Free Introduction To Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Free Introduction To Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy
& Essential Oils
JADE SHUTES
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What is
Aromatherapy?
The quick and simple
answer—aromatherapy is
the study and application of
essential oils.
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What are essential oils? Distillation as Alchemy
When we pick up an essential oil, we could
Essential oils are highly concentrated
say that we are holding a physical
aromatic extracts that are distilled or
manifestation of Alchemy. We could
expressed from a variety of aromatic plant
describe this process of alchemy in the
material, including flowers, flowering tops,
language of the five elements. As plant
fruits/zests, grasses, leaves, needles and
twigs, resins, roots, seeds, and woods. material (Earth) is placed inside a container
(Space) it is then mixed with water/steam
Essential oils are responsible for the aroma (Water) and heated by fire/steam (Fire)
and part of the taste of many medicinal which transforms water/earth (water/plant
plants. While essential oils are in the plant, material) into a vapor. This vapor condenses
they are constantly changing their down into water and essence.
chemical composition, helping the plant to
adapt to an ever-changing internal and Expression
external environment.
Expression, also referred to as cold pressing,
is a method of extraction specific to citrus
The two methods of extracting an essential
essential oils, such as tangerine, lemon,
oil include:
bergamot, sweet orange, and lime.
Distillation: produces essential oils and
hydrosols (Hydrolat).
Expression: produces citrus oils, which
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can also be called essential oils.
Why do plants product
essential oils?
➔ Attract Insects
Insects have been pollinating flowers for over 200 million years.
Insects, like humans, are attracted to specific plants for one of
three possible reasons: its aroma, its color, or its morphology or
physical structure. Scent appears to be more ancient than flower
color as an attractant to insects. Various insects, including bees,
butterflies, and even beetles, are known to be attracted by the
aroma of a plant.
If you think about it, we (as human beings) are also attracted to
plants and one another by the way they smell!
➔ Protect
Plants, like other living things, need to protect themselves from
various types of predators. Plants use terpenoid compounds to
deter insects and other animals from approaching them. Insects
are very rarely found on peppermint plants and the presence of
linalool in the peel of citrus fruits confers resistance to attack by
the Caribbean fruit fly.1 The Douglas fir tree releases a complex
mixture of volatile oils, or terpenes, from their needles to defend
against the spruce budworm. Even more fascinating is that the
Douglas fir trees will vary the composition and production of
terpenes each year thus decreasing the ability of the budworm to
develop widespread immunity to specific compounds.
aromaticstudies.com
Why do plants product
essential oils?
REVIEW
If you consider the three main points of why aromatic plants
create essential oils you will begin to see that we also use essential
oils for these very same reasons along with many others. We use
aroma/scent to attract, repel (yes, some people are actually
repelled by our smell!) and to defend against microbes and to
enhance immunity. This reveals the symbiotic relationship
humans have with plants.
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How do essential
oils work?
– David Crow
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HOW ESSENTIAL OILS
WORK
OUR SKIN
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How to use
Essential Oils
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AROMATIC INHALERS
How to make:
1. Select 2–3 essential oils.
2. Decide how many drops of essential oil to use. We recommend a total of 20–25 drops to
saturate the cotton pad. Equally divide drops among your chosen essential oils.
3. Add drops to a bowl.
4. Drop the cotton pad into the bowl and, using the tip of the spoon, gently move the pad around
to soak up the oil.
5. Pick up the pad with tweezers or your fingers and insert it into the inhaler tube.
6. Place the bottom onto the inhaler tube and lid onto the top of the tube.
7. Create a name for the inhaler based upon its purpose or therapeutic goal (e.g., Relax Inhaler).
Another way to make inhalers is to combine your essential oils in a small glass beaker (5 or 10ml)
then place cotton pad into inhaler tube and pour combined essential oils slowly onto cotton pad.
Place bottom on inhaler tube. It is now ready to use!
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PERSONAL INHALER
RECIPES
There are so many possibilities for creating your own personal inhaler.
Here are a few of my favorite!
