|
Post by gordo on Apr 2, 2009 22:15:43 GMT 1
|
|
|
Post by gordo on Apr 6, 2009 20:22:22 GMT 1
1/ An essential oil is the 'essence' of the flower/plant itself. This essence is extracted using various methods to enable people to use the powerful properties they hold. 2/ Rene Gattefosse was a French chemist who stumbled across the power of essential oils whilst working in the family laboratory. His accidental 'use' of lavender essence led him to explore the effects on the human skin, of these oils. He went onto to publish his findings in a book entitled Aromatherapies, prompting other experts to carry out their own research. 3/ Maceration: This form of extraction entails dipping the flowers into hot fat or oil over and over again. This produces a lump of cold fat which is heavily impregnated with the precious flower essence. 4/ Finding a producer: a - Purity, some producers will mix small amounts of pure oil with similar smelling (but cheaper) oils to produce an inexpensive product. b - Cost, as above. A good quality oil should have an appropriate price and so it would be worth further investigating is the price is to low! c - Fair Trade. By using a producer that supports FT, you are ensuring that the workers who are involved in the growing/ picking are treated and paid well. d - Bottling. The oils should be supplied in brown glass bottles in order to keep the light exposure to a minimum as this can have a detrimental effect on the oil.
|
|
|
Post by Dragonmaster on Apr 7, 2009 20:04:17 GMT 1
Hi Gordo, Good work. Your Q 1 was probably the nearest to what I had in mind. I think you should expand your answer to Q3 a bit and explain how the fat is processed to release the oil.
|
|
|
Post by gordo on Apr 7, 2009 22:03:23 GMT 1
With the maceration method, the flowers are dipped in hot oil to have their cell membranes ruptured and the hot oil then absorbs the essence. The oil is then cleared of the botanical and decanted. The fixed oil is then heated up to release the essence oil.
|
|
|
My work
Apr 16, 2009 15:50:54 GMT 1
Post by gordo on Apr 16, 2009 15:50:54 GMT 1
An essential oil is a highly concentrated essence taken from selected plants using various forms of extraction. - any nearer DM???
|
|
|
My work
Apr 16, 2009 16:13:05 GMT 1
Post by Dragonmaster on Apr 16, 2009 16:13:05 GMT 1
Pretty much.. 'concentrated' is one of the key words. I'll post mine in a few days.
|
|
|
My work
Apr 25, 2009 22:31:27 GMT 1
Post by gordo on Apr 25, 2009 22:31:27 GMT 1
For cold: Eucalyptus to ease nasal congestion, can be used in bath or inhaled via oil burner Tea tree to kill any germs in the atmosphere. Put in burner Lavender to soothe and relax, in bath or burner
Sore muscle: Marjoram as a massage or in a bath soak.
Cut/burn: Lavender applied directly to burn
Stresses: Bergamot - quieting the mind Clary Sage - uplifting Lavender - relaxing Marjoram - overworked Could all be used as massage, in bath or inhaled via burner
Back ache: Marjoram as it relaxes muscles, via bath or massage
|
|
|
My work
Apr 25, 2009 22:49:12 GMT 1
Post by gordo on Apr 25, 2009 22:49:12 GMT 1
When we inhale an aroma, it goes via the olfactory organ (located at the back of the nose) to the limbic system in the brain where the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are located. These together are responsible for the emotions and release hormones into the bloodstream. By inhaling favourable smells (eg essential oils) we can impact on the varied ranges of emotions we feel. Some oils can relax us, others stimulate the senses whilst some (when massaged onto the skin) have a physical effect such as easing tired muscles. We can put oils into our baths and inhale, put some drops (along with a carrier) onto a room burner or just placing some drops on a tissue to inhale. As long as the lovely aromas are being inhales, they are doing their magic!
When using oils for babies and young children, we must use with caution. For a tired baby, a drop of Lavender oil in their evening bath is a lovely way of letting the sandman in! For an older child/toddler, we can use 1-2 drops in a bigger bath. With the use of Chamomile, we must again use reduced quantities.
|
|
|
Post by gordo on May 4, 2009 21:03:38 GMT 1
Module 3
Bugs - Burn either Eucalyptus or Tea Tree to kill off bugs. Could also put a few drops on a hankie to inhale while on public transport! Alternatively spray everyone with a water pistol full of it but may make floor slippy!!! Tired - Add Marjoram to bath water or as a massage. Lavender could also be added for extra relaxation. Bunged up - Stick head over an inhalation of Eucalyptus to clear out a blocked nose. You could also put a few drops on the pillow to help breathing through the night. Headache - Either a massage or bath with Lavender Flies - Burn Tea Tree to keep the horrors out. Could also add a high note oil such as Lemongrass to make the room smell nice. Itching - Putting Tea Tree directly onto the sting will bring great relief as well as clean the site. If the wound is open a mix of TT into Aloe Vera gel can be used as well as on children. Head lice - washing the hair through with a Tea Tree wash Cramp - a massage with Marjoram or a bath will do the job with some drops added. Epilepsy/Diabetes - never use Eucalyptus
|
|