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Aromatherapy Guide - Essential Oils
Aromatherapy Guide - Essential Oils
Table of Contents
Therapeutic Grade Aromatherapy.................................................... 2
How are Essential Oils Made?......................................................... 3
Guideline to Dosages & Dilutions.................................................... 4
Practical Applications.................................................................... 5
Therapeutic Hydrosols................................................................... 6
Guide to Essential Oils.................................................................. 8
Symptom Reference Guide............................................................ 18
Natural Perfume Blending Basics.................................................... 21
Glossary of Terms....................................................................... 22
Suggested Reading List.................................................................23
# Of Drops
Amount of Carrier
Massage Oil/Lotion
50-60
4 ounces oil
Ointment
50-60
2 ounces oil
Topical
50-60
1 ounce oil
Compress
8 ounces water
Bath
10-15
Tub of water
Foot Bath
8-10
Bowl of water
Facial Sauna
2-5
Bowl of water
Facial Mask
2-3
Facial Oil
6-8
Cleanser
25
4 ounces oil
Hair Oil
25
1 ounce oil
Douche
1 liter water
Capsules
1-3 (25-75mg)
Suppositories
Body Mist
10-20
4 ounces water
Room Spray
20-30
4 ounces water
60ml = 2 ounce
25mg = 1 drop
This booklet contains information on the use and specific properties of Simplers Botanicals
essential oils. We cannot assure you will get similar results with essential oils other than
those provided by Simplers Botanicals due to great variation in quality, authenticity and
purity of essential oils being sold on the market by other companies. This information is for
education purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please
consult a health care professional if you have any serious medical conditions.
Geranium Hydrosol
Skin Types: dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, rosacea.
Properties: cooling, anti-inflammatory, humectant, balancing to skin, emotions, and
endocrine system.
Indications: PMS, menopause, hot flashes, sunburn, broken capillaries, eczema, psoriasis,
rashes, bites and stings, healing wounds, emotional upsets.
Applications: facial toner, spray on face and body during hot flashes, add to shampoo or
conditioner to nourish hair and scalp and balance oil production.
Lavender Hydrosol
Skin Types: all types, including damaged, fragile, and sensitive.
Properties: cooling, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, wound healing.
Indications: sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, sensitivities, rashes, itchy skin, cuts, scrapes, bites
and stings, wounds, infected skin, headaches, stress and tension, sunstroke, PMS, diaper
rash, tantrums.
Applications: apply in a plane or other dry environments, add to a cold or hot compress
for headache or PMS symptoms, use after shaving or hair removal, add 1/2 tsp to babys
bathwater to calm and soothe, spray to clear anger and tension in the home, office, or car.
Neroli Hydrosol
Skin Types: oily, sensitive, acne-prone skin; may be too astringent for dry skin.
Properties: anti-oxidant, astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-stress and depression,
calming, aids digestion, mildly sedative.
Indications: acne, broken capillaries, anxiety, shock, ADD, during detox programs.
Applications: use as a facial toner for oily skin and acne, apply to overly-oily scalp, spray
on yeast infections and athletes foot, add to a cold or hot compress or spray on abdomen
for digestive upsets, spray into face and chest during states of high anxiety (combine with
Simplers Neroli Perfume for best results).
Rose Hydrosol
Skin Types: dry, normal, sensitive, damaged, mature.
Properties: cooling, regenerative, mildly astringent and antiseptic, humectant, balancing
to emotions and endocrine system.
Indications: mature skin, wrinkles, PMS, menopause, mood swings, emotional upsets,
opening the heart, self-motivation.
Applications: apply just before facial oil or moisturizer, add to bathwater to relax and
revive, use when emotional support is needed. A great skin regenerative and rejuvenator.
Add to a cold compress and apply over tired eyes.
Add hydrosols to
Aloe vera gel for a soothing, lightly scented and healing lotion.
Honey for a decadent and moisturizing facial.
Clay for an aromatic facial mask or skin pack.
Bathwater for babies (1/4 1/2 tsp per bath)
! May be photosensitizing
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! May be photosensitizing
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EUCALYPTUS E. globulus
Penetrating, camphorous odor. Stimulating, balancing, and cooling, it is used in inhalations
for deep bronchial infection or in massage oil for muscular aches, sluggish circulation, and
arthritic complaints. Antiseptic, vulnerary. BCDIM
EUCALYPTUS E. polybractea
Less camphorous odor than the globulus variety with similar properties; expectorant. BCDIM
EUCALYPTUS E. radiata
Having the gentlest aroma of all eucalyptus species it offers a surprisingly powerful antiviral
capacity. Perfectly suited for daily use while body brushing, in the sauna or on the chest. Childsafe, it keeps microbes at bay, fortifies resistance and general immunity. BCDIMS
EUCALYPTUS E. smithii
Another child-safe and mild species. Stimulating, it helps boost immunity and eases muscle
pain. BCDIMS
EVERLASTING (see Helichrysum)
FENNEL, SWEET Foeniculum vulgare
Warm, spicy, sweet scent somewhat similar to anise. Stimulating and cleansing, with antispasmodic and carminative properties. Estrogen-similar may help regulate menses and promote
lactation in nursing mothers. CDM
FIR, BALSAM Abies balsamea
Fresh, green needle aroma. Stimulating, respiratory antiseptic, antispasmodic and sinus
decongestant. BCDIM
FRANKINCENSE CO2 Boswellia carterii
Rich, sweet, complex fragrance traditionally used for ceremonial incense and perfumery.