Self Compassion
5 drops Rose (Rosa alba)
7 drops Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
12 drops Black spruce (Picea mariana)
Embodiment
8 drops Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides)
10 drops Mandarin(Citrus reticulata)
7 drops Black spruce (Picea mariana)
Sinus Clarity
7 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
10 drops Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
10 drops Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans)
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ROLL ONS
How to make:
1. It helps to have small beakers, such as in 1.75 oz (50 ml) or 3.5 oz (100 ml) sizes, on hand, but a
small measuring cup works too.
2. Fill beaker with the carrier oil of your choice.
3. Pour oil into the bottle, just to the lip (where the side begins to turn in and go up). You don’t
want to fill it up to the very top!
4. Add in your drops of essential oil(s).
5. Holding a clean fingertip over the top, shake the bottle vigorously.
6. Smell the final blend to make sure it smells the way you would like it to. Adjust as necessary.
7. Place ball and cap onto the inside lid.
8. Place cap on bottle.
9. Label the bottle. It’s ready to be used.
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ROLL ON RECIPES
There are so many possibilities for creating your own roll on product.
Here are a few of my favorite!
Evoke Love
9.5ml Jojoba or Vanilla-infused Jojoba
2 drops Rose (Rosa damascena)
3 drops Sandalwood (Santalum sp.) or Frankincense
(Boswellia carteri)
3 drops Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)
Peace of Mind
9.5ml of Sesame Oil
3 drops Sandalwood (Santalum sp.)
2 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
2 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
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BODY OILS
Supplies:
1 - 4oz bottle with phenolic cap
How to make:
1. Select 1–3 essential oils to be used for a blend.
2. Select carrier oil(s).
3. For body oils, you will need a total of 15–20 drops of essential oil per fluid ounce (30 ml).
4. Place all essential oil drops in the bottle. Swivel or shake the bottle.
5. Pour in carrier oil(s). Cap tightly and shake until well combined.
6. Name your oil blend and label bottle with its name and ingredients. Be sure to put the date
when the product was made too!
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FACIAL OILS
Supplies:
1 ounce bottle with pipette lid or phenolic cap
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AROMATIC SPRITZER
water to 70% and use this as yourbase. The (60-240 ml) round glass or PET bottle with a
oils are soluble into the alcohol and no Distilled water (available at grocery stores)
something that helps disperse essential oils Optional: emulsifier such as Solubol
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LIP BALMS
INGREDIENTS
20 g beeswax
1.4 oz (40 g) vanilla-infused jojoba oil
(available to purchase from a variety of
aromatherapy companies) or use regular
jojoba oil or other vegetable oil of choice
25 g shea butter
15 g cocoa butter
10–15 lip balm tubes
Equipment
Stainless steel double boiler
Scale that weighs in grams
Stainless steel fork (for stirring)
Paper towels
Optional: tray that holds lip balm tubes
steady
INGREDIENTS
1. Weigh all ingredients carefully.
2. Prepare the double boiler by adding water to bottom pot then place the top pot above it.
Allow the water to come to a slow boil. Place beeswax in the top pot and allow it to melt.
3. Just as the beeswax is almost melted, add the vanilla-infused jojoba and shea butter.
Gently melt them down. Just before the shea butter is completely melted, add in cocoa
butter (this will melt very quickly). Be sure to stir well!
4. Fill the containers. You can use a lip balm tray to help fill them if you have one.
5. Let the balms sit to harden. Wipe off the outside of the tubes or gently clean the jar lips
with a paper towel.
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SALVES
Steps to make
How to make a simple salve
1. Add in wax. Allow it to begin melting, then
add the carrier oils.
EQUIPMENT 2. Stir ingredients together until well
Double boiler (stainless steel) combined.
Glass measuring cup 3. Once all the beeswax is melted, remove
Small scale to weigh beeswax from heat and add in the essential oils.
Tins or glass jars 4. Stir the essential oils quickly into the salve
Stainless steel fork or stirring rod mixture.
Paper towels 5. Pour salve into jars or tins. If, while pouring,
the salve begins to harden, simply place the
INGREDIENTS pot back onto the double boiler (turn heat
¼ cup (60 ml) carrier and/or herbal oil/s back on if necessary).
