Essence of Wellbeing

Aromatherapy in Flight

2012-02-13T12:21:00.001-08:00

As some of you may be aware, I waslucky enough to get to spend Christmas with family overseas this last year.

Now this was my first long haulflight in several years, so I was somewhat nervous about surviving both theflight and any jet lag! So of course I first looked to my essential oils forhelp.

But, since the last time I flew longhaul, there are now restrictions on the liquids that you can take with you onthe plane. So I had to think very carefully about what I took with me as I onlyhad room in my hand luggage for the absolute essentials!

So now that I am back, and with thebenefit of hindsight, here are the products that I found the most useful on theplane -

- Lavender Essential Oil - my first aid kit in a bottle! Let’s face it, flying isalways going to be stressful, so anything that helps you to relax is a goodthing. Plus Lavender is great for kids who may get upset or nervous during thetrip as well as being a very versatile oil to have on hand for a whole range ofconditions. Put a couple of drops on your fingertips and massage over yourneck, shoulders, temples, scalp, or anywhere you feel tension. Or simply dropsome onto a tissue and inhale. I have done the same for my daughter - worked atreat.

- Rose Hydrosol Spray - The air in planes is very dry, so I used this to spritzmy face during the flight - so refreshing. I actually decanted some into one ofour 50ml spray bottles for fit with airline regulations, Any hydrosol can beused, so if you prefer another one to the rose, go right ahead.

- JojobaOil - again I decanted this into a smaller bottle - a 50ml pump bottlethis time. Useful for any dry skin on your face (try applying immediately afterthe hydrosol and while your skin is still damp). It can also be used as a handlotion or as a lip balm.

- Nourishing Facial Treat - use the same as the jojobaoil - especially good for those, like me, whose skin gets really dry in planes.

- ClarityEssential Oil Blend - The dry air in planes can dry out nasal passages andcause congestion. Clarity helps clear and refresh - simply inhale a few dropsfrom a tissue. Clarity is also good for clearing the head and helping you tothink a bit clearer - not always easy after a long flight!

Of course I still had my usual skincare products and mini kit of essential oils in my checked luggage for when Iarrived. But this little collection helped get me through the flights in onepiece and in surprisingly good condition all things considered.

Check outthese products next time you take a flight.

Essence of Wellbeing offically a Safe Cosmetics “Champion,”

2011-11-30T14:18:00.000-08:00

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has just released their new report, Market Shift, and Essence of Wellbeing been categorised is a Safe Cosmetics “Champion,” which means we’re making some of the safest cosmetics out there in the market!

Read the report yourself here & spread the word: http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=913

Essential Oil Profile - Relax Essential Oil Blend

2011-11-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

Essence of Wellbeing Oil Blends have been created for specific uses and are the result of many hours of testing combinations of different essential oils to create the most beautiful aromatic blends.

Our Essential Oil Blends are a great way to gain an introduction to the world of aromatherapy.

These blends can be used the same as an individual essential oil in oil vaporisers (burners), in massage blends, and other aromatherapy applications.

“Relax” is an essential oil blend created to be gently calming and relaxing, to soothe especially after a stressful day.

“Relax” started out life purely as a massage oil blend, and is still one of our most popular Massage Oils. But the demand for a “companion” product, meant that it also came to be a pure essential oil blend as well. For therapists in particular, this means that they can have a cohesive whole to a treatment, with “Relax” Essential Oil Blend to use in the Vaporiser in the treatment room, and “Relax” Aromatherapy Massage Oil for the treatment itself.

“Relax” contains a selection of calming essentials oils specifically useful for calming stress and tension -

Lavender - the classic relaxation essential oil

Bergamot - a delicate citrus with fantastic de-stressing power

Mandarin - sweet and soothing

Petitgrain - calming and uplifting to the spirits

“Relax” is light and fresh but calming and soothing at the same time.

Try “Relax” in a vaporiser or oil burner, or add a couple of drops to a warm bath and soak the tension away! Follow with a relaxing massage for even greater effects.

Natural Hair Care Tips

2011-10-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

We all want shiny healthy hair. But can we achieve it with natural products and ingredients, or do we really need the whole range of shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling products and more that we see advertised every day?

Well the answer is - “Yes” you can have gorgeous healthy hair and still keep it natural. -

Here are 5 tips for naturally shiny, healthy hair -

1. Feed your hair from the inside

Did you know that your hair and skin are last in line for nutrients? So if your diet is lacking, it will show here first. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, “good” fats from nuts, seeds and oily fish and drink plenty of water.

2. Watch the “product”

Too much styling product, colour and the like can damage hair. Many products coat hair and build up so that you then need harsh shampoos to remove them, which only damages your hair. Take it easy with how much and how many
different products you use. As hair becomes healthier, you may find you need them less and less.

3. Gentle cleansing is best

Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners on your hair. These do not “coat” the hair, which can make it look flat and dull over time. Instead they gently cleanse without stripping out all your hair’s natural oils, The result - healthy clean shiny hair.

4. Oils are not always the enemy!

Many people view oil in hair as a disaster and wash to remove all of this for “squeaky clean” hair. As for your skin, your hair needs some of the natural oils to help keep it healthy and shiny. Even if you have very oily hair, gentle cleansing is still best so that your scalp does not over-produce oil to compensate for the oil you are stripping out.

5. Give your hair a healthy treat

It is easy to give your hair an extra treat if it feels dry, coarse or lifeless. Try a warm (not hot) oil treatment by working jojoba oil through hair to the ends, then covering with a shower cap (or cling film) and a towel to keep the warmth from your head in. Leave for a couple of hours and then wash as normal

Treat your hair with gentleness and natural products and see the results!

Using Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

2011-08-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time.

There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Lists of essential oils noted as "Not to use in Pregnancy" can be dauntingly extensive, and may include essential oils that are always toxic (and should never be used even when not pregnant) or which should be used with caution, or essential oils that are usually safe, but may not be during pregnancy. Additionally some oils may be useful at certain stages of pregnancy but not others. It is no wonder people get confused!

For examples of essential oils in each of these categories, see my article Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

Why do some oils become a risk during pregnancy? Some of these oils are emmenogogues and have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Some affect the hormones or have too strong an effect on a particular organ or system of the body. We also do not yet know to what extent oils used by the mother may affect the developing foetus, so any oils which may be too strong for the child should be avoided.

However under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist, great benefits can be gained by using some essential oils during pregnancy. Bear in mind the following :-

- Only use true essential oils. Not fragrance or synthetic oils.

- Never take essential oils internally.

- Always, dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Never apply them neat to the skin.

- Adapt recipes by cutting down the number of drops to child sized doses, around half of that for an adult.

- A woman's sense of smell is often more acute during pregnancy - another reason to use lower dilutions.

- Essential oils used in a vaporiser will carry much less risk than any applied directly to the body, whether in a carrier oil, in a bath or as a compress.

- Some oils that are generally safe to use include, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and tea tree.

- Seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist if you are proposing to use aromatherapy whilst pregnant, especially if you have a personal or family history of miscarriage or you have been advised that your pregnancy is in any way fragile

- And finally always let your health practitioner, doctor, midwife or obstetrician know about anything you are using or proposing to use.

With some care and professional advice aromatherapy can help and enhance your health and wellbeing during pregnancy.

(This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation.)

Aromatherapy for Coughs and Colds

2011-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Winter is a prime season for colds and flu. But aromatherapy and essential oils can help.

Prevention is always better than cure. Help stop the spread of germs by using the antiseptic powers of essential oils around the home.

Tea tree essential oil in particular is fabulous used as a disinfectant. Add a few drops to the water when washing floors.

Sprinkle a few drops of tea tree essential oil on a damp cloth and use to wipe down light switches door handles, taps and other areas that are touched regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

Other surfaces can be washed down with tea tree in warm water. If you aren’t keen on the aroma of tea tree, just add a little lemon essential oil along with the tea tree.

Vaporise essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, pine, lemon, cypress or thyme to cleanse the air.

Make a room spray by putting 3 drops each of eucalyptus, tea tree and lemon
essential oils or eucalyptus, pine and rosemary essential oils in a spray bottle and topping up with water. Don’t forget to shake well before each time you use it.

If you do catch a cold a cold, essential oils can also help to soothe the symptoms and help you to feel better.

At the first symptoms, run a warm bath and sprinkle in 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops tea tree essential oil. Soak for at least 15-20 minutes, then pat yourself dry, wrap up warm and put yourself to bed. The essential oils will soothe symptoms and relax you to help you to get a good night’s sleep and get the rest that is so important when you are ill.

Vaporise essential oils in the bedroom with a waterless electric vaporiser - use 5-6 drops of essential oil such as eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, pine, rosemary, or basil. Use one oil or a combination.

Put a few drops of essential oil on a tissue and breathe in the vapors throughout the day to help to relieve congestion - oils that can help here include, basil, eucalyptus, pine, peppermint or rosemary. Or try our Clarity Essential Oil Blend. Add a drop of lavender if your symptoms include a headache.

These same oils can be used for steam inhalation to help relieve congestion - use 1-2 drops only in a bowl of hot, but not boiling, water. Close eyes and cover your head with a towel to make a tent. Breathe in deeply. (Note - steam inhalations are not recommended for anyone suffering from asthma).

