A lot of people have asked what aromatherapy is and what these essential oils can be used for. So to get on topic here, aromatherapy is the art of using essential oils, the extracts of plants and flowers, for a persons well being. Essential oils are known to work with all parts of the body to give you that natural healing process. Below I will give a list of oils and their uses, and below the lisdt I'll tell a little about each oil further:) I will probably be adding more to this page later on, but this is it for now, enjoy!!

Bergamot- Bergamot oil is taken from the peel of the bergamot fruit. Bregamot acts to sooth and invigorate. The balancing effects of this oil have been esteemed since the sixteenth century for its ability to deal with anxiousness and nervousness by calming and lifting the spirit. It is also exceptionally useful at refreshing the atmosphere when used in a diffuser.

Chamomile- The apple like aroma of chamomile has been in use for over 2000 years. As one of the gentlest of essential oils, it is exceptionally effective for use with children. In skin care, its well-known soothing properties make chamomile ideal for use in a stem facial or a cold compress to sooth dry skin.

Cinnamon- Cinnamon is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the cinnamon tree. The warming and stimulating effects of cinnamon are useful in restoring the system. Cinnamon also helps to lift and warm. Used well diluted in a massage oil, its warming properties help to relieve the discomfort of cold, damp weather. Cinnamon has an enjoyable fragrance that is pleasant to use as a room scent.

Clary Sage-  Clary sage is steam distilled from teh tips of the leaves and its flowers. The uplifting and inspiring action of clary sage creates a sense of well-being, useful in times of depression and stress. Clary sage is also useful as a stimulating oil when one is too stressed to relax and enjoy intimate sensations.

Eucalyptus- Eucalyptus is obtained by steam distillation of the twigs and leaves. It is an extreemly versatile oil that cools and refreshes the body during hot summer days and provides a warm comforting feeling during the winter. It's penetrating properties help relax tired, stiff, sore muscles and jointswhen combined with massage.

Frankincense- The frankincense tree produces an oleo gum resin that is collected and stem distilled to produce an esential oil. When used in skin care, frankincense has a toning effect that is especially beneficial for dry skin types. Its earthy, grounding aroma enhances meditation when used in a diffuser. Both calming and uplifting, frankincense is also effective at releaving anxiety adn stress  of a physical or mental nature.

Geranium- Geranium is steam distilled from teh flowers and leaves. On the emotional level it has a balancing and calming action, making it useful for alleviating irritability and sudden mood changes.

Grapefruit- The sweet essence of grapefruit is obtained by cold expression of the peel. The fresh aroma is joyous and uplifting. Grapefruit is well known for its cleansing and toning properties. It is wonderfully effective at reviving congested oily skin. Its powerful but gentle cleansing properties make it very useful as a natural replacement for synthetic household cleaners.

Jasmine- This exotic, sensuous essence is obtained from teh delicate white flowers of the jasmine plant. Jasmine is prized for its ability to promote a sense of optimism and well being and its effectiveness at soothing away tension of an overworked mind. It takes 8000 blossoms to make a single gram of jasmine oil, making it one of the most prescious oils available.

Lavender- This well known, feminine aroma is obtained by steam distillation of both flowers and stalks. The mild but powerful actions make this oil exceptional for use in cold compress. Head problems also respond extreemely well to lavender becasue of its soothing emotional effects. In pregnancy, it is safe and gentle when used in inhalation in the morning.

Lemon- Lemon is obtained by expression from the outer part of the fresh peel. As a very powerful natural stimulant, lemon is exceptionally effective in the diffuser to reduce mental fatigue. The purifying qualities of lemon make it a natural alternative to synthetic household cleaners, as it effectively purifies stale air, sanitizes and freshens almost any atmosphere.

Lemongrass- Lemongrass is similar to lemon with its refreshing properties, but it is more warming. The essential oil is steam distilled from chopped lemongrass. Lemongrass is often used in cooking as it is a positive influence on the digestive system. Its cleansing properties make it an excellent household cleaner, and its deoderizing ability make it a great footbath. When added to a lotion it is also a great insect repellent that will not clog pores or congest the skin.

Mandarin- A member of the orange family, the aroma is obtained by expressing the peel. Mandarin has a cleansing and purifying action, and makes a delightful room freshener which is good for getting rid of cooking odors. Mandarin oil contains a chemical component unique in the family of citrus oils that has been known to calm and soothe, and helps encourage restful sleep.