¼ oz (7 g) beeswax or candelilla wax 6. Place a cap on the jars or tins and allow the
30–50 drops essential oils salve to harden.
7. Check salves to make sure you like the
texture and that the aroma is of a desired
strength based upon the goals of the salve.
8. Create labels for your salve jars and include
all the ingredients.
9. Once salves are labeled, they are ready to
aromaticstudies.com use! | 18
SALT OR SUGAR SCRUBS
Paper towels
apply heavy pressure. It is unnecessary, the
scrub will do its job even with gentle
pressure!
INGREDIENTS
3. Remove or rinse the mixture from the body
This recipe will fill an 16-ounce jar
by taking a warm shower.
1 1/2 cups sea salt 4. Be sure to conclude your exfoliating scrub
½ cup carrier oil oil such as jojoba with a natural moisturizing oil or lotion to
50-70 drops essential oil(s) feed and replenish the newly exfoliated skin.
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aromaticstudies.com
16 Essential Oil
Monograph
JADE SHUTES
INDICATED FOR
AROMATIC
Digestive system: stress-related digestive issues, lack of CHEMISTRY
appetite, dyspepsia, regulates appetite, nausea, colic,
intestinal infections, sluggish digestion
Rich in the monoterpene d-
Psyche and emotion: insomnia, anxiety, depression, limonene supported by the
nervous tension, depression, anxiety, reduces irritability, monoterpenol: linalool (2-20%),
minimize symptoms of stress-induced anxiety and the ester, linalyl acetate
(15-40.37%)
Bergamot is uplifting and calming depending on what
you blend with it. Clary sage and bergamot together
would tend to be calming whereas bergamot with
eucalyptus could be stimulating.
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CARDAMOM
ESSENTIAL OIL
AROMATIC
CHEMISTRY
INDICATED FOR
Rich in the ether: 1,8 cineole (25.16
Digestive system: constipation, excess gas, colic, - 36.3%) supported by esters - ⍺-
stomach upsets caused by emotional upsets or nervous terpinyl acetate (31.3 - 43.4%) and
conditions, encourages the flow of saliva, nausea, monoterpenes such as limonene
heartburn, spastic colitis, dyspepsia/indigestion, sluggish and sabinene.
digestion
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Chamaemelum nobile
Botanical family: Asteraceae syn. Compositae Cautions: Despite reports of skin
Conservation status: Least concern reactions and dermatitis from
topical use of chamomile, the
likelihood of chamomile
preparations causing a contact
BLENDING WITH ROMAN CHAMOMILE
allergy is low. However, people
with known sensitivities to other
Aroma description: Sweet, fruity, apple-like, strong members of the Asteraceae
Blends well with: Ammi visnaga, Angelica root, carrot seed, (Compositae) family (including
ragweed, daisies, and
clary sage, German chamomile, katrafay, lavender, sweet
chrysanthemums) may want to
marjoram, mandarin, melissa, turmeric
avoid topical application of
Substitutions: Lavender, sweet marjoram, melissa, German
chamomile or chamomile
chamomile, cape chamomile
products.
If concerned, you may choose to
perform a patch test on
INDICATED FOR individuals prone to
hypersensitivities, especially if they
are sensitive to ragweed or other
Skin: Inflamed skin conditions: dermatitis, eczema,
members of the Asteraceae
psoriasis, hives. Broken capillaries, acne, fungal infections,
(Compositae) family.
skin ulcers, slow-healing wounds, razor burn, itchy skin
conditions
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CLARY SAGE
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Salvia sclarea
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
None known cautions or
Conservation status: Least concern
contraindications.
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FRANKINCENSE
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Boswellia sacra
Botanical family: Burseraceae
Caution: Due to the monoterpene
Conservation status: Near Threatened. content, it is important that the
Be sure to purchase from ethical producers or suppliers. essential oil be stored properly
(e.g., in a dark container in the
refrigerator or in a cold room away
BLENDING WITH FRANKINCENSE from sunlight and heat). Oxidized
essential oils should not be used
in body care products or
Aroma description: Clean, fresh, earthy, woody formulations designed for dermal
Blends well with:Bergamot mint, black pepper, Himalayan application. The essential oil can,
cedar, Roman chamomile, cistus, copaiba, cypress, blue gum however, be used for cleaning
eucalyptus, goldenrod, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, products.
