USING SCENTS

We can benefit from many parts of the scented plant - fresh and/ or dried plant constituents such as petals, leaves, bark and seeds, as well as the distilled essential oil. There are also many ways we can use these products, such as in massage and baths, inhalation, food and drink, and in the air around us.

Before embarking on any treatment using essential oils, it is important to know a little bit about how they work in order to use them safely. The two primary ways of using oils at home are by inhalation or by application to the skin in a carrier oil. When we breathe in scents, some oil molecules travel to the lungs to be absorbed into the blood. Other molecules go directly to the brain, which then releases neurochemicals that act on the person. When scented products are applied to the body, the chemical compounds from the plant extract are absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream and lymphatic system, from where they can travel to any part of the body. Essential oils are concentrated substances , and are always diluted in a carrier base oil before being used on the body. Good quality oils, such as almond, wheatgerm, jojoba and avocado, make excellent carriers. Alternatively, essential oils can be added to water and used for bathing, misting on to the skin or vaporizing.

Always handle essential oils with care and consideration - they are highly powerful, medicinal substances. If in doubt, seek an expert medical opinion before using them.

• Use only good quality, unadulterated essential oils.
• Store essential oil, scents and perfumes away from the light in a fairly cool position.
• Essential oils are highly concentrated substances, and should not be taken internally nor applied directly to the skin.
• Always use in diluted form, mixed with a suitable carrier base of vegetable oil or added to bath water, for example: Carry out a patch test on a small area of skin if using an oil for the first time.
• Certain essential oils should be avoided completely during pregnancy; seek professional guidance if unsure.
• Essential oils should not be used for children under 2 years of age.
• Avoid getting undiluted plant essences in the eyes, as this can cause permanent damage.
• Certain essential oils, particularly the citrus ones should not be used for two hours before exposure to sunlight or a sunbed.