Make a soothing chest rub by adding 6 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary essential oils to 50ml grapeseed oil. Apply to chest, throat and upper back.

(Please note - all recipes given are for adult doses. For children under 12 years, use no more than half the amounts stated. For babies under 2 years, use no more than a quarter of the dose. Contact a professional aromatherapist

Natural Care for Winter Hands

2011-06-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that your hands are more dry at this time of year, when the days and nights get colder? Cold air outside and warm dry air inside can dry out and stress your hands leading to rough skin, chapping and even conditions like dermatitis

So here are 10 Tips to treat your hands and turn rough paws into soft smooth hands.

1. Wear gloves wherever possible - protective rubber gloves for when hands go in water, gardening gloves for outside jobs and warm gloves when you are out in the cold for a while.

2. Dry hands thoroughly after washing - water on cold hands can contribute to chapping.

3. If hands feel rough and dry (although not if the skin is broken) use Essence of
Wellbeing Sweet Lime Hand Scrub. Simply wet hands, then massage scrub well into the skin all over your hands. The raw sugar exfoliates, while the sweet almond oil
protects and softens and the lime essential oil leaves your hands smelling wonderful.

4. If skin is broken, raw or sore, massage with Sweet Almond Oil and a little Lavender
Essential Oil. (Mix 10 drops in 1 tablespoon (20ml) Sweet Almond Oil).
Sweet Almond is a wonderfully emollient oil for the skin and lavender is good for
helping skin to heal, helping to prevent infection and soothing any soreness.

5. Use a good hand cream every day. Essence of Wellbeing’s Lime and Sandalwood Hand Cream is rich in nourishing vegetable oils and butters and just a small amount will soothe, soften and protect.

6. Keep a jar of Sweet Lime Hand Scrub by the kitchen sink - use after cooking to clean, smooth, soften and counteract food odours on your hands.

7. Apply hand cream and put on cotton gloves under your rubber gloves for washing up. The warmth from the water will penetrate and, combined with the nourishing cream, will really soften your skin.

8. For cracked and neglected cuticles, a drop of Jojoba Oil massaged around each nail can be beneficial.

9. For a special treat for your hands make a hand mask using 1 tablespoon of white clay, 1 teaspoon of red clay and 1 tablespoon of natural yoghurt. Smooth over hands and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse off.

For an overnight treat for neglected hands, slather on hand cream or sweet almond oil and pop on cotton gloves - leave overnight for super soft hands next morning.

Hydrosols

2011-05-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

What are hydrosols?

Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats, flower waters, floral waters or waters of distillation, are a byproduct of the distillation of essential oils. When essential oils are being distilled, it is water, in the form of steam, which is used to extract the essential oils. This water is cycled through the distillation apparatus several times. On its journey it absorbs many water-soluble components from the plant material being used. The resulting water contains many of the same properties as the essential oil, but in a more gentle diluted form. They also smell fantastic!

What are Hydrosols used for?

Hydrosols make great toners and refreshers for the skin. Having no alcohol they are not drying so they can be used several times a day – useful for hot days or when travelling. Try keeping a spray bottle of hydrosol in the fridge in summer! Hydrosols can also be used as the basis for room sprays, to mix with clays to make masks or in skin care products.

Are all Flower Waters Hydrosols?

No, all flower waters are not hydrosols. Some flower waters are simply water infused with essential oils or other perfumes. Some also have other ingredients added, including preservatives and even alcohol or fragrances, so it is a good idea to check the ingredients list to make sure what it is you are buying. This is particularly important in buying a facial product as some of these ingredients may irritate skin.

Are all Hydrosols the same?

No they are not. As the properties of essential oils vary, so do their hydrosols. For many purposes such as for room sprays, it is fine to just go with the one whose aroma you prefer. However for skin care, you may get more benefits from choosing a hydrosol to match your skin type. For example -

Rose Hydrosol - suitable for all skin types but particularly useful for dry and sensitive skins

Orange Flower Hydrosol - particularly suitable for normal to oily skin.

Lavender Hydrosol - useful for blemished skin.

Hydrosols are a wonderful product with a variety of uses - which are gentle and effective.

Check out the Essence of Wellbeing Range of Hydrosols on our Website.

Ear Candling

2011-03-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Since we began stocking ear candles last year, I have had many visitors to our showroom ask what they are and how you use them.

So here is a rundown on the process known as ear candling -

Ear candling, sometimes referred to as ear coning, is an ancient practice with references being made to the practice in ancient Egyptian times as well as in parchments from Asia. Contrary to the name of some brands of ear candles, there is no record of the practice being carried out in native American cultures.

Ear candles are best made from natural beeswax and cotton fabric, although some may be made of refined beeswax, bleached or treated fabric or may have fragrances added to them - these types of inferior candles are best avoided.

The ear candles are shaped into a tube or cone shape. The cone type generally produces a better airflow and result, particularly the larger cones. One end of the candle is lit and, with the person lying on one side, the unlit end of the candle is inserted into the ear canal of the upward facing ear. The cone shape of the candle creates a gentle air flow which can help to remove excess wax and relieve pressure in the ears. The extent of effects will depend on each individual. The candle is removed and extinguished well before the flame burns down close to the ear.

As ear candling uses a naked flame great care must be taken, and instructions followed precisely to ensure that the process is carried out safely. It is also recommended that you do not try to perform ear candling on yourself. Always have another person, carry out the candling process. A qualified professional trained in ear candling is a very good idea.

If you suffer from any conditions affecting your ears, including infections, perforations, cysts, or if the ear is fitted with grommets or there has been recent ear nose or throat surgery, ear candling is not recommended. If you are not sure if ear candling is suitable for you, please consult a practitioner.

Once the candles have been removed and extinguished, they can be cut open to inspect the residue. Some of the residue is from the candle itself, and some from the ear. They amount of residue from the ear will vary from occasion to occasion and person to person.

Ear candling is a relaxing and soothing practice and can benefit the health of a wide range of people of all ages.

NB - Ear candles must be used with care and following the instructions given. The use must take full responsibility for use. In the case of any ear diseases or abnormalities, please consult a medical practitioner.

Please note that the information supplied regarding usage relates to the ear candles supplied by Essence of Wellbeing. The same information may or may not apply to other brands of ear candles and should not be used in place of instructions specifically relating to other brands of ear candles.

Aromatherapy Perfumes

2011-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Essential oils have been used in perfumes for thousands of years.

Historically some of the most exclusive and indulgent perfumes have contained the most precious and delicate natural essential oils. These days however, despite the marketing of perfumes including images of nature and flowers, many perfumes are more the product of a chemists laboratory than the product of mother nature.

Making your own perfume from essential oils is fun and can result in a perfume that is truly natural and truly “you”.

How do you put together an essential oil perfume? Obviously it is not a good idea to apply the oils neat, as in their undiluted form they can irritate the skin. Most commercial perfumes are based on some form of alcohol, to dilute the fragrance, but this is also not always friendly to your skin.

A more gentle natural base is to use an oil. Jojoba oil is very skin-friendly and suitable for even sensitive skins. It is also low in aroma, so that it does not interfere with the perfume aroma you want to create. For these reasons, Jojoba is the oil used for many essential oil “dilutions” – more expensive oils such as rose or jasmine, that are diluted to make their price more accessible.

So how do you go about making your essential oil perfume?

Firstly you need to choose your essential oils. This is really a matter of experimentation and your own preference. Classically, perfumes should contain a combination of top, middle and base notes to create a balanced aroma.

Top Notes – Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Tea Tree, Thyme

Middle Notes - Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint

Base Notes – Cedarwood, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove Bud, Frankincense, Ginger, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

For more information on essential oil blending, including suggestions, quantities and tips, you may like to refer to some of my previous articles. You may also like to view the information about each essential oil in the listings on our website. These listings contain descriptions of the aroma of each oil, together with suggestions of oils that blend well together. Take notes as you experiment, so that you can reproduce the blend later.

Normally for a massage I would suggest a concentration of up to 2.5% essential oil (or 2.5ml per 100ml carrier oil). However as a perfume is applied to a limited area, it is possible to increase the concentration to 5%. Of course, If you have very sensitive skin, or find the aroma of your blend too strong, feel free to reduce that amount.

I suggest making your perfume oil in a glass bottle with a pump top for ease of application. Add your chosen essential oil blend to the bottle first. Top up with jojoba oil to the shoulder (the point at which the bottle just starts to narrow). Insert the stem of the pump attachment and screw on firmly. Shake gently to blend. I would also suggest leaving your perfume for a few hours to settle before using it.

Perfume oils should be applied to the “pulse points” - areas of the body where the blood vessels travel close to the surface of the skin and where the body is warmer. This warmth helps the perfume to disperse. So apply your perfume oil to the wrists, behind the ears, the inner elbow, behind the knee and at the base of the throat.

And that’s it - making your own unique aromatherapy perfume is easy. The only hard part will be deciding which of the million possible combinations of essential oils is right for you - but that is the fun of making your own aromatherapy perfume.

Repelling Insects Naturally

2010-12-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

Using natural ways of repelling annoying or biting insects focuses on keeping the insects away rather than killing them. So natural repellents can be less harsh to you and the
environment.

Many of the most pungent or strong smelling essential oils are good for repelling insects - eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, geranium, rosemary, thyme, peppermint to name a few.

