Easy Scents
Easy Scents
Easy Scents
By:
Laurie Szott-Rogers
Edited by- Robert Rogers
The following book promotes the use of essential oils in a safe and enjoyable
way. If you have any sensitivity to essential oils, proceed with caution, using
your common sense and prior knowledge of your body.
Although, essential oils are a natural substance, they can cause mild to severe
reactions. Do not take internally, as even a small amount of some oils can be
fatal. Do not use the essential oils with children, or in early stages of pregnancy.
Do not let infants, pets, or those without proper mental capacity near the oils.
Store in a very safe place. If you are epileptic, be careful with the stimulating
oils.
Always patch test the essential oils on your skin before making the recipes,
to ensure you do not react. Do not get the essential oils in your eyes, or on
sensitive body parts.
Essential oils suggested for illness and disease are meant as ideas for adjunct
therapy, but always consult the best possible experts before proceeding. This
book is not meant to take the place of medical treatments or prescriptions and
this author and publisher accept no liability for any claims, now or in the future,
arising from the use or misuse of any remedy, recipe or application herein.
What Are Essential Oils and Absolutes?
Essential oils are potent extractions of plants obtained from all over the world.
Many of the plants are wild-crafted, while some are grown in orchards or
plantations.
Growers extract the potent oils from specific
parts of the plant- bark, leaf, root, berry, or
flowers, by steam distillation. A still is set up and
filled with plant material. Water is heated and
steam passes through the plant material.
Volatile parts of the plant turn to vapor. As the
vapor moves through a condensing coil it cools
and turns back into liquid. The oils that emerge
from this process are called essential oils. They
are highly concentrated. Different plants yield
varying amounts of essential oil and the price
range of oils reflects this.
Fruits peels such as lemon, orange, lime and
grapefruit are usually cold pressed. These
‘expressed’ fruit peels are plentiful and the
quantity of oil that results from the pressing is
more abundant than from steam distillation. This makes the price of fruit peel
oils reasonable.
Enfleurage involves a method of scent extraction, used mainly for flowers. The
flowers are placed on an absorbable substance, like a cloth. The blossoms are
replaced daily with fresh flowers, until the cloth becomes saturated. The cloth
is squeezed or pressed to collect the oil. A solvent is then used to extract the oil
from the flowers. The resulting mixture contains waxes, resins and essential oils.
Jasmine, gardenia and narcissus are examples of flowers that give up their scent
in an alcohol or solvent preparation. The resulting extracts are called absolutes.
An oleoresin is a semi-solid mixture of wax, resin and essential oil that occurs
from injury to the bark, forming gums and resins. Benzoin gum is often made in
this manner.
Methods of Using Essential Oils:
To influence moods and psychological states, all that is necessary is to breathe
in the diffused oils. How we respond to various oils will be partly dependent
on individual taste and memories. If we associate lavender with an older aunt
we loved, we may have a more positive association to that oil than someone
with a different memory. The oils themselves have specific chemical properties,
giving them the ability to calm, excite, or balance. An oil like lavender, although
relaxing in small quantities, can stimulate at a higher dose.
Diffuser: To get the oils into the air a diffuser becomes invaluable. A good “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.
Humidifiers: Many people have the urge
to put essential oils into their humidifiers.
Theoretically, this makes sense, because it
seems like a good way to get the oils into the
air. However, oils destroy many types of plastic.
If your humidifier is made from plastic, and does
not have a special compartment for oils, do not
use them in this machine.
Burners: Burner type diffusers are pretty and relatively inexpensive. Ensure you
choose one that has adequate space between where you place the candle, and
where the oil is placed. This prevents the oil from becoming toasted. Burner type
diffusers are pretty, but do not utilize oil as effectively as an air pump style.
Another way to use essential oils, is to drop them into a spray glass bottle of
97-90% water, 1% natural emulsifier (a medium that binds the water and oil)
and 3%-10% essential oil. The reason for such a range in strength is due to the
purpose of the oil. If I were to use the oil in a bathroom, or less sanitary setting,
I would opt for a higher ratio of oil. Remember to shake the bottle well before
using. This is important, as oils will often float to the top of a bottle and be used
all up, in one spray.
Do not spray the mix at any one, as the oils may be irritating to skin. Do not
spray too close to your walls either, or you may notice an oil build up on them
over time. Good essential oils to create a spray from are: orange to balance, or
spearmint to invigorate. Any single oil or mixture can be used. Determine your
preferences, the purpose of the oil and of course the cost, when making your
choice.
Also use essential oils to clean your home. They make a less toxic, enjoyable
alternative, to commercial products. You can do something simple, like drop a
few drops of a disinfecting oil, such as orange, lemon or eucalyptus into your
kitchen sink and wipe your cupboards, and appliances. Adding essential oils
into spray bottles to clean the bathroom and other areas is also desirable. Add
10% essential oil to 90% water. Eucalyptus, orange, lemon, pine and tea tree all
make effective spray cleaners.
