Combining Essential Oils And Aroma Chemicals: A Beginner's Guide

Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, is a traditional practice that has been used for nearly 6,000 years to improve health and mood. Essential oils are plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant to capture its fragrance. They are often used in complementary therapies, such as massage, topical applications, and inhalation. While essential oils can be beneficial, it's important to use them safely and correctly. This includes diluting them with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying them to the skin, and avoiding ingestion, as it can be harmful. In this article, we will explore how to use essential oils and aroma chemicals together to enhance their therapeutic benefits while ensuring safe usage.

How to safely store essential oils

Essential oils are an investment in your health and well-being. Learning how to store them properly is an important way to protect your health and make the most of their benefits. Here are some tips for storing essential oils safely:

Keep the bottle lids on tight

A tight lid prevents oxidation, air, or water from getting inside the bottle. Less contact with air allows the oil to retain its properties. Frequent and prolonged exposure to air can alter the consistency, smell, and properties of the oil. Closing the lids tightly also stops the oil from evaporating.

Avoid heat and direct sunlight

Too much heat or sunlight can impact the quality of the oil. Both heat and sunlight can change the chemical composition of the oil. Too much heat can cause the oil to evaporate more quickly, making it less effective. Too much sun can cause the oil to deteriorate. Keep essential oils in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or drawer. Avoid leaving them in your car or in direct sunlight.

Choose the right container

Essential oils are incredibly powerful, and many oils will dissolve plastic. For this reason, it is recommended to store oils in glass bottles or stainless-steel containers. Dark-coloured glass bottles (such as amber bottles) are best as they protect the oil from light, which can alter its composition.

Store in a safe place

Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. If you have young children, lock them away in a safe place where they cannot be seen or reached.

Check for signs of deterioration

Essential oils will eventually expire and become unsafe to use. Check for the following signs:

• A change in aroma (stronger, unpleasant, or weaker)
• A change in colour (darker, lighter, or colourless)
• A murky or foggy appearance
• A thicker consistency

Other storage tips

• Essential oils can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve their freshness.
• Keep bottles as full as possible to reduce the amount of oxygen in the bottle, which can speed up oxidation.
• Do not store essential oils in hot, bright, or humid areas, such as bathrooms, near stoves, or on windowsills.

The importance of patch testing

When using essential oils, it is important to know how to perform a patch test. This will help you avoid any adverse reactions in case you are allergic to the oil. Patch tests are especially important for people with sensitive skin, existing allergies, or those taking prescription drugs.

A patch test is a form of skin testing done on a small patch of skin to check for allergies to a substance. It can be easily done at home without any special equipment. Here's how:

• Choose an area of skin, preferably the inner elbow or inner forearm, and ensure it is washed, dry, and clean.
• Dilute the essential oil you want to test. If you plan to use a 1% dilution (one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil), test at a 2% dilution for the patch test.
• Apply the diluted essential oil to the chosen area.
• Cover the area with a bandage to prevent water from interfering with the test.
• Leave the bandage on for at least 12 hours, but ideally 24 to 48 hours.
• After removing the bandage, check for any signs of irritation, such as redness, itchiness, inflammation, or a rash.

If a reaction occurs, wash off the oil and apply a carrier oil to soothe the skin. It is recommended to test a small area first and see how your skin responds before applying essential oils more generously.

While patch tests are a great way to minimize the risk of allergic reactions, they do not guarantee that you will never react negatively to an essential oil. Some people may still experience skin sensitization, a condition where the immune system reacts to essential oils as it would to an allergen over time. Therefore, it is always important to use essential oils with caution and dilute them appropriately before topical application.

Diluting essential oils with carrier oils

When using essential oils, it's important to dilute them with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation and other adverse reactions. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be too strong to use directly on the skin. Carrier oils carry essential oils to your skin and help to dilute them so that they can be used safely. They also help to nourish and moisturise the skin.