Which oil or oils you choose will depend on the type of insect and how the oil is to be used. Preparations to use on the skin should always be diluted, whether in an oil or in a water spray - water based sprays should always be shaken well before each use to
disperse the oils. Neat oils can be carefully used around the house (eg to repel ants) or on the edges of clothing as an alternative to using anything on the skin.

Around the house - try peppermint to deter ants - drop around entry points. Lavender or Clove Bud are classics for deterring moths - put drops on cotton balls and tuck between clothing or linen.

To deter mosquitoes and other biters - for preference wear clothes that cover legs and arms, Then try putting drops of lavender essential oil on the edges of cuffs. The same oil can also be used in a spray or carrier oil to smooth over exposed skin. Lavender is also useful to take the itch out of bites, should you get them - use neat on a cotton bud dotted onto the bite.

Remember all insects and conditions are different, so a little experimentation may be necessary to find just the right combination for you.

Aromatherapy and the Summer Sun

2010-12-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

It’s hard to resist the sun after months of cold, but it’s also easy to overdo the heat and sunshine.

Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun - no remedy is ever going to be as good as protecting your skin from the sun in the first place! Cover up whenever possible with clothing and seek shady areas or come inside during the hottest parts of the day. Use a good sunscreen on exposed skin if you have to go out. Although some vegetable oils provide some protection, it is not enough on its own in the harsh Australian sun, so look for sunscreens with a good physical barrier, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you do overdo it - try to cool the skin as much as possible with cool baths. A spray of lavender or rose hydrosol can also be soothing. Later, try Lavender Body Lotion and make sure you keep up with a lotion or body butter every day as sun dries out the skin enormously.

Remember if you have burned enough to be very red or even blistered - seek medical attention immediately.

But don’t forget - it’s better to avoid too much sun in the first place - so be safe!

Blending Essential Oils - Part 2

2010-11-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

Last month we talked about the reasons and advantages to blending essential oils.

This time we will look at another factor to bear in mind when blending essential oils.

One of these factors is having regard to the “note” of each of your essential oils.

Now this is predominately an aesthetic consideration in that it affects how your blend will smell. But aesthetics are still important even when creating a blend for a particular physical problem, emotional condition or another purpose. A blend that smells attractive and cohesive will be more enjoyable to use, create a more positive mindset and will generally produce better results.

You may have heard the term “note” in relation to perfume. It essentially relates to the volatility of the components of the essential oil, which in turn affects the rate at which the oil will vaporize or evaporate and also affect the “energy” of the oil.

There are 3 notes generally referred to – top, middle and base notes.

Top Notes are the lightest, with smaller faster moving molecules. They evaporate very quickly, so will dissipate first and often appear more obvious when you first smell a blend, then gradually disappearing. Top notes generally have a brighter, lighter energy.

Typical top notes are the citrus group of oils, which reflect this bright lively character.

Top Notes - Basil, Bergamot, Clary sage, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Sweet Orange, Petitgrain, Tea Tree, Thyme

Base notes are at the other end of the spectrum. They have heavier and slower moving molecules and take much longer to evaporate. They will inform the character of the blend after the other notes have dissipated.

Base Note oils tend to be slower, often warmer, often more relaxing. Many wood oils, such as sandalwood, are base notes, but this group also includes very different oils such as ylang ylang and ginger.

Base Notes – Cedarwood. Cinnamon Leaf. Clove Bud, Frankincense, Ginger, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang

Middle Notes are, as the name suggests, between top and base notes in terms of their energy and volatility. They are often very balancing oils, although some can be relaxing and some stimulating. Many herb oils fall into this category, such as lavender, rosemary and marjoram.

Middle Notes - Black Pepper, Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Fennel, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Spearmint

You may find some oils are sometimes stated to be in one category and sometimes in another. There are some oils that are almost on the line between one group and the next, so that they are interpreted as being, say, a middle note in one book, and a base note in another. A typical example is clary sage, which is sometimes referred to as a top note and sometimes as a middle note. Bear in mind that the categories are not sharply and distinctly defined. But are more in the nature of 3 areas of a continuing spectrum.

Notes become important when blending to create a blend that smells balanced at the beginning and continues to do so as the various molecules dissipate. The best blends will usually contain a mixture of all three notes, although it is possible to blend just top and middle notes (lighter and shorter lived) or middle and base notes (heavier and more intense). It is rare that a top and base note will blend harmoniously, although it can sometimes happen. The blend we use in our Patchouli and Lime Soy candle is a rare example of this.

Remember, just because you take a top, middle and base note, they won’t necessarily blend well. You still need to consider the all over character of the oils as well as the purpose for which you are blending. But having regard to the particular “notes” of the essential oils you are blending will help to create a more attractive blend and one you will enjoy smelling.

(Caution - Always bear in mind any cautions attaching to particular essential oils. Also refer to the genera cautions for the use of essential oils. See this article for more)

Blending Essential Oils

2010-10-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Should I use each essential oil on its own or should I mix them?

That is question that gets asked often here at Essence of Wellbeing.

The simple answer is that you can do both!

Essential oils can work well on their own but it is true that the effects of essential oils can be boosted by combining them.

Mixing 2 or more essential oils can also create wonderful new aromas. That is one of the reasons why here at Essence of Wellbeing we created our own range of blends, to offer the benefits of these blends to those who do not want to get into blending themselves.

Likewise there is nothing wrong with using a single essential oil if that is what you prefer. Often the properties or aroma of a single oil are exactly what we are looking for, so why complicate matters! But sometimes we can benefit from a blend of essential oils and the different effects that brings.

When we blend essential oils we are taking advantage of a property that essential oils possess, called “synergy”. Synergy means that combinations of essential oils can have an effect greater than the sum of their parts. A bit like making 1 + 1 = 5! Individual essential oils have a certain amount of innate synergy through the interaction between the unique combinations of chemical components that make up each essential oil. But the effect can be further enhanced by combining different essential oils.

Other benefits of blending are aesthetic. Some oils may not smell as attractive on their own, but add wonderful character and depth, when combined with other essential oils.

Combining essential oils can also help the aroma of the more highly volatile top note oils last longer by combining them with the more slowly evaporating middle and base note oils.

So while you do not have to combine essential oils into blends, there can be great advantages in doing so.

The other questions that most often get asked in addition to this are, how do I blend essential oils? and, which essential oils go together?

So therefore, in future articles we will look further into how to go about creating essential oil blends for different purposes, how to decide which oils will go together and much more.

Citrus Essential Oils

2010-09-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sunny, bright, fresh, clean – these are some of the descriptions I have heard about the group of essential oils that are extracted from citrus fruit.

Citrus essential oils are located in cells close to the surface of the fruit’s skin. It is the essential oil we are capturing when we zest oranges or lemons to use in cooking. And it is also this which gives citrus fruit their characteristic aroma. If you have ever been squirted in the eye when peeling an orange, then you have been hit by the fruit’s essential oil!

The oils from Citrus fruits are all extracted from the peel by a method known as expression. It used to be that the oils were manually pressed into sponges which absorbed and captured the oil. Now the process of expression is more mechanized, but once extracted the oil is subjected to no more processing than filtering. For this reason, the Citrus Essential Oils are some of the most unprocessed of all the essential oils.

Perhaps because they are so unprocessed, citrus essential oils also tend to have the shortest shelf life of the essential oils, and are much more likely to succumb to environmental degradation. Although it is always important to keep your essential oils in a cool dark place, this applies even more so to these oils. However if kept in an especially cold place, such at the fridge, citrus oils can become cloudy, due to the presence of natural waxes in the oil. These waxes are naturally occurring and their appearance does not affect the quality or properties of the oil.

Citrus oils are sweet, refreshing and well received by most people. They have a generally uplifting character that brightens the mood and lifts the spirits. They are, as a group, a useful addition to the aromatherapy kit. Individually they have different characters –

Bergamot – a delicate sweet oil especially good for helping to relieve stress or any condition related to stress.

Grapefruit – a refreshing oil, stimulating to the digestion and good for encouraging the appetite. Also useful in preparations for oil skin

Lemon – refreshing and cooling, lemon is also good for helping concentration and lifting the spirits

Lime – refreshing and detoxifying, good for freshening the mind and also the skin.

Mandarin – calming and uplifting to the spirits. Very sweet and gentle and sometimes known as “the children’s oil”.

Sweet Orange – with a happy sweet nature, helping to relax the mind and emotions.

One note of caution - Some citrus essential oils can cause the skin to be more sensitive to the sun or susceptible to sun damage. The most common culprits are bergamot and lime. So be careful to use only tiny amounts of these oils in preparations which are to be left on the skin, or avoid the sun for a least a couple of hours after applying them.

For even more information on these wonderful essential oils, see our website.
Also check out our new special Citrus Essential Oil Pack for savings on these essential oils.

Aromatherapy in the Laundry

2010-08-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

Doing the washing can seem like a thankless, never ending task. No sooner have you washed, dried, ironed and folded that mountain of clothes, then someone has refilled the laundry hamper and it all starts over again!

Aromatherapy can’t make that mountain of washing go away (sorry!) but it can make the whole process of dealing with it so much more pleasant.

