Essential Oil Recipes for Home and Body Care E-Book

Stephanie Ariel

• Herausgeber: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 214

Beschreibung

Whether you're new to the amazing world of essential oils or have been using them for years, this complete essential oils guide details their incredible benefits, as well as how to make -- and even monetize -- natural home remedies and self-care products! Essential Oil Recipes for Whole Body Health and Care provides thorough insight on starting your at-home essential oil apothecary, the power of aromatherapy, how to use essential oils, and other informative topics before presenting 115 essential oil recipes you can easily make and use at home, gift to family and friends, or even sell for a profit! From all-natural homemade body scrubs, dryer sheets, and laundry soap to homemade candles, immunity boosters, medicinal balms for headaches, stings, itches, men's and women's health, and so much more, each recipe includes clear, step-by-step instructions and tips for personalization. Also included are helpful tables for which essential oils to start with, including peppermint, lavender, ylang ylang, and more, plus need-to-have ingredients, from coconut oil and jojoba to sea salt, castile soap, candelilla wax, and other supplies. A complete starter's guide to using essential oils, this must-have resource will help you understand the basics and inspire you with endless possibilities!

Leseprobe

© 2023 by Stephanie Ariel and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Essential Oil Recipes for Home and Body Care is an original work, first published in 2023 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holders.

Print ISBN 978-1-4971-0333-7eISBN 978-1-6374-1169-8

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023935680

To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free 800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry [email protected].

TABLE OF

Contents

PART 1Introduction

PART 2About Essential Oils

PART 3Other Ingredients

PART 4Equipment

PART 5Blends for Health and Healing

PART 6Recipes for Face, Body, and Home

Face Care Recipes

Body Care Recipes

Topical Treatments and First Aid Recipes

Home Spa Recipes

Home Care Recipes

About the Author

Photo Credits

PART 1

Introduction

Finding healing in the plant kingdom is as old as time. There’s an organic synergy between humans and plants; in fact, our very life—breath—depends on them. From ancient remedies to modern medicine, the plant world provides resources for healing. So, when essential oils began to be incorporated into more recent healing modalities, it was simply a continuation of the traditions of shamans, healers, and natural apothecaries. Only recently was the term “aromatherapy” coined, and like many things, it has come to be widely misunderstood as applying to anything that smells good—much of what currently passes for “aromatherapy” is full of chemically-created aromas that offer no aromatherapeutic benefits whatsoever. True healing benefits only come from the pure essential oils of plants.

THE SELF-CARE APOTHECARY

Building your home-care apothecary upon the foundation of essential oils creates a soothing, aromatically sensual system of self-care that is enjoyable, effective, and delightful to the senses.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) describes the origins of the phrase “essential oil” as being

a contraction of the original quintessential oil. This stems from

the Aristotelian idea that matter is composed of four elements,

namely, fire, air, earth, and water. The fifth element,

or quintessence, was then considered to be spirit or life force.

Essential oils contain the concentrated essence of a plant, which includes chemical constituents that interact with human chemistry to alter mood and energy and provide medicinal benefits. They form the basis of the healing art of aromatherapy. This book integrates the benefits of aromatherapy with practical, daily-use products you can use to enhance your self-care routine.

Pink salt adds a beautiful touch to the Salted Pink Grapefruit Bar (see here).

Investing in just a few essential oils and basic ingredients will allow you to fill your cupboards with your own luxurious creations—from cleansers and toothpastes to lotions and lip balms, all without adding any chemical scents. Instead, you’ll create your bounty of botanical treasures with only pure essential oils—mixing homemade remedies to naturally boost your health, energy, and wellness.

Discovering the Power of Essential Oils

I discovered the power of essential oils after one of the most difficult moments of my life—the sudden loss of my son’s father. The grief was all-consuming and seemingly impervious to any attempts to self-soothe—all but one. Somehow a small blend of rose and white pine found its way to my nightstand and inhaling the scent from that bottle of pure bliss was the only way I could find peaceful slumber. I didn’t yet know how or why, but this little botanical bottle was my savior, a blend I now call “Grief Relief ” (see here).

