Undiluted essential oils

Do not apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin except in an emergency; for example to cuts, burns or insect bites. A single drop of undiluted Lavender, Tea Tree or Chamomile Roman oil can be used to soothe and protect from infection - but you should only apply them neat once or twice. Some individuals can become sensitised to neat Tea Tree oil if it is applied repeatedly.

In particular, undiluted essential oils should be kept away from the delicate eye area, unattended children, pets and all highly polished surfaces. And never, ever, use undiluted oils on children under the age of 3. Their under-developed and delicate internal organs can not eliminate the oils or deal with their metabolites efficiently.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant you must seek the advice of your doctor, midwife or aromatherapist before using any essential oils. Once your doctor has given their approval they should be used only after the first trimester, and then at only a 1% concentration, which is half the normal strength.

It is also a good idea to seek the advice of your supplier or aromatherapist to ensure that the essential oils you are thinking of using are not contraindicated during pregnancy. There is a lot of misinformation about precisely which essential oils should not be used and some aromatherapy books produce a huge list of contraindicated oils that are completely out of proportion to the facts.

Much of this misinformation is based on the internal use of the plant in herbal preparations, and this is certainly not the same as the external use of a diluted essential oil in massage. Most essential oil experts argue that since many contraindicated essential oils are used as food additives they can hardly be considered dangerous.

However, if you have a history of miscarriage do not use any essential oils at any time during your pregnancy since it is better to err on the side of caution under these circumstances. Essential oils best avoided throughout your pregnancy include:

* Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
* Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)
* Sage (Salvia officinalis)
* Savin oil (Juniperus sabina) - Never use in aromatherapy

Babies, infants and young children

As already stated, never use any essential oils undiluted on babies up to 3 years old. Essential oils should be used at a fraction of the usual concentration, and the correct procedure is to calculate the amount of essential oil to be used by the body-weight of the infant:

* 1 to 2 stones - 1 drop of essential oil
* 2 to 4 stones - 2 or 3 drops of essential oil
* 4 to 6 stones - 4 or 5 drops of essential oil

Internal use

Never take essential oils internally, unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist who has received the necessary training in this very specialised mode of administration. Most aromatherapists have not had this training, so be sure to check this out first.

You may read articles in magazines and books extolling the virtues of taking essential oils internally, but you should absolutely never attempt this without expert guidance.

Photosensitivity

Some essential oils are mildly photosensitising and should be either avoided or used at a low level prior to sunbathing or using a sunbed. The main photosensitising oils used in aromatherapy include:

* Angelica root oil (Angelica archangelica)
* Bergamot oil expressed (Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia)
* Bitter Orange oil (Citrus aurantium)
* Cumin oil (Cuminum cyminum)
* Lemon oil cold pressed (Citrus limonum)
* Lime oil expressed (Citrus aurantifolia)
* Tagette oil (Tagetes minuta)

If you love Bergamot essential oil and want to go out into the sunshine, be sure to use Bergamot FCF which has had the photosensitising components removed.

Irritants and sensitisers

Some essential oils can irritate the skin if used in too high a concentration or for a long period of time. The essential oils below represent the most commonly known among this group.

* Bay Leaf oil (Pimenta racemosa)
* Cinnamon bark oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
* Clove oils (stem, leaf, bud) Syzygium aromaticum
* Litsea Cubeba aka May Chang oil (Litsea cubeba)
* Origanum oil (Origanum vulgar)
* Tagette oil (Tagetes minuta)
* Thyme white and red oil (Thymus vulgaris)
* Use no more than 3 or 4 drops of citrus oils in the bath since some may irritate sensitive skin.

Oils that must be avoided altogether

Some essential oils should not be used in aromatherapy at all due to the danger of toxicity, severe irritation, sensitisation or other serious health risk. Most responsible aromatherapy suppliers do not offer such oils, but those listed below do find their way onto the market and should only ever be used by those have have undergone the necessary specialist training.

* Parsley herb oil (Petroselenium crispum)
* Pennyroyal oil (Mentha pulegium)
* Savin oil (Juniperus sabina)
* Tansy oil (Tanacetum vulgare)
* Wintergreen oil (Gaultheria procumbens)
* Wormwood oil (Artemisia absinthium)

Flammability

Many essential oils are flammable, so never use or put your bottles of essential oil near a naked flame, fire, or any source of ignition.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Massage

This is one of the oldest and best methods to enjoy aromatherapy due to the added benefit the massage brings. Massage is also the most efficient method because the skin covers a large area and readily absorbs the oils into the bloodstream.

