The Aroma Families

The Aroma Families

When choosing oils for your starter kit, you may wish to include a representative from each of the aroma families. Those listed below here are the most popular essences used in aromatherapy. The asterisk indicates the least expensive oil, and the five asterisk the most expensive.


Citrus:

Bergamot **
Grapefruit*
Lemon*
Lime*
Mandarin*
Orange*


Floral:

Geranium**
Roman Chamomile***
Rose Otto*****
Lavender*
Ylang Ylang**
Neroli*****


Herbaceous:

Roman Chamomile***
Lavender*
Peppermint*
Rosemary*
Marjoram**
Clary Sage***


Camphoraceous:

Eucalyptus*
Cajeput**
Rosemary*
Peppermint*
Tea Tree*



Spicy:

Coriander*
Black Pepper**
Ginger*
Cardamom**


Resinous:

Frankincense***
Elemi*
Myrrh**
Galbanum**


Woody:

Cedarwood*
Sandalwood***
Pine*
Cypress*
Juniper Berry**




Suggested Starter Kit

For your first aromatherapy kit, I would like to suggest this all-purpose starter kit. It covers most needs in health and home.

Bergamot, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus (or tea tree), coriander, frankincense, patchouli and juniper berry.





The Basic Essentials

Here is a list of the most basic of the Essential oils, there are quite a few, so I have just included the basics to begin with. Please refer to it, when you are trying out different blends. When blending oils, remember that each oil has its specific properties, but they will also enhance each others properties.


The Oils

Basil For study and office work

Bergamot Uplifting, skin active

Cedarwood Relaxing, warming

Clary Sage Uplifting and inspiring

Cypress Astringent, tonifying

Eucalyptus Clarifying, antiseptic

Frankincense Soothing, comforting

Geranium Balancing, harmonizing

Juniper Invigorating, cleansing

Lavender Soothing, calming

Lemon Refreshing, uplifting

Lemongrass Tonifying, cleansing

Marjoram Sedating, comforting

Orange Refreshing, enhancing

Patchouli Relaxing, sensual

Peppermint Cooling, invigorating

Rosemary Invigorating, warming, good for study

Sandalwood Strengthening, fortifying

Tea Tree Antiseptic, cleansing

Ylang Ylang Relaxing, sensual




Carrier Oils or the Massage Medium

By adding your chosen Essential oils to a massage medium, you can create individual aromatic blends that are not only effective for body, mind, and spirit, but you will also create your own personal blend, that will make the blend that little bit extra special. Do not make the blends too strong, and always use carrier oil, by using carrier oils, they are the ideal bases for massage and tactile therapies. You can buy specialty carriers from your local pharmacy, just ask and they will be all to glad to help.

Sweet Almond: Light, fine, odorless oil containing natural vitamins. Most commonly used for massage.

Peach Kernel: Fine quality oil, rich in vitamins and ideal for facial massage.

Olive: Renowned for its warming qualities to the body. Good base oil for general massage.

Macadamia: Extremely high in vitamins A, I and U. This, I am proud to say, is a true Australian oil with its warm nutty aroma is an excellent body oil to nourish and moisturize the skin.

Avocado: Highly penetrative oil, rarely used on its own. Rich in Vitamin A and E, excellent for dry skin. This oil can also be combined with Essential oils, as this too is very rich. So use it wisely.

Wheat germ: High in Vitamin E, this oil is an excellent anti-oxidant to help preserve your blended oils.

Jojoba: This oil is a natural fluid wax, non greasy. Does not turn rancid and is quickly absorbed by the skin, moisturizing. This oil is great for a base in treating eczema.