For a couple years prior to this breakthrough, I’d been making my own skin- and body-care products (soaps, lotions, and scrubs), but I’d been using synthetic fragrances and colors in my recipes. There’s no denying that it can be fun to explore the variety of man-made options available—there’s no natural way to bring mango, fig, or cucumber scents to your soaps, for example—but as I began to understand the benefits of pure essential oils, it started to feel disingenuous to use anything else in my products. After all, the point of making my own products was to bypass chemicals and create a greater sense of well-being. So, I made the decision that my creative space would be a 100 percent “chemical-free zone,” relying entirely on the natural, healing aromas of essential oils. Several years later, I formalized my training with a 200-hour Professional Aromatherapy Certification course to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind essential oils.

Scent and aroma have the power to evoke memories, soothe and comfort us, or energize us as we start our day.

The Art and Science of Aromatherapy

The term “aromatherapy” was first coined in 1937 by French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, although humans have been using plant medicine since the beginning of time. The reason essential oils are so powerful is that our sense of smell was the first one to develop in mammals and it connects directly to the reptilian, or primal, brain. We react to scent emotionally because we’re hardwired to. Aroma entices, excites, soothes, repels, comforts, evokes memories, and tickles the imagination.

Scent permeates some of our most enduring memories and acute experiences. It’s why we remember pleasant, familiar smells from our childhood with such fondness, and why unpleasant smells can create such strong reactions. The aromas of fruits, flowers, resins, roots, barks, and seeds in the form of essential oils connect us to nature in a deep way. They literally bring nature into our homes—and our bodies—with all the same life-affirming benefits of a stroll through the forest.

ABOUT THE RECIPES

The recipes in this book are all plant-based and 100% natural except for the emulsifying wax and preservative necessary for lotions. I’ve avoided making shampoos and body washes, as those often require more synthetic ingredients. Where liquid washes are used, I’ve started with a 100 percent natural castile soap base—a wonderful starting place for customizing body and haircare products with essential oils.

One thing to keep in mind is that natural ingredients can vary quite a bit by manufacturer, and your ratios may need tweaking. For example, the oat powder I purchase is very fine, so the oil quantity given for my Cherry Rose Face Scrub here is based on using that specific oat powder. Other brands sold may be coarser or more absorbent, requiring a slight increase in the quantity of oil you use. Always trust your judgment and adjust your quantities based on the behavior of your specific ingredients.

Just as with a cookbook, you’ll know how much time and expense you want to invest! You can begin with just a few essential oils to make blends or pick a recipe or two that most appeal to you and purchase the necessary ingredients. The essential oil blends here, face mists here, and lip balms here, for example, use very few ingredients and can easily get you started with three ingredients or less. As you start investing in more ingredients and tools, you’ll soon find that your DIY products are more affordable and better for your skin and the environment than their big-box counterparts.

My intention is for you to both enjoy these recipes as is, but also see them as a jumping-off point for your own exploration and creativity. I’ve tried to keep the ingredient lists short and approachable, but there are so many wonderful botanicals to explore. I hope you’ll be inspired to continue learning and creating your own natural products—it’s a healing journey that will also free you from reliance on commercial brands and help you lower your carbon footprint.

PART 2

About Essential Oils

Essential oils offer healing benefits because of their chemical profiles and the related effects on the human body. While we, of course, can enjoy their scent purely for pleasure, they also affect our health, healing, and happiness.

Eucalyptus stimulates the immune system and helps us breathe better. See here.

There are 10 types of essential oil chemical profiles, which have mood-soothing, antibacterial, pain-reducing, and other properties based on their chemical interaction with our physiology. Every essential oil has a predominant chemical family that drives its healing benefits. For example, lavender is an oil with a large quantity of esters, which help to regulate the nervous system, modulate immunity, and can be anti-inflammatory. And while each oil has a predominant chemical family, most include other chemical families as well, offering multidimensional, layered benefits.

ESSENTIAL OIL CHEMICAL FAMILIES

CHEMICAL FAMILY

OIL SOURCES

POPULAR OILS

BENEFITS

Monoterpenes

pines, spruces, firs, citruses

Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Tangerine, Juniper, Nutmeg, Marjoram

antibacterial, antioxidant, balancing

Monoterpenols

leaves, flowers

Neroli, Rose, Geranium, Basil, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lavender

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, calming, immune-supporting

Sesquiterpenes

woods, resins, roots

Cedar, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Vetiver, Balsam Copaiba, Patchouli, Spikenard, Ylang Ylang, German Chamomile, Black Pepper, Ginger

skin healing, anti-inflammatory, calming, soothing, antispasmodic.

