Welcome to the Aromatherapy Course! This course is designed to introduce you to the wonderful world of essential oils and their many benefits. You will learn how to safely use essential oils for relaxation, healing, and well-being. Our approach is hands-on, allowing you to experience the power of aromatherapy firsthand.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Aromatherapy

Objective:

Understand what aromatherapy is, how essential oils work and become unable in to use them effectively for holistic wellbeing.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. These essential oils contain natural compounds that influence the body’s systems through inhalation and topical application.

Aromatherapy is often used to:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote relaxation and better sleep
Support the immune system
Aid digestion and respiratory health
Enhance emotional balance and focus

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated, volatile aromatic compounds extracted from various parts of plants—such as flowers, leaves, bark, stems, seeds, and roots. These oils capture the plant’s natural scent and therapeutic properties, often referred to as its “essence.”

Only about 10% of all plant species produce essential oils in meaningful amounts.

Out of an estimated 300,000–400,000 plant species, around 30,000–40,000 contain aromatic compounds.
Just 300–500 are commonly used in essential oil production due to yield, safety, and effectiveness.

Essential oils are specialized compounds plants create for protection, healing, and attracting pollinators—making them rare and precious gifts from nature that people can use for their own protection, healing and enjoyment.

They are widely used in aromatherapy, natural medicine, skincare, perfumery, and household cleaning products due to their unique combination of fragrance and biological activity. Each essential oil has its own chemical profile and can support physical, emotional, and energetic well-being.

Example: Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and balancing properties, while peppermint oil is often used for mental clarity and digestive support.

How Are Essential Oils Extracted?

The method of extraction influences the quality, potency, and intended use of an essential oil. Below are the main methods:

1. Steam Distillation

Most common method
Plant material is placed in a distillation chamber and steam is passed through it.
The steam carries the plant’s volatile compounds into a condenser, where they cool and separate into essential oil and hydrosol (floral water).

Suitable for: Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary
Notes: Preserves delicate aromatic compounds; ideal for therapeutic-grade oils.

2. Cold Pressing (Expression)

Used mostly for citrus peels
The peel is mechanically pressed to release its oils without heat.
No solvents or steam are involved.

Suitable for: Lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit
Notes: Maintains a bright, fresh scent; may oxidize faster than steam-distilled oils.

3. Solvent Extraction

Used for delicate flowers that can’t withstand heat.
Solvents (like hexane) extract aromatic compounds, waxes, and pigments.
The mixture is further refined to produce a concrete, then an absolute (highly aromatic, concentrated form).

Suitable for: Jasmine, rose, tuberose
Notes: Absolutes may contain solvent residues; used mainly in perfumery.

4. CO₂ Extraction (Supercritical Carbon Dioxide)

Uses pressurized CO₂ as a solvent.
Under specific conditions, CO₂ behaves like both a gas and a liquid, efficiently extracting oils without heat.
Results in a highly pure, full-spectrum oil.

Suitable for: Frankincense, ginger, calendula, chamomile
Notes: More expensive but yields potent and stable oils.

5. Enfleurage (Ancient Technique)

A traditional method using odorless fats to absorb aromatic compounds from delicate flowers.
Flowers are placed on glass plates coated with fat; over days, the fat absorbs their fragrance.
The fat is then washed with alcohol to extract the oil.

Suitable for: Jasmine, tuberose, gardenia (rare today)
Notes: Very labor-intensive; now rarely used except by artisan producers.

6. Maceration (Infusion)

Plant material is soaked in a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba) to extract aromatic compounds.
Often used for oil infusions rather than pure essential oils.

Suitable for: Calendula, arnica, St. John’s wort
Notes: Not a true essential oil but still therapeutically useful.

Essential oils versus Perfumes, Fragrance Oils and Carrier Oils

* Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

Origin

Essential Oils 100% natural – extracted from real plants (flowers, leaves, bark, etc.)

Fragrance Oils - Synthetic (lab-created) or sometimes a mix of synthetic and natural components

Composition

Essential Oils - Pure, complex compounds naturally found in plants

Fragrance Oils - Artificial blends designed to mimic natural scents or create new ones

Purpose

Essential Oils - Therapeutic – used for physical, emotional, and energetic support

Fragrance Oils - Cosmetic or decorative – used mainly for scent, not healing

Use in Aromatherapy

Essential Oils - Widely used for healing, relaxation, skincare, etc.

