By *Starchild* : Quality Products
ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are the volatile, aromatic components of plants, the substance that carries their unique scent and ethereal soul. It is through these precious fragrances that plants communicate with their environment, inviting potential pollinators and seed dispersers, or fending off their natural enemies. But essential oils are not just chemical messengers, they are also divine messengers. They possess the power to influence our moods and sense of well-being, can heal our physical and emotional ailments and even open the gates to other dimensions.
CARING FOR YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are highly volatile substances that easily deteriorate or simply “fly off” if not stored correctly. Keep essential oils tightly closed and store them away from any sources of heat, in a cool, dark place.
The knowledge concerning the use of essential oils as therapeutic agents is known as ‘Aromatherapy’, a field of study that in recent years has attracted a huge growth of interest. The art and body of knowledge itself is ancient - antique stills excavated at archaeological sites throughout the ancient world bear witness to this time honoured tradition, but modern practitioners with the help of new insights into the workings of chemicals on mind and body have taken it to new levels. Aromatherapy has become one of the most popular forms of holistic medicine. From jetlag to insomnia to anxiety, from allergies to aching muscles - the fragrant healers come to our aid. The most common form of aromatherapy treatment is a massage with appropriate essential oil blends, according to individual needs. Sometimes just sniffing a particular aroma can bring relief e.g. to alleviate headaches or nausea, or respiratory congestion. Some oils are particularly beneficial for the skin, soothing tender or weather worn tissue, smoothing scars and stretch marks or repairing epidermal damage. Adding essential oils to homemade cosmetic blends such as face masks or body lotions transforms a simple moisturizer into a healing lotion with a specific therapeutic effect. Or, one can utilize both, the deliciously sensuous scents and therapeutic qualities to create bath and massage oils with divine fragrances that also relax, invigorate or soothe the effects of daily wear and tear.
"Scent Communication"
The sense of smell is one of the most primitive senses located deep within the oldest part of the human brain. It guided us through the sensory world long before any intellectual powers sought rationalization for our experiences. Scent communicates with the non-verbal part of the brain, where the soul ‘thinks’ in imagery and associations. That is why a fleeting whiff of subtle fragrance can instantly transport us a million miles away. Thus the sense of smell forms the gateway to the subconscious mind and even taps into what Jung termed “the collective consciousness”. Acting on this ancient and primeval part of the brain, scent can powerfully affect the mind, and thus in turn affect the body. Perfumers have known the secret language of scent for centuries and have long made use of the subtle and not so subtle powers of essential oils to influence or seduce our senses. Borrowing the flowers fragrant soul messengers to create perfumes and cosmetics enables us to transcend the boundaries of our verbal world.
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"Influencing the gods"
Sweet scents attract good spirits and can influence the benevolence of the gods who delight in heavenly aromas. Priests and practitioners of all spiritual paths have always known this and in almost all traditions elaborate floral decorations, expensive aromatic temple aspurgers and incenses form an integral aspect of devotional practice. In many traditions worshipers would never dare to enter the presence of the Gods unanointed and even the sacred icons would receive offerings of scented oils and flower garlands.
"Folk Magic"
Essential oils have also found their way into modern folk magic practices. In the old days most practitioners would make do with the herbs at their disposal to create their sachets, aspersion waters, ritual bath potions or aphrodisiac lotions. Modern practitioners are not so limited. The more common availability of even the most exotic essential oils opens new horizons for the creative kitchen alchemist to explore the magical powers of essential oils in their own potions, lotions and magical blends.
Essential oils offer more than divine fragrances- they are also highly concentrated healing compounds that can powerfully and directly influence the physiological functions on the body.
METHODS OF USE
The possibilities are sheer endless and the art and science of essential oils is a vast domain. What follows is a short introduction to are some of the most common ways in which essential oils can be used for therapy, pleasure or magic. It is beyond the scope of this catalogue to give detailed guidance on the medicinal actions and uses of aromatherapy oils. There are many in depth books and reference works available on the subject, which we urge you to consult for further information.
Massage
Massage can be an intimate act of love and pleasure, of intimate, tactile communication and exchange or it can be deeply therapeutic - soothing aching muscles and smothering the skin in lush, nutritious oils that heal and nurture body and soul. Massage is the most commonly employed method of aromatherapy - the specifically chosen oils act as the therapeutic agent. To make a simple massage oil, choose the essential oils to suit your particular purpose and add these to a nut/seed carrier base oil. Massage relaxes the body and relieves stress and tension. The fragrances act directly on the deeper levels of the mind and emotions, while the medicinal properties of the oils are absorbed by the skin. Use a ratio of between 1-3% of essential oil diluted in a base oil blend. (For more information on the properties of various nut/seed base oils see Base Oils page)
Bathing with oils
In some cultures bathing has been refined to a form of art - the Romans considered it an essential aspect of civilization and established bath houses wherever they went - even in Britain, as the city of Bath still testifies. Bathing with aromatic bath oils is pure pleasure, a luxuriously sensual treat that can make one feel like Aphrodite herself. It is also very beneficial for the skin as any loss of natural skin oils is more than compensated by the nutritive benefits of the bath oil blend. Mix up to 5 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of nut/seed base oil. To facilitate better dispersal add a little Turkey Red oil and add the mixture to a full bathtub. Choose your essential oils carefully as some may be irritating to sensitive skin.
