The word aromatherapy is used to hock everything from bath oils to fabric softeners.

While essential
oils may be used in many products to make them smell good, a skilled aromatherapist uses them to promote
healing.
Aromatherapy is a specialized form of herbal medicine using essential oils and hydrosols.
Essential oils are produced in a method similar to that used to make moonshine. Steam is passed through
plant matter, is cooled, and collected. The watery portion is a hydrosol or floral water. The non-water soluble
portion is the volatile essential oil.
Aromatherapy research began in Germany in the sixteenth century. Herbs have been used in incense,
essential oil, and infused oil forms for much longer. Imhotep, an Egyptian who was later termed the Egyptian
god of medicine, utilized this practice over 5000 years ago.1 That said, modern aromatherapy developed as a
healing discipline of its own based on the work of Ren Gattefoss in 1937.2
Aromatherapy grade essential oils are very potent. Almost all must be diluted to be safely used. Some
sources say it takes as many as 60,000 roses to produce one ounce of rose essential oil. Because of the amount
of plant matter needed to produce essential oils, some may be expensive.
Total Quantity of oil, alcohol, glycerin or other diluent
Desired
Concentration
5mL
10mL
15mL
20mL
25mL
1%
0.05mL(1 drop) 0.1 (2 drops) 0.15 (3 drops)
0.2 (4 drops)
0.25 (5 drops)
2%
0.1 (2 drops)
0.2 (4 drops) 0.3 (6 drops)
0.4 (8 drops)
0.5 (10 drops)
3%
0.15 (3 drops) 0.3 (6 drops) 0.45 (9 drops)
0.6 (12 drops)
0.75 (15 drops)
4%
0.2 (4 drops)
0.4 (8 drops) 0.6 (12 drops)
0.8 (16 drops)
1 (20 drops)
5%
0.25 (5 drops) 0.5 (10 drops) 0.75 (15 drops)
1 (20 drops)
1.25 (25 drops)
Plants produce essential oils for specific purposes. They are used to fight bacterial, viral, or fungal
infections. Plants use essential oils as antioxidants. Some plants even use essential oils to make themselves less
appealing to animals that might otherwise eat them. Other plants use essential oils to attract insects that spread
pollen.
In the United States, few essential oils are used internally. In other countries, some essential oils are
used orally for short term use in low doses. Oral use of essential oils is commonly called aromatology. Internal
use of essential oils should be treated as any other prescribing. It should be limited to those with the education
and legal authority to prescribe treatment.
Ambient diffusion is an easy method to use and very effective. Just as medication from an asthma
inhaler quickly absorbs through the lungs, essential oils that are inhaled reach the bloodstream very quickly.
Apply 4-8 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or cotton ball. Professionals often choose a nebulizing diffuser, a
machine which releases the oils as a fine mist without the use of heat. Up to 25 drops may be used in a
nebulizing diffuser. If using a heat diffuser, use 3-5 drops. Heat increases the speed of diffusion but may
decrease the therapeutic activity of essential oils.
There are many studies supporting the topical use of essential oils. Aromatherapists will typically make
a massage oil with 2% essential oils. For those with sensitive skin or for children under two, use a maximum of
1% essential oils. Ideally, the oil blend is massaged into the skin. Massage improves the flow of lymph,
increases circulation, and relaxes muscles.
A more potent topical blend may be used as a chest rub. Blend 10-20 drops of essential oil into a salve
1 Tisserand, Robert. Aromatherapy to heal and tend the body. (Wilmont, Wisconsin: Lotus Press): 5.
2 Gattefoss, Ren-Maurice. Aromathrapie: Les huilles essentielles. Translated by Louise Davis. Edited by Robert B Tisserand.
(Essex, England: C. W. Daniel Company 1937): iv.

base. Essential oil such as eucalyptus, fir, rosemary, and spike lavender make a great chest rub. In these cases, a
chest and upper back rub is beneficial. To make a simple salve, add up to 14 drops of essential oil to a 2 ounce
salve container. On top of your essential oil, add 50gm warm oil, and 1 & teaspoonsful (7.5gm) melted
beeswax. Put on your lid as quickly as possible. Shake to stir. After your salve has set up, you can use a blow
dryer to make the top look neat. Two drops of benzoin can be added as a safe preservative if needed.
Many lay aromatherapists apply oils to the skin using a compress. A compress is a clean, damp, folded
cloth that has been infused with essential oils and then applied to the skin. It employs either warm or cool water,
depending on its use. Fill a basin with water and add 2-5 drops of essential oil. Stir briskly, lay in the cloth,
wring, and apply.
Carrier, or fixed, oils are different from essential oils. The are not volatile. They are viscous, They have
little aroma. Fixed oils do not dissolve in alcohol. They are emollient. Instead of being distilled, carrier oils are
often expressed or solvent extracted. Many carrier oils are edible. Herbs may be infused into carrier oils to add
another healing dynamic into a massage oil blend. Because carrier oils can go rancid, it is best to use your oil
within 6 months of creating it. Refrigeration may extend the life of your product. Creams, aloe vera gel, witch
hazel or alcohol can also be used to dilute essential oils.
Carrier Oils (with thanks to Jeanne Rose)
Dry Skin
Normal Skin
Almond Oil
Calendula Infused Oil
Castor Oil
Corn Oil
Cocoa butter
Jojoba oil/ester
Olive oil
Sesame Oil
Coconut Oil
Peanut oil (may cause allergic reactions)