Fragrance Oils - Not used in therapeutic aromatherapy

Cost

Essential Oils - More expensive due to sourcing and extraction process

Fragrance Oils - Cheaper and more accessible for mass production

Scent

Essential Oils - May vary slightly depending on crop, climate, or harvest

Fragrance Oils - Always consistent and often stronger-smelling

Safety

Essential Oils - Can be skin-sensitive if undiluted, but generally safe when used properly

Fragrance Oils - May cause allergic reactions or skin irritation; often not suitable for skin use

Key Differences in a Nutshell:

Essential oils are natural plant extracts with therapeutic properties.
Fragrance oils are man-made aromatic compounds designed for scent only, without any therapeutic value.

Example: A lavender essential oil offers calming and skin-soothing properties. A lavender fragrance oil only smells like lavender but has no health benefits.

* Essential Oils vs. Perfumes

Origin

Essential Oils - 100% natural, plant-derived

Perfumes - May be natural, synthetic, or a mix

Ingredients

Essential Oils - Single plant extract (or a pure blend of a few oils)

Perfumes - Blend of essential oils, synthetic fragrance compounds, fixatives, and alcohol

Purpose

Essential Oils - Therapeutic (physical, emotional, energetic benefits)

Perfumes - Cosmetic (scent only, for personal fragrance)

Processing

Essential Oils - Extracted via distillation, cold pressing, or natural methods

Perfumes - Created via formulation using natural or synthetic aromatics

Volatility

Essential Oils - Highly volatile (evaporate quickly)

Perfumes - Often formulated to last longer on skin (due to fixatives)

Usage

Essential Oils - Used in aromatherapy, natural medicine, wellness rituals

Perfumes - Used as personal scent or in cosmetic products

Shelf Life

Essential Oils - Varies by oil (often 1–5 years)

Perfumes - Longer shelf life due to alcohol and preservatives

In short: Essential oils are therapeutic plant extracts, while perfumes are cosmetic products made for scent and may include essential oils, but often rely heavily on synthetic ingredients.

* Essential Oils vs. Carrier Oils

Source

Essential Oils - Aromatic parts of plants (flowers, leaves, bark, etc.)

Carrier Oils - Fatty parts of plants (seeds, nuts, kernels)

Volatility

Essential Oils - Highly volatile (evaporate quickly, aromatic)

Carrier Oils - Non-volatile, oily texture (do not evaporate)

Texture

Essential Oils - Light, non-oily, very concentrated

Carrier Oils - Oily, rich in fatty acids and nutrients

Use in Aromatherapy

Essential Oils - Must be diluted before applying to skin

Carrier Oils - Used to dilute essential oils and carry them into the skin

Absorption

Essential Oils - Absorbs quickly, but can irritate if undiluted

Carrier Oils - Slower absorption; helps protect and moisturize skin

Shelf Life

Essential Oils - Shorter (some oxidize easily)

Carrier Oils - Generally longer, but can go rancid

In short: Essential oils are potent and need dilution, while carrier oils are the gentle, nourishing base oils used to dilute and apply them safely to the body.

History & Origins of Essential Oils

The use of aromatic plants and their oils dates back thousands of years:

Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE): Egyptians used essential oils for embalming, cosmetics, and medicine.
China & India: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda incorporated plant-based remedies.
Greek & Roman Empires: Physicians like Hippocrates and Galen utilized plant extracts for healing.
Middle Ages & Renaissance: Herbal medicine and distillation techniques improved essential oil production.
Modern Aromatherapy (20th Century): French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term “aromatherapy” after discovering lavender oil’s healing properties.

How Aromatherapy Works (Effects on Mind & Body)

Essential oils interact with the body in two primary ways:

Inhalation: When essential oil molecules are inhaled, they stimulate the olfactory system and influence the limbic system (the brain's emotional center). This can lead to changes in mood, memory, and stress response.
Topical Application: Essential oils penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, affecting muscles, joints, and organs. They must always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

Common effects of aromatherapy:

Calming oils (Lavender, Chamomile) reduce stress and promote sleep.
Energizing oils (Peppermint, Lemon) enhance alertness and focus.
Healing oils (Tea Tree, Eucalyptus) support the immune system and aid respiratory health.

Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability

As essential oils are derived from plants, sustainability and ethical sourcing are critical. Consider the following when purchasing oils:

Organic & Wildcrafted: Choose oils from ethical farms that use sustainable harvesting methods.
Fair Trade: Support companies that ensure fair wages for farmers and workers.
Avoid Overharvested Species: Some plants, like Sandalwood and Rosewood, are endangered due to overharvesting. Look for ethical alternatives or sustainable sources.

By choosing responsibly sourced essential oils, we can enjoy their benefits while protecting the environment and supporting fair labor practices.