Average shelf life for
mandarin, myrrh, neroli, niaouli, sweet orange, patchouli,
monoterpene-rich essential oils,
Scots pine, pinon pine, rose, sandalwood, hemlock spruce,
when stored correctly is 1-3 years.
yuzu
Substitutions: lavender, copaiba, sandalwood
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GINGER
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
NOTES
Botanical family: Zingiberaceae
Conservation status: Data deficient
None known concerns or
contraindications.
Musculoskeletal system: muscular aches and pains, The core components include: ⍺-
arthritis, sprains, rheumatism, joint pain and stiffness, zingiberene (17.4-42.2%), ar-
warming curcumene (5.6-18%), sabinene
(8.7%), (E-E)-a-farnesene (3.4-10%),
Reproductive system: lack of or reduced sex drive, and β-sesquiphellandrene (8.8-
impotence, menstrual cramps and pain, morning 11.3%).
sickness (inhalation), amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea
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GRAPEFRUIT
ESSENTIAL OIL
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LAVENDER
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia
syn. Lavandula officinalis
No known contraindications.
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Caution when oxidized, can
Conservation status: Least concern become a skin sensitizer.
AROMATIC
CHEMISTRY
INDICATED FOR
Seventy-seven+ components
make up 97.3% of the essential oil
of Lavandula angustifolia.
Skin: burns, scrapes, abscesses, acne, athlete’s foot,
eczema, inflamed skin conditions, psoriasis (as an anti-
CORE COMPONENTS:
inflammatory), sunburn, relieves itching, insect bites,
linalool (25-38%), camphor (11%),
hives, open wounds or sores, poorly healing wounds,
linalyl acetate (25-45%).
allergy (expressed on the skin), razor burn, stretch
marks
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LEMON
ESSENTIAL OIL
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LEMONGRASS
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
INDICATED FOR
Twenty-five+ unique components
make up 97.82% of lemongrass
Musculoskeletal system: muscular aches and pains, (Cymbopogon citratus) essential
tired and sore muscles, sprains, bruises, pain in joints, oil. The core components include:
muscle weakness neral (31.52-33.31%) and geranial
(37.8-45.2%).
Skin: acne, oily skin, boils, athletes’ foot, cellulite,
excessive sweating, 'has a special tightening effect on the
elastin fibers in the corium and in the subcutis', weakness
of connective tissue, applicable to breast treatment
(tightening)
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MANDARIN
ESSENTIAL OIL
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NEROLI
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
Scientific name: Citrus x aurantium var. amara NOTES
Botanical family: Rutaceae
Conservation status: Not defined None known.
INDICATED FOR
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PATCHOULI
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
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PEPPERMINT
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Mentha x piperita
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Contraindication for Infants:
Conservation status: Least concern Peppermint essential oils is
contraindicated via any route
for infants. (*Can use
BLENDING WITH PEPERMINT hydrosols!) Avoid application
on or near the face with small
Aroma description: Fresh, menthol, clean, cool, strong children due to risk of
respiratory spasm (spasms of
Blends well with: Clary sage, coriander seed, Eucalyptus
the tongue) and respiratory
globulus, E. radiata, fennel, hyssop ct. cineole, juniper berry
arrest.
laurel, lemon, Litsea cubeba, niaouli, ravintsara, rosemary ct. Avoid undiluted application to
cineole, spearmint, thyme ct. linalool open wounds and sensitive
Substitutions: Rosemary ct. cineole, Juniper berry, Ginger or skin.
Caraway seed (digestive system) Peppermint is a potent
essential oil and can have
differing effects depending on
concentration used. Use with
INDICATED FOR
intention and respect for its
strength.
