What is Aromatherapy? How can it help me? What does each scent do for my health? What's the difference between Fragrance oils and Essential Oils? What does Manufacturer's Grade and Cosmetic Grade mean? What does that "FP" stand for next to the fragrance oil? This guide will answer all those questions for you & give you FREE oil recipes as well as tips & ideas! Oils are not all the same. Don't be fooled by cheap imitations! Here is some information that may help you choose quality oils.

What is Aromatherapy??

Aromatherapy is a therapeutic natural practice that can be used to promote health, beauty and a sense of well being. It involves using aromatherapy Oils by a variety of methods, including inhalation, bathing and massage. When you use aromatherapy oils in the bath or massage, the healing properties absorb right through the skin.

As you inhale an aroma, odor molecules enter your nostrils and drift up toward your olfactory receptors. Once the receptors identify an odor, nerve cells relay this information directly to the limbic system. The olfactory nerve cells are the only sensory pathways that open directly into the brain.

The limbic system is a group of deep brain structures that are involved in the sense of smell. Here odors can trigger memories and influence emotions and behavior. The brain registers aroma twice as fast as it does pain. This is why the inhalation of aromas can so powerfully transform the emotions. The limbic system works with the nervous system, respiratory, circulatory and immune systems of our bodies.

When you inhale aromatherapy oils, they enter into your respiratory system as well as your brain. In your lungs, molecules of aromatherapy oils attach themselves to oxygen molecules and are carried into your blood stream and circulated to every cell in your body. Within the cells, aromatherapy oils can activate the body's ability to heal itself and improve health.

International scientific research suggests that aromatherapy can increase productivity levels, information retention, and relaxation.

What does each scent do?

Some scents help with aches & pains while others help with nausea etc. An Aromatherapy chart, which can be found on my About Me Page, will tell you what each one does.

What's the difference between Manufacturer's and Cosmetic Grade Oils?

Manufacturer's Grade oils are more flexible and can be used in more applications. Manufacturer's grade oils must be used in candle making and cold process soap making and contrary to what it seems, most can be worn directly on the skin. They can also be used to make incense, perfumes, bath and body products and also can be used in oil burners.

Cosmetic Grade oils on the other hand, are designed specifically for wearing directly on the skin. Cosmetic grade oils can also be used to make incense,  potpourri, perfumes, bath and body products, and some melt & pour soap making. Many are misled by the term "Cosmetic" because it sounds as though these Fragrance Oils must be used in any product that will be worn on the skin. This is not the case as cosmetic grade fragrance oils are designed for direct body wear. Either manufacturer's grade or cosmetic grade fragrance oils can be used to make bath and body products, perfumes, colognes, etc. However, cosmetic grade oils CANNOT be used in candle making or cold process soap making.

Quality Made Manufacturer's Grade Oils give you more for your money. They can be blended with wax candles, other aroma products, soaps, lotions, and body gel products without separating or seizing. They contain no (DPG) Di-Propylene Glycol, alcohol or other diluents. These oils may be applied to the skin when blended with other cosmetic ingredients, making them just right for scenting toiletries.

What is the difference between Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils?

The difference is simply the chemical makeup of the oils. Essential Oils are oils derived from the actual plant, root, fruit, herb, leaf, bark, etc usually through distillation. For obvious reasons, essential oils are more costly. You've probably heard the phrase "a million petals to make 1 oz. of essential oil". I wouldn't say that is necessarily the case, but a substantial amount is needed.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand are derived from synthetic compounds. Because there are so many more synthetic compounds available than natural ones, a much wider variety of scents is available. For instance your favorite perfume like Pleasures by Estee Lauder or clean fresh scents like Baby Powder.

Fragrance oils also tend to have a longer "staying" power and do not dissipate into the air as rapidly. For these reasons along with the much lower cost, many prefer to use fragrance oils in their products.

What is the FP number mean?

FP stands for Flashpoint. Flashpoint is the temperature at which the material ignites. This benchmark is typically for candle makers (gel candle makers especially where a preferred fragrance flashpoint would be 170º F or higher.) and soap makers to determine whether they are usable in their applications. For making incense, perfumes, bath and body products and things where heat is not involved, flashpoint doesn't matter. For applications where heat is an issue, naturally, the higher the flashpoint the better. Be sure to research your application beforehand to find out if the flashpoints of fragrances matter.

CAUTIONS About Oils:

Direct contact with full strength or undiluted oils may cause irritation to the skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Fragrance oils must be added to a Product such as Soap, Lotion, Gels or a cutting agent, such as a Fixed Oil (i.e. Sweet Almond) or DPG Solvent (Di-propylene Glycol) before contact with skin. Although most fragrance oils are are skin safe when used in any Bath & Body Products, you should test any skin product before applying. Always use oils in a well ventilated area and store in a dry cool place. If you are allergic to food products (like nuts) you may have an allergic reaction to certain carrier oils. Keep in mind that massage oils contain carrier oils. Here are some examples of vegetable and nut oils:

• Almond Oil
• Sweet Apricot Kernel
• Peach Kernel
•  Hazelnut
•  Grapeseed
•  Peanut
•  Olive
•  Sesame
•  Soya Bean
•  Sunflower
•  Safflower
•  Avocado
• Wheatgerm

Here are some ideas & recipes for using Manufacture's grade oils:

Make Your own Quality incense:

This method is perfect for those of you who want the absolute best product.

Soak unscented incense in the scent for 24 hours in a glass or HDPE plastic container.  Soaking takes time and patience, but is necessary to allow the incense to fully absorb the oil. 

Make your own Bubble Bath or Shower Gel

To mix fragrance in the shower gel, best resultsare obtained when double boiling (in a pot of water) over low heat while watching carefully. When the gel thins, FOLD (not mix) the fragrance in at desired ratios. The shower gel will thicken upon cooling.

Massage Oil

10 tsp. Carrier oil (i.e. Sweet almond)

Your choice Scented Oil

Add desired amount of scented oil to carrier oil & blend well.You may warm before using. Caution HOT oils cause burns.

Peel-Off Mask

1 packet unflavored gelatin

1/2 c Tea

Your choice scented oil

Heat together until dissolved. Let cool until almost set. Apply to face. Let dry completely, then peel off. Suggestions for scents: Cucumber Melon, Vanilla, or Peppermint.

Tips & Suggestions: When traveling, place a tissue or cotton ball with a few drops of Lavender oil inside a plastic zip lock baggie. Keep this in your purse or glove compartment and open up and breathe as needed. Try a few drops of Lavender and Lemon to help with Jet Lag. Try this method with other aromatherapy oils, perhaps Peppermint and Lemon for long car trips. Using a scented spa neck wrap is great aromatherapy too.

Sheets scented with Lavender oil help to induce sleep. There are a few ways to accomplish this.

* Add a few drops of Lavender oil to your pillowcase*

*Store sheets in linen closet with Lavender sachets *

 *Spray sheets with Lavender oil mixed with water*

Store stationery and envelopes in Ziploc bags with a cotton ball scented with lavender oil.

What can I use Fragrance oils for?

Here are some more recipes. 

Add to your bath or shower, Aromatherapy, Candle Making, Soap Making, add to dry potpourri, Incense, oil burners, spa neck wraps, car deodorizers, massage oil, bath & body products and more!

I hope this guide has helped you learn a little more about oils if so, PLEASE take the time to vote YES below, it is greatly appreciated.