Practice:

Smell and identify different essential oils.
Discuss personal experiences and first impressions of different scents.

Chapter 2. Essential Oils – Properties & Safe Use

Common Essential Oils & Their Uses

Each essential oil has unique properties that makes it beneficial for different purposes:

💜 Lavender – Calming, sleep support, skin healing, stress relief

🌱 Peppermint – Energizing, headache relief, digestion, mental clarity

🌿 Tea Tree – Antimicrobial, acne care, immune booster, antifungal

🌬️ Eucalyptus – Decongestant, respiratory support, antibacterial

🍋 Lemon – Uplifting, cleansing, detoxifying, mood booster

🌳 Frankincense – Meditation aid, immune support, anti-aging

🌼 Chamomile – Gentle calm, sleep, skin soothing, emotional ease

🌹 Rose – Skin renewal, heart opening, emotional healing

🌸 Geranium – Hormone balance, skin care, mood lifting

🌿 Clary Sage – PMS/menopause support, muscle relaxant, grounding

🍊 Bergamot – Uplifting, skin clearing, anxiety relief

💛 Ylang Ylang – Aphrodisiac, relaxant, mood harmonizer

🌲 Cedarwood – Sleep support, grounding, scalp care

🌿 Rosemary – Focus, memory, hair growth, circulation

🍊 Sweet Orange – Cheerful, calming, digestive, child-friendly

🌾 Patchouli – Skin healing, earthy grounding, anti-inflammatory

🌸 Neroli – Emotional balance, sleep, skin rejuvenation

The internet is a great resource for exploring essential oils—whether you're researching remedies for a specific ailment or learning more about an oil you're intuitively drawn to. Once you've built your own essential oil collection—starting with around 20 of the most common yet powerful oils—and begin using them, you'll naturally deepen your connection with them. Over time, you'll become familiar with their properties and how they work, making it easier to choose the right oil for a particular need.
A helpful tip: when you're unsure which oil to use, go with Frankincense—it’s a versatile go-to. :)
And remember, there's an essential oil for nearly every ailment. The journey begins with shifting our mindset and habits—from instinctively reaching for medicine to reaching for nature’s oils.

Essential Oils Dilution in Aromatherapy

What Is Dilution?

Dilution means mixing essential oils with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil) to reduce the concentration of the essential oil while preserving its therapeutic effects.

Why Is Dilution Important?

Safety: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Without dilution, they can irritate or burn the skin, especially with sensitive individuals.
Effectiveness: Diluted oils absorb better and stay longer on the skin, enhancing therapeutic results.
Cost-Effective: Proper dilution helps extend the life of your essential oil bottles.
Customisation: Allows blending based on age, condition, and sensitivity (e.g., children, elderly, pregnancy, or chronic illness).

How To Dilute Essential Oils

Dilution is based on percentage of essential oil to total blend. The standard measurement assumes:

1 mL = ~20 drops of essential oil (depending on viscosity and dropper size)
Carrier oil volume is measured in mL or teaspoons (1 tsp = 5 mL)

Essential Oils Dilution Ratio Chart

Dilution % , Drops per 10 mL carrier oil

0.25% Babies under 3 months - 1 drop

0.5% Babies 3–24 months, very sensitive skin - 1 drop

1% Children 2–6 years, facial application, elderly - 2 drops

2% General daily use (adults) - 4 drops

3% Short-term therapeutic use (pain, injuries) - 6 drops

5% Muscle pain, chest rub, acute skin conditions - 10 drops

10% Localized issues on small area (e.g., wart) - 20 drops

Neat (100%) Not recommended unless under clinical supervision - 200 drops

🌟 Rule of Thumb:
For general adult use: 2% dilution = 1 drop per 1 mL of carrier oil.

Example Blending

For a 10 mL roller bottle at 2% dilution:
➜ Add 4 drops of essential oil + fill the rest with carrier oil.
For a 30 mL massage oil at 3% dilution:
➜ Add 18 drops of essential oil + fill with carrier oil.

Notes & Precautions

Some oils (like Cinnamon, Oregano, Clove) may require lower dilutions due to their potency.
Always patch test first.
Adjust dilution based on individual health conditions and age groups.
Store blends in dark glass bottles and label clearly.

Safety Guidelines

Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before applying to the skin. Use a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. Use dilution chart for guidance.
Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread application.
Internal Use Caution: Not all essential oils are safe for internal use. Only consume oils that are labeled for ingestion and under professional guidance.
Pregnancy & Children: Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant women and children. Research before use.
Storage: Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles, away from heat and sunlight, to preserve their potency.

