Aromatherapy terminology for pure essential oils straight,
not mixed in a base ingredient, is "neat". Using them "neat"
on the skin for Aromatherapy body treatments can be quite
devastating to the recipient and the therapist doing the work.
Essential oils are highly concentrated volatile liquids
extracted from parts of a plant or tree. It takes 300 lbs of
rose petals to make 1 oz of rose oil. Concentrated! Essential
oils are among the origins of medicine and perfume. Their
natural chemical constituents can be anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and more.
Some are irritants when applied neat to the skin.
Aromatherapy is generally perceived as the pleasant smell
of candles, potpourri, and body lotions. The powerful
qualities of essential oils are not well known, because most
aromas we experience are man-made fragrances.
Essential oils are lipid (fat) soluble; they mix well in
base oils for massage. They do not mix with water, so when
applied to the skin, they go right into our system. Washing
off with water does not work, so once neat oils are applied to
the skin, the damage or results are done.
Some Aromatherapy treatments teach using large amounts of
essential oils neat on the body. The International Federations
of Aromatherapy in England do not endorse this kind of work.
Some side effects of neat use can be: headache, nausea,
lightheaded, dizzy, irritability, anxiety and skin rashes.
Some essential oils (mints, citrus, spices) can irritate
and burn skin. Citrus are photosensitive. If applied before
sun exposure, brown blotches and burns may occur.
For Aromatherapy massage always use essential oils in a
safe blend formulated for full body massage (usually 1 to
2.5%). Each essential oil has its own properties and
strengths. For example, 1 drop of Rose oil may be the
equivalent to 4-6 of Lavender.
You love an aroma and want it around you all the time? See
"What's On Your Mind" for appropriate ways TO USE essential
oils neat.