Here are a few tips –

Washing You can add a few drops of essential oil to your washing soap or detergent. It is best to choose a liquid and one with little or no fragrance to do this. Use just a very few drops of essential oil and make sure it is thoroughly mixed in the liquid before adding to the machine. You can also do the same with your softener, again making sure it is a no or low-fragranced type. Try lavender for a classic fragrance, lemon for freshness or eucalyptus for the cold winter months.

When hand washing, especially for woolens, I like to use a pure soap, adding some essential oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the final rinse along with a cup of white vinegar, to help remove the last traces of soap. Eucalyptus essential oil will give that classic “wool wash” aroma, or try lavender to help deter moths.

Drying Anyone who dries their washing on a line outside will know how fresh it makes everything smell. I am a great fan of line drying for this reason – plus it is much kinder to both the environment and your power bills! But if you do need to use a dryer, you can also use essential oils to give fabrics a great
fragrance. Simply put a couple of drops of essential oil on a price of cotton fabric or an old handkerchief, and place in the dryer with the clothes.

Ironing is for many people one of the most boring parts of doing the laundry! Some people manage to avoid it altogether, but if you cannot, why not incorporate aromatherapy? I do not recommend adding essential oils to the water reservoir of your iron (although I have seen some books recommend it) as essential oils can react with and damage plastic parts of the iron. However you can add the oils to a spray bottle of water. Shake well and simply spray the fabric before ironing.

Storage Essential oils are also great to fragrance and protect your clothes and other fabrics when storing them. The old lavender sachet (a piece of cloth sewn or tied into a pouch containing died lavender flowers) works great. Lavender is good for deterring creatures such as moths than would damage your clothes, but it is not the only one. Alternatives are rosemary, clove bud, cedarwood, sandalwood, geranium, peppermint or spearmint.

Some ways to use these oils are -

- put some drops of oil on cotton balls and tuck these into the corners of drawers or cupboards.

- put drops on sheets of heavy paper cut to size – let dry, then use these to line drawers or shelves

- refresh fabric lavender sachets with a few drops of lavender essential oil.

Aromatherapy for the Winter Blues

2010-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Winter can be a time when the cold weather and shorter daylight hours can mean that we do not feel as positive, energetic and motivated as we do during the warmer months.

For some people the effect can be quite extreme, whereas for others it is just a matter of feeling like staying home and “nesting” in a warm place.

Many essential oils can have a positive effect on the mood and emotions, lifting the spirits and helping to energise and motivate during this time of year.

Some of the best oils for this time are the citrus oils, which, as a group, have quite sunny positive dispositions. They are usually well accepted by most people and have a bright lively aroma that freshens the air and lifts the mood. There are a number of different citrus oils, some quite sharp such as lemon or grapefruit, some are sweeter in aroma, including mandarin, sweet orange and lime. Some are even particularly good for stress, such as bergamot, for when the cold is really getting to you!

Other oils with uplifting qualities include clary sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and spearmint, petitgrain, pine, ylang ylang. Choose one or a combination that suits your mood. Some of these oils, such as eucalyptus for example are also good helping to clear the air when coughs and colds strike, so are very appropriate for this time of year.

Warming spicy oils are another way to combat the feeling of cold – oils such as black pepper, ginger, cinnamon leaf and clove bud are great in oil burners and many are also good antiseptic oils as a bonus! They generally blend very well with the citrus oils, to further enhance their benefits.

Try some of these blends in your vaporiser or experiment with your own combinations

Winder Blues - Blend 1

3 drops sweet orange

2 drops lemon

2 drops grapefruit

Winder Blues - Blend 2

2 drops ginger

3 drops sweet orange

Winder Blues - Blend 3

3 drops bergamot

1 drop ylang ylang

1 drop clary sage

Winder Blues - Blend 4

4 drops lemon

2 drops eucalyptus

(This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation.)

Aromatherapy First Aid

2010-06-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Every home and workplace should have a first aid kit. But have you considered also having an aromatherapy first aid kit?

Essential oils are perfect for dealing with many of the minor illnesses, injuries and other conditions we encounter everyday, and in a natural, gentle and holistic way.

Some books will say you need to have 10 or even 20 essential oils to start your first aid kit. But in reality you could start with just a few. The following are some of the most useful –

Tea tree - Tea tree’s strong medicinal aroma reflects its powerful bacterial and virus busting properties, although its action is also very gentle. Tea tree can be added to a carrier oil for skin conditions, or even to a foot bath for feet infections.

Lavender - A wonderfully versatile oil, but best known for its relaxant properties. Can be used to soothe and heal minor cuts, insect bites, or burns. Add a few drops to a bowl of warm water and use to wash minor cuts or grazes. A drop inhaled from a tissue or on a pillow can aid restful sleep. Add to the bath at the end of a stressful day or rub a drop into the temples for a headache.

Eucalyptus - Wonderful for respiratory conditions, add eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam to help clear a stuffy head. Or add to a carrier oil and massage into chest and back. Put a few drops on a damp cloth and use to wipe over door handles, light switches and other areas to reduce the spread of colds.

Rosemary - Stimulating to the mind and memory, rosemary is great for mental fatigue. It is also good for the hair - add to a carrier oil and use as a scalp massage for dry, flaky or out of condition hair.

Peppermint - Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale to help relive nausea, travel sickness or headaches. Or add to a footbath for hot tired feet.

Remember, except for specific instances stated above for lavender, never apply essential oils neat to the skin. They should always be diluted in a carrier oil, bath etc. So adding some carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba, to your kit is advisable.

Remember that whether you keep your aromatherapy first aid kit with your regular first aid kit or not, essential oils do always need to be stored in a cool dark place.

Aromatherapy on the Move by Wendy Mackay

2010-05-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

You love to surround yourself with essential oils, perhaps have a vaporiser or oil burner in your home, office or clinic. But what about when you go outside?

In the car many people resort to synthetic air fresheners, but these are not a great option - and think about the synthetic chemicals your are inhaling.

The atmosphere in the average car is very enclosed. Opening the window is often not an option due to the fumes from other road users - or just the vagaries of the weather.

So what can you do? Well there are alternatives using aromatherapy.

Essential oils can still be used in the car - with great results.

My top five “motoring” oils are -

Lemon - fresh and zingy, lemon is also good for keeping the mind focused - essential for the driver

Spearmint - like peppermint, this is great for nausea from car sickness, but is less aggressive than peppermint, making it perfect for the confines of a smaller space.

Rosemary - great for focus and concentration

Sweet Orange - sweet and fresh and great if the kids are in the car

Eucalyptus - closed environments are great for harbouring germs over the colder months, when we are even less likely to open a window - eucalyptus is the classic oil for winter coughs and colds

Place just a couple of drops of essential oil on the pad of one of our Car Vaporisers and insert into your car’s cigarette lighter point. Alternatively, put the drops on a cotton ball and tuck near the air conditioning outlet. And for those with stuffy noses or car sickness try inhaling the oils directly from a tissue.

Happy motoring!

DIY Day Spa by Wendy Mackay

2010-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the pampering you can receive at a good day spa. From the soft towels, relaxing ambience and pampering from the hands of skilled therapists, they are a great way to de-stress and unwind.

However there is nothing to stop you recreating some of that feeling at home when time, finances or family commitments prevent you from indulging. Here is our step by step guide.

First make sure you claim the bathroom at a time when you won’t be interrupted. If you live alone that will be easier. But if you have a partner or kids, make sure they are occupied elsewhere for a while so you won’t be interrupted! You only need an hour (although if you can manage longer, why not!)

First set the scene. Candles create a gorgeous atmosphere. Try some relaxing music (keep electricals away from the bath or other water though.) And don’t forget plenty of fluffy towels. Now might be the time to get out those special thick towels that you were saving for a special occasion - well this is it!

Run the bath and add a few drops of a favourite essential oil - try lavender or geranium, or whatever makes you feel good. Or add some relaxing bath salts, making sure they are fully dissolved before you get in.

Cleanse your face and take off your makeup. Then apply a face mask for your skin type.

Sink into the warm bath (make sure it is warm, not hot. Too hot water can dry and irritate the skin.) Place a cool face cloth, folded over your eyes, or try cotton pads soaked in cold chamomile tea or even wet chamomile tea bags.

Relax and breathe. Remember this is your time and just for while the world will get along fine without you - For now your job is just to relax.

After you have had time to relax, take a cloth and some salt glow and rub all over your body. If you have very sensitive skin you may like to substitute our exfoliating grains here. Although developed for the face they can be used all over. The water will have softened your skin making the exfoliating action even more effective.

Get out of the bath and pat dry. Slather yourself with a moisture lotion or body butter all over. Don’t forget to remove the mask with warm water, pat dry and moisturise your face too.

Wrap yourself in a soft robe. Make yourself a cup of herbal tea and put your feet up for 20 minutes.

You will feel great - re- energized and ready for anything!

2010-03-22T16:59:00.001-07:00

Massage and Oil by Wendy Mackay

Massage is a healing therapy involving manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. Massage can soothe muscle aches and pains, encourage relaxation, stimulate the circulation of blood and encourage the flow of lymph. Massage also has beneficial effects on the skin as well as calming and uplifting the mind.

There are numerous styles of massage but essential to most forms of massage (most but not all) is the selection of an appropriate massage oil. While used primarily for lubrication, the oil selected can also have benefits for the skin, as well as assisting the massage itself.