Safety Guidelines for Hot Essential Oils

"Hot" essential oils are those that can cause a warming, burning, or irritating sensation when applied to the skin undiluted or in high concentrations. Proper handling is essential for safe and therapeutic use.

Examples of Hot Essential Oils

Oregano
Cinnamon Bark
Clove
Thyme
Cassia
Savory
Wintergreen (can also be sensitizing)

Do: Safe Use Practices

Always Dilute Properly
- Use a carrier oil (e.g., coconut, almond, jojoba).
- Start with 1 drop EO per 1 tsp (5 mL) of carrier oil.
- For sensitive skin or children, dilute even further (e.g., 0.5%).
Perform a Patch Test
- Apply a small diluted amount to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours.
Use with Caution on Sensitive Areas
- Avoid eyes, ears, mucous membranes, broken or inflamed skin.
Label Products Clearly
- Ensure all blends or products containing hot oils are marked for external use only and proper dilution.
Keep Away from Children & Pets
- Store safely and avoid use around infants and animals unless specifically advised by a professional.

Don’t: Unsafe Practices

Do Not Apply Undiluted ("Neat") to skin.
Do Not Ingest without supervision from a trained clinical aromatherapist or healthcare provider.
Do Not Use in Baths Undiluted — oil and water don’t mix; use a dispersant (e.g., milk, solubol).
Avoid Prolonged Diffusion — especially in enclosed spaces with hot oils like cinnamon or clove.

Signs of a Reaction

Redness, itching, burning, blistering
Swelling or hives
Respiratory irritation (if diffused in excess)

If a reaction occurs:

Rinse skin with a carrier oil (not water).
Seek medical help for severe reactions.

Safe Alternatives

If you're looking for a warming or stimulating effect, try safer oils like:

Black Pepper (mildly warming)
Ginger (diluted)
Cardamom (gentler than cinnamon)

Safety Around Pets

Pets have highly sensitive systems, especially cats and small animals. Some essential oils can be toxic to them—even in diffused form. Use caution and follow these tips:

Oils to Avoid:

Cats: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Citrus oils (Lemon, Orange, Lime), Peppermint, Clove, Cinnamon, Oregano
Dogs: Tea Tree, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen, Pine, Clove, Ylang Ylang
Birds/Rodents: Avoid all essential oils around them—diffusion can be dangerous

Pet-Safer Oils (used very sparingly, diffused only in well-ventilated areas):

Lavender
Frankincense
Chamomile
(Always make sure pets can leave the room where oils are diffused.)

General Tips:

Never apply oils directly on pets without expert guidance
Avoid using oils in enclosed spaces where pets stay (e.g., crates)
Monitor for signs of distress: drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or strange behavior

Safety During Pregnancy

Essential oils are powerful and must be used with extra care during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

Avoid During Pregnancy (especially 1st trimester):

Clary Sage (can induce contractions)
Basil
Fennel
Oregano
Rosemary
Thyme
Wintergreen
Cinnamon Bark
Sage

Oils Generally Considered Safe (after first trimester, in low dilution):

Lavender
Frankincense
Roman Chamomile
Ylang Ylang
Geranium
(Use a 1% dilution or less—about 1 drop per 10 mL carrier oil.)

Tips for Pregnancy Use:

Always do a patch test first
Avoid internal use
Diffuse in moderation (30–60 minutes max with breaks)
Consult a health professional or certified aromatherapist if unsure

Health Conditions and Contraindications

Certain oils can interfere with medications or worsen some health conditions. Always check for contraindications before use.

Common Conditions to Watch For:

High blood pressure

Oils to Avoid: Rosemary, Hyssop, Sage, Thyme

Notes: Can raise blood pressure

Epilepsy/seizures

Oils to Avoid: Rosemary, Fennel, Eucalyptus, Camphor-rich oils

Notes: Can trigger seizures in sensitive individuals

Asthma

Oils to Avoid: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary (inhalation)

Notes: May cause bronchial spasms—test carefully

Blood thinning meds

Oils to Avoid: Clove, Wintergreen, Cinnamon Bark

Notes: Can increase bleeding risk

Hormone-sensitive conditions

Oils to Avoid: Clary Sage, Fennel, Anise, Basil

Notes: May affect estrogen levels—avoid with endometriosis or hormone cancers

General Guidelines:

Always use proper dilution
Avoid internal use unless guided by a certified professional
If on medications or with a chronic illness, check for interactions first and check/confirm with your health practitioner

Practice

Demonstration of proper dilution techniques.
Hands-on practice: Mixing essential oils with carrier oils.
Applying diluted oils to pulse points.

