Aromatherapy is a natural method to promote a sense of wellbeing, a discrete way to create ambiance and a pleasant means of relaxation. The use of aromas in a therapeutic setting (aromatherapy) is appealing because it relies upon one of the most basic of human traits, the sense of smell. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science that uses essential oils to maintain and improve health and beauty.

This complementary medicine rebalances our three bodies: the physical, mental and spiritual. Although the use of essential oils has been gaining in popularity of late, people have been benefiting from them for thousands of years. The medicinal qualities of certain plants have long been understood, even as far back as 5000 BC. Some ancient Egyptian embalmers relied on these oils to preserve the bodies of priests and pharaohs. The Chinese, Persians, Greeks and Romans all embraced the preventative and curative qualities of essential oils as well as regularly using them for their tonic, stimulative, digestive and stomatic properties.

Until the 16th century, numerous attempts were made to extract several oils and practitioners were already using some 60 essences. Essential oils were frequently combined in order to extend the range of their therapeutic benefits. However, improvements in medicine identified the properties and the powers of each individual essence, thereby allowing them to be used individually.

In its on-going effort to contribute to people’s wellbeing, AROMAFORCE offers a wide range of essential oils made entirely from botanically certified natural plant extract.

ESSENTIAL OILS

An essential oil is the concentrated volatile essence of an aromatic plant. The two most common methods of extracting are steam distillation and cold pressing. These oils contain a number of active ingredients that can be altered depending on the climate, the location, the time of harvest or the part of the plant being harvested. Therefore, each essential oil derived from the same botanical variety can have its unique chemical profile.

How do you know if you’re getting an essential oil of the highest quality?

High-quality essential oils cannot be produced without following strict guidelines. True essential oils are rare, which is why many products on the market today are not pure, having been cut with chemical compounds that have been modified or even synthetically manufactured. In addition, the label of origin i.e. the latin name is often incomplete, missing the actual part of the plant from which it was produced. AROMAFORCE delivers nature’s goodness while guaranteeing unparalleled quality. Our oils are 100% pure, undiluted (except for oils derived from resin) and botanically certified.

USAGE

Aromaforce essential oils, depending on variety, can be inhaled, applied topically diluted with a neutral base, added to a bath mixed with a dispersant or used in a diffuser. Although aromatherapy uses nothing but natural plant, it is not always synonymous with gentle medicine. In spite of their warm, flower-scented perfumes, essential oils are extremely powerful and must be used with the necessary precautions.

Using a diffuser

All essential oils are aromatic. You can enjoy the beneficial qualities of many oils by diffusing them intermittently, approximately 15 minutes per hour. However, oils such as Thyme, Clove, Tea tree, Oregano, Camphor and Wintergreen can irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. It is recommended that they not be diffused.

Applied on the skin or added to a bath

For topical use, essential oils must be diluted with a neutral or vegetable base such as sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, St. John’s Wort oil, etc. You may choose to mix these base oils with one or several essential oils to achieve the desired effect. Essential oils do not dissolve in water. If you add them to your bath, they will float on the surface and can irritate the skin. To break them up properly in water, it is recommended that you mix them with a natural dispersive agent such as clay, salt, vegetable oil, egg yolk or powdered milk. In their pure form, some essential oils can irritate the skin. These include Thyme, Oregano, Bergamot, Clove, Tea tree, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Basil, Ginger and Marjoram. Some oils such as Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bitter Orange and Citronella are photosensitizing.

Internal use

Essential oils should only be taken internally under the supervision of an aromatherapist.

NEUTRAL OILS

Sweet almond oil
Wheat germ oil

MASSAGE OILS

Massage oils can also be used as bath oils.

Aphrodisiac: Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, Frankinsence and Bay leaf essential oils, in a safflower and sweet oil base.

For babies: Lavender, Mandarin and Camomile essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

For men: Sandalwood, Rosemary and Marjoram essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

For an energizing massage: Rosemary, Clary sage and Lavender essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

For a toning massage: Orange, Clary sage, Lavender and Cypress essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

For a relaxing massage: Lavender, Orange and Camomile essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

For a stimulating leg massage: Cypress, Camomile and Lavender essential oils, in a safflower and sweet almond oil base.

SOME PRECAUTIONS…

• If you are taking medication, consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils.

• Do not use essential oils in case of pregnancy or nursing, weakened liver function or other serious problems, epilepsy or other neurological disorders, medication to treat hypertension or migraines.

• Never leave essential oils within the reach of children or pets.

• Keep essential oils at room temperature as well as in a dry and dark place.

• Never apply essential oils directly to the skin.

• Always make sure that you are not allergic to the various plants from which essential oils are extracted.

• Always use minimal amounts of essential oils (one to three drops).

(Aromaforce products are made by Bioforce, an A Vogel Company)