More Info | Healing by Crystal

Understanding the body and Aromatherapy

Essential oils can help alter our physical, mental and emotional well-being by triggering and strengthening our bodies’ own natural processes. They are made up of tiny molecules that can deliver healing properties to the systems that control our physiological state.

The best way for the body to absorb the therapeutic components of essential oils is a combination of inhalation through the olfactory system of the nose and absorption through the surface of the skin:

1. Inhalation:

When essential oils are inhaled through the nose, tiny nerves send an immediate signal to the brain and go straight to work on the systems that moderate our minds and bodies.

Inhalation can be the most direct delivery method of these incredibly nurturing components in essential oils, since the chemical messengers in the nasal cavity have direct access to the brain.

2. Topical Application:

When essential oils are applied to the skin, their healing components are absorbed into the bloodstream by the pores and hair follicles. Once inside the bloodstream, they disperse to the specific organs and systems on which they work. Pulse points are the areas of the body where blood vessels are closest to the skin’s surface. Applying essential oils to these areas allows for quicker absorption and help them get to work faster. We suggest applying to the wrists, temples and back of the neck.

Please see the pictures below:

Tips on Aromatherapy

Allergies

Essential oils come from various species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves and trees. They are found in the secretory system of plants (in other words, the bark, seeds, leaves, petals, stems and roots)

Our body's are all very different and some may have an allergic reaction to an essential oil just like when you have a reaction to food and you won't know of the allergy until you try the oil.

If you have an allergic reaction such as a skin rash or any other symptoms that concerns you, stop using the oil and contact us immediately.

Following Instructions

Essential oils are an alternative medicine for many different type of ailments. Just like pharmaceuticals, there are instructions of how to use the medication and it's important to follow them and to be consistent with the dosage and frequency of use in order for the medication to be affective. The same applies to aromatherapy. The key is consistency. If the instructions are to use daily, please do so as this is the only way in most cases that they will work.

Safety for

Children & Pets

Keep all essential oils and aromatherapy products out of reach of children and pets

Children are more likely to have adverse reactions to essential oils than adults, so it is important to know how to use them safely. “Concentrated oils are highly potent and can be risky if not used on children correctly,”

Our blend of oils are always diluted to a safe dosage and in most cases are safe for children as well. Due to the size of children, a general rule of thumb is to apply half the amount used on an adult.

Here are some tips for extra precautions:

Don’t use undiluted oils directly on skin
Don’t add undiluted oils to bath water
Don’t swallow oils
Don’t overuse oils
Don’t use peppermint oil on children less than 30 months old
Don’t use oils near a heat source
Do avoid sunlight for some essential oils
Do apply a patch test first

For Animals/ Pets:

Do not give essential oils internally to your pets/animal clients
Animals will often lick the area where essential oil blends/botanicals have been applied. This normally does not cause a problem – but watch to make sure that the animal does not have an allergic reaction, or negative response. If they do, wipe the area with a cool wet cloth and diluted mild soap, rinse and repeat. If necessary seek immediate veterinarian assistance
Other and more serious clinical signs to watch for with your pet that can result from ingestion of essential oils are: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, weakness, excessive drooling/salivation, mouth sores, seizures, tremors, increase in liver enzymes and temporary paralysis
Do not get essential oils near or in the eyes. If essential oils accidentally get into the eyes or sensitive areas, flush the area with water or sterile saline solution until the area is clear. If water is not helping, try a bit of milk which will help to absorb the essential oil residue

Aromatherapy and Safety

Phototoxic oils are essential oils that, if applied before sun exposure, can cause the skin to burn or darken at a faster rate. Angelica root, bergamot, lemon, lime, ginger, mandarin, orange and grapefruit are all phototoxic.
Essential oils that can be used in their pure form, not diluted, are tea tree and lavender.
Read about an essential oil before applying it.
Essential oils can cause a prickly, irritating sensation to the skin. Do not rub water on the area. Doing so will cause the oil to spread. Apply any vegetable/carrier oil to the area; this will cause the essential oil to be absorbed and ease the irritation in minutes.
Keep essential oils away from your eyes. If contact occurs, rinse with a neutral oil, and then follow with water.
Keep essential oils out of the reach of children and animals.
Cats in particular have livers that cannot tolerate essential oils in any amount.
If skin irritation or an allergic reaction occurs with any essential oil or product with essential oils in it, discontinue use.
Essential oils should not replace proper health care. If you are under medical supervision consult with your health care provider before using essential oils. Read the safety data on each essential oil before use.

Aromatherapy and Contraindications

Certain oils are not recommended or should be used with caution. Read each oils safety data before use. People with the following conditions should take caution with respect to the below listed oils:

Epilepsy - people with epilepsy or the risk of seizure should stay away from stimulating essential oils such as: sage, sweet fennel, hyssop, eucalyptus, rosemary. Some oils that are safe: lavender, marjoram.
High Blood Pressure - avoid oils that will increase circulation and adrenaline: rosemary, peppermint, hyssop, thyme, eucalyptus and sage.
Low Blood Pressure - avoid oils that are overly sedating clary sage, ylang ylang, and lavender in very high doses.
Pregnancy - Essential oils can have enormous benefit for pregnant women and as long as they are used according the dosage chart can help women have a more pleasant pregnancy and delivery. Keep dosages down to 1 percent essential oils per dilution as per the dosage chart. Avoid the following essential oils: aniseed, basil, cinnamon, fennel, hyssop, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, pennyroyal, rosemary, sage, and tagetes. Oils that are safe during entire pregnancy: bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, palmarosa, petitgrain, rosewood, sandalwood, spearmint, orange, tea tree, vetiver and ylang ylang. Oils that are safe after the first trimester: chamomile roman, eucalyptus radiata, ginger, lavender, jasmine and rose (should not be used until ready to go into labor). Oils that are safe for use in the third trimester or during delivery: cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, peppermint, pine, rosemary and spruce.
Babies & Children under 5 yrs - Keep dosages down to 1% essential oils per dilution as per the dosage chart. Avoid the following essential oils: aniseed, basil, camphor, cinnamon bark, clove bud, clove leaf, eucalyptus radiata fennel, hyssop, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, parsley seed, peppermint (under 12), pennyroyal, sage, savory, tagetes and thyme.