When selecting an oil for massage, each therapist or masseur will have their own set of criteria. But some things to consider are –

The style of massage – the amount of slip and grip required

The client ‘s skin type – dry or oily, how hairy they are (absorbs more oil), any sensitivities or allergies.

The purpose of the massage – whether the massage will be improved or enhanced by the addition of appropriate essential oils. Eg calming oils such as lavender for a relaxation massage

If using essential oils, take into account the aroma preferences of the client.

The needs of the masseur – your own aroma preferences, any skin conditions or potential reactions.

Choosing the most appropriate oil and in the correct amount, should give you the slip and control
necessary to carry out the massage while leaving your client with smooth soft skin that is not overly greasy.

Massage oils can be as simple as a single carrier oil such as -

Sweet Almond – very moisturising, rich in EFAs and vitamins A & E. Light both in odour and colour and while it is suitable for all skin types, is particularly useful for dry or sensitive skin.

Apricot Kernel –similar to Sweet Almond oil chemically, but with a wonderfully light consistency and aroma making it particularly suitable for facial massage and treatments.

Grapeseed Oil - a light, gentle, emollient oil with a low odour and good penetration. Readily absorbed by the skin and carries a low risk of allergy. Especially popular with professional massage therapists.

Jojoba Oil - not an oil , but a liquid wax, with natural moisturising and healing properties and suitable for all skin types. Like grapeseed oil, it is not a nut oil so very suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Macadamia Nut Oil – a thick oil recommended for mature or very dry skin due to its high levels of palmitoleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fatty acid not found in most oils.

These oils can be used singly or in combination and may benefit from the addition of other oils such as –

Evening primrose oil - rich in EFA's and in particular GLA, it is very moisturising and rejuvenating, softening and smoothing the skin. It is particularly useful for excessively dry skin or for mature skin.

Rosehip oil - high in EFA's and vitamin C. Emollient and readily absorbed into the skin and is particularly useful for mature, dry or damaged skin.

Wheatgerm Oil - renowned for its high content of Vitamin E, an antioxidant, as well as fatty acids and is particularly useful for dry or mature skin.

Essence of Wellbeing also produce a range of blended massage oils with and without the addition of essential oils, so whether you prefer a single oil, an unscented blend or wish to experience the benefits of massage with essential oils, there is something to suit.

One of the basics of rules of aromatherapy is that they must be diluted to be applied to the skin.

You can choose a massage oil already including essential oils ( Essence of Wellbeing have a range of these oils, from “Relax” ideal for relaxation massage to “Sports” which is ideal for deeper or sports-related massage. )

Making your own massage oil is another option to capture the wonderful benefits of using essential oils. Massage oils can also be used as body oils, as a way of moisturising and protecting your skin in a similar way to a body lotion.

To Make a Massage Oil

Equipment and ingredients -

A bottle to make and store your completed oil (preferably glass)

Carrier oil or oils

Essential oil or oils

Labels

The method of making each of these oils is the same. Add the essential oils to the bottle first , then top up with the carrier oil. Screw the cap on firmly then shake gently until combined. Lastly add a label on which you have noted what the blend is for, the ingredients used and the date it was made. Most blends made this way will keep for at least 3 - 6 months if kept in a cool dark place.

You can keep them in the fridge in hot weather if you like.

FAQ:- We are sometimes asked if our massage oils are “washable”. So-called washable or water soluble oils have dispersants added to them. Although these are reputed to be skin friendly, we at Essence of Wellbeing have some across a large number of therapists that are unable to use them due to skin reactions and sensitivities, sometimes only emerging after long periods of use. For this reason we have chosen to keep our oils as natural as possible by not including any of these dispersants in any of our massage oils. Now the benefits of washable oils are usually only in the laundering of towels and linens used for massage. The trick is to use a hot wash for you towels with a good detergent to remove the oil. If you use a cold wash the oil may remain in the fibres. If you have a commercial laundry to take care of your towels, they will most probably use a very hot wash anyway and the oil will not be a problem.

Aromatherapy Bathing by Wendy Mackay

2010-03-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Bathing is probably one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your life.

Bathing has a long history and references to baths have been found in early archaeological records. Hippocrates wrote that a perfumed bath and a scented massage everyday was the way to good health.

The earliest & most simple method of perfuming a bath was to tie a bundle of aromatic herbs or flowers together & place them in the water. Now we have essential oils to provide an easy and attractive way of adding the properties of healing plants to water in therapeutic baths.

An aromatherapy bath can be relaxing or stimulating, sedative or uplifting, warming or cooling, depending on the oils used. Bathing can relax the nerves & soothe muscular aches and pains. But for most of us the aromatic bath is probably most useful for relieving stress.

To prepare an aromatic bath, run a warm bath. You can have the water as warm or hot as is comfortable. But do not make the water too hot if you have dry or sensitive skin.

For an adults bath, add 4-8 drops of essential oil just before you get in and swish this around very well. Essential oils do not dissolve readily in water but will disperse if well mixed. Do not prepare the bath in advance as much of the volatile oil will be lost. Dont be tempted to add more oil, even if the amount looks tiny. Essential oils are very concentrated and the number of drops suggested is more than sufficient

Allow plenty of time for a relaxing soak for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes if you can! Some of the oil will adhere to the skin and some will be inhaled as an aromatic vapour

You can also use a dispersant to help the essential to mix with the water. You can use a tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, sweet almond or apricot. This is very useful for dry skin. Alternatively you can use full cream milk (not low fat or skimmed) or cream. Mix the essential oil in the dispersant and then add to the bath.

Dilution of the essential oil is vital in baths for babies or children. Also remember to at least halve the number of drops for a childs bath. For babies and very young children only 1-2 drops are needed.

Your choice of oils will depend on the effect you are looking for
- to relax or to aid sleep try lavender or ylang ylang
- to soothe the skin, chamomile
- to ease muscular aches, lavender, marjoram or pine
- to stimulate and awaken, rosemary
- to uplift the spirits, grapefruit or ylang ylang

Some oils can irritate so it is best to avoid these in baths. These oils include black pepper, ginger, basil and peppermint.

A simple foot or hand bath is another easy way of combining essential oils and water. This can be useful if you do not have a bath or if you wish to treat a particular part of the body, e.g. aching feet after a long day. Simply add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water, mix well and soak.

Aromatherapy bathing is a wonderful way to enhance our lives and combine aromatic essential oils with the healing and restoring powers of water.

Natural Cleaning With Essential Oils

2010-02-23T15:23:00.000-08:00

Cleaning and maintaining your home using natural ingredients including essential oils rather than using toxic chemicals is a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way and it smells SO much better!

Our top 5 Essential Oils for use around the home are -

Tea tree - for its antibacterial properties which have been renowned for decades

Eucalyptus - fresh and invigorating and a boon if there are coughs and colds in the house

Lavender - relaxing but still with antibacterial properties - a most versatile oil

Lemon - the ultimate in freshness - loved by everyone

Pine - clean & fresh - especially good in the bathroom

Here are a few ideas on how to use these fragrant powerhouses around the home -

When washing hard floors use a non-scented detergent in the water and add 3 drops of tea tree and 4 drops of lemon essential oils. Or use a cup of white vinegar in hot water with the essential oils added.
Make up a spray bottle with 10 drops of lemon essential oil in 100ml water. Shake well and use as a spray and wipe product to clean kitchen benches.
Put a couple of drops of lavender or pine essential oils on the cardboard tube inside toilet rolls to subtly freshen the air.
The germs which cause colds are usually transferred by the surfaces we touch so try adding 1 or 2 drops of eucalyptus onto a damp cloth and use this to wipe over door knobs, light switches and other similar surfaces around the home.
Any of these essential oils work well to remove cooking odours in the kitchen. Simply add 6 drops of one or a total of 6 drops of a combination of oils to water in a candle vaporiser, or with or without water in an electric vaporiser (refer to the manufacturersï¿½ instructions) (Essence of Wellbeing recommends electric vaporisers which do not use water, as their operating temperature is lower and therefore safer.)

**A note of caution always take care using essential oils on plastic or painted wooden surfaces around the home as the oils can cause damage or discolouration especially if left on for any length of time. If in any doubt test your mix in an unobtrusive place first.

Your Skin — Part 3

2009-12-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

So what are the most important factors to consider in caring for your particular skin? In my previous blogs we have talked about the different skin types and how to identify the one you have. So by now you should have a good idea of the type of skin you have been blessed with. (If you missed our earlier postings you can please refer to my previous blog postings).

Normal Skin

Normal skin is the least problematic, being well-balanced, smooth and with no blemishes. It is of course subject to normal aging processes and the effects of the environment, so skin care for normal skin should gently cleanse and protect skin from the elements. An occasional mask or exfoliation will help and moisturiser is vital.

Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks much of the natural oil that is needed to keep skin smooth and supple. So skin care for dry skin should be very gentle in cleansing and deeply nourishing to replenish oils not being naturally produced by the skin. Cleansers should not dry out the skin and moisturisers should be rich and nourishing. Masks should be used sparingly and extra nourishing treatments may be beneficial.