You can choose just one, or up to four essential oils suitable for your own particular needs and add them to your carrier in a dilution of 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier. If you have particularly sensitive skin use only 3 drops.

To calculate how many drops to use in a smaller measure, simply divide the amount of carrier in mls by 2, and that number is the total of drops of essential oil needed. For example, if you wanted to use just 6ml of carrier for a local application you would use 3 drops of essential oil.

Baths

For a wonderfully relaxing experience at the end of a busy day, just add 4 - 6 drops of an essential oil to a warm bath and soak for 15 minutes. Always agitate the water well before getting in. Choose from any of the relaxing oils such as Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet or Sandalwood for a truly blissful experience. Alternatively you can use oils in the morning to give you an invigorating start to the day by simply choosing an appropriate stimulating oil.

If you use several oils together in the bath, ensure that you do not exceed a maximum total of 8 drops. When using a citrus oil in a bath never exceed 3 drops as they may be mildly irritating to some sensitive skins. Baths are particularly helpful if taken as well as massage, but always take the bath first and then apply the massage. For handicapped or elderly people a footbath is the ideal alternative to a conventional bath. Use only 3 or 4 drops of essential oil in a footbath.

Compresses

This is a highly effective method of pain relief and first aid. A HOT compress is for relieving chronic pain, period cramps etc. and a COLD one for reducing swelling, sprains and headaches. Put 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or icy cold water.

Using a folded piece of absorbent material soak up the oils without fully immersing in the water, wring out excess and apply to the affected area. Finally, cover the area with a towel or wrap with polythene.

Steam inhalation

Used for centuries to help all respiratory tract problems, this method is a highly effective way to deliver essential oils into your system. Fill a large bowl with almost boiling water and add 3 or 4 drops of your individual essential oil or mixed blend. Lean over the bowl and breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes until relief is felt. A towel may be placed over the head to help direct the vapours.
Instant Relief

For instant relief if you are suffering from a cold, asthma attack or hay fever, put 3 or 4 drops of essential oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and gently inhale, - a handy method to use when out of the house. This is also the recommended application for asthmatics, who should not expose themselves to steam.

Vaporizer

Excellent for room refreshing or to create a soothing atmosphere for relaxing or meditation by simply using an essential oil for it’s particular quality. Use during illnesses to kill airborne bacteria and help prevent the spread of infections.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Some essential oils increase the circulation and help with the efficient elimination of toxins, others promote new cell growth and encourage the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Each essential oil has its own character and aroma, exhibiting a varying number of properties and benefits which are unique to itself, since no two essential oils are quite the same.

The minute molecules of essential oils are readily absorbed into the bloodstream when they are inhaled and the lungs work to oxygenate the blood. This form of absorption is most efficient when inhaling essential oils from a tissue, diffusing them in a vaporizer, or adding them to your bathwater. The aroma sends a signal directly to the Limbic System in the brain which is the centre of emotions, memory and sexual arousal. This is why essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind, as we will see later.

Magical combination

Massage is one of the best ways to enjoy aromatherapy because you not only receive the therapeutic properties of the essential oils, but you also get the wonderful benefits of the massage itself. The therapeutic action of the essential oils when brought together with the revitalising effects of massage stimulate all of the organs in the body, plus the skin, muscles, nerves and glands. The increased circulation of the blood and lymph flow also assists with the clearing away of body toxins.

Because essential oils can influence our emotions, aromatherapy can help to lift depression, soothe irritable nerves and generally encourage a better state of mind. It has been discovered that relaxing oils such as Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Frankincense and Ylang Ylang work by stimulating a neuro-chemical called serotonin that is naturally produced by the body to help relaxation and induce sleep. It is this action that makes these oils so invaluable in helping long-term conditions such as insomnia, stress and tension.

Cycle of illness

Physical illness that has continued over a long period of time causes a negative emotional state, and this can eventually lead to a compromised immune system. This situation can be particularly devastating since the weakened immune system will now be more vulnerable to further infection, and another new infection can lead to even further emotional depression. A downward spiral of emotional and physical health can ensue, producing a vicious cycle of illness that can be very difficult to break without the correct treatment.