Sesquiterpenols

woods, resins, roots, seeds

Sandalwood, Carrot Seed

skin healing, anti-inflammatory, calming, soothing, antispasmodic.

Ketones

seeds, bark, leaves

Rosemary, Buddha Wood, Sage, Peppermint, Wormwood

antiviral, analgesic, wound-healing

Oxides

leaves, seeds

Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Cardamom, Thyme

respiration-supporting, antiviral, anti-inflammatory

Esters

flowers, leaves

Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Helichrysum, Lavender, Clary Sage, Petitgrain, Cardamom

skin-soothing, immunity-regulating

Ethers

seeds, leaves

Fennel, Tarragon, Parsley, Cardamom, Star Anise

antiparasitic, antifungal, digestion-supporting

Phenols

seeds, leaves

Clove, Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme

antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, toning, stimulating. very strong and never to be used directly on the skin or near the eyes.

Aldehydes

lemon-y sources

Lemon, Lemongrass, Citronella, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Myrtle, Melissa, May Chang

antifungal, antiviral, calming, bug-deterring, deodorizing

THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

While all the recipes in this book can be made scent-free or with synthetic fragrances, the intention is to make use of the benefits of essential oils in each product. Essential oils exist in plants to provide antimicrobial properties, repel bugs, and prevent disease. When we realize we are biological beings related to plants on a molecular level, we can easily see why essential oils offer us similar benefits. The following are just a few of the areas in which essential oils can positively affect our lives.

Health and Wellness—Essential oils, such as peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, and eucalyptus, can be antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, immune-supporting, analgesic (pain-reducing), supportive of lung health, and fatigue-fighting. They contribute to our overall wellness, and integrating them into our skin, body, and home routines ensures seamless, consistent exposure to these healthful ingredients.

Mind and Mood—Essential oils have natural chemicals that affect our energy, inducing sleep and relaxation, promoting energy, or supporting positive moods. Lavender, frankincense, rose, and vetiver essential oils—among many others—can reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression, creating a feeling of optimism and a sense of balance.

Skin Health—Our skin often takes a beating, incurring burns, rashes, breakouts, and infections. Oils like chamomile, helichrysum, yarrow, clary sage, lavender, tea tree and frankincense soothe and support skin, offering natural remedies to these common maladies.

A CONCENTRATED POWER

Essential oils are a dramatically concentrated material. It takes 2,000 rose petals to create one drop of rose essential oil. A single drop of essential oil is equal to 40 cups of herbal tea and is 75 to 100 times more powerful than the fresh plant matter from which it’s extracted.

GETTING STARTED

The Most Essential Essential Oils

I’ve included a larger list of many of the other essential oils used in my recipes (with a few more details about each) here, but if you want to begin creating within a more limited budget, you can use this “Top Ten” (included in alphabetical order) as a starter buying guide!

CYPRESS

Harvested from the cones, leaves, twigs, and branches of Cupressus sempervirens

Middle note

Monoterpene family

Mind-clearing, fresh, and foresty

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, decongestant

Blends well with citrus-, floral-, and wood-based oils

LAVENDER

Harvested from the flower of Lavandula angustifolia

Top/middle note

Ester and Monoterpenol families

Calming, soothing, floral, and herbaceous

Mood-balancing, skin-healing, relaxing, anti-inflammatory

Blends well with wood- and citrus-based oils

A balanced blend includes a top, middle, and base note, creating the most harmonious type of scent profile that will last longest on the skin.

FRANKINCENSE

Harvested from the gum/resin of Boswellia carterii

Base note

Monoterpene family

Invigorating, inspiring, light, soft, and woody

Analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory

Blends well with floral- and resin-based oils

LEMONGRASS

Harvested from the grass of Cymbopogon flexuosus

Middle/top note

Aldehyde family

Uplifting and bright

Antianxiety, antidepressant, antifungal, antimicrobial

Blends well with lavender, cedar, lime, and other citrus oils

PEPPERMINT

Harvested from the leaves of Mentha × piperita, a mint hybrid.