Oily Skin

Oily skin produces more oil than it needs so skin care for oily skin should thoroughly but gently cleanse skin, to avoid encouraging increased oil production, protect and refine texture. Take care not to over cleanse as this can stimulate even more the skin’s oil production. Moisturising is still

important even for oily skin, but should be light and easily absorbed. Regular but gentle use of exfoliators and masks can help to improve the look and feel of the skin.

Combination Skin

Combination skin has patches which are oily and other patches that are normal or dry and ideally different areas should receive skin care particular to their needs. Skin Care for Combination Skin should gently cleanse, gently remove excess oil from affected areas and whilst still nourishing dry areas, all to help to encourage skin to a state of balance. Don’t be afraid to mix and match products for oily or dry skins to find the mix that is right for you. Masks and exfoliators or other treatments can be used only on certain areas if required.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin requires special care when choosing skin care as it can react badly to some skin care ingredients as well as environmental factors such as heat, cold and wind. Skin care for sensitive skin therefore needs to be very gentle, protective and nourishing. Although very gentle exfoliators and masks can be used, they should be used sparingly. Gentle cleansing and moisturizing are the most important factors. Hydrosols used as toners are excellent for sensitive skins as they do not irritate or dry the skin.

Mature Skin

Mature skin shows many different signs of age, many due to the thinning of the skin, and decreasing oil production as we age. Skin Care for Mature Skin therefore needs to be deeply nourishing to replenish the natural oils and moisture which may be lacking in the skin itself. Try extra nourishing facial treats in addition to your moisturiser and limit mask and exfoliation to once a month.

To find specific Essence of Wellbeing products for your particular skin type click here.

Next Month - Some special treats for your skin.

Your Skin - Understanding (Part 2)

2009-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

Understanding what skin type you have is the key to choosing the right skin care. And the right skincare is the key to healthy-looking glowing skin. But how do you know what skin type you have?

This month we look at the characteristics of different skin types.

Normal Skin - If you have normal skin, you are very lucky! Normal skin is the least problematic, being well-balanced, smooth and with no blemishes. It tends to have no areas of excess oiliness or dryness and has a beautiful fine texture. It looks like the skin of young children, and many will have such skin when young. However few of us are blessed to take this type of skin far into adulthood! But remember that even normal skin can change over time or be affected by seasonal changes. So treating your skin well will protect it from the elements and help it to continue to look good as you age.

Dry Skin - Dry skin is very common as the skin naturally produces less natural oils as we age. So many other skin types may find their skin developing dry skin characteristics as they get older. Unfortunately although dry skin can look smooth and fine textured when young, it is more prone to lines and wrinkles with age. Dry skin tends to have a dull appearance and may become flaky or chap easily. It will feel tight after washing and can be prone to broken capillaries and may become irritated. Skin care that replenishes and nourishes the skin will help it to maintain its elasticity and protect from the elements.

Oily Skin - Oily skin produces more oil than it needs, leaving it with a shiny look and feeling greasy to the touch. Oily skin tends to have a coarse texture with large pores and a tendency suffer from blemishes, blackheads or acne. The good news about oily skin, though, is that it is not as susceptible to aging, lines or wrinkles. Taking care with diet and using light skin care is the key to dealing with oily skin. It is important though to resist the temptation to over-cleanse, as this can inadvertently cause the skin to step up oil production, and worsen the problem. Using gentle but effective skin care will help to cleanse and control oily skin.

Combination Skin - Combination skin has patches which are oily and other patches that are normal or dry. Usually dry patches will occur more on the cheeks and around the eyes, with oily areas located in the T zone comprising the forehead, nose and sometimes the chin. Combination skin can be susceptible to blackheads and other blemishes in the oily areas and will frequently have dilated pores in these areas. Other areas will be more finely textured. Ideally different areas should receive skin care particular to their needs.

Sensitive Skin - Sensitive skin requires special care when choosing skin care. Such skin tends to be pale and finely textured. It reacts badly to many cosmetics and may also be sensitive to sun or to extreme temperatures. There is a tendency to become inflamed or irritated and to develop red blotches, broken capillaries and other blemishes. Skin is usually fine textured and tends to be dry, due to the lack of natural oils which normally would protect it.

Mature Skin - Mature skin shows signs of age, and these signs may be made worse or appear earlier due to the effects of sun exposure or smoking, or even the position in which you sleep. Most signs of aging occur due to gravity and the fact that as you get older the skin tends to produce less of the natural oils which kept your skin looking fresh and supple when you were younger. Mature skin will tend to show expression lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, nose and mouth. Skin around the eyes will look loose or slack. The complexion generally appears thinner or more dull due to decreased natural moisture and capillaries may become more visible. Gentle, nourishing skin care is needed for mature skin.

Our Next Blog - Now you know your skin type, learn about what products to use and how to best care for your skin.

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Your S k i n (Par t 1)

2009-10-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

Healthy glowing skin is the key to looking and feeling great. Our skin, along with our hair and nails, are good barometers of our general health. If we are not eating healthy foods, not getting enough sleep, not drinking enough water, it will show in these areas first. To understand our skin’s needs let’s first talk about what our skin is and how it works.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It’s tough outer layers protect our entire body, provide a barrier to infection coming into the body and also to fluid leaving the body. The skin also acts as an excretory organ helping to rid the body of excess materials. It helps to regulate our body temperature, allows us to touch and feel and even helps in the formation of Vitamin D, so essential for healthy bones. Altogether our skin is a quite amazing hard working organ. To see how it does these things let’s look at the structure of the skin.

The skin is made up of layers. The outermost layers are contained in the epidermis. This is the layer we see every day and is also the layer containing cells which give our skin its colour. It is composed of several layers of cells, the innermost producing new cells which gradually move up towards the surface. As they approach the surface the cells fill with keratin, becoming harder and more flattened, and providing a barrier against microbes and water. Eventually at the very top layer the cells are shed to leave room for new cells. Did you know that most household dust is made up of dead skin cells? This process allows the skin to constantly renew itself and it can take up to 4 weeks for a cell to travel from the base layer to the surface.

So any change to the health of the skin, good or bad, can take time to show and also time to resolve. Substances applied to the skin’s surface mostly influence the surface cells but some substances, including essential oils, have small enough particles to be absorbed through the skin. Below this layer is the dermis which is thicker and contains blood vessels, nerves, glands and hair follicles. It is the layer that can break down with age and contribute to wrinkle formation but also contributes to features such as our fingerprints. Within the dermis are the glands that produce oil (in the form of sebum) and water (in the form of perspiration). Our skin needs a balance of both of these to stayhealthy and supple. Oil also helps protect and waterproof the skin making itimpervious to water (Otherwise we would all swell up like a balloon whenever wewent swimming or had a bath!) Perspiration also has another function in contributingto our skin’s ability to help control the body’s temperature. It is a good balance of these two substances that creates the wonderful soft look of young children’s skin -the skin we all aspire to have!

Unfortunately for some of us, and increasingly as we age, that balance can be upset, producing less water and too much or too little oil. Depending on the balance this can result in a variety of problems which can make the skin look older or less healthy. However there are ways to help your skin back to its natural state of balance.

The first step is to identify your skin type. (to be covered in next blog entry)

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Spring

2009-09-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

It seems appropriate that our new website should be launched in Spring—the season for new beginnings. Here are a few Spring-Inspired health and aromatherapy ideas for you to try :

Are you getting into Spring Cleaning? Don’t forget that essential oils are a great part of natural cleaning for those that are trying to avoid using too many chemicals around the home.Try our favourites—lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree and pine.

If your skin is looking dull, especially common with exposure to heating and dry air over winter? try our Gentle Exfoliating Grains to help to brighten your complexion. Simply moisten a small amount of grains with water. then massage over the face, allowing the gentle exfoliants to help remove dead skin cells. Then rinse with lukewarm water to reveal soft glowing skin. (Hint—although created for the face, this gentle exfoliant can be used all over for soft smooth skin!)

Don’t forget to moisturise both face and body every day to rehydrate skin ready for summer. We recommend either of our cream moisturisers for the face—Lavender Geranium and Patchouli for normal, dry sensitive and mature skins, or Lemon Cedarwood & Ylang ylang for normal to oily skins. For an extra boost try our Gentle Facial Treat either under or instead of your regular moisturiser. For the body, we have three beautifully rich but light Body Lotions in Citrus, Lavender or Exotic. And for very dry skins, try our super-rich Body Butter with Lavender, Geranium and Mandarin Essential Oils

Sandal season is approaching - try our Citrus Salt Glow on your feet to get them smooth and pretty. Simply massage over wet feet and let the Australian Sea Salt and citrus essential oils smooth away roughness. Rinse well and pat dry for soft smooth feet just ready to show off!

For great skin and hair don’t forget what goes into your body is important too. Drink lots of water and make sure your diet included

THE SOY WAX CANDLE JOURNEY AT ESSENCE OF WELLBEING by Wendy Mackay MIFA

2008-06-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Soy Wax has recently become the "Buzz Word" in the candle world. Soy Wax Candles or Soy Candles have popped up everywhere - in stores, market stalls and on the internet. Network marketing companies have also jumped on board, enabling many small scale candle makers to step into the industry.

Soy wax is promoted as being natural, better for our health, better for the environment and more.