Methods of Application

Ways to Use Essential Oils

Inhalation:
- Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air. (10 drops or less in a standard diffuser filled with water to Max. level line)
- Steam inhalation for respiratory benefits (e.g., adding eucalyptus oil to hot water and inhaling the steam, while covering your head with a towel to keep the steam in).
Topical Application:
- Apply diluted oils to pulse points, temples, or reflexology points on your feet, ears, hands, face - always avoiding the eyes (if essential oils went into the eyes by accident, apply and massage an abundant amount of carrier oil over the eyes to ease the stinging sensation)
- Massage with essential oil blends for relaxation or pain relief.
Bathing:
- Add essential oils to a carrier oil before mixing with bathwater to prevent skin irritation.
Household Uses:
- Natural cleaning sprays using lemon, tea tree, or lavender oils.
- Linen sprays to freshen up bedding and fabrics.

Note: Shake the bottle well before using a spray

Internal Use of Essential Oils: Safety and Guidelines

Important Disclaimer First

Internal use of essential oils should always be approached with caution, knowledge, and preferably professional guidance from an aromatherapist or healthcare provider trained in clinical aromatherapy.

Never Add Essential Oils to Water and Drink

Essential oils are not water-soluble, meaning they do not disperse when added to water.

What happens: The oil floats on top and enters your mouth and digestive tract undiluted, which can cause:
- Irritation or burns to the mouth, throat, stomach, or gut lining
- Liver strain due to concentrated compound exposure
- Digestive upset, especially over time

Even a single drop of a strong oil (like oregano or cinnamon) in water can be too harsh internally.

Safe Internal Use (When Appropriate)

If internal use is justified (e.g., for a targeted health issue and under guidance), the safest method is to use vegetable capsules in which you combine the essential oil with a carrier oil to proper dilution.

How to Prepare a Capsule Safely:

Use an empty veggie capsule (size 00 is common).
Add 1–2 drops of essential oil maximum (fewer for "hot" oils).
Fill the rest of the capsule with a carrier oil like:
- Olive oil
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil, etc.
Take immediately after filling to avoid melting or leakage.

Additional Internal Use Tips:

Only use therapeutic-grade, ingestion-labeled essential oils.
Do not take essential oils internally daily or preventatively unless recommended by a qualified practitioner.
Avoid giving essential oils internally to children, pregnant women, elderly, or people with liver/kidney issues unless supervised.
Oils like peppermint, lemon, oregano, and frankincense are sometimes used internally in specific, short-term protocols — but dilution is non-negotiable.

When in Doubt — Go Topical or Aromatic

In most cases, topical application or inhalation can offer the same therapeutic benefits without the risk. Internal use should be the exception, not the norm.

33 Ways to Use Essential Oils

Each with a quick how-to guide.

At Home

Diffuser – Add 5–10 drops to an essential oil diffuser for mood or focus.
Room Spray – Mix 10–20 drops with water and witch hazel (or substitute: vodka or rubbing alcohol) in a spray bottle.
Surface Cleaner – Use lemon or tea tree with vinegar + water to clean surfaces.
Car Freshener – Drop oils onto a cotton ball and place in vents.
Trash Bin Deodorizer – Add 2–3 drops of lemon or tea tree to a cotton pad in the bin.
Laundry Freshener – Put 3–5 drops on a wool dryer ball before use.
Mattress Spray – Blend lavender and eucalyptus in water and spray lightly.
Mold Fighter – Spray diluted tea tree oil in damp areas to fight mildew.
Insect Repellent – Use citronella and eucalyptus in a spray to keep bugs away.
Fridge Freshener – Lemon oil on a cotton ball freshens your fridge naturally.

Aromatherapy & Emotional Support

Direct Inhalation – Smell directly from the bottle for a quick shift.
Personal Inhaler – Add oils to a blank inhaler for use on the go.
Aroma Jewelry – Use diffuser jewelry to enjoy scent throughout the day.
Meditation Aid – Diffuse grounding oils like frankincense during practice.
Grief/Anxiety Support – Apply diluted rose or neroli to the heart area or wrists.

Body & Skin Care

Facial Oil Blend – Dilute lavender or frankincense in a light carrier oil.
Body Lotion Scent – Add oils to unscented lotion for skin benefits and aroma.
After-Sun Gel – Mix lavender + chamomile into aloe vera for sun relief.
Massage Oil – Use 2–3% dilution of oils like lavender, marjoram, or ginger.
Lip Balm – Add 1 drop of oil like peppermint to natural lip balm base.
Natural Deodorant – Use antimicrobial oils in your DIY deodorant.
Foot Soak – Use 3–5 drops in warm water with Epsom salt for sore feet.
Spot Treatment – Dab diluted tea tree on pimples with a cotton swab.
Scalp Oil Massage – Apply rosemary + carrier oil to stimulate hair growth.
Shaving Gel Add-On – Soften irritation with lavender or blue chamomile.