Top/middle note

Monoterpenol and Ketone families

Energizing, cool, and fresh

Analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, decongestant, immune support

Blends well with leaf- and citrus-based oils

SWEET ORANGE

Harvested from the rind of Citrus sinensus

Top note

Monoterpene family

Mood-lifting, smooth, and sweet

Antidepressant, antiviral, supports the liver and digestion

Blends well with all oil types

VETIVER

Harvested from the root of Vetiveria zizanoides

Base note

Sesquiterpene, Sesquiterpenol, and Ketone families

Grounding, earthy, and sweet

Antidepressant, antifungal, antibacterial, deodorizing

Blends well with floral-, citrus-, and wood-based oils

ROSE OTTO

Harvested from the flowers of Rosa damascena

Middle note

Monoterpenol family

Grounding, floral, and rich

Antianxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, calming, tonifying

Blends well with wood- and seed-based oils

*Authentic rose essential oil is very expensive, but worth every drop!

TEA TREE

Harvested from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia

Middle note

Monoterpene and Monoterpenol families

Herbaceous, fresh, and lemony

Antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral

Blends well with lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary

YLANG YLANG

Harvested from the flower of Cananga odorata

Middle/base note

Sesquiterpene, Ester, and Monoterpenol families

Uplifting, balancing, sensual, and sweet

Analgesic, antianxiety, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and sedative

Blends well with citrus- and wood-based oils

HARVESTING PLANT POWER—METHODS OF EXTRACTION

SIMPLE DISTILLATION

The most common method for producing essential oils is steam distillation. Plant matter is placed in a large container (a still) and steam is injected, causing the plant to release its oils in a vaporized state. They travel through a condenser, and two pipes separate the hot water, which exits, and the cold water, which enters the condenser. The vapor cools back into a liquid form within the condenser. Because water and oil do not mix, the essential oil can be siphoned from the water. The water left behind in this process is the hydrosol or “floral water.”

C02 EXTRACTION

In CO2 extraction, none of the constituents of the oil are damaged by heat, so it’s higher quality and truer to the plant’s original state. Instead of heated water or steam, CO2 is used at temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees F (35 to 38 degrees C). Pressurized carbon dioxide acts as a solvent and is pumped into a chamber filled with plant matter, pulling the oils and other substances such as pigment and resin. The essential oil content then dissolves into the liquid CO2. The CO2 is brought back to natural pressure and evaporates into its gaseous state, leaving the oil behind.

COLD PRESS EXTRACTION

In this process, used for citrus fruits like orange, lemon, grapefruit, and lime, the whole fruit is pressed to squeeze out both the juice and the oil. The liquid is then centrifuged to filter the solids and liquids. The oil separates from the juice and is captured.

MACERATION AND INFUSIONS

This is an easy, at-home way to create simple oils that have essential oil benefits. Crush and grind entirely dried-out plant matter (any moisture could create spoilage) into a coarse powder and add it to a carrier oil (see here). Add a solvent of your choosing and allow it to sit for a week, shaking occasionally. Strain and use the oil for massages or as a recipe ingredient.

ENFLEURAGE

A classic and largely outdated method is to press botanicals into animal or vegetable fat and let it sit for a few weeks to months, replacing the flowers daily, until the fat becomes infused with the flower’s fragrance compounds, creating an “enfleurage pomade.” The pomade is washed with alcohol to separate the botanical extract from the remaining fat, which can then be used as an ingredient in soap or perfumery.

SOLVENT EXTRACTION

Food-grade solvents like hexane and ethanol are used to isolate essential oils from plant material. This process is usually used with sturdy plants (roots, resins, or woods) that yield low amounts of essential oil or delicate aromatics that are unable to withstand the pressure and distress of steam distillation. This method produces a finer fragrance than any type of distillation method, and is typically used in perfumery rather than aromatherapy, as the chemical solvents do not preserve the naturally healing benefits of the plant.

WATER DISTILLATION

Water distillation involves submerging fragile plant material in pure boiling water and allowing it to cool, whereby the oils and water separate into essential oil and hydrosol. This is mostly used for delicate flowers such as roses and orange blossoms.

Recommended Essential Oils

There are hundreds of essential oils, and their scent profiles and benefits vary according to the unique soil, topography, and climate of the natural environment in which they are grown. One can spend a lifetime exploring and studying essential oils. Start small with Getting Started—The Most Essential Essential Oils here and use the following chart when you’re ready to build a more comprehensive home apothecary.

