Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to restore harmony and balance to the mind, body, spirit, heart and home.

Essential oils are volatile fragrant liquid substances obtained from various parts of different plant matter for their healing and therapeutic value. But I really don't think we are supposed to say healing so how about transforming properties?

Kara raised her hand during one of my workshops. She is an analytical person with a career in accounting, so of course, she is very calculating.

With a puzzled look on her face she asked,
"Why are the oils called essential?"

 I thought what an interesting and exciting question.

Essential Oil Quality Part 1 or
 "How To Choose?"

Hmmm. Who do I buy quality essential oils from?

It can be confusing and frustrating to search through many brands of oils with different prices all claiming to be pure. Without the knowledge to arm yourself how do you know who  to trust? There are many determining factors that contribute to the cost of an essential oil. And even a few tips to spot adulterated or even synthetic oils.

There are a lot more companies out there selling oils than there was when I started working as an AMCET in 1994.That stands for Armstrong McCall Core Education Team. I spent over 6 years teaching & ......

Have you ever been really excited about the wonderful little bottles of aroma you bought called essential oils? Then you get them home and stare at them, smell them and wonder what in the world do I do with them now?

Maybe you're not sure of the proper way to use them or you've heard rumors and warnings and confusing "things" about their safety?

There are a few safety guidelines to keep in mind when using essential oils. Most of these are the usual precautions you would take into consideration when using perfumes, cosmetics, aspirin, cough syrups, well you get it.

Here is a downloadable file for you to keep in your notebook.

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Throughout the centuries, the use of essential oils phased in and out of popularity.  In 1328 the "Black Plague" began to spread from China to Europe, following all of the Trade Routes to every country.  The devastating illness was swift and fatal.  7500 Victims of the disease were dying every day. 

The Elizabethan surgeons wore long black robes, leather gloves, hats, and a beak-like mask.

This mask contained drops of Bergamot oil, which has antibacterial and anti-infectious properties (among others). They also carried amulets of herbs, such as rosemary, lavender, bay and sage, which were used throughout history for burning in order fumigate rooms where there was illness.

So, most of ......