WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?

AROMATHERAPY is the controlled use of plant-derived aromatic oils for medicinal purposes, whether to remedy a cold, assist in healing a burn, to uplift and energise, or even to aid the insomniac in falling asleep. Basically speaking, Aromatherapy concerns the effects of Essential Oils on both the body and the mind, achieved by absorbing the oils through the skin via massage or aromatic baths, or via the nose using oil diffusers, lamp rings or vaporisers.

TRUE OILS vs SYNTHETIC

Be wary of fake, or synthetic versions of Aromatherapy oils - the term is often tossed about with little regard for ethics. True ESSENTIAL OILS are plant derived & entirely natural, and are believed to possess numerous healing qualities. However, if a product is called a 'fragrant oil' or 'essence' then it is a synthetic version and carries no therapeutic benefit. The packaging may even include the term AROMATHERAPY, but unless you see the words Essential Oil, you can guess it's a fake - and quite probably made with petroleum-based ingredients, not something you really want to inhale or put on your skin.

Beware oils that come in clear packaging - true Essential Oils are vulnerable to light and should always be packaged in amber, cobalt or green glass. Avoid oils packaged in plastic, oils that are all the same price, or oils that seem unnaturally cheap. With true Rose oil, for example, it takes UP TO 30 ROSES TO PRODUCE JUST ONE DROP OF ESSENTIAL OIL. This is why oils such as Rose, Jasmine, Neroli or Sandalwood cost a lot more than oils like Sweet Orange or Camphor, which are generally cheaper to produce.

Beware also of buying oils that are diluted - some expensive oils are sold as 3% oil in a base of jojoba - make sure this is what you want before you buy it: if an Essential Oil is diluted in a carrier oil you cannot use it in an oil burner, for example. Quality Essential Oils are 100% pure and undiluted, with the plant name clearly written on each label, so you know exactly what you are purchasing.

PREMIUM OILS

What is the difference between PREMIUM oils and cheaper oils? Why should you pay a little more?

PLANT PARTS: Many lower grade oils use cheaper plant parts in their manufacture. For example, the use of Cinnamon Leaf rather than Cinnamon Bark, which is considered to have better therapeutic properties. Similarly Clove Bud oil is considered of higher quality than Clove Leaf oil, and Juniper Berry yields better quality oil than Juniper oil extracted from the plant's small branches.

PLANT TYPE: Premium oils come from high quality plant oils rather than cheaper, inferior versions. For example, Pine Scotch (Pinus sylvestris) or Cedarwood Atlas (Cedarus atlantica). Chamomile Roman or German is not to be confused with cheaper and therapeutically inferior Chamomile Maroc. Rosemary French 'verbenone' is better suited to application to skin than the less expensive Tunisian 'cineole' variety.

EXTRA: Oils such as Ylang Ylang and Bergamot are sold in various grades. During the distillation or cold-press extraction process, the first oil to be drawn off is the highest quality, and is sold as 'EXTRA GRADE'. The oil that comes from the latter parts of the process are sold as '1st', '2nd' or '3rd' grade, and are of a poorer quality and perfume.

ORGANIC: Many Premium oils are from Certified Organic suppliers. These include Citronella, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet African Orange & Tea Tree.

THE BEST QUALITY: Premium oils use the best quality oils such as Premium Australian Peppermint, or French High Altitude Lavender, which is simply divine. You only need to compare the aromas between standard Lavender and FHA Lavender to understand the difference in quality.

AROMATHERAPY SAFETY NOTES

As a general rule most Aromatherapists advise against using Essential Oils during pregnancy, though others disagree. Oils to definitely avoid during pregnancy are: Arnica, Basil, Birch, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary & Thyme. Also steer clear of Lavender & Rose during the first four months of pregnancy.

Anyone suffering from epilepsy should avoid Sweet Fennel, Sage & Hyssop.

People with high blood pressure should stay away from Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme.

All Essential Oils should be diluted in a CARRIER OIL (eg, Jojoba, Sweet Almond Oil etc) before application to the skin. Dilute at a maximum ratio of 1% for the face, or no more than 3% for the body. The only exceptions are neat Lavender or Tea Tree, which may be used directly on small burns or wounds.

A few oils cause PHOTOSENSITISATION, or sensitivity to UV light, and should not be applied to skin before exposure to the sun or sun lamps. These include: Angelica, Bergamot (unless 'Bergaptene Free'), Cumin, Lemon, Lime (unless 'Distilled' rather than 'Cold Pressed'), Orange & Verbena.

NEVER INGEST essential oils. Always KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN: large amounts of Essential Oil may be toxic if swallowed. If ingested immediately contact your local Poisons Hotline. If Essential Oils get into eyes, wash immediately with whole milk or carrier oil, followed by water.

Some people may experience an ALLERGIC REACTION or sensitisation to a specific oil. If this is the case, discontinue use immediately.

Always remember, Aromatherapy is intended to complement, not replace traditional medicine.

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If you're interested in purchasing Aromatherapy products, please visit our AROMA QUEEN STORE for our full range of Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, Accessories and more natural products. We stock many hard-to-find oils in our range, including Jasmine & Rose Absolute, Neroli and Mysore Sandalwood, all quality oils at competitive prices. We have also sourced a number of the most divine and exotic tropical and floral oils from overseas, oils that may be unavailable anywhere else in Australia - Mimosa, Kaffir Lime, Narcissus, Gardenia, Passionfruit and Frangipani Absolute to name a few. None of these are synthetic fragrances, and none are watered down - all are 100% pure and natural Essential Oils. Many of our exotic oils are also available as a NATURAL PERFUME - 15ml Roll-On Bottles of essential oils in a base of Jojoba.

DISCLAIMER
The advice within this website is general and not specific to individuals and particular circumstances. Before using herbs, essential oils or other natural treatments, check all cautions and restrictions. Aroma Queen cannot be held responsible for any injury, damage or otherwise resulting from the use of any treatments or products within this website. Do not attempt self-diagnosis or self- treatment for long periods or for serious problems, without first consulting a qualified medical practitioner. Always seek professional medical advice if symptoms persist.