Neroli- The soft floral essence of neroli, obtained from the fragrant white blossoms of the Seville orange tree. Neroli's deeply relaxing and uplifting effects on the nervous system are highly beneficial. These qualities also make it a favoured oil for use in massage during pregnancy and labour to create calmness and ease. Neroli's rejuvenating properties are useful in skin care.

Orange- Orange has natural properties that cleanse and rejuvenate the complexion and revive dull skin when used in skin care. When used in bath or massage, orange is effective at cleansing the body. The joyful fragrance is pleasant when combined with almost any other oil and can be enjoyed at home or in the office in a diffuser.

Palmarosa- Palmrosa is a grassy plant, the oil can be either steam or water-distilled from fresh or dried grass. Palmarosa is a balancing oil with both cooling and uplifting properties. It can be used to effectively relieve stress, and relax one enough to help improve teh apetite. Palmarosa also has properties which make it very useful in skin care. It promotes a healthy looking complexion, cleanses the pores and provides moisture. Improves all skin types.

Patchouli- Patchouli oil is extracted by steam distillation from the dried leaves. Patchouli is not only balancing and uplifting for emotions but for the complexion as well. Patchouli is an "adaptogen" which means it is stimulating in large amounts and sedating in smaller amounts.

Peppermint- The penetrating essence of peppermint is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowers of the herb. This oil is both cooling and refreshing on the skin, and extremely versatile for home use. When used in a diffuser, its head clearing aroma is stimulating and relieves feelings of fatigue.

Rose- When used in bath or massage, the delicately sweet essence of rose instantly encourages tender feelings and contentment. These qualities also make this essential oil uplifting when one feels overwhelmed with depression, irritability or sadness. When used in a cold compress, diluted rose is a delightful skin moisturizer.

Rosemary- The essential oil of rosemary is steam distilled from the flowering tops and leaves of the herb. The essence is herbaceous and sweet, refreshing and stimulating. It is excellent for use in the diffuser to alleviate mental and physical fatigue. When used in massage the penetrating actions of rosemary are beneficial. It is reputed to be helpful in cellulite, and also helps promote concentration and alertness.

Sandalwood- The essential oil of sandalwood is steam distilled from the heartwood of mature Indian trees. Sandalwood has been used in meditation because of its calming and grounding effects, it helps one to focus on the present. It is believed that a massage with this oil greatly enhances feelings of physical pleasure. Sandalwood has been used in skin care for centuries because of its ability to soften dry and irritated skin.

Tea Tree- Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the Australian Tea tree. The il is gentle but powerful and is well known for its beneficial properties. It is one of the most popular essential oils for the vast array of powerful benefits it carries. It does not sting like alcohol when used to clean cuts or burns, and is a natural cleanser in the home.

Vanilla- Vanilla is obtained by solvent extraction from vanilla crystals of the fermented planifolia bean. It possesses warming and uplifting qualities that inspire confidence and will attract attention when worn as a perfume. Its warming and comforting properties also make it wonderful for use in a linen spray.

Ylang Ylang- The oil is steam distilled from the freshly picked ylang ylang flower. Ylang ylang soothes and calms the spirit and body, and creates a sense of well being. It is helpful in relieving the effects of tension, anxiety and stress. It is also effective in relaxing the mind and body while heightening the senses. It is suitable to for both dry and oily skin types.

Synthetic oils- Scientists have been able to isolate individual chemicle constituents from natural essential oils and to re-create them in a laboratory, producing less costly alternatives. Synthetic replicas of essential oils are called "nature identical," may capture the fragrance of the essential oil but because they do not replicate the complex structure, they will never reproduce the synergystic effects or beneficial properties.The replicas can also lead to skin irritations or undesirable side effects, whereas the pure oils would not. Synthetics lack the life force of essential oils of natural origin and are of no use for applications in true aromatherapy.

Essential oils- Each oil has its own individual properties and effects. When properly administered the effects of essential oils can be either stimulating or relaxing, depending on the oils selected. They can soothe and refresh the mind, beautiy the skin and body, stimulate the senses or induce calmness. Some essential oils have a variety of properties that are beneficial for many purposes.