Digestive system: travel sickness, spasms of the
gastrointestinal tract, stomach upsets, colic, cramping,
halitosis, dyspepsia, excess gas, flatulence with
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps,
irritable bowel syndrome[i], spastic colon, post-surgical
nausea, headaches associated with digestive tension
AROMATIC
Musculoskeletal system: spasms, muscular stiffness, CHEMISTRY
aches and pains, tight muscles, rheumatism, pain,
fibromyalgia, sprains, arthritis, strains, plantar fasciitis,
The core components include:
tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, bursitis,
menthol (30-60%) and
bruises, can reduce swelling and pain
menthone (14-32%).
Psyche/emotion: mental fatigue, shingles, tension
headache, migraine, neuralgia, travel sickness,
shock/trauma, inability to focus
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YLANG YLANG
ESSENTIAL OIL
BOTANICAL INFO
SAFETY
NOTES
Scientific name: Cananga odorata
Botanical family: Annonaceae
Cutaneous route: Moderate
Conservation status: Least concern skin sensitizer. Caution when
applying to hypersensitive,
diseased or damaged skin.
BLENDING WITH YLANG YLANG Children and Infants: It is
recommended to avoid
dermal application of ylang
Aroma description: Warm, exotic, sweet, heavy, sensual ylang essential oil to children
Blends well with: Bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon leaf, under 2 years of age.
clary sage, geranium, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lime,
mandarin, sweet orange, palmarosa, rose, sandalwood
Substitutions: Neroli, cinnamon leaf, patchouli
INDICATED FOR
AROMATIC
CHEMISTRY
Reproductive system: male impotence, PMS (low
self-esteem), dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, PMT
(premenstrual tension) Ylang ylang #1: linalool (23.3%),
benzyl acetate (28.73%), geranyl
Skin: oily/combination skin, aging or stressed skin, acetate (9.02%), p-cresyl methyl
scalp tonic, regulates sebum ether (12.778%)
Psyche/emotion: can help soothe and reduce Ylang ylang #2: linalool (12.3%),
anxiety, anger, and fright, antidepressant, benzyl acetate (25.68%), geranyl
aphrodisiac, builds self-confidence, releases acetate (22.41%)
endorphins helping to reduce pain and create
euphoric mood, bereavement, separation, post- Ylang ylang #3: linalool (3.44%),
traumatic stress syndrome, nervous tension or benzyl acetate (6.43%), geranyl
depression, frigidity (it's considered to be one of the acetate (21.89%), Germacrene-D
best aphrodisiacs.) (13.32%), Benzyl benzoate
(10.49%)35
Ylang ylang is very calming and reassuring, and it is
able to bring feelings of inner trust,
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About
Carrier Oils
JADE SHUTES
Carrier oils are a vital, intrinsic part of the The therapeutic activities of carrier
repertoire of aromatherapists and plant-based
skin care. The term “carrier” oil indicates the
oils in this palette are to:
oils’ usefulness as vehicles for essential oils,
support and maintain the skin’s
but they are also unique, therapeutic
intercellular lipid matrix, which in turn
substances with astounding benefits for
holistic skin care. serves to protect the integrity of the
stratum corneum and its barrier function
Carrier oils are primarily comprised of two prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
major categories, the fixed - or vegetable – oils, by forming an occlusive film on the
and herbal oils, which is where herbs are surface of the skin
infused into a fixed oil. Essential oils can then restore barrier function, if damaged
be added to any of these carrier oils, thereby
provide antioxidant activity (preventative
increasing the therapeutic value of the overall
to aging)
blend. This combination of essential oils and
provide anti-inflammatory activity
carrier oils, either fixed oils or herbal oils, offers
an ideal therapeutic partnership.
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CARRIER OILS
aromaticstudies.com
NOTES
aromaticstudies.com
Searching for information you
can trust on how to use and
blend essential oils confidently?
Would you like to be empowered to use essential oils safely and
effectively for you, your family, friends, and clients? Overwhelmed by the
seeming over emphasis on the chemistry and science? We understand!
And that's why we don't place an emphasis on the chemistry (although
you will receive that too). We place our emphasis on cultivating a deep
relationship with each essential oil instead.
How can you feel confident when there is so much misinformation online?
Our goal at the School for Aromatic Studies is to empower you and provide you with
the necessary skills to overcome these challenges.
AROMATICSTUDIES.COM