It's true that natural soy wax, produced by hydrogenation of the oil extracted from soy beans, is an environmentally friendly, cleaner-burning, renewable resource. But I had to ask myself just how natural were a great many of the candles being sold under this banner. After all many if not most of them seemed to include synthetic colours and harsh synthetic fragrances (which smell particularly bad to anyone who is used to working with beautiful natural essential oils everyday!)

So I began to do some research. And these are some of things I found out.

Soy wax is a relatively new product having been created only during the 1990's. It was created as a natural alternative to paraffin wax. There have always been other natural wax alternatives, notably beeswax. But beeswax is considerably more expensive than soy wax, so is much more of a luxury product. Other natural alternatives include palm wax, which has also been touted as a sustainable resource. But more recently the plight of the orang-utans and the fact that their habitat is being destroyed to make way for palm oil/wax plantations makes this claim somewhat doubtful.

So soy wax does seem to be a great new product. But how to keep it truly all natural? Was it really necessary to add colour and synthetic fragrance? Could you make soy wax candles that really were 100% natural?

Well after much work I can say the answer is yes. And the Essence of Wellbeing soy wax candle range is the result. These candles are made from natural soy wax and pure essential oils with cotton wicks. No synthetics. Some have a tint of colour from the essential oils used, but none contain added colour. And they are just beautiful. I was told people wouldn't like candles without colour. But I found people are considerably more discriminating than that! They appreciate the subtle colours of the natural wax, and the fresh delicious fragrances of the essential oils.

Our soy wax candles all come in elegant lidded glass jars and are of a generous size with a burn time of over 40 hours. They currently come in 4 fragrances - Lavender (with pure French Lavender essential oil), Citrus with sweet orange, lemon and grapefruit essential oils), Eucalyptus (with Eucalyptus radiata essential oil) and Patcholi and Lime (containing patchouli and cold-pressed lime essential oils).

So why not try a truly Natural Soy Wax Candle today!

Aromatherapy Methods of Use - Making Your Own Massage Oil

2008-04-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

One of the basics of rules of aromatherapy is that essential oils must be diluted to be applied to the skin. Making your own massage oil can be a wonderful way of using essential oils. Massage oils can also be used as body oils, as a way of moisturising and protecting your skin in a similar way to a body lotion.

When making your oil you will need -
· A bottle to make and store your completed oil
· Carrier oil or oils
· Essential oil or oils

Your bottle should ideally be made of glass. You can have a plain cap or some people like to use a pump top for ease in dispensing.

When choosing your carrier oils bear in mind the properties of the oils and your skin type (or the skin type of the person you are making it for). To start with I usually recommend using a plain grapeseed or sweet almond oil. As you experiment you may like to use a combination of vegetables and infused oils to enrich your basic oil blend.

When choosing your essential oils, consider the effect you want the oil to have and when you intend to use it. Are you planning on a light fresh aroma to use as a body oil after your morning shower? An invigorating oil to massage into muscles before or after sport? Or you may want a sensual massage oil to share with a special someone!

To make your oil blend, take your bottle and place in it up to 4 drops of essential oil for every 10ml of carrier oil you will be using. So in a 50ml bottle use up to 20 drops in total of essential oil, in a 100ml bottle use up to 40 drops. For a massage oil for children or anyone whose health is frail or who has sensitive skin, halve this number. Remember you can use 2 or 3 different essential oils in your blend but the total number of drops should together not exceed that stated.
Top up your bottle with your chosen carrier oil to the shoulder - this is the part where the bottle just begins to narrow. Put on the cap and shake gently or tip the bottle back and forth to mix the oils together.

And don't forget to label your creation! Information to note includes the date, the name of the person the oil is for and the purpose of the oil, together with the ingredients. This way you can easily reproduce your blend.

Some recipes to get you started -

End of the Day De-stress Massage Oil
100ml Sweet Almond Oil
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
20 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Wake Me Up Body Oil
100ml Grapeseed Oil
20 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
10 drops Petitgrain Essential Oil
5 drops Spearmint Essential Oil

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://www.aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy

2007-11-24T18:56:00.001-08:00

by Wendy Mackay MIFA

People get very concerned about the use of aromatherapy and essential oils during pregnancy. Some, including some aromatherapists, even advise not to use any essential oils at all. I personally think that is a bit extreme, and also a great pity, as many essential oils can be quite useful in helping the prospective mum through this time.

There are a number of reasons that the area of aromatherapy and pregnancy has become the subject of so much concern. And often people are left not knowing what, if anything they can use.

Essential oils listed as "Not to use in Pregnancy" fall into 3 basic groups -

· Oils which are toxic or otherwise dangerous and should be avoided at all times, even when not pregnant. These include camphor (brown or yellow), cinnamon bark, mugwort, oregano, pennyroyal, rue, common sage, savory, tansy, thuja, wintergreen and wormwood.

· Other oils which require caution for anyone using them (again not just during pregnancy) include aniseed and star anise, some types of basil, bay, some types of cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, clove (leaf and bud), hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, parsley, Spanish sage, tarragon and thyme.

· Commonly used oils which are normally safe but may have adverse effects when pregnant. These include cedarwood, clary sage, citronella, marjoram, myrrh, rosemary, rose and peppermint.

(Please note these lists are not exhaustive)

Why are these oils listed? Some are toxic or carcinogenic. Some are emmenogogues and have a stimulating effect on the uterus. Some contain compounds which are abortifacients. Often oils are listed due to the tendency for some oils to be confused. Only the common name may be used instead of the botanical name (eg. Sage can be used to refer to common sage, spanish sage or clary sage, each of which carries different risks). Or there may be several versions of an oil depending on the plant part used (eg clove or cinnamon). Or the chemical make up of the oil can vary depending on where and how it is produced. So the warnings have to be very cautious due to these doubts.

We also do not yet know to what extent oils used by the mother may affect the developing foetus, so any oils which may be too strong for the child should be avoided. This is not necessarily a bad thing as the quality of essential oils can vary widely in the marketplace. But under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist, great benefits can be gained by using some essential oils during pregnancy.

Another thing to bear in mind is how & how much oil you use.

Never take essential oils internally. Always, but always, dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Never apply them neat to the skin. If you are pregnant, adapt any recipes by cutting down the number of drops to child sized doses, around half of that for an adult. This softens the effect and also takes account of the fact that when pregnant, a woman's sense of smell is often more acute, so full strength may seem overpowering. For example if a recipe suggests 5 drops in 10 mls of carrier oil, then use only 2-3 drops. Less is often more in aromatherapy!

Essential oils used in vaporiser will carry much less risk than any applied directly to the body, whether in a carrier oil, in a bath or as a compress. But still err on the side of caution regarding how much you use.

Some useful and safe remedies for pregnancy -

Nausea - put 2-3 drops of ginger or spearmint oil on a tissue and inhale.

Oedema (swelling of hands and/or feet) - put 4-6 drops of one of the following oils in a foot or hand bath (sweet orange, geranium, grapefruit) and soak

Indigestion - dilute 1 drop of spearmint essential oil in 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil and massage into the abdomen in clockwise direction.

Other oils that are generally safe to use include, lemon, sweet orange, mandarin, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and tea tree.

Always ensure that you are using true essential oils rather than synthetic or fragrance oils. See my article on choosing essential oils for more information.

If you have a personal or family history of miscarriage or your have been advised that your pregnancy is in any way fragile, please seek advice from a professional aromatherapist regarding your particular situation before using essential oils. Professional advice is a good idea for anyone contemplating the use of aromatherapy but especially so in pregnancy. And always let your health practitioner, doctor, midwife or obstetrician know about anything you are using or proposing to use.

(This information is meant as general advice. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation)

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Aromatherapy Oils 'kill superbug'

2007-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

The oils are more usually used in aromatherapy

Essential oils could kill the deadly MRSA hospital 'superbug', scientists have claimed.
University of Manchester researchers found three of the oils, usually used in aromatherapy, destroyed MRSA and E.coli bacteria in two minutes.

They suggest the oils could be blended into soaps and shampoos which could be used in hospitals to stop the spread of the superbug.

Hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, kill an estimated 5,000 a year.

The Manchester study was triggered when complementary medicine specialists at Christie Cancer Hospital asked university researchers to test essential oils.

Our research shows a very practical application which could be of enormous benefit to the NHS and its patients

Jacqui Stringer, Christie Hospital, Manchester
They wanted to ensure they could not harm the patients, whose immune systems are weakened by the treatments.

Dr Peter Warn, who carried out the research, said: "When I tested the oils in the lab, absolutely nothing grew. Rather than stimulating bacteria and fungi, the oils killed them off."

Soaps and shampoos

The team then tested 40 essential oils against 10 of the most infectious agents found in hospitals, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

Two of the oils were found to kill MRSA and E.coli almost instantly, while a third was found to act over a longer period of time.

However, the researchers say they are unable to reveal which oils carry benefits because of commercial sensitivities.

MRSA is often carried in patients' nostrils, and is currently treated by putting disinfectant on the area to kill the bacterium - which many patients often find unpleasant.

Dr Warn says the essential oils could be used to create much more pleasant inhalation therapies - which he said were likely to have a much higher success rate than the current treatment, which is only effective in around 50% of cases."

Dr Warn said: "We believe that our discovery could revolutionise the fight to combat MRSA and other superbugs."

But he said the team now needed around £30,000 in order to continue its research.