Oily Skin
Grapeseed Oil
Hazelnut oil
most nut oils
Sunflower Oil

Essential oils can also be applied to the skin using a therapeutic bath. Many sources recommend 4-8
drops of essential oil for a bath. Add the oil to an ounce or two of milk, glycerin, alcohol, or salt (Epsom or sea
salt) to improve the dispersion of the oil. Get into the bath before pouring the oil in since many of the
constituents evaporate quickly in hot water. Soak for 15 minutes.
For those who shower, essential oils can be applied to the skin while it is still slightly damp. Use 3-5
drops in a tablespoon of moisturizing cream. Allow skin to dry.
Foot baths are a convenient and quick method of using essential oils. Use 2-4 drops as you would in a
bath. Use cool water to invigorate and energize. Use warm water to sedate and relax.
Saunas are a great place to use essential oils. The oils will benefit the sauna user and prevent mold or
mildew growth in the sauna itself. Add 5 drops of essential oil into a cup of water and pour over the rocks.
Although essential oil use grew to popularity due to perfumery, modern perfumes rarely contain real
essential oils. Instead, they use petrochemicals. Make your own perfume by adding 10-20 drops of essential oil
in 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Apply a dab behind the ears, on the underside of the wrist, the inner elbow, behind
the knees, and behind the ankles.
Plant aromatics have been used as part of meditation and religious practice for thousands of years.
Frankincense, patchouli, sandalwood, and myrrh have all been used for these purposes. Anointing oils are used
to bless, show recognition, offer protection, and to heal. Anointing literally means to touch with oil. Use 4
drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of jojoba or olive oil.
Using a mister is a great way to use essential oils on yourself or your environment. Use 20-30 drops in 8
ounces of water. Shake vigorously before each use.

Cosmetics can be a great delivery system for essential oils. Use 10-15 drops in 2 ounces of moisturizer;
20-30 drops in 8 ounces of lotion; 30 drops in 8 ounces of shampoo; and 20-30 drops in 8 ounces of conditioner.
Remember to add essential oils only to fragrance free products.
A properly blended oil will have layers of smell. Oils are classified as top note, middle note, and base
note to describe this characteristic. Top note oils evaporate quickly. They are typically anti-viral. They are often
light and uplifting. The scent tends to disappear quickly.
Many essential oils are middle note. They tend to give blends a sense of roundness or body. Their aroma
may take a moment to hit you. They are often warm or soft fragrances.
Base notes are typically seen in thick, heavy oils. Their scent takes some time to appear but lingers for
quite some time. They are often intense and heady. Base note oils are often expensive.
Top Notes

Middle Notes

Base Notes

Basil

(Top to Middle)

Bay (w indian)

Balsam Peru

Bergamot (Top to Middle)

Black Pepper

Cassia Bark (Base to Middle)

Cajuput

Cardamom

Cedarwood

Cinnamon

Chamomile

Cinnamon (Base to Middle)

Clary Sage (Top to Middle)

Cypress

Clove

Coriander (Top to Middle)

Fennel (Middle to Top)

Frankincense

Eucalyptus

Geranium

Ginger (Base to Middle)

Grapefruit

Ho Leaf

Jasmine

Hyssop (Top to Middle)

Ho Wood

Myrrh

Lemon

Hyssop (Middle to Top)

Neroli (Base to Middle)

Lemongrass (Top to Middle)

Juniper

Oakmoss

Lime

Lavender (Middle to Top)

Patchouli

Mandarin / Tangerine

Marjoram

Rose

Neroli (Top to Middle)

Melissa (Middle to Top)

Rosewood (Base to Middle)

Verbena

Myrtle

Sandalwood

Niaouli

Nutmeg

Valerian

Orange

Palma Rosa

Vanilla

Peppermint

Pine

Vetiver

Petitgrain

Rosemary

Ylang Ylang (Base to Middle)

Ravensara

Spikenard

Sage

Yarrow

Spearmint
Tea Tree (Top to Middle)
Thyme (Top to Middle)