Bath & Wellness

Aromatic Bath – Blend 5–10 drops with carrier oil or milk before adding to bathwater.
Steam Inhalation – Add 2–3 drops to hot water and breathe deeply under a towel.
Compress – Use hot or cold water + oils like lavender for aches and inflammation.
Chest Rub – Eucalyptus and peppermint in carrier oil for congestion relief.
Immune Support Roll-On – Use oils like lemon, frankincense, tea tree at 3–5% in roller.

Extra Powerful Uses

Focus & Study Blend – Diffuse rosemary and peppermint during mental tasks.
Pre-Yoga Grounding Blend – Apply diluted vetiver or cedarwood to feet before yoga.
Energy Boost Roll-On – Blend citrus oils like orange and grapefruit for an energizing pulse-point boost.

Practice:

Using a diffuser: Setting up, operating and cleaning an essential oil diffuser.
Steam inhalation: Practice inhaling essential oils for respiratory benefits.
Creating a simple aromatic spritz: Blending water, essential oils, and emulsifiers in a spray bottle.

Blending Techniques

Essential Oils Blending Basics (Fragrance Pyramid)

Top Notes: Citrus oils (Lemon, Orange, Bergamot) – evaporate quickly and provide a fresh, uplifting scent.
Middle Notes: Floral and herbal oils (Lavender, Geranium, Rosemary) – provide balance and support emotional well-being.
Base Notes: Woody and resinous oils (Sandalwood, Patchouli, Frankincense) – long-lasting and grounding.

Blending Ratios

30% Top Notes
50% Middle Notes
20% Base Notes

Tips for Blending Essential Oils

Limit the Number of Oils
➤ For clarity and harmony, blend no more than 3–4 essential oils in one mix. Too many oils can create an overpowering or confusing scent.
Choose a Scent Theme
➤ Decide on a desired effect (e.g., calming, energizing, grounding) and choose oils that support that intention.
Use the Perfume Pyramid
➤ Blend using top, middle, and base notes for balance. With experience, you will be able to identify a tip, middle or base note fragrance, and you can always double check online.
Start Small
➤ Begin with a 1–2 drop test blend, then adjust. Essential oils are potent—less is more.
Let It Rest
➤ Allow your blend to sit for 24–48 hours before final evaluation. Scents meld and evolve over time.
Keep Notes
➤ Write down the drops, oils, ratios, and purpose of each blend so you can recreate or adjust it later.
Test Aromatically First
➤ Blend on a scent strip or cotton pad before making a larger batch. Smell and adjust before diluting.
Consider Contraindications
➤ Make sure the oils in your blend are safe for the intended user (e.g., pregnancy, children, medical conditions).
Balance Strengths
➤ Blend strong oils in smaller amounts (like clove or cinnamon) and gentle oils in higher amounts (like lavender or orange).
Use Consistent Units
➤ Always measure in drops or milliliters to ensure repeatable results.

Practice:

Understanding scent layering: Top, middle, and base notes.
Hands-on blending activity: Creating a personal essential oil blend.
Testing and adjusting the blend for desired effects.

Chapter 3. Aromatherapy for Well-being & Energy Work

Essential oils, just like crystals, are gifts from nature, each with distinct properties, frequencies, and functions. While crystals are solid, structured manifestations of earth's energy, essential oils are the volatile essence of plants—fluid, aromatic, and deeply therapeutic.

Unique Qualities of Essential Oils

Each essential oil is unique due to:

Plant species & the part used (leaf, flower, bark, root)
Chemical composition (e.g., linalool, menthol, cineole)
Aromatic profile (top/middle/base notes)
Therapeutic properties (calming, antiviral, warming, etc.)
Energetic and emotional effects (uplifting, grounding, heart-opening)

Just as amethyst is calming and protective, and citrine energizing and joyful, so too:

Lavender calms the nervous system and promotes sleep
Peppermint clears the mind and boosts alertness
Frankincense enhances meditation and deepens breath
Rose supports the heart and emotional healing
Eucalyptus cleanses and strengthens the respiratory system

