Orientation-

Please give your animated helper a few minutes to help orient you to the page.

In this leg of the cruise, we will help you choose the best tools for your aromatic needs, whether diffusers, burners, or aromatic sprays.

Please grab a beverage and notepad and join us in the Blending Lab for your reading and video lecture.
Head down to Deck 2 using the forward stairwell. Take a left and walk straight until you see the sign for the Blending Lab on the right, adjacent to the Distillation Deck. When you arrive at the Blending Lab, you can start reading your notes below. You will also have videos (Lectures) to enjoy.

Methods of Getting Essential Oils into the Air:

Essential oils can influence moods and psychological states by simply breathing. How we respond to various oils depends partly on individual tastes and memories.

If we associate lavender with an older aunt we loved, we may have a more positive association with that oil than someone with a different memory.

The oils have specific chemical properties, allowing them to calm, excite, or balance. Although relaxing in small quantities, an oil like lavender can stimulate at a higher dose.

As you learn about the essential oils and fill in the scent impressions sheet, you will have a record of your feelings and memories about each scent. This is a great building block for creating personal products you love.

Diffusers:

A diffuser becomes invaluable for getting oils into the air. A suitable “air pump type” diffuser will break up the molecules of the oils, making them accessible while you breathe. We do not recommend putting oils on light bulb rings, as the heat will destroy many of the fragile, healing compounds in the oils. Here are pictures of 2 types of diffusers and an accompanying video.

A Video on Choosing A Diffuser

Humidifiers:

Many people have the urge to put essential oils into their humidifiers. Theoretically, this makes sense because it is an excellent way to get the oils into the air. However, oils destroy many types of plastic. If your humidifier is made from plastic and has no special compartment for oils, do not use essential oils in this machine.

Burners:

Burner-type diffusers are pretty and relatively inexpensive. Please choose one with adequate space between where you place the candle and the oil. This prevents the oil from becoming toasted. Although this style of diffuser is often pretty, it does not utilize oil as effectively as an air pump style:

 

 

Jewellery Diffuses Oils:

You may also wear a diffuser. Some necklaces have pads to drop the oils onto, and others have chambers to insert the oils into. This is a subtle way to enjoy the oils.

I have sometimes experienced leakage from some necklaces, so be sure yours does not drop from the top from overfilling before wearing, or your clothes may become spotted with oil drops.

 

Moira the Mermaid- Video- A few more ways to diffuse essential oils-
Press Play and get ready to write down her suggestions!

 

Making an Aromatic Spray:

Another way to use essential oils is to drop them into a spray glass bottle of 70%-distilled water,  25% Everclear or other clean, clear alcohol, and about 5% essential oil. You may replace the alcohol with a solubilizer, which will be explained more in Practical Potions 2.

If I were to use the spray in the bathroom or kitchen, where there is a higher level of odour, I would opt for a higher essential oil ratio. The essential oils chosen also need to be considered. Some, like mints, have a powerful scent, while others, like orange, are less potent.

Remember to shake the bottle well before using it. This is important, as oils will often float to the top of a bottle and be used in one spray. Do not spray the mix on anyone; the oils may irritate the skin. Do not mist too close to your walls either, or you may notice an oil build-up on them over time.

Good essential oils to create a room spray are orange to balance or spearmint to invigorate. Any single oil or mixture can be used. Determine your preferences while considering the purpose of the oil and, of course, the cost when making your choice.  Label your mixture with ingredients and warnings, as it can be fatal if an animal or human drinks it.

People also used to think essential oils would diffuse well if put onto a light bulb. This is not an effective medium. The light bulb is too hot, and the oils burn.

Beauty Products- Essential Oils on Skin:

Essential oils also make great beauty enhancers for hair, skin, and the bath. You can make an array of products with essential oils.

In this course, we will seed many ideas and create tailor-made products, and this topic will also be continued in great detail in our Advanced Aromatherapy Course.

To Create a Blend-Proportions for skin application, beauty and massage mixes:

Mix 0.2-5% essential oils with 95-99.8% vegetable oil.

Use very dilute amounts of essential oil 0.01-1.0% on the face or delicate skin.

2-5% essential oil to carrier oil is a more common proportion for a more hardy mix for the body of a healthy, non-allergic, non-pregnant adult. But, the amount used also depends on the chosen essential oil, as some are mild and some are super potent.

Use subtle amounts and gentle essential oils for children (over three years of age, except for essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, which should not be used for children under 10) and people in a delicate state.

Bedtime-on skin, in a bath or on the pillow:

Put a few drops of lavender, neroli, Roman chamomile or lemongrass essential oil onto your pillow to help soothe your overworked or ruffled psyche. If you do not like the idea of oils being in direct contact with your pillow, use a Kleenex or cotton ball as the receptacle and place that inside your pillow cover.

Alternatively, place the essential oils and water in a glass bottle with a spray top. Spritz around your sleeping area.

The Applications for Aromatherapy are Endless!

I use aromatherapy in every aspect of my life- at work, driving, and home. I start the day by washing my face with Neroli hydrosol, a toner/cleanser.

After breakfast, I wipe my kitchen counter with hot water, adding a drop of lemongrass oil.

I end my day with an aromatic bath and a lavender and Roman chamomile pillow spray. We will discuss these topics further in the course.

The possibilities are limitless. As essential oils are potent substances, you should learn about the cautions and use common sense. Aromatic pursuits offer much room for practicality and creativity.

 Caveat-
Essential oils are generally safe when used responsibly. Please read and understand the cautions. Everyone is different and may have unique sensitivities and reactions. Also, please know when to seek medical help for yourself and your family. Review the cautions from the previous chapter here –: https://www.northernstarcourses.com/lesson/d-aromatherapy-i…r-daily-routines/

We at Northern Star College, Self Heal Distributing, and Scents of Wonder do not accept liability personally or as a company for any accidents or reactions to the essential oils or blends. Please use the products carefully and responsibly.