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How To Recognize An Essential Aromatherapy Oil

Essential Oil Guide & Information
A variety of oils are available in various health shops, chemists and even general stores. It becomes very difficult for a person to distinguish between essential oils and normal perfumed oils. So it becomes very important to understand and identify the characteristics of essential oils.

An essential oil is
  • Thin and watery rather than oily.
  • Swift to evaporate and does not leave a grease mark on paper.
  • Overpoweringly scented when neat, which can be quite unpleasant.


    • Perfumed oils always smell pleasant whereas essential oils often have more of the effect of smelling salts.

    Essential oils can be classified into three basic categories
  • Top Notes
    These oils evaporate very quickly. They are generally uplifting and stimulating, with a greenish, fresh aroma.
  • Middle Notes
    These are used to help with most bodily functions and the body's metabolism.
  • Base Notes
    These are extremely relaxing, sometimes sedative and generally have a lovely warm aroma.


    • A point to remember is that essential oils are always sold in tinted glass bottles, as these are special oils that need extra care. Essential oils are damaged by light and should always be stored in a cool dark place. The lids of the bottles should always be screwed tightly as the oils are prone to evaporate into thin air.

    Carrier Oils Carrier Oils
    Pure essential oils are hardly used neat; they are always blended into carrier oil. The carrier oil acts as a base for the essential oil and is also a lubricant. This property of the carrier oil makes the massage easier and effective.

    Carrier oils are always vegetable in origin. They are natural, unprocessed oils that are not treated with chemicals. Any vegetable oil can be used as a carrier however; some are more suitable than others. For instance, virgin olive oil besides being quite expensive has a strong smell that overpowers the smell of the essential oil.

    Carrier oil should be fine textured with little or no colour or smell. The following oils are ideal as general carrier oils and are easily available in most supermarkets and health food stores.

  • Soya Bean Oil
  • Grape Seed Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Sunflower Oil


    • Those having dry skin should use richer vegetable oils. The following oils can be used:
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Avocado Oil: This oil is very lubricating.
  • Wheat Germ Oil: Helpful in healing scar tissue and dehydrated skin. However, it should be mixed with one of the plainer carrier oils, as it tends to have a very bready smell. It acts as a preservative as well. Adding a few drops of wheat germ oil when mixing a blend of essential oils into carrier oils can prolong the shelf life of the blend.


    • Blending
    The thumb rule for blending in aromatherapy is to use six drops of an essential oil to very two teaspoon (10 ml) of carrier oil. If the oils are to be used on the face, then decrease the amount of essential oils to four drops.

    Essential oils are most potent in small quantities. Adding more drops of essential oils in the carrier oil will not increase its beneficial effects instead it could do the opposite. A little essential oil is always better than lots of it.

    A lot of experiments can be performed while blending various oils. Different combinations of oils have different soothing effects. For blending, an eggcup is the ideal mixing container. Also, after mixing the oils, the blends should be labeled and the date should also be mentioned on the bottle. It is always better to use the contents within a couple months while they are still fresh.
    Properties of Oils
    Components of Oils
    Medical Application
    Absorption of Essential Oils
    Quality check
    Negative Side
    Origin of Essential oils
    Recognize Essential oil
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