Start your aromatherapy kit with 2-3 oils in each column. A good starter set is Lavender, Clary Sage,
Lemongrass, Peppermint, Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile, Juniper, Rosemary, Ginger, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang. If
you are feeling decadent, add rose to your tool kit.
Although few essential oils are hazardous, they do present risks when used inappropriately. Due to their
high potency, essential oils may be a risk for poisoning in children when purchased in bottles without dropper
tops.
Skin problems such as irritation or sensitization (induced allergic reaction) are possible especially when
using undiluted essential oils. Some oils, such as cinnamon bark, may cause allergic response. If irritation
occurs, clean the area with oil or milk and discontinue use.
Essential oils should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding under the care of a qualified
professional. Infants have more permeable skin than adults. A greatly reduced dosage may be necessary in
children under two years of age.
Some oils react unfavorably with sunlight. When skin exposed to these oils is also exposed to sun,
burning or irritation may occur. The skin may even be at increased risk of cancer when exposed to high
concentrations of sensitizing oils. Oils that are rancid or exposed to excess heat, light, or oxygen may be more
prone to creating sensitivity.
Topically, most essential oils are safe for people with epilepsy. Orally, some essential oils such as
rosemary may induce seizures.
Drug interactions may occur with some essential oils. If one is taking a drug with a narrow therapeutic
index requiring regular blood tests to check the level, do not use essential oils without guidance. Many essential
oils thin the blood. If you are on Plavix/clopidogrel or Coumadin/warfarin, do not use essential oils without
checking with a skilled practitioner first. Essential oils may increase the absorption of topically applied drugs.
Eucalyptus and camphor increase absorption of nicotine, possibly leading to life threatening overdosages from
patches. The cancer drug 5-fluorouracil's absorption is increased by anise oil (2.8 times), ylang ylang oil (7.8
times), wormseed oil (33 times) and eucalyptus oil (34 times). DO NOT USE ESSENTIAL OILS ON SKIN
TREATED BY FENTANYL/DURAGESIC PATCHES. Theoretically, suppression of respiration may occur.
None of the information in this handout is intended to encourage veterinary use. Essential oils may have
different effects in animals. Cats are easily poisoned by topical use of essential oils. Please refer to one of the
sources listed below for information in using essential oils in animals.

The information in this article came in part from the following resources. These books are the best of the best
regarding aromatherapy!
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals
Tisserand (New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 1996)
Aromatherapy for Health Professionals
Price & Price (New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 1996)
Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy
Schnaubelt (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1998)
Aromatherapy Anointing Oils: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies & Affirmations
Loughran & Bull (Berkeley, CA: Frog Ltd, 2001)
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy

Suzanne Catty (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2001)

Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils
Joni Keim Loughran & Ruah Bull (Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd., 2000)
Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage
Price (Stratfort-upon-Avon, England: Riverhead, 1999)
Gattefoss's Aromatherapy
Ren-Maurice Gattefoss edited by Tisserand (Suffolk, England:Saffron Walden 1995)
The Aromatherapy Book
Rose (Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 1992)
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit
Gabriel Mojay (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1997)
Aromatherapy to Heal and Tend the Body
Tisserand (Wilmot, WI: Lotus Press, 1988)
RECOMMENDED READING FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HOLISTIC
AROMATHERAPY www.naha.org
Introductory Books:
Aromatherapy: A Lifetime Guide to Healing with Essential Oils
Valerie Cooksley (Paramus, NJ 07652)
The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils
Julia Lawless (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995)
The Aromatherapy Companion
Victoria H. Edwards (Pownal, Vermont: Storey Books, 1999)
Aromatherapy For Vibrant Health & Beauty
Roberta Wilson (Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1995)
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art
Kathi Keville and Mindy Green (Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press, 1995)
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
Valerie Ann Worwood (San Rafael, CA: New World Library, 1991)
Aromatherapy for Dummies
Kathi Keville (Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, 1999)
Advanced Books:
Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice
Jane Buckle (Churchill Livingstone, London, 2003)
Subtle Aromatherapy
Patricia Davis (England: C. W. Daniel Company Limited, 1991)
Holistic Aromatherapy
Ann Berwick (St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publication, 1994)

For Skin Care:

Natural Skin Care: Alternative & Traditional Techniques
Joni Loughran (Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd., 1998)
For Animal Care
Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats
By the editors of Prevention Health Books (Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books, 2001)
Veterinary Aromatherapy
Nelly Grosjean (Great Britain: C. W. Daniel Company Limited, 1994)

Seth McLaughlin is licensed as a massage therapist, certified as a nutritional consultant, certified as a pharmacy technician. He has
worked as an herbalist, aromatherapist, and pharmaceutical compounder in an integrated medicine pharmacy, Mac's Medicine Mart,
since 1995. He is also one of the authors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Secrets, edited by Wendy Kohatsu, MD. Seth
owns Essential Therapies in Kingsport and Johnson City. To contact Seth about this article or becoming healthy, check out
www.e-therapies.net or call (423) 392-4325.
This copyright for this article is owned by Seth McLaughlin. You may reprint this article in electronic format as long as you print it in
its entirety. All reprints must contain the full biographical statement and this copyright information For printing this article in paper
format, obtained expressed written consent.