Scientists have proven that negative and positive emotions really can change the complex chemistry of our bodies, and these changes can have a negative or positive effect on the immune system. For example, some research has shown how prolonged stress can cause the body to over-produce cortisol and adrenalin which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

Fight or flight

These two hormones are normally secreted to produce a burst of energy as part of the ‘fight or flight’ response, and of course this response is an essential tool for survival. Prolonged periods of emotional and psychological pressures however, means that the over-production of these hormones can begin to weaken the integrity of the immune system because they reduce the level of T-helper cells, and inhibit the production of natural killer cells.

The research leading to this discovery supports the claims of aromatherapists who have always believed that the sense of well being produced after using essential oils in a treatment can help to boost the immune system, especially in cases of stress and depression where the immune system has become depleted. Regular treatments using essential oils and aromatherapy massage helps to break the cycle of depression which causes immunodeficiency, whilst at the same time helping to boost the depleted immune system.

Two way street

It has also been proven recently that a communication network exists between the immune system and the nervous and endocrine systems. This points to the mind-body communication pathway being a two-way street - not only do your emotions and thoughts influence your health, but the immune system appears to inform the brain and endocrine organs of the changes.

Small protein hormones called cytokines are secreted by many types of white blood cells and also in the brain. Cytokines appear to act as chemical messengers in this communication network, and the results of all this research opens up a mind-boggling range of exciting possibilities for future medicine. Further research into this fascinating subject will no doubt continue until what has been learned can be put into practice with modern medicine.

Meanwhile, those of us who enjoy aromatherapy will quietly carry on putting into practice what Plato had discovered over 2,000 years ago. Since it has now been proven by scientists that essential oils can influence both the mind and the body - as we have always claimed - perhaps the skeptics will accept this and at last understand why aromatherapy has been so effective and popular for all these years.

Last word

Aromatherapy excels as a form of complementary and alternative medicine, helping and bringing relief to millions of people where conventional medicine currently fails. Of this there can surely be no doubt. But there is one more area where aromatherapy is more effective than possibly any other healing paradigm.

It has long been understood that preventative measures go a very long way towards protecting the body against all types of illness. Therefore the relaxing and de-stressing influence of essential oils and massage, together with their effect on the immune system, places aromatherapy in the pre-eminent position as the finest preventative medicine.

And no matter what your opinion or beliefs may currently be about the efficacy of aromatherapy, there is one thing that we can all surely agree on: Prevention really is much better than cure.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed via the skin, and whilst breathing they enter the lungs. These therapeutic constituents next enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body where they can deliver their beneficial healing powers. Because they are highly concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results.

When using good quality essential oils correctly, the soothing combination of beautiful aromas, massage, aromatic baths and other treatments all work to regulate, balance, heal and maintain your entire being by working with nature, and not against it. A far cry from allopathic medicine, which tends to take a ’sledgehammer to crack a nut’ approach.

A holistic approach

Today, aromatherapy is one of the most popular of all complementary therapies, offering a wide range of highly effective treatments to both the acute and chronic stages of illness and disease. At the same time, regular use of aromatherapy treatments and home-use products can help to strengthen the immune system, thereby establishing a preventative approach to overall health.

One of the reasons that aromatherapy has been so hugely successful is because it uses a holistic approach, whereby the aromatherapist takes into account a persons medical history, emotional condition, general health and lifestyle before planning a course of treatment. The whole person is treated - not just the symptoms of an illness - and this is in direct opposition to the modern trend of just treating the presented condition.

Backache, irritable bowel syndrome or headaches, for example, are often the result of stress and not actually a physical problem. Therefore no amount of pill-popping is really going to provide a long term solution since it only masks the symptoms without addressing the problems. By looking at the causes of the stress and providing treatments to ease and manage it, the aromatherapist will alleviate the condition in a much more efficient manner.

Stress makes you sick

It has long been known that stress accounts for a staggering amount of illness in modern society, and aromatherapy offers one of the finest ways of combating the ravages of stress without having to resort to drugs which can be habit forming and damaging to your health. This is yet another reason that aromatherapists believe taking an holistic approach with aromatherapy promotes positive physical and mental balance.

Scientists and doctors have known for a long time that negative and positive emotions really can change the complex chemistry of our bodies, and these changes can have a negative or positive effect on the immune system. For example, research has shown how prolonged stress can cause the body to over-produce cortisol and adrenalin which are hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

These two hormones are normally secreted to produce a burst of energy as part of the ‘fight or flight’ response, and of course this response is an essential tool for survival. Prolonged periods of emotional and psychological pressures however, means that the over-production of these hormones can begin to weaken the integrity of the immune system because they reduce the level of T-helper cells, and inhibit the production of natural killer cells.

