~ What are essential oils?
The best definition of essential oils I've found to date is on Colleen Dodt's Web site, "Pure essential oils are extracted in various ways from herbs, fruits, spices, flowers, roots and the barks and wood fibers of trees. Some methods of extraction include distillation, expression and enfleurage. These oils are highly concentrated, and must always be used cautiously. Few are used undiluted, for any reason by the non-professional." Because essential oils are highly concentrated, a little goes a very long way. Natural, non-synthetic essential oils can be used to heal the body. They are antiviral, antibacterial, germicidal, antidepressant, hormone balancers, mental stimulants, blood purifiers, fever and blood pressure reducers, detoxifying, sedatives and they increase the health of the immune system.

~ The history of aromatherapy
Anthropologists have found that herbs and flowers have been used in medicine, rituals, perfumes and food for about 30,000 years, beginning with the Neanderthal. The ancient Egyptians, Arabians, Greeks and Romans all used plant oils in a variety of ways as part of daily life. Native Americans, Indians and the Chinese (Ayurvedic medicine) continue to use them in the present. Hospitals in England employ aromatherapy as a part of their treatment program and the practice is slowly becoming more mainstream in the U.S., particularly among women. An extensive explanation of the history of aromatherapy can be found in the introduction to Patricia Davis' book, Aromatherapy, A-Z.

~ Educate yourself before using essential oils!
In order to experiment and learn about aromatherapy, you must educate yourself. This is a wonderful, fun process but extremely necessary because some essential oils are toxic if taken internally, dangerous to pregnant women and epileptics and some can irritate the skin and others are photosensitive (list of Hazardous Oils). Keep all essential oils out of the reach of children and pets. Most come with a dispenser allowing only one drop at time- do not remove them. These dispensers are a safety precaution against spillage.

The U.S. medical community does not currently recognize aromatherapy or herbal treatments so if you ever see a company boasting that they do, beware. There are, however, many people who are Certified Aromatherapists that extensively study the use of essential oils.

The beautiful thing about aromatherapy is that it is a form of healing with which you can empower yourself. If you are willing to do the homework, seek the advice and trust your intuition, you can learn how to use the oils for yourself and your family. There are many wonderful books that can provide you with extensive information. The ones I use are:

• Aromatherapy A-Z, Patricia Davis
• Aromatherapy for Women, Maggie Tisserand
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Julia Lawless
• Getting Started with Essential Oils, Colleen K. Dodt
• The Natural Remedy Book for Women, Diane Stein - exceptional resource!

~ How do I use essential oils?
Essential oils can be used in massage oils, baths, facial toners, moisturizers, perfumes aromatic diffusers, potpourri enhancers, teas, compresses, sachets, foot baths, etc. The needs of yourself and your family will dictate what methods you use. Generally, essential oils are diluted (2%-3%) in carrier oils such as sweet almond, jojoba, hazelnut, grape seed and olive with a few drops of wheat germ oil as a preservative. Regarding the dilution, use as many drops of essential oil as you feel necessary; however, be cognizant of the possible skin irritation that may occur. You can mix as many oils together as you like, but the norm is usually not more than 3 oils in a blend. Make certain to store the blends you make in glass (preferably dark amber or cobalt blue) containers in cool, dark places not exposed to the elements or excessive temperature changes. Please go to the Essential Oil Remedies and Recipes pages for specific ideas and suggestions on using your oils.

~ Where can I buy essential oils?
It is important that the essential oils you purchase be 100% pure! Although many smell lovely, synthetic oils do not carry the natural properties necessary for healing. Because the process for obtaining essential oils is complicated and extensive, they are very concentrated and sold in small amounts (1ml, 5ml, 15ml). Costs range from $5 to hundreds of dollars depending upon the availability of the oil and the amount of difficulty obtaining it from its source. Essential oils have about 6 months to a year shelf-life if stored properly. After that time, the potency of the oil cannot be guaranteed and it may turn rancid.

IMPORTANT: Once you have chosen the essential oils you wish to buy, I advise you to research the most potent type for your purposes. For example, there are many types of lavender including lavendula vera and lavendula officianalis. The type of lavender depends upon the plant and distillation process used to get the oil. Some types are better for internal use while others are better in external massage oils. With the exception of Tisserand products, if the oil does not list the type of plant (it will be in Latin) then do not buy it - it's probably synthetic.

Essential oils can be purchased from reputable distributors at health food stores. Store the oils in well sealed glass containers, away from heat, light, and most especially-children.

If you know you're going out to shop for oils and that you will be smelling a large variety, take a few coffee beans with you or some grounds in a recycled spice jar. The coffee will clear your nose so you can smell better. Please note that when you smell a lot of essential oils at once, you can get a little light-headed and possibly get a headache. I recommend doing a little at a time.

Great Web sites for information aromatherapy, essential oils and distributors are:

• Aroma Web
• Sabia
• Aura Cacia (found at local health food stores)
• Tisserand (found at local health food stores)
• Aroma Vera

Although making your own blends is more fun, cost effective and easier to determine the age and quality, you can purchase aromatherapy bath oils, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and perfumes from distributors such as Aveda and The Body Shop. To determine how much essential oil is actually in the blend advertised, read the ingredients. If the oils are some of the first 5 ingredients listed, then a fair amount was used.