There are many different carrier oils available, each with its own unique properties and benefits. When choosing a carrier oil, consider the following factors:

• Odor: Some carrier oils have a distinct odour that may alter the aroma of the essential oil.
• Absorption: Some carrier oils are more easily absorbed by the skin than others.
• Skin type: Certain carrier oils may irritate the skin or worsen skin conditions such as acne.
• Shelf life: Some carrier oils have a longer shelf life than others.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil is a popular carrier oil that can penetrate the skin on a deeper level. It has moisturising properties and can help relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and cold sores.
• Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is a natural fungicide and has a high absorption rate, making it ideal for use in aromatherapy. It is also known to be the carrier oil that most closely mimics the natural oil secretions in human skin.
• Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil is commonly used as a carrier oil due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to keep the skin soft. It is easily absorbed by the skin and can help to gently cleanse the pores and follicles.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy, edible oil that can also be used as a carrier oil. It is packed with fatty acids and plant sterols, making it great for cleansing and moisturising dry skin.
• Argan oil: Argan oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and antioxidants, including vitamins A and E. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and is gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
• Rosehip oil: Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A and C and has anti-aging effects when applied to the skin. It is considered a dry oil, meaning it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue, making it suitable for normal to dry skin types.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is a heavy, thick oil that is ideal for people with dry, rough skin. It helps to improve skin texture, remove makeup, and hydrate the hair.

When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it is important to follow the correct dilution ratios. Here are some common dilution guidelines:

5% dilution: 15 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

3% dilution: 20 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

5% dilution: 30 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

10% dilution: 60 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

5% to 1% dilution: 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

Always perform a patch test before using a new essential oil or carrier oil to ensure that you don't have an allergic reaction. Additionally, be cautious when using essential oils on children, elderly individuals, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

How to use essential oils with a diffuser

Using essential oils with a diffuser is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use essential oils with a diffuser:

First, it is important to choose the right essential oil for your needs. Different essential oils have different benefits, so selecting the right one is crucial. For example, lavender oil is often used to help with stress, pain, and sleep, while tea tree oil is commonly used for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

Once you have chosen your essential oil, it's time to set up your diffuser. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety reasons. Ensure the diffuser is placed near an outlet, in an open area, and away from any fans, heat sources, or direct sunlight.

Now, you can add the essential oil to the diffuser. Add 8-20 drops of essential oil to the water in the diffuser. Use only as much water as your diffuser can handle. Refer to your diffuser's instructions and the oil label for the correct ratio of oil to water.

After adding the essential oil, turn on the diffuser and enjoy the aroma. The oil will be dispersed into the air, and you can inhale its scent.

It is important to keep safety precautions in mind when using essential oils with a diffuser. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before adding them to the diffuser. Do not ingest essential oils, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Consult a doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any health concerns.

Additionally, be mindful of the potency of essential oils. Start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed. Always follow the instructions on the label, and discontinue use if you experience any skin irritation or adverse reactions.

By following these steps, you can safely enjoy the benefits of essential oils through diffusion and create a pleasant and therapeutic atmosphere in your space.

The benefits of aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is a specific type of therapy that incorporates scented essential oils into a massage. The massage involves alternating between gentle and harder pressure while using a particular blend of essential oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and are applied along with lotion during the massage. Aromatherapy massages have a wide range of benefits, including:

Relaxation and Calmness

Aromatherapy massages can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and increase mental clarity. The scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. This can help to reduce anxiety, fearful thoughts, and stress reactions.

Pain Management

Aromatherapy massages can help ease pain from various conditions, including chronic lower back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Essential oils such as wintergreen and birch are known to ease tension in joints and muscles.

Improved Mood

Aromatherapy massages can boost your mood and make you feel good. Essential oils like orange, lemon, and tangerine have been found to be effective in stimulating positive emotions.

Reduced Symptoms of Depression

Aromatherapy massages can help reduce symptoms of depression, including anxious thoughts and low mood. Studies have shown that massage therapy can be an effective, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain.

Improved Sleep

Essential oils like lavender can promote better sleep.

Improved Circulation and Flexibility

Massage therapy can improve circulation and increase flexibility, which can be beneficial for those with physical discomforts and restricted movement.

Emotional Healing

Aromatherapy massages can provide emotional healing, especially for those suffering from emotional distress. Essential oils like rosemary and rose are believed to have healing properties in this regard.

Improved Muscle Tone and Reduced Inflammation

Essential oils such as lemongrass, white fir, and marjoram can aid in improving muscle tone and reducing inflammation.

Connective Tissue Improvement

Lemongrass and German chamomile are known to improve connective tissue problems and help with healing.

Neuromuscular and Neuralgia Relief

Some essential oils may help ease pain associated with nerve damage or inflammation.

While the research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy is conflicting, it is a widely used practice with few associated risks. The main precaution is to ensure you are not allergic to any of the essential oils used, as they will be inhaled and come into direct contact with your body.

Frequently asked questions