| Essential oils are the highly concentrated natural | | | | would not suggest buying synthetic oils because; they |
| extract of plants. There are many different uses for | | | | simply do not have the same powerful effects as |
| these oils. Aromatherapy is just one of the uses most | | | | natural oils although, if you are on a small budget, they |
| people focus on but many essential oils also have | | | | are much cheaper. |
| great benefits for the skin, hair and nails. Having a good | | | | It would take several books to cover all the information |
| understanding of these oils and their effects will help | | | | there is on essential oils. Don't let this page be your last |
| you to create exceptional spa quality bath & | | | | stop on this subject. Of course you can always find |
| beauty recipes that help promote healing of the body | | | | more information at your essential oil suppliers. In |
| and mind. | | | | Aromatherapy essential oils are often described by |
| Essential oils can be used either alone or in | | | | their "note". There are three categories of classification, |
| combinations to create a desired effect. Before using | | | | top note, middle note and base note. These terms |
| essential oils in any beauty recipe, it is important to | | | | relate to the rate they evaporate meaning, how long |
| understand the effect that the oils have, and how they | | | | the fragrance will last. |
| work. | | | | Top Notes - are strongly scented, but the fragrance |
| Please remember to be aware of allergies and always | | | | only last about 3 - 24 hours. |
| label your soaps, beauty and spa products with all the | | | | Top note oils include: Basil, bergamot, clary sage, |
| ingredients. Also make sure to note if an ingredient | | | | coriander, eucalyptus, lemongrass, neroli, peppermint, |
| could be harmful in any way. | | | | sage, thyme. |
| *For example, wintergreen has a wonderful aroma but | | | | Middle Notes - are the 2nd longest lasting, at about 2 - |
| this oil should never be ingested. It would be wise to | | | | 3 days, but the fragrance is less potent than that of |
| make sure this information is on your product label. | | | | top note oils. Middle note oils include: Balm, chamomile, |
| Oils are found in different parts plants such as flowers, | | | | fennel, geranium, hyssop, juniper, lavender, rosemary |
| twigs, leaves, bark, and fruit rinds. | | | | Base Notes - are the longest lasting oils their fragrance |
| *For example, rose oil comes from the flower, Basil oil | | | | can last up to one week. Base note oils include.: Cedar |
| is extracted from the leaf and sandalwood oil from | | | | wood, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, rose, |
| wood. | | | | sandalwood |
| The methods used for extracting oils are expensive | | | | When creating a balanced fragrance for your soaps |
| and require someone with expertise in the process. It | | | | or spa recipes, a combination of all three notes will |
| can take 200 pounds of rose petals just to produce 4 | | | | produce the best results. Although there are no fixed |
| teaspoons of oil. This is also why some oils are so | | | | rules. The more familiar you become with the aromas, |
| expensive. However, they are highly concentrated so it | | | | the easier it will be to create the perfect combination! |
| only takes a few drops to achieve the desired effect. I | | | | |