A balm for mature and dry skin, calms anxiety and balances mood swings. Blends well with
geranium, neroli, pine, spruce, vetiver, petitgrain, myrrh, bergamot, cinnamon. BDMSP
GALBANUM CO2 Ferula gummosa
Excellent for skin care. Beneficial for mature or wrinkled skin, acne, abscesses, cuts and effective in healing scar tissue. The ancient Egyptians used galbanum as an ingredient in the
embalming process and wound healing. Used to relieve poor circulation and muscular aches
and pains. Also used for respiratory ailments. BCIMS
GERANIUM, ROSE Pelargonium x asperum
Earthy, flowery, rose-like scent with uplifting and balancing properties. Excellent for all skin
types, especially oily and acne-prone. Stress, anxiety and fatigue, PMS, water retention,
poor circulation. Antiviral and antifungal. Blends well with rose, lavender, neroli, patchouli.
BCDIMSP
GINGER CO2 Zingiber officinale
Sharp, spicy scent. Warming and strengthening for fatigue, digestive upset, and muscular
aches and pains. Aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, carminative. Blends well with frankincense,
cedarwood, rose, neroli, patchouli. BCM
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! May be photosensitizing
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COUGHS Simplers Sinus Oil, Inula, all Eucalyptus, all Pines, Ravintsara, Cypress, Green
Myrtle, Sweet Marjoram, Benzoin & Roman Chamomile
CUTS/SCRAPES Simplers Compound Help, Lavender, Tea Tree, Moroccan Blue
Chamomile, German Chamomile, Helichrysum & Cistus, Simplers Hydrosols
DANDRUFF Tea Tree, Palmarosa, Atlas Cedar, Rosemary cineole, Rosemary verbenon,
Clary Sage, Cypress, Myrrh, Spikenard, Patchouli & Thyme linalol
DEODORANT Myrrh, Vetiver, Spikenard, Patchouli, Australian Sandalwood, Simplers
Acne Aid
ENERGY/FATIGUE Black Spruce (on Kidney area), Atlas Cedar, all Pines, all Eucalyptus,
Peppermint, Rosemary cineole, Lemon, Juniper, Hyssop, Basil, Ginger, all Citrus & Tea
Tree
ECZEMA Simplers Eczema Aid, Simplers Hydrosols. For Dry eczema use Lavender,
Palmarosa, Moroccan Blue Chamomile, German Chamomile, Calendula CO2, Rose Hip
Seed & Tamanu Oils. For weeping eczema use Moroccan Blue Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Lavender, Eucalyptus citriodora, Thyme linalol, Rose Hip Seed & Tamanu Oils
FLUID RETENTION/EDEMA all Pines, Tea Tree, all Citrus & Black Spruce
FUNGAL INFECTIONS Simplers Yeast Aid, Lavender, Lavender Spike, Tea Tree,
Moroccan Blue Chamomile, German Chamomile, Thyme linalol, Clove, Niaouli,
Patchouli, Oregano & Sage. For nail fungus use Thyme thymol, Cinnamon Bark & Oregano
HAIR/SCALP Rosemary cineole, Rosemary verbenon, Lavender, Lavender Spike, Bay,
Lemongrass, all Chamomiles, Myrrh & Ylang
HEADACHE Lavender (normalizing); Lavender Spike (for tension headaches); Rosemary
cineole, Peppermint (for cooling effect); Anise, Sweet Marjoram & Roman Chamomile (for
throbbing headaches); Simplers Lavender Hydrosol
HEMORRHOIDS See Varicose veins
INDIGESTION Peppermint, Ginger, Cardamom. To promote good digestion use Basil,
Cardamom, Ginger, Coriander, Fennel, Orange, Peppermint, Black Pepper, Rosemary
cineol & Anise
INSOMNIA Spikenard (apply undiluted on collar bone), Lavender, Lemon Verbena,
Roman Chamomile & Neroli
INSECT BITES/STINGS Simplers Compound Help, Moroccan Blue Chamomile, German
Chamomile, Lavender, Lavender Spike, Niaouli & Tea Tree, Simplers Hydrosols
INSECT DETERRENT Tea Tree, Citronella, Palmarosa, All Eucalyptus, All Cedar,
Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass
IMMUNE SUPPORT Eucalyptus radiata, Ravintsara, Tea Tree, Lavender, Niaouli,
Palmarosa, Geranium, Wild Scotch Pine, Rosemary cineole & Bay Laurel
MEDITATION Frankincense, Myrrh, Patchouli, Vetiver, Spikenard & Australian
Sandalwood
NAUSEA/MOTION SICKNESS Peppermint, Ginger & Patchouli
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Blending Basics
Creating your own fragrances is a playful art requiring little more than intuition, imagination, a passion for aroma, and attention to a few simple guidelines. There are no real rules
as to which oils blend well together, so feel free to experiment! But remember, your blend
will be greatly enhanced by using the highest quality pure plant essential oils you can find.
