Q:  Can you tell me what "Aromatherapy Grade Oils" (aka therapeutic grade) are? There is no such thing in the trade and it actually is discussed on various lists and it said to be a marketing hype thing that real aromatherapists ignore. What is your slant on it. Who tells you that the oils are "aromatherapy grade"? - U.K. 

A:    Here's the short (ish) answer: We find that if you are looking at the therapeutic properties of essential oils, then there is often a very real difference between one and another.  No one tells us that these are are "aromatherapy grade" or "therapeutic grade". This is the decision we make and the label we apply.

"Aromatherapy Grade" or "Therapeutic Grade" may be considered by some to be marketing hype but, in fact, it is not. We use the terms "therapeutic grade" or "aromatherapy grade" (same thing) to differentiate our essential oils from other essential oil "stuff". We use the terms to mean that we consider our essential oils to be of excellent quality and suitable for therapeutic applications. There is no official grading system other than perhaps the use of the term "food grade" or pharmaceutical grade, which often denote oils inferior to those sought by aromatherapists. You could say that all essential oils are alike. You could also say that all wines are alike. I think there is often quite a lot of difference between one wine and another and one essential oil and another.

We purchase our essential oils either directly from growers or through known sourcing agents (people who know the oils and the growers). And we've been working with many of the same suppliers for many, many years.

That's what we mean by aromatherapy grade. Is it hype? I don't think so but some might. By the way, we could go through a lot less hassle and buy almost any of our EOs at significantly lower prices but then we'd just be selling stuff. That's not our goal. We want to provide the best essential oils that we can find. 

Q: I have never utilized aromatherapy but would like to lead a guided meditation using the sense of smell to lead a group through seven aspects of consciousness. I would like to describe them below, and see if you can suggest some aromas and sources of smell that could be passed around from person to person in a group as we go through this experience. If you have any products, for example in your starter kit that would fit the bill for each of the following seven things, please point them out to me. 

1. Loving kindness 

2. Strength or Courage 

3. Beauty or Balance or Harmony 

4. Passion or Eternity 

5. Victory or Order 

6. Foundation or Changing Moods 

7. The Divine Presence in Everyday Life. 

Thanks, R.W. 

A:  Hello R., What a great idea. Below are some thoughts. Essential Oils have a powerful effect on states of consciousness. There are many ways to diffuse them into the room - let us know if you want some suggestions. You will get the best results if your participants have a break between the presentation of each blend - leave the room and air it out - otherwise, the scents will all just start blending together and some people may get headaches. If you cannot structure for breaks, you may want to come up with one blend to use throughout. 

I love to do this kind of stuff and will be glad to work with you - we can customize a starter kit or do blends for you - whatever you want. Also, feel free to call - I can probably get a better feel for your needs and give you more information if we talk. 

Here are some ideas:

1. Loving Kindness - our Heart Chakra Blend, or a combination using Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Rose or Cypress.

2. Strength or Courage - a blend of Cardamom, Frankincense and Cedarwood Atlas.

3. Beauty or Balance or Harmony - a blend of Lavender, Bergamot & Ylang Ylang (also Geranium, Rose, Clary Sage & Mandarin).

4. Passion or Eternity - Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Clove & Bay.

5. Victory or Order - Cedarwood, Sweet Orange, Rosemary (small amount).

6. Foundation or Changing Moods - Cedarwood, Vetiver, Ginger, Petitgrain.

7. The Divine Presence in Everyday Life - Neroli, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Juniper or our Crown Chakra Blend.

Q: I have received many inquiries from friends (men in particular) regarding the possibility of restoring/preventing hair-loss through the use of essential oils, massage, etc. Will you kindly let me have any suggestions and comments on how to use essential oils and carrier oils for stimulating hair growth and thickening hair? Thank you!

A:   Thank you for your question concerning hair loss/growth and essential oils. Several essential oils have a reputation for stimulating hair growth and helping to slow its loss and these oils may be helpful to some extent. They include Rosemary, Geranium, Lavender, Cypress, and Juniper. In fact, the simple act of massaging the oils into the scalp could be beneficial since it stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles. 

There's been some really promising research into using essential oils for stimulating hair growth.  In one study out of Scotland, one group used a combination of essential oils that included Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, and Cedarwood in a base of Jojoba and Grapeseed carrier oils.  They massaged this blend into their scalp daily for two minutes.  The control group massaged only the carrier oils (no essential oils) into their scalps daily. The results showed that 44% of the essential oil group showed improvement as compared to only 15% of the control group.  (Source:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9828867)

We've created a hair blend (under our Massage Oils) if you're interested out this combination of essential oils. To use, massage about 1/2 to 1 tsp of the blend into the scalp for a minimum of two minutes. If you want to make your own oil blend for hair loss, you can try the following recipe: 

DIY Blend for Hair Growth:

Mix Cedarwood, Atlas (20 drops), Lavender (30 drops), Rosemary (30 drops), and Thyme (20 drops) essential oil in 8 ounces of Jojoba and massage gently into the scalp for at least two minutes daily.

To more about how to use essential oils for hair loss, check out our blog post.

Q: What are some essential oils that offer support for women experiencing symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes)? Any input is appreciated. Thank you in advance. R.W. 

A: Dear R.W., Several essential oils are considered helpful for symptoms of menopause. Geranium essential oil is considered a hormonal balancer and Rose is traditionally believed to tone and cleanse the uterus and help to regulate the cycle. Fennel essential oil has also been said to relieve menopausal symptoms. All of the anti-depressant oils, such as Clary Sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Sandalwood may help balance emotional responses to menopause. 