Essential oils also make great beauty products- for
hair, skin and bath. There are a vast array of products
you can make with essential oils- for facials- steams,
scrubs and masks. You can make your own face and
body lotions, creams and lip balms. (Scents of Wonder,
Aromatic Pleasures, amazon.com/Szott-Rogers), book
will give you more specific ideas and recipes for using
essential oils in this way.
Bedtime: 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, you
may drop the oils in water, in a glass
spray bottle and spray around your
sleeping area.
Massage- Dilution Ratio
A wonderful way to loosen muscles is through an essential oil, massage. To
create the blend: mix 1-5% essential oils with 95-99% vegetable oil. Use very
dilute amounts of essential oil .05-1% on the face, or delicate skin. Use the
more subtle amounts for children, (over 3 years of age) and fragile people. In
most circumstances, do not use the oil on children
under 3. Hydrosols, or floral waters, are a better
choice for infants, or delicate individuals.
Always test for sensitivity or allergic reaction
before application. If it has tested safely,
massage the mixture onto the skin. The body
will absorb some of the oil, while the scent will
drift up to the nose, and affect the brain, via the olfactory bulb.
Aromatic Baths
A bath is possibly my favorite way to enjoy essential oils. To create an aromatic
bath you will need 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, or full fat milk or cream. This is how
original milk baths got their name. The fat in the cream, milk or oil acts as an
emulsifier and helps spread the oils throughout the tub.
Mix 1-5 drops of essential oil into the emulsifier and drop into the bath, after
running the water. Stir vigorously to further distribute the oils.
If you use straight essential oils in a bath you may risk burning yourself, as
you merge your delicate parts into the tub. The fruit and spice oils may be
particularly aggressive in these situations, so use less rather than more, as you
experiment with various concoctions. Try roman chamomile or lavender to relax,
or peppermint and rosemary in cooler water to stimulate.
* If your tub has spray jets, or if you have a Jacuzzi, inquire with the
manufacturer to see if it can handle essential oils. Some tubs and hoses are
made for this purpose others will be destroyed, if essential oils are used in them.
Shower:
If you prefer showers to baths, you will need to put the oils into an emulsifying
compound, such as a neutral liquid soap mix, or your existing, non-scented
shower gel.
Stimulating oils, such as rosemary and grapefruit help wake up energy, and are
good for cooler, morning showers.
Calming oils such as lemongrass, marjoram and lavender are useful for when
you are winding down for sleep.
Add about 12 drops of essential oil to 250 mls of shower gel or liquid soap- (I
like Dr. Bronner’s) and shake. It is preferable to use a glass container to prevent
the oils from leaching plastic. But, glass is always precarious in the shower, so
choose non-shattering glass and hold on carefully.
I use aromatherapy in every aspect of my life- at work, for pleasure and in
my home. I start the morning
by washing my face with a
sandalwood and purified water
blend, which acts as a toner/
cleanser. After breakfast, I wipe
my kitchen counter with hot
water, to which I add a drop of
lemongrass oil. I end my day
with an aromatic bath and a
lavender pillow spray.
So, the possibilities are
limitless. Learn the cautions
and use common sense, as
essential oils are very potent
substances. There is much
room for practicality and
creativity in aromatic pursuits.
CAUTIONS:
Do not take essential oils internally.
Oils such as eucalyptus and birch
are lethal if swallowed, even in small
quantities.
Do not let babies, children or pets near
the oils, to prevent accidental ingestion.
Do not use essential oils on babies in
any way. Until they are at least two,
use hydrosols, (steam distilled plant
waters, instead, but never internally).
Store your oils in a safe place.
Pregnant women, especially in their
first trimester should avoid essential
oils. This is especially true if there
is any history of miscarriage. There
are many potential toxins in the
environment that effect pregnant
women. Oils are one of many possible
irritants.
Keep essential oils out of your eyes.
If they do get in, apply a vegetable oil
to the edge of a clean cloth and place
this on the corner of your eye. This
will attract the essential oil; and works
better than washing the eye with water.
Do not apply essential oils directly onto skin without dilution and patch
testing on the thin areas of your skin first. This includes your wrists, inside of
elbows behind the knees and under the ears, the same places you would apply
fragrance.
If you suffer epileptic episodes avoid any of the stimulating oils such as sage or
rosemary. This is especially true for internal use- epileptics should never ingest
the stimulating oils.
Some oils may affect asthmatics. Determine which ones these are and avoid
them. If you have allergies to plants be cautious about using any of the essential
oils from the same plant or plant family, as your known allergen. Sometimes the
allergy is only to the pollen and will not apply to the oil- but approach slowly.
On the other hand, many people with allergies to petrochemical perfumes may
find the oils surprisingly refreshing. I know I am able to use them, but I am
negatively impacted by chemical-based perfumes.