Using Steam Inhalation
Steam is very cleansing. Not only does it get more deeply into the pores and clears out any congestion that may be lurking there, it also stimulates the circulation and promotes sweating, which in turn aids the cleansing process from within. Some cultures have a tradition of regular steam bath rituals, such as saunas or sweatlodges. Steam inhalations or facial steams work along the same principle except that instead of the whole body only the head is exposed to the steam. Thus, they are particularly useful as a treatment for catarrhal congestion, sore throat, colds and coughs and any other afflictions of the respiratory system. (Not recommended for asthma). They are also often used as a beauty treatment for deep cleansing of the facial pores, to stimulate the circulation and to keep the skin soft and rosy.
To prepare a facial steam bath, take a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and add a few drops of essential oil. Cover both head and bowl with a large towel or blanket to prevent the steam escaping, taking the volatile essential oil with it. Breathe deeply for a few minutes. Keep tissues handy as the application will stimulate mucus discharge. Keep wrapped up and warm afterwards to avoid getting a chill.
Method using Evaporation
There is nothing more magical than to walk into a room and immediately feel enveloped and spirited away by the power of scent. Essential oils are the obvious choice for atmospheric cleansing, whether you wish to spread a scent of warmth and comfort in your living area, or invigorating freshness throughout your work space. They will get rid of unwanted odours, purify the air in a sick room and diffuse a sense of health and wellness. Choose your oils carefully to set the ambiance for a romantic têt à têt, or an important business meeting. Evaporation is also suitable for magical purposes as a substitute for incense, especially if smoke is an issue for any of the participants. (For ready-to-use magical space aromas see page xxxx) Essential oils are typically evaporated in an oil burner, which consists of a source of heat (candle) that is placed beneath a small well that holds a mixture of water and oil. Fill the water well with warm water and add a few drops of essential oil. Light the candle underneath and enjoy the fresh fragrance filling the room. Don’t allow the water well to dry out completely and don’t forget to blow out the candle when you leave the room. (If you have an electric vaporizer, follow the instructions supplied.)
Making Lotions
Essential oils can be blended specifically for topical use in skin care. Choose your essential oils according to your skin type and the action you want to achieve. For magical purposes lotions can be used as a protective ‘coating’ to ward off evil powers and attract beneficial energies. To make a lotion simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to a readily available aromatherapy base-lotion (click here to view our ready made base products) or home-made lotion blend. (Click here to go to our base materials)
Compresses
Hot or cold compresses are very effective external applications usually used to treat pain or skin afflictions. The application of localized heat stimulates the circulation to the affected area and thus helps the body to flush out toxins. Sometimes hot and cold compresses are used alternately; sometime compresses are applied cold, depending on the specific requirements of the situation. Hot compresses are mainly used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle aches and abscesses. Cold compresses are generally used for nerve pain, headaches and to reduce swellings. Prepare a bowl of water, add about 5 drops of oil and immerse a cloth or towel. Wring out any excess water and apply directly to the affected area. Leave in position until the towel has reached body temperature. Repeat if required.
Making Perfume & Ointment
We have borrowed the sweet scents of aromatic flowers for thousands of years to dab a little of their magic behind our ears. Perfumes and anointing oils can have a direct effect on the state of mind and sense of well-being. Traditionally used to allure and seduce, perfumes are the secret tool of Aphrodite. Sensual, heady perfumes speak to a part of our consciousness that lies well beyond the powers of reason. In magical perfumery oils are blended for protection and to attract beneficial gods and spirits: a well chosen blend can dispel the demons of doom and gloom or of fear and anxiety as they envelop us with their magical powers. In a more devotional context anointing oils are chosen for their power to clear and centre the mind for spirit journeys and meditation practices. The inspired kitchen alchemist knows no limit to creative blending when it comes to magical perfumery. Dilute the essential oil(s) of your choice at a ratio of 1-3% in a suitable carrier base oil.
Preparing Flower Water
Flower waters have long held an honourable position in skin care and cosmetics. But they can also be used for magical purposes, such as cleansing or consecration rituals. For cosmetic use they are used to replace spring water in any cosmetic recipe, or can be neat as skin cleansing waters. Magically they can be used as aspurging waters to cleanse and protect a sacred space, or to consecrate magical tools. To make a simple flower water add about 20 - 30 drops of essential oil (e.g. Rose, Lavender, Jasmine) to 100ml of spring water or distilled water. Leave to infuse in a cool dark space for 24 hours. Filter through coffee filter paper. Although essential oils are insoluble in water they nevertheless transfer their fragrance and some of their healing properties to the water. Keep in the fridge and use within a week. Or add a small amount of alcohol as a preservative.
