In most practices, all that will be needed in order conduct the business of oil blending will be a selection of eyedroppers, some alcohol, vials or other containers to house the finished creation, and a workbook in which to record the insights of experimental work, the development of various formulae, and any information that may be pertinent to research and ongoing aromatherapy practice.
Month: February 2015
Aromatherapy: Properties of Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang is one of the more exotic scents. It is the fragrance of the idealist, the dreamer, the poet, and the spiritual adventurer. Even its name speaks of exotic beauty, meaning “flower of flowers.” The pleasant fragrance extracted from the flowers of the ylang ylang tree lends itself to an entire array of emotional arousal. Its unique exotic fragrance makes it a favorite scent as a meditation aid for spiritual pursuit as well as a lavish ingredient connected with the pursuit of luxury in an aromatic bath. It lends itself equally well to the pleasured pursuit of godly glory and the glorious pursuit of godly pleasures. It cultivates the exotically spiritual and, as an aphrodisiac, serves the spirit of the exotic.
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Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Applications
In aromatherapy practice, healing methods may employ fragrance in a number of ways. The ultimate purpose is to deliver the virtues of the scent to the client in a way that will most benefit his or her condition to ease or alleviate the complaint.
Depending on the nature of the specific ailment, different methods of delivery may be chosen.
Aromatherapy: How to Apply Scent
In the most basic translation, aromatherapy is the art of healing through aromatic substances. Yet, in application, the art of scent treatment has a dual action. Through instinctual response, like that of an animal that is equally aware (and equally stimulated) by the scent of an approaching enemy or a potential mate, our sense of smell is connected to a whole array of inborn response mechanisms. Our gut reaction to this smell or that is a touch of the wonder and bounty of nature’s design.
Aromatherapy: Direct Therapeutic Application Formula
5-7 drops pure essential oil, oil blend, or direct application oil 1-2 teaspoons carrier oil Alternatively, oil may be mixed well into 1-2 teaspoons of unscented body cream, lanolin, or aloe vera cream instead of carrier oil. Be certain it is mixed thoroughly.
In some cases, an aromatherapy remedy can be applied directly to the affected area, particularly in the case of muscle ailments. A word of caution: do not apply the remedy to an area where the skin is broken!
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Aromatherapy: Indirect Inhalation
Another type of inhalation is an indirect method. Rather than administering the oil remedy directly to the subject, the person’s surroundings are treated with the chosen scent. This can be accomplished in several different ways.
Indirect Inhalation Formula
Pure essential oil or oil blend
Aromatherapy: Magical Applications
Magical application also involves a limited number of traditional transmittal methods for employing the virtues of fragrant blends. Perfume oils may be prepared to be worn by the subject of the magical aromatherapy endeavor. These may take two forms. One is designed to exert influence on the wearer of the scent.
The other may be intended to influence those who may come in contact with the aromatherapy subject. Oil blends may also be used in connection with magical rites. Such is-the case when employing a scent in an incense, ritual bath, or in anointing the person or a symbol of the person with the scented blend (as in the case of sympathetic candle magic).
Aromatherapy: Direct and Indirect Applications
Perfume Oil
Pure essential oil
Although there are some perfume oils produced by the addition of the essential blend into a solvent, like alcohol, the pure essentials will serve well. As always, the responsible aroma therapist will be on guard for irritant qualities in the components of the specific magical formulas. This effect may be lessened by the use of a carrier oil for a base.
Anointing Oil
Pure essential oil
Be aware that anointing oil may be used for application to an inanimate symbolic representation of a person or directly on the individual. If the preparation is to come into contact with the skin, the appropriate observations and cautions should be observed.
Indirect Application
Scented Waters
7-8 drams pure essential oil or oil blend 3.5-4 quarts water (distilled water is a personal preference) 1/4-3/4 cup alcohol.
Floor Washes
1 gallon commercial floor cleaner (if a concentrate, enough to make one gallon of solution) 4-7 drams pure essential oil or oil blend Be careful. This preparation is used to treat the living surroundings by washing the floor with it. Too much oil will leave a dangerous, slippery residue on the floor, which may result in physical mishaps for those who walk on the treated surface.
Spray Mist
100-150 drops of essential oil (3/4-l dram) 4 fluid ounces of water alcohol (ONLY if needed to thin out some of the thicker essential oils to produce a smoother product). This mixture is applied using a normal water spray bottle.
Incense
50-100 drops pure essential oil or oil blend 1-1.5 ounces powdered base (Two base incenses that seem to work particularly well are cedar dust and ground orris root)
Sprinkling Powders
50-100 drops pure essential oil or oil blend 2/3 – 1.5 ounces powder base. There are a variety of powders that may be used. The base should not be as granular as the base used for incense, but not so fine as the powders used cosmetically, like talcum powder or dusting powder, either. Many prefer ground herbs like orris root or gum mastic.
There is at least one practitioner that swears by ground galangal root. In a desperate situation with no other substance readily available, I’ve seen ground corn meal used as an effective powder base. However, many prefer to steer clear of foodstuffs to avoid the inevitable attraction of our creeping, crawling friends that may view it as an opportunity to feast.
Aromatherapy: Magical Associations
In addition to the traditional practices of our ancestors, there are other criteria used as guidelines in the preparation of aromatherapy formulae. These are rooted in practices of long ago but they allow flexibility in the development of new blends and the advancement of the art.
According to many of the ancient magical traditions, there are influences that permeate the universe, pushing our lives this way and that, determining our fates. As natural forces ebb and flow, we are carried on the momentum of their courses.
Aromatherapy: Pure Essentials and Blends
Some artisans of the aromatics choose to utilize the assets of an essential oil in its fullest, purest sense. These are avid followers of single scent therapy. This approach avails the recipient of the fragrance the full virtue of the essential and allows the substance to serve its full purpose unencumbered. Without a doubt, this school of thought is not without merit.