OTHER ESSENTIAL OILS USED IN THIS BOOK

BERGAMOT

LATIN NAME:Citrus bergamia

PLANT PART: Peel

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: antianxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, calming

BALSAM COPAIBA

LATIN NAME:Copaifera officinalis

PLANT PART: Gum/Resin

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Sesquiterpines

BENEFITS: anti-inflammatory, calming, wound-healing

BLACK SPRUCE

LATIN NAME:Picea mariana

PLANT PART: Needles

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters, Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, respiratory-therapeutic, antiseptic

CARDAMOM

LATIN NAME:Elettaria cardamomum

PLANT PART: Seed

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters, Oxides BENEFITS: warming, anti-infectious, digestive stimulant

CLOVE BUD

LATIN NAME:Eugenia caryophyllata

PLANT PART: Dried fruit

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Phenols

BENEFITS: antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, digestive stimulant, energizing, insect repellant, warming

CEDARWOOD

LATIN NAME:Juniperus virginiana

PLANT PART: Wood

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Sesquiterpenes

BENEFITS: antifungal, anti-infectious, respiratory decongestant

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN

LATIN NAME:Anthemis nobilis

PLANT PART: Flower

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters

BENEFITS: pain relief, promotes sense of well-being, skin-soothing

CITRONELLA

LATIN NAME:Cymbopogon winterianus

PLANT PART: Grass

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Aldehydes, Monoterpenes, Monoterpenols

BENEFITS: insect repellant, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, deodorizing

CLARY SAGE

LATIN NAME:Salvia sclarea

PLANT PART: Leaf/Flower Bud

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters

BENEFITS: skin-soothing, moodboosting, hormone-regulating

EUCALYPTUS

LATIN NAME:Eucalyptus globulus

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Oxides

BENEFITS: anti-infectious, antiviral, decongestant, immune-supporting

GERANIUM ROSE

LATIN NAME:Pelargonium graveolens

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenols, Esters

BENEFITS: mood-balancing, skinsoothing, anti-inflammatory

GINGER

LATIN NAME:Zingiber officinale

PLANT PART: Root

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Sesquiterpenes, Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, warming, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, supports digestion

GRAPEFRUIT, PINK

LATIN NAME:Citrus paradisii

PLANT PART: Rind

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, antianxiety, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-supporting

HELICHRYSUM

LATIN NAME:Helichrysum italicum

PLANT PART: Flowers

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters, Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes

BENEFITS: skin-soothing, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wound-healing

JASMINE

LATIN NAME:Jasminum grandiflorum

PLANT PART: Flower

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Esters, Monoterpenols

BENEFITS: uplifting, antidepressant, skin-soothing

JUNIPER BERRY

LATIN NAME:Juniperus communis

PLANT PART: Berries

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: antirheumatic, stimulant, tonic

LEMON

LATIN NAME:Citrus limon

PLANT PART: Rind

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: antimicrobial, antibacterial, uplifting

LEMON EUCALYPTUS

LATIN NAME:Eucalyptus citriodora

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Aldehydes

BENEFITS: bug repellant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic

LEMON MYRTLE

LATIN NAME:Backhousia citriodora

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Aldehydes

BENEFITS: antianxiety, antidepressant, antiviral, calming, sedative, disinfectant

LEMON VERBENA

LATIN NAME:Lippia citriodora

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Aldehydes, Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: calming, analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant

LIME

LATIN NAME:Citrus aurantifolia

PLANT PART: Rind

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: antianxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-infectious, antioxidant, antiviral, decongestant, tonic

MANDARIN, RED

LATIN NAME:Citrus reticulata var mandarin

PLANT PART: Rind

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, antianxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, digestive tonic, carminative, expectorant

MARJORAM, SWEET

LATIN NAME:Origanum majorana

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes, Monoterpenols

BENEFITS: antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, calming, immune stimulant

MENTHOL

LATIN NAME:Mentha arvensis

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: soothing, cooling, stimulating, analgesic

MYRRH

LATIN NAME:Commiphora myrrha

PLANT PART: Gum/Resin

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Sesquiterpenes

BENEFITS: respiratory decongestant, skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, analgesic, expectorant, mucolytic, astringent, calming, wound-healing

NEROLI

LATIN NAME:Citrus aurantium var amara

PLANT PART: Flowers

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes, Monoterpenols, Esters, Sesquiterpenols

BENEFITS: antidepressant, soothing, analgesic, antianxiety, immunesupporting, sedative, tonic, aphrodisiac