Jacqui Stringer, clinical leader of complementary therapies at Christie Hospital in Manchester, instigated the oils research.

She said: "Our research shows a very practical application which could be of enormous benefit to the NHS and its patients.

"The reason essential oils are so effective is because they are made up of a complex mixture of chemical compounds which the MRSA and other superbug bacteria finds difficult to resist."

The Department of Health evaluates products which are claimed to prevent or treat HAIs before it permits them to be used across the NHS.

This article was sourced from the BBC News Website (www. bbc.co.uk)

How to Choose True Essential Oils

2007-09-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

How to Choose True Essential Oils by Wendy Mackay IMAA

Go into any new age or health food store or any candle or homewares shop and chances are you will see little bottles of fragrant oil.

Anyone who has had any experience of aromatherapy knows how powerful these volatile oils can be and the wonderful effects they can have.

But all oils are not the same. How do you know what you are buying? There are an enormous number of synthetic oils on the market, but true aromatherapy uses only the best pure plant extracts. These are true "essential oils" and are, in my opinion, the only ones to purchase.

To help you make sure you are getting "the real thing", here are my top 6 things to look for when buying essential oils -

1. This may be obvious, or maybe not, but look for the words "pure essential oil". If the bottle says "fragrance oil", "fragrant oil", "perfume oil", or even "aromatherapy oil" the chances are this is a synthetic product. Remember there is no legal definition of "aromatherapy" so anyone can use the term.

2. Look for "100% essential oil". Many more precious oils are diluted at 3-5% in a base oil such as jojoba, to make the price more attractive. But such oils are useless in a vaporiser as they are simply not strong enough. These dilutions do have their uses, but the fact they are diluted should be clearly stated. Some producers list these with other pure essential oils, so you can only know the difference if you look very closely at the label. If you are unsure then an easy way to test for yourself is to place a drop of the oil on absorbent paper. A pure essential oil will evaporate leaving little or no mark on the paper. A diluted oil will leave a greasy oil mark and will not evaporate.

3. The essential oil bottle should be dark, preferably amber, glass. Oils will react with plastic, so any fragrance sold in plastic will not be a pure essential oil. Clear glass will cause the oil to deteriorate due to exposure to light. For the same reason, essential oils should be kept in a cool dark place to preserve them.

4. Purchase essential oils in bottles with a dripolator plug in the top. These are vastly superior to bottles with eyedroppers. A dripolator will regulate the flow of essential oil and prevent spillage of the whole bottle even if the cap is off. However once an eyedropper cap is removed the top of the bottle is open and can easily spill. It is also more dangerous around children, should they ever get their hands on them. Another consideration that I discovered myself, is that some essential oils will react with the rubber on the eyedropper, causing it to deteriorate and contaminate your oil.

5. Look for a botanical name on the bottle. This is the latin name given to each species. For example, true lavender is lavandula angustifolia, mandarin is citrus reticulata and grapefruit is citrus paradisi. While common names can sometimes be unclear, but the botanical name will always be more precise. Several species may be given the same common name and there can be safety issues with some oils which are only clear when the correct botanical name is used. There are numerous examples of oils where the common name used does not at all relate to the oil's actual botanical classification.

6. Lastly know your supplier. Try to buy from reputable companies and from sources that give the above information or are prepared to answer your questions. And if in doubt consult a qualified aromatherapist for advice.

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Aromatherapy Methods of Use - Vaporisation

2007-08-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular ways to use essential oils is by vaporisation. In other words, encouraging essential oils to evaporate into the air where they can be inhaled and the smell experienced throughout a room.

This is sometimes referred to as "burning" essential oils, and candle operated vaporisers are often referred to as "oil burners". But the truth is that the last thing we want to do is to burn the essential oil. That would destroy the oil and, as anyone who has let an "oil burner" run dry will know, gives off a terrible smell.So how do you safely vaporise essential oil?

The most common method is a candle vaporiser which is basically a small bowl suspended above a tea light candle. The bowl is filled with water and a few drops of essential oil added. The lit candle heats the water and causes the essential oil to evaporate. To use one of these safely, choose one with a generously sized bowl. This will ensure that the heat of the candle is well diffused, and will mean that the bowl will not need to be topped up too often. Also ensure that the candle is not too close to the bowl as this can overheat the water. Always add water first, then the essential oil, so that the oil can float on the surface. Never leave the vaporiser unattended and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Also take care if using near any flammable substances, e.g. do not use in an office where there is paper.

Another simple way to vaporise essential oils is to use a bowl of water. Simply fill a bowl with recently boiled, hot water and float a few drops of essential oil on the surface. Do not use a plastic bowl, as some essential oils can react with plastic and damage it. Better to use a glass or ceramic bowl which can stand heat. This is also a good method to use for congestion, as breathing in the aromatic steam can help to open up the airways. Do not however use this method for asthmatics as it can make the condition worse. Again take care using this method near children and do not leave the bowl unattended.

A simple room spray can be created by mixing a few drops of essential oil in a small amount of alcohol (Vodka is ideal as it has no strong smell) in a spray bottle. Then top up with water or a hydrosol, shake well and spray. Take care spraying over varnished, polished or plastic surfaces as essential oils can sometimes damage these.

One of the easiest ways to vaporise oils is with an electric vaporiser. Although there are a few on the market which use water and have deep bowls, the better ones do not use water. The advantage to these is that they only heat enough to vaporise the oils, but do not get hot enough to burn. Consequently they are by far the safest vaporisers to use, especially if you have pets or children. They are also more appropriate for offices, other workplaces and anywhere where a naked flame would be considered too dangerous. These are the ones that Essence of Wellbeing recommends. There is no flame, no water to spill and the heat used is mild. They should still be kept out of reach of children so that they do not touch the undiluted essential oil.Vaporisers are now even available for your car! A great alternative to synthetic car air fresheners.

So there you are - 5 different but effective ways to vaporise your essential oil and create a wonderful and unique atmosphere. Now all you have to do is choose your essential oils!

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Aromatherapy and Children

2007-08-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy and Children

In my experience as an aromatherapist, I have found that most children take amazingly well to aromatherapy. They are refreshingly honest in their opinions and will quickly tell you if they don't like a particular aroma! They also respond quickly to the benefits of the oils. It is as if, because they have not yet been subjected to the many toxins and chemicals that most of us have been exposed to for years, their bodies have a clearer and quicker reaction.
But there are some cautions that apply particularly to children and should be borne in mind to keep our precious little people safe.

· Never leave any essential oil where a child can get to it. They are best stored in a locked cupboard out of reach. A cool dark place is also best for the oils themselves.

· Always buy essential oils in bottles with an integrated dripolator, rather than an eyedropper. A dripolator will restrict the rate at which essential oils can come out of the bottle even when the cap is off, whereas once an eyedropper cap is removed the top of the bottle is fully open.

· Always refer to a reputable aromatherapy book written specifically for treating children or consult a qualified aromatherapist, before deciding which oils to use. Many essential oils are simply too strong for children.

· Most recipes are designed for adults and will be too concentrated for children. Always reduce the amount of essential oil recommended by at least half (or even more for very young children - use a quarter or less of the recommend dosage). Remember, children respond well to even low dilutions - less is more.

· Never use essential oils in a bath without mixing them in a dispersant. Simple dispersants include full cream milk (not low fat) or cream or even honey. Mix the oils into a tablespoon of any of these before adding to the bath. If you add essential oils directly to a bath they will float on the surface and can be picked up by little fingers to find their way to eyes or mouths. Essential oils can also be diluted in carrier/vegetable oils before adding to the bath. This is a good method for dry skin, but can make your bath slippery. It is therefore not the best method for children and should be used with great care.

· Never use a vaporiser with a naked flame in children's bedrooms or anywhere where children can reach them. Much better to use a waterless electric vaporiser, which will not get very hot and cannot burn. Children should still not be left unsupervised near these in case they touch the oil and get on their skin.

My top 5 essential oils for children are -

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia - a most versatile oil, relaxing and gentle. A drop mixed in a bowl of warm water is also useful for bathing minor cut and grazes.

Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis - from the same plant we use for chamomile tea, so very calming and soothing.

Mandarin Citrus reticulata - a very sweet "happy" citrus smell, mildly relaxing and calming.

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens - an uplifting, balancing and cleansing oil.

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus radiata - antiseptic and very useful when coughs and colds are around. A few drops in a vaporiser will help to clear the air.

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IMAA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington, Victoria. Mornington is located on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula about one hour SE of Melbourne. Other Articles and Essence of Wellbeing products can be viewed at http://aromatherapyandnaturalskincare.com.au

Welcome to Essence of Wellbeing

2007-05-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

At Essence of Wellbeing we believe passionately in aromatherapy and believe everyone should be able to reap its benefits.

We offer everything for the lover of aromatherapy, from pure natural

skin care products bursting with essential oils and other natural ingredients to essential oils, carrier oils and other raw products for professionals and for those who like to make their own aromatherapy blends.

We also provide advice from a qualified aromatherapist to help you to choose the right products and get the most out of them. Our products contain no synthetic ingredients, no artificial colourings or fragrance, no petroleum derived products and we do not test our products on animals.

The aim of this blog is to provide further insights and information in relation to Aromatherapy, essential oils, etc. As well as to provide some recipes for you all to try and enjoy some luxurious home pampering.