Essential oils are quite potent and can irritate the skin, so they should be diluted
with a carrier oil before being used on the skin. Carrier oils contain vitamins, pro-
teins, and minerals that provide added nutrients to the body. Some carrier oils can
be purchased at supermarkets, while others may be available only at health food
stores. Carrier oils include apricot kernel oil, sunflower oil, soy oil, sweet almond oil,
grapeseed oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and wheat-germ oil. The fragrance
does not have to be intense to be effective. In fact, the more intense the odor, the less
pleasant it becomes.
By blending together two or more pure essential oils, a synergy can be created that is
more powerful than the individual oils. The interaction of the oils with one another
gives an added vibrancy to the blend. Synergistic blends are achieved by combining
oils that complement each other. For example, the calming effects of lavender and
bergamot or rosemary work well together. Oils with opposite effects, such as a sooth-
ing oil and a stimulating oil should not be blended. It is also important that the
blend has a pleasing scent. Table 9.4 presents a basic assortment of essential oils
that can be blended to address most any complaint.
CHAPTER 9 AROMATHERAPY 123BE CAREFUL!
Essential oils must not be ingested, since even modest amounts can be fatal, and they must
be kept away from children and pets. Pregnant women and persons with epilepsy should
consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner or qualified aromatherapist prior to the
use of essential oils. Oils other than lavender or tea tree oil must always be diluted before
applying on the skin. People who have sensitive skin or allergies should take extra care in
massaging the oils into the skin or inhaling the essential oil aromas, and everyone must be
careful not to rub their eyes if they have any essential oil on their hands.
Several oils are photosensitive or phototoxic, causing severe sunburn if people are exposed
to the sun within six hours after application. These oils include clove, bergamot, angelica,
verbena, bitter/sweet orange, lemon, lime, and mandarin. Certain oils have high toxicity
levels, and their use should be limited to qualified aromatherapists. These oils include boldo
leaf, calamus, yellow camphor, horse-radish, rue, sassafras, savin, tansy, wintergreen,
wormseed, and wormwood.