PINE, SCOTCH

LATIN NAME:Pinus sylvestris

PLANT PART: Needles

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, decongestant, antiinflammatory, antioxidant

ROSEMARY

LATIN NAME:Salvia rosmarinus ct cineole

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Oxides, Monoterpenes, Ketones

BENEFITS: analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, digestive tonic, respiratory-supporting

THYME

LATIN NAME:Thymus vulgaris

PLANT PART: Flowers, Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes, Phenols

BENEFITS: antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, immune-supporting

SAGE, WHITE

LATIN NAME:Salvia apiana

PLANT PART: Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Oxides

BENEFITS: antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, decongestant, energizing

SANDALWOOD

LATIN NAME:Santalum spicatum

PLANT PART: Wood

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Sesquiterpenols

BENEFITS: analgesic, antianxiety, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative

YARROW

LATIN NAME: Achillea millefolium

PLANT PART: Flowers, Leaves

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes

BENEFITS: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, calming, digestive tonic, immune-supporting

YUZU

LATIN NAME:Citrus junos

PLANT PART: Rind

CHEMICAL PROFILE: Monoterpenes

BENEFITS: antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, sedative

Herbal and floral essential oils mix well together to create soothing, energizing blends.

SOURCING YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS

Unfortunately, fraudulent essential oils are readily available online. Some of the oils you find available via big-box online retailers sell for only $10, while a true essential oil from the plant in question would be 20 times that price. These are fake imports from overseas. Don’t be deceived, as they will not deliver the therapeutic benefits you’re working toward. It’s better to purchase from a reputable essential oil distributor and pay the true cost for a very small amount, since you only need a few drops for each blend. Credible essential oil sellers will make available a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) report for each oil, listing its chemical profile and verifying that the batch has been tested and is authentic.

ESSENTIAL OIL STORAGE AND SAFETY

Essential oils are volatile and best kept in dark bottles in a cool place to avoid premature rancidity. When kept properly, oils will last many months or even years. Some of the lighter, “top note” oils, like those extracted from citrus fruits, remain potent for one to two years, while deeper oils extracted from resins and roots can last many years without degradation. I’ve taken to keeping citrus oils in the refrigerator to ensure the longest life possible.

Don’t put oils directly on your skin (“neat” application). Instead, use them in a carrier oil. Sensitivities are personal, and if an oil causes redness or discomfort of any kind, discontinue use immediately. The quickest way to soothe a bad reaction is to immediately apply a mild carrier oil, such as olive or sunflower oil to dilute its affect on your skin. Never ingest essential oils.

If you are pregnant or nursing, avoid anise, ho leaf, carrot seed, cassia/cinnamon, cypress, and fennel. Many other oils may be prohibited, especially those in these chemical families: ketones, phenols, oxides, ethers, esters, and aldehydes. Be sure to research which oils to avoid entirely and consult with a professional before using any oils while pregnant or nursing.

There is a phenomenon called phototoxicity whereby certain oils containing molecules called furanocoumarins (FCs) can cause skin to be sensitive to the sun. Avoid use of the following essential oils before sun exposure: cold-pressed bergamot, lime, lemon, grapefruit, other citruses, cumin, and angelica root. Note: if these same plants are steam distilled, the essential oil is not phototoxic.

To learn the composition of any oil, refer to its GC/MS report—the “fingerprint” of a specific batch of oil that outlines its chemical composition. Reputable essential oil vendors will always provide these reports. For a comprehensive list of phototoxic oils and others not recommended for pregnancy, as well as extensive information on essential oil safety, I recommend referring to Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

20 QUICK WAYS TO INCORPORATE ESSENTIAL OILS INTO YOUR LIFE

1.Carry a mist in your purse to refresh and restore your mood and energy any time you need it.

2.Carry a small bottle of diluted oil in your yoga or gym bag and dab it on your wrists before beginning your workout.

3.When traveling, have a face mist ready to wake up tired skin and give yourself an energy boost.

4.Massage your hands, ears, and feet each morning with oil blends or essential oil creams to stimulate your lymphatic system.

5.At bedtime, dab Sleep Support oil (see here) under your eyes and nose and massage it into the backs of your hands to help you sleep peacefully.

6.Enhance cuddle time with your canine or feline friend by rubbing 2 drops of a floral or citrus oil between your palms and then petting them for 5–10 minutes. This bonding time can lower your blood pressure and provide a tremendous sense of wellbeing.

7.