Comparing Oils and Crystals — A Few Examples

Essential Oil / Crystal Equivalent - Common Quality

💜Lavender / Amethyst - Calming, soothing, protective

💙Peppermint / Clear Quartz - Clarity, mental focus, energy

🤎Frankincense / Selenite - Spiritual connection, purification

🩷Rose/ Rose Quartz - Heart-opening, self-love

💛Lemon / Citrine - Uplifting, joyful, fresh

🤍Patchouli / Smoky Quartz - Grounding, earthy, stabilizing

💚Tea Tree / Black Tourmaline - Cleansing, protective, detoxifying

❤️Geranium / Rhodonite - Emotional balance, harmony

🖤Vetiver / Hematite - Deep grounding, strength

🧡Ylang Ylang / Moonstone - Feminine energy, sensuality, softness

Oils Are Living Vibrations

Just as crystals carry stable, long-term vibrational frequencies, essential oils are more dynamic and fast-acting in nature.
Oils can shift moods within minutes, interacting with the limbic brain through scent.
They’re also biochemically active, offering both energetic and physiological support, unlike crystals which work more subtly over time.

Essential Oil + Crystal Pairings for Intentional Healing

1. Meditation & Spiritual Connection

Frankincense + Selenite
→ Deepens presence, clears energetic blocks, opens crown chakra.
Use: Anoint third eye with diluted oil while holding selenite or placing it nearby.
Sandalwood + Amethyst
→ Promotes inner peace, divine connection, and intuitive insight.
Use: Diffuse during meditation while wearing an amethyst bracelet.
Clary Sage + Labradorite
→ Enhances visioning, inner wisdom, and spiritual downloads.
Use: Use in dream journaling or intuitive sessions.

2. Heart Opening & Self-Love

Rose + Rose Quartz
→ Heals emotional wounds, promotes love, compassion, and acceptance.
Use: Create a bath ritual or heart-space anointing before journaling.
Geranium + Rhodonite
→ Balances emotions and nurtures self-worth.
Use: Roll onto pulse points while holding Rhodonite over heart.
Ylang Ylang + Moonstone
→ Connects with feminine energy, creativity, sensuality.
Use: Use in sacred dance, women’s circles, or goddess rituals.

3. Joy, Confidence & Energy

Lemon + Citrine
→ Boosts mood, motivation, and personal power.
Use: Diffuse in workspaces or apply diluted to solar plexus before tasks.
Sweet Orange + Carnelian
→ Stimulates creativity, joy, and confidence.
Use: Add to morning body oil and wear carnelian near sacral chakra.
Peppermint + Sunstone
→ Refreshes energy, clears mental fog, uplifts spirit.
Use: Apply to temples and hold sunstone in palm during breaks.

4. Grounding & Protection

Vetiver + Smoky Quartz
→ Provides strong grounding and emotional stability.
Use: Rub diluted blend into feet before meditation or stressful events.
Patchouli + Hematite
→ Grounds energy and promotes a sense of embodiment.
Use: In self-massage blends or root chakra meditations.
Tea Tree + Black Tourmaline
→ Clears negative energy and protects auric field.
Use: Spray blend around aura before and after sessions.

5. Sleep & Rest

Lavender + Lepidolite
→ Calms nervous system, eases anxiety, supports restful sleep.
Use: Drop lavender oil on a sachet with lepidolite under pillow.
Roman Chamomile + Blue Lace Agate
→ Soothes emotional tension, quiets the mind.
Use: Evening bath ritual or night-time diffuser blend.

6. Emotional Release & Healing

Bergamot + Malachite
→ Encourages release of stored grief or emotional trauma.
Use: Anoint heart and throat chakras while journaling or after therapy.
Cypress + Apache Tear Obsidian
→ Supports grief work and emotional transitions.
Use: Use in letting-go rituals or breathwork sessions.
Juniper Berry + Fluorite
→ Clears emotional stagnation and mental overwhelm.
Use: Use in aura sprays or cleansing baths.

7. Intuition & Psychic Development

Mugwort + Labradorite
→ Supports lucid dreaming, visioning, and intuitive insight.
Use: Anoint third eye before divination or sleep.
Basil + Azurite
→ Enhances mental clarity and psychic activation.
Use: In meditation blends or when working with oracle cards.

Tips for Using Oils + Crystals Together:

Create anointing oils charged with crystals in the bottle (use only non-toxic crystals that won't dissolve).
Meditate with the oil on pulse points and crystal in hand.
Place crystals around your diffuser to charge your space.
Use both in rituals: oils for energy activation, crystals for energy holding.
Combine in bath rituals (choose water-safe crystals like rose quartz, amethyst, citrine).