Massage & Bath Oils for Menopause

You may use any of these oils in the bath or in a massage oil. For use in a bath, add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of milk and put in a warm bath. For massage oil, add 2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil (such as Sweet Almond oil, Grapeseed oil or our Massage Base) and massage into the abdominal area. For a full body massage, you may use up to 6 drops of essential oil in 3-4 teaspoons of carrier oil. 

If you combine any of the oils to make a blend, do not exceed the total number of drops recommended, i.e. if you're using a combination of Jasmine and Lavender in your bath then add 2-3 drops of Jasmine and 2-3 drops of Lavender. 

I would suggest using essential oils, either in a bath or for massage up to once a day. More than once a day is unnecessary. You should not use any specific oil for more than two weeks without taking a one week break from it. 

To Help Relieve Hot Flashes

Peppermint, Geranium, Lemon and Sage essential oils are all very cooling. Use a few drops in your bathwater or lotion (be sure to mix well if using lotion). Peppermint essential oil especially has an immediate cooling effect. A lukewarm foot bath with a few drops of peppermint oil is also very relaxing and cooling.

To read more about how to use essential oils for menopause (plus recipes!), check out our Menopause & Essential Oils Blog Post.

Q:   What aromatherapeutic scent would be helpful to prevent nausea? Which essential oil is best for nausea?

A:    Ginger is the classic remedy for nausea that is a symptom of motion sickness. Ginger essential oil can be inhaled from a handkerchief that has a couple of drops on it but do not allow the oil to contact the skin or come too close to the eyes as it is very strong. Also, eating a piece of candied ginger may help. 

Other cases of nausea may be relieved by Coriander or Lavender essential oil, which may be inhaled as described above or used in massage (put 2 drops essential oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil), mix well, and rub over the abdomen using a circular, clockwise motion. - Joie Power, Ph.D. 

In general, the following are the best essential oils for relief of nausea/motion sickness/digestion:

• Ginger essential oil
• Coriander essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Chamomile essential oil
• Fennel essential oil

Q: I was wondering if you can tell me which essential oils are high in pheromones? I was told that men may be attracted to certain essential oils like an aphrodisiac. I appreciate your response, T. 

A: Pheromones are chemical substances produced by certain animals and insects which function to attract others of the same species for the purpose of mating. There has been much debate as to whether or not human beings produce pheromones which attract members of the opposite sex and also as to whether or not animal derived pheromones have any effect on humans. Since pheromones are produced by animals and insects, essential oils do not contain pheromones because essential oils come only from plants. 

On the other hand, sexual attraction and smell are certainly connected, even when pheromones are not involved - this is why the perfume industry is so successful.  In aromatherapy, two essential oils have the reputation of increasing one's attractiveness to the opposite sex and these are Jasmine Absolute and Sandalwood Essential Oil. I have also found that some men seem drawn to the smell of Patchouli Essential Oil in a woman but there are some who dislike it. You could try any of these oils individually, or try blending Jasmine and Sandalwood. Always mix your essential oils with a carrier oil (2 drops essential oil to 1 tsp. of carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond or Grapeseed). Dab it on pulse points in the neck and at the wrists but don't over do it as a strong "perfume-y" smell turns many men off.  You will quickly get used to the smell and not notice it but this doesn't mean it's not working. 

If you have looked at our website, you may have nod that we havetice male and female aphrodisiac blends. These have been formulated to increase sexual drive, using different formulas on men and women. You might want to give them a try. To read more about our aphrodisiac blends, select from the links below.

Thank you. - Joie Power, Ph.D.

Q: What is the difference between essential oils and perfume oils? 

A: The difference is that essential oils are natural and perfume oils, also known as fragrance oils, are synthetics. This is the conventional way of using these terms, although some people and companies may not always comply with the conventions. Almost all essential oils are derived from the steam distillation of plant material. A few plants won't "give up" their oils easily, so they are solvent extracted - these are called absolutes. In contrast, fragrance oils are manufactured scents which include artificial compounds and are often designed to mimic natural scents. Fragrance oils are most often used in cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, candles, etc.   Synthetic fragrances (fragrance oils) are not aromatherapy and can be irritating to the skin.

Q:  What Essential Oils will help me relax? 

A:   You might try our Relaxing Massage Oil For relaxation you might also wish to consider using pure essential oils such as Lavender, Chamomile, Clary Sage and Marjoram. Also, if you like citrus aromas, a combination of Lavender and Sweet Orange Essential Oils is both relaxing and refreshing. 

In general, the best essential oils to help you unwind and relax are:

• Lavender
• Roman Chamomile
• Clary Sage
• Sweet Orange
• Ylang Ylang
• Jasmine Absolute

Q:  How should essential oils be stored? 

A:   The shelf life of most essential oils is at least one year and probably two with proper handling.  Keep essential oils stored in a cool dark place in dark glass container (but not refrigerated). 

Q: Could you suggest a couple of good, but basic, books on aromatherapy? 

A: Some of my favorite basic books on aromatherapy and essential oils are: 

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils 

Julia Lawless 

Elements Books, PO Box 830, Rockport, MA 01966 

1995 

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy 

Valerie Ann Worwood 

New World Library, 58 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 

1991 

Aromatherapy an A-Z Guide 

Patricia Davis 

C.W. Daniel Co, Ltd., 1 Church Path, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JP, England 

1988 

Aromatherapy Massage 

Clare Maxwell-Hudson 

Dorling Kindersley, Ltd., London 

1994 

Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty 

Roberta Wilson 

Avery Publishing Group, Garden City Park, NY 

1994

Veterinary Aromatherapy 

Nelly Grosjean 

C.W. Daniel Co, Ltd., 1 Church Path, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1JP,

England 1994