. Do not apply neat (uncut) on the skin. Perfumes & bath/body products are recommended to be tested on a small area of the inner arm prior to general use. Keep oils out of the reach from children and pets. Never allow infusions or oils to enter eyes.
Care
To avoid evaporation of uncut oils, always make sure the lid is tightly closed and keep bottles in a cool, dark place.