Start small, mixing no more than 2 to 5 oils per blend and blending drop by drop. To get a
feel for particular combinations of oils, put the bottle caps together and smell them, or use
small strips of coffee filter or blotter paper. Working in a warm room will enhance the aromatic qualities of the oils. If your oil bottles are not equipped with dropper tops, measure
oils with a glass dropper, rinsing it in grain alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
and wiping it off between each oil. Extremely thick oils, such as benzoin and vetiver, may
need to be diluted with a little grain alcohol, such as Everclear, before blending.
Scents are categorized as top, middle, or base notes. These categories are based on oil
evaporation rates and some essential oils can fit into more than one. Most professional
fragrance blends are composed of a balance of oils from these three different categories.
Again, there are no rules about which oils belong in which category or how much of each
to use, so it is up to your nose and your intuition! This is the art of blending fragrant oils.
Top notes (5% to 20% of the blend) have the fastest evaporation rates. These are sharp,
penetrating scents that you notice first when you smell a blend, and include citrus, needle
oils, lemongrass, palmarosa, eucalyptus and mints. In general, top notes are considered
stimulating, light, and refreshing.
Middle notes (50% to 80%) are soft and balanced and usually make up the majority of
a blend. They include oils like roman chamomile, lavender, geranium, coriander, neroli,
pepper, clary sage, rose and petitgrain. Middle notes are considered harmonizing.
Base notes (5% to 20%) Having the lowest evaporation rates, base notes are deep and
heavy and are used in blends as fixatives (see glossary). Many are resins, gums or woods
and may be quite viscous (thick). Base notes, which are considered relaxing, include cedar,
benzoin, balsam peru, myrrh, spikenard, sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine
and ylang.
Allow blends to age a week or more before adding them to carrier oils. If you dont immediately love your creation, be patient. Blends undergo great transformations as they age,
and over time your mistake could evolve into an aromatic treasure.
Store your finished blend in as small a bottle as possible, preferably amber or cobalt blue
glass. Blends, and all essential oils, should be kept in a cool place away from direct sun.
To make a perfume, mix the blend with a small amount of vegetable oil (jojoba is ideal),
distilled grain or grape alcohol.
Be sure to keep detailed notes and label all of your blends so you can reproduce your successes or adjust blends that do not satisfy you. Keep in mind that essential oils tend to vary
somewhat from crop to crop, so a reproduced blend may differ slightly from your original.
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Glossary of Terms
Adaptogenic: Helps skin and body cope with stress.
Analgesic: Reduces or eliminates pain.
Anaphrodisiac: Lessens or mellows erotic feelings.
Antibacterial: Assists the body in resisting or destroying infectious bacteria.
Antidepressant: Helps uplift mood.
Antifungal: Assists the body in resisting or destroying fungal organisms, such as yeast.
Antineuralgic: Helps soothe nerve pain (neuralgia).
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces heat, redness, and swelling associated with inflammation.
Antirheumatic: A general term for an agent that helps ease arthritic symptoms, such as
musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.
Antiseptic: Inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
All essential oils show some degree of antiseptic action.
Antispasmodic: Eases muscular spasms or cramps.
Antiviral: Assists the body in resisting invasion of viruses or relieving accompanying
symptoms.
Aphrodisiac: Enhances or stimulates erotic feelings.
Astringent: Contracts, firms, and strengthens skin and other tissue; reduces secretions.
Carminative: Promotes digestion and peristalsis; assists in expulsion of intestinal gas.
Couperose: Red, spider-veined skin due to weakened or broken capillaries.
Emollient: Softens, soothes and protects especially dry or chapped skin.
Euphoric: Promotes a sense of well-being.
Expectorant: Promotes elimination of excess respiratory mucous.
Fixative: A viscous (thick) oil with a very low evaporation rate; used in perfumery to
stabilize and increase the staying power of a blend.
Humectant: Helps skin retain moisture
Mucolytic: Helps fluidify (dissolve) mucous.
Neat: To apply undiluted, directly on skin
Nervine: Having an effect on the nervous system (for example, a sedative or stimulant).
Photosensitizing, phototoxic: May cause a skin reaction such as burning, irritation, or
pigment change upon exposure to ultra-violet light (sunlight, tanning lights).
Regulating: Helps balance and normalize body functions.
Sedative: Relaxing, calming, soothing effects.
Sensitizing: Capable of producing an irritation or allergic reaction.
Stimulant: Invigorating, stimulating, energizing effects.
Tonic: Increases tone and vitality of skin, other organs or body systems.
Vulnerary: Affects wound healing, skin regenerative.
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Notes: