When massage is the preferred method essential oils should always be diluted at no more than 3% in a massage oil base material such as sweet almond. It is strongly recommended that the hazards and methods of use, which are contained with all reputable essential oils, particularly in the retail sector, be carefully read and observed.

Essential oils have been in use for several thousand years and are the basic materials, upon which Aromatherapy has been constructed, most notably in the current century and it’s immediate predecessor.

Aromatherapy promotes and enhances wellbeing, relieves stress, invokes relaxation and rejuvenation of the body. The therapy can help to alleviate a wide range of conditions such as stress, aching muscles, sleeping problems, depression and many others

An essential oil is a complex structure and consists in many instances of several hundreds of individual molecules. The aromatic oils are extracted from various parts of a plant and by processes geared to the plant type or part.

Leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, peel, resin, zest, herb needles and fruit are all examples of the source part of a plant that yields an essential oil.

There are several extraction processes of which distillation is the most widely used together with cold pressing and enfleurage.

There are certain oils that should be avoided during pregnancy.  Similarly some oils are phototoxic and increase the skins sensitivity to strong sunlight. Those prone to seizures avoid the small number of oils involved.  If in doubt consult your Aromatherapist.

It is strongly recommended that further study be undertaken, particularly by home users. Educational publications are relatively inexpensive and can be obtained from a retailer or your local bookstore. Initial suggested publications are set out below: -
AROMATHERAPY: A guide for home use Christine Westwood
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ESSENTIAL OILS: Julia Lawless
THE PRACTICE OF AROMATHERAPY: J.Valnet
AROMATHERAPY, an A - Z: Patricia Davis
THE AROMATHERAPY HANDBOOK: Danielle Ryman