Many of my students are charmed by the scent of essential oils, and are
repulsed by petrochemical-based scents. Reactions, of course, are highly
personal and subjective.
Always treat the oils with respect. They are potent healers and life-enhancing
compounds when used appropriately.
Aromatherapy is an evolving field, and not everything is understood about
how oils react with medicines and individual chemistry. Always be cautious and
monitor your own reactions.
*Note the word infant, baby and children are all used as synonyms, rather than
repeating all of them in each paragraph.
People sometimes forget to protect their pets from possible toxic reactions from
oils. Pets do not react in exactly the same way as people, but they should not
take the oils internally (and if they lick their coats, this would involve internal
use).
Use the oils like any powerful healing agent, sensibly and with respect.
Essential Oils — The Top Twenty Stars
The oils listed here are important essential oils to get to know. They would be
the first oils I would use to start an aromatherapy healing kit. Hundreds of other
oils exist and all offer wonderful scents and properties.
References:
Lavabre M. Aromatherapy Workbook (1990) Healing Arts Press, Rochester Vermont.
Lawless, J. (1995) The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Element Books: U.K.
Penoel, D. l’aromatherapie exactement.(1990).
Rogers, Robert. Scents of Wonder. Prairie Deva Press
Sheppard-Hanger, S. (1995). The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual. The
Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 166018 Saddlestring Drive. Florida
Special thanks to:
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger for writing the -The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference
Manual. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in medical aromatherapy.
Courses, and lectures from: Valerie Worwood, Marcel Lavabre, Robert Rogers, Michael
Scholes, and Dr. Daniel Penoel.
Some like Robert Rogers, Marcel Lavabre and Daniel Penoel were early mentors. I do
not have exact references from each of them, but rather, collectively these teachers, as
well as the authors mentioned above, have educated and supported me on this aromatic
path and are all contributors to this book.
Scents of Wonder
Scents of Wonder sells pure, full-strength essential oils. This information is
meant for educational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose or treat.
To learn about this subject in a deep way check out the aromatherapy courses in
the Earth Spirit Medicine program at:
www.northernstarcollege.com
Product Availability:
Are you interested in trying some of the
oils from this book?
The Scents of Wonder line of essential
oils has been in existence since 1989.
Co-owners Robert Rogers and Laurie
Szott-Rogers import pure essential oils
and absolutes from around the world.
The oils are sold in 5 or 10 ml bottles-
except the absolutes and precious oils,
which are sold by the millilitre.
How to Order:
Our website: www.selfhealdistributing.com or www.scentsofwonder.ca
For Courses: www.northernstarcollege.com
Email us at scents@telusplanet.net, or fax us at 1 780-439-9540. We have a
$100.00 minimum order fee. Ensure we have: Your name, phone number or fax
number, what you want, quantity, size. Please provide your full mailing address
and your credit card number.
About the Author
Laurie Szott-Rogers is a Director of Earth Spirit
Medicine and Intuitive Counseling at The
Northern Star College of Mystical Studies in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
www.northernstarcollege.com
Laurie has taught in the Holistic Health
Practitioner Program at MacEwan University.
Her specialties are aromatherapy, dreamwork,
flower essences and goddess archetypal
studies.
Laurie and her husband Robert are owners of
Scents of Wonder, an aromatherapy company,
where Laurie has created blends, elixirs and
potions for over two decades.
Through their company Self Heal Distributing, Laurie and Robert also distribute
Prairie Deva Flower Essences of Canada. They are the Canadian Distributors
for Healing Herb Essences of England and Californian Essences of the Flower
Essence Society, (F.E.S.). Laurie and Robert live on Mill Creek Ravine, in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Breathe deeply and inhale your own floral paradise. Aromatherapy offers a
wide array of scents to keep you smelling the beauty around you, throughout
your day. Have you ever wanted to create your own spa day? Laurie includes
recipes for masks, creams and serums to nourish your skin. Clean your home
and revitalize your furniture with ecologically friendly recipes. Gain knowledge
about the properties of over 100 essential oils. Explore how aromatherapy
may boost your health, beauty and pleasure with Laurie Szott-Rogers, an
experienced aromatherapy teacher and product developer.
Other Retailers that can send you Scents of Wonder Oils
in Smaller Quantities:
A Sense of Serenity, Edmonton: www.senseofserenity.com
Ascendant Books, Edmonton: www.ascendantbooks.com
Athabasca Health Phone: 1780-675-5688 (Athabasca Alberta)
Kolya Naturals, Edmonton: www.kolyanaturals.com
Health Elective, Edmonton www.healthelective.com
Health Matters, Edmonton www.info@healthmattersstore.ca
Optimum Health, Edmonton: www.optimumhealth.com
Planet Organic- Edmonton: www.planetorganic.com
Bottles: Richards Packaging: www.richardspackaging.com