Evidence based results

Research is continually re-affirming the efficacy of aromatherapy treatments, and the results are now very hard to dismiss. A recent study in the USA has confirmed the long held belief of aromatherapists that Jasmine is a powerful relaxant and an effective aid to restful sleep. The researcher explained that the purpose of the study was specifically to investigate some of the beliefs behind aromatherapy.

Dr. Bryan Raudenbush and his colleagues at the Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia, found that people who slept in rooms fragranced with Jasmine appeared to sleep more peacefully and reported higher afternoon alertness than when spending the night in a Lavender-scented room, or one with no added fragrance at all. Similar research around the world has proven time and again the wide range of benefits that can be received from the multifaceted art of aromatherapy.

Cruelty-free therapy

This natural form of complementary therapy dating back to ancient times is being warmly embraced by today’s environmentally conscious and caring society, in which people are increasingly unwilling to accept the cruelty inflicted on animals in the unnecessary testing of drugs and beauty products.

The essential oils used within aromatherapy have been tried and tested on humans for thousands of years, and with great success. Therefore, when used correctly we can be absolutely sure of their safety and efficacy without the need to test them further on animals.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

And sourcing and purchasing organic and conventional essential oils from remote areas around the world is not a job for either a novice or the faint-hearted, because mistakes can be very, very costly for a company, in terms of both money and loss of reputation.

Financial losses can always be regained, but in the world of aromatherapy, once a company’s reputation has been tarnished by supplying poor quality oils is not so easily recovered.

So we work hard all year round to ensure we preserve the quality and continuity of supply that our customers have come to expect. Keeping the supply chain as short as possible, cutting out the middlemen and meeting the people who grow the crops are all steps we must take to maintain our high standards.

To learn more about where we source our essential oils, visit the other pages under this category. Browse the full range of Quinessence pure Essential Oils.

Expertise required

It takes many years of training and practice to learn about the variability in therapeutic properties and the organic chemistry between a given species of plant. When we are procuring our oils, our search is targeted for those with high levels of bioactivity and a fine fragrance. Many essential oils have been ‘adjusted’ to meet the requirements of the perfumery or flavours industries, and whilst that may be acceptable for their requirements, it is certainly not for ours.

True experts at sourcing these natural raw materials know precisely where the finest herbs and essential oils are produced, but it takes many years to acquire this expertise and to also build up relationships with the producers and distilleries. In reality, few companies manufacturing or supplying aromatherapy products today have been in business long enough to have gained such vital expertise.

The fertility of the soil the plant was grown in, the genetic differences in the plant, the variety, cultivation practices, the climate, post-harvest handling and level of expertise used in the process of extraction will all have a significant effect on the resulting fragrance and bioactivity of an essential oil. This is why the country of origin is so important when it comes to the quality of an oil, since the climatic and soil conditions greatly affect the oil producing cells within the plant.

Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) from France is a very good example; if you have several bottles of lavender from different suppliers try comparing them with one another, and note the differences. They will undoubtedly differ in aroma, chemical composition and therapeutic activity, and this can be for a number of reasons. These variations can be due to the altitude the plant was grown at, whether it was extracted from a population or clonal variety, or if it was produced organically. But there can be other reasons for variability as well.

Deception and adulteration

It is quite common for lavender oil claiming its country of origin as France to have actually originated in Bulgaria or Croatia. Or it could be a mixture of oils from all three locations. And just to be clear; there is nothing wrong with the lavender oils produced in these countries - oils of excellent quality are produced in both regions, but they each have a different chemistry, odour profile and therapeutic action to that of French lavender. And a different bulk purchasing price that is considerably less than that of French lavender oil too!

Of course variations in quality can be due to blatant adulteration with synthetic or isolated chemicals, and this accounts for quite a large amount of poor quality essential oils that find their way into aromatherapy. This is usually the case with oils that have been adjusted to meet the required profile of the perfumery industry.

But what is merely ‘adjustment’ or ’sophistication’ for one industry can be adulteration to another. Interfering with the chemistry of an oil to meet an odour profile may suit the perfumer, but it does no favours to the aromatherapist. To obtain classic text-book results you must use pure essential oils as nature intended or they will not be as therapeutically effective.