Essential Oils & Chakra Energy

Essential oils and chakras are deeply intertwined through their vibrational energy, aromatic influence, and physiological impact. Each essential oil carries a unique frequency that can harmonize or stimulate a specific chakra—just like sound, color, or crystals.

How It Works

Chakras are energy centers along the spine that govern our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Essential oils, as plant essences, affect these centers in three main ways:

Energetically – Each oil has a specific vibration that resonates with a chakra’s frequency.
Emotionally – Oils influence the limbic system (emotions + memory), helping release blocks or traumas held in a chakra.
Physically – Oils support body systems linked to specific chakras (e.g., digestion for solar plexus, lungs for heart chakra).

Essential oils support balancing, clearing, or activating chakras depending on their properties.

Chakra-Essential Oil Guide

🔴 Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Location: Base of spine
Theme: Safety, grounding, survival, connection to Earth
Imbalance: Fear, insecurity, disconnection
Oils:

Vetiver – deeply grounding, stabilizing
Patchouli – earthy, sensual grounding
Cedarwood – anchoring and protective
Use: Apply diluted oil to soles of feet or lower spine; diffuse during grounding meditations.

🟠 Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

Location: Lower abdomen
Theme: Emotions, creativity, sensuality, pleasure
Imbalance: Guilt, emotional repression, low libido
Oils:

Sweet Orange – joyful, playful, encourages flow
Ylang Ylang – sensual, soft, heart-opening
Clary Sage – harmonizing, especially for reproductive issues
Use: Massage into lower abdomen (diluted), add to bath, or use in creative rituals.

🟡 Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

Location: Upper abdomen
Theme: Confidence, willpower, identity
Imbalance: Shame, low self-esteem, lack of direction
Oils:

Lemon – energizing, clears mental fog
Ginger – strengthens will, motivates
Black Pepper – stimulates inner fire
Use: Apply diluted oil to stomach area, use in diffuser before tasks requiring focus or courage.

💚 Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Location: Center of chest
Theme: Love, compassion, forgiveness, emotional healing
Imbalance: Grief, anger, lack of self-love
Oils:

Rose – deep heart healer, unconditional love
Geranium – balances emotions, supports connection
Bergamot – uplifts mood, softens emotional pain
Use: Apply over heart center, inhale during emotional processing or loving-kindness meditations.

🔵 Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Location: Throat
Theme: Communication, truth, self-expression
Imbalance: Fear of speaking up, dishonesty, shyness
Oils:

Eucalyptus – clears airways and energetic blockages
Spearmint – promotes clear, gentle communication
Chamomile (Roman) – calms anxiety around expression
Use: Apply around neck (diluted), inhale before speaking, singing, or writing.

🟣 Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Location: Between eyebrows
Theme: Intuition, vision, clarity, inner wisdom
Imbalance: Confusion, overthinking, disconnected from intuition
Oils:

Frankincense – opens inner vision, meditative
Clary Sage – enhances spiritual perception
Lavender – calms the mind, supports intuition
Use: Apply to third eye (diluted), diffuse during meditation, or use before journaling.

⚪ Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Location: Top of head
Theme: Divine connection, purpose, spiritual consciousness
Imbalance: Disconnection, apathy, spiritual crisis
Oils:

Myrrh – sacred, grounding yet expansive
Sandalwood – stills the mind, invites higher wisdom
Lotus or Rosewood – rare, divine connection oils
Use: Anoint crown (diluted), diffuse during prayer, silence, or spiritual rituals.

How to Use Essential Oils for Chakra Balancing and Activation

Anointing – Apply diluted oil directly on chakra points (1–3 drops in carrier oil).
Diffusing – Use in a diffuser during meditation, yoga, or energy healing.
Bath Rituals – Add oils to warm water with Epsom salts to relax and open energy flow.
Aura Sprays – Combine oils with water and witch hazel or alcohol for cleansing sprays.
Crystal Pairing – Combine oils with chakra crystals (e.g., Rose + Rose Quartz for Heart).
Chakra Balancing Sessions – Use oils during Reiki, sound healing, or self-balancing routines.
Mantra Activation – Apply oil, then chant or repeat affirmations relevant to the chakra.

Practice:

Guided meditation using essential oils for grounding and relaxation.
Applying oils to chakra points for energy balancing.
Discussion on how different oils influence emotions and mood.

Final Discussion & Q&A

Reflection on experiences with essential oils.
Addressing any remaining questions.
Recommendations for continued practice at home.

Thank you for engaging with this content! If you would like to learn more, online or in person and immerse in hands-on activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy your aromatherapy journey! With much gratitude, Diana Maties

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