There can be absolutely no compromises with quality, and at Quinessence we remain committed to only sourcing the very finest that nature has to offer, extracted from organically grown products from ecologically sustainable sources. Of course this is not at all an easy task, but during the past 20 years we have set our own standards of excellence from which we never vary. In today’s fast-buck world, few other companies seem prepared to invest the time and money required to reach such exacting standards.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

See Quinessence Bulgarian Rose Otto essential oil.

In Bulgaria, the rose blossoms begin to bloom around the third week of May and will continue for three or four weeks, depending upon climatic conditions. The yield of oil can be dramatically affected by the prevailing weather conditions - for example during very hot and dry weather the harvest may last only two weeks and the yield of the oil is lowered due to loss by evaporation. Conversely, during mild and humid weather the harvest time can be extended whilst at the same time increasing the oil yield.

Time is of the essence

Under normal conditions, harvesting commences as soon as the flowers begin to open and continues until all the roses have been gathered. The flowers are still picked by hand, where they are nipped off just below the calyx (the green, outer protective cover). The flowers are gathered at daybreak and placed into baskets, and then transferred to sacks for transportation to the distilleries.

From the minute harvesting begins it becomes a race against time, for all flowers must be picked before 9.00 a.m. whilst the dew is still on the flowers and the sun is low. Once collected, the harvest is then transported to the distillery as quickly as possible since the picked flowers will begin to deteriorate immediately as precious volatile oil begins to evaporate due to the heat of the sun. This in turn of course will lower the yield of the crop and push up the price of production.

Method of extraction

Modern stills are made of copper and are heated with an open wood fire from below. The roses can not be distilled in the usual way by directly injecting steam, because the petals compact to form a large mass that the steam can not penetrate. Therefore the distillation techniques have been refined in various ways to overcome this problem.

During distillation a large amount of oil is absorbed into the distillation water, and this is known as the ‘First Water’. The rose oil must be recovered from this water to produce an acceptable yield, and this is achieved by skillfully re-distilling the water to separate the oil; a process known as cohobation.

On average, Rosa damascena will yield 1 kilo of oil per 4,000 kilos of flowers using modern distillation processes. Under very favourable conditions only 2,600 kilos of roses may be required to produce 1 kilo of oil, whereas under less favourable conditions up to 8,000 kilos of flowers may be required to produce the same amount of oil.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

We have been ‘British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection’ (BUAV) approved manufacturers for many years now, which means the entire Quinessence Aromatherapy Collection is manufactured without causing any cruelty to animals. In addition, our products do not contain any animal ingredients are therefore suitable for Vegans.

Together with 7 other national animal protection groups, the BUAV banded together in 1999 to form the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). The CCIC promotes a single comprehensive standard and an internationally recognized “leaping bunny” logo. They work together with manufacturers like ourselves to help make shopping for animal-friendly products easier and more trustworthy.

We have always believed it to be abhorrent to continue using animals to test the safety of cosmetic products, especially since there are other methods of evaluating safety. It has been understood for a long time now that the results of product tests on animal skin do not necessarily give an accurate indication of a possible outcome on human skin.

Quinessence Policy Statement

“No product, or ingredient of any product, has ever been tested on animals by Quinessence since its foundation - nor will there ever be a case to do so. Furthermore, we do not use the services of any other research establishment to conduct animal testing on our behalf, either on a product or any product ingredient.

We have operated a strict policy never to purchase products or ingredients from suppliers or intermediary agents who have conducted, commissioned or been party to animal testing for cosmetics on them, since our company began. We require annual written assurances from each of our suppliers to ensure that the ingredients that they sell to us comply with the International Standard on ‘Not tested on Animals’.

Our commitment to the standard is such that if any of the ingredients we use were found not to be compliant with the standard, we would seek an alternative supplier for the relevant ingredients, or if necessary remove them from our product range.”

Sue Charles

Company Director

Natural botanical

Quinessence products contain natural ingredients that have been derived from botanical origins. Every one of these vegetable-derived extracts provides beneficial healing effects that have been employed safely and effectively for centuries on humans. Therefore, in our opinion these ingredients do not require any further safety testing on animals.

For the past 20 years our philosophy towards this emotive issue has not changed, and as a responsible and compassionate company we promise that we will never, ever, change it. We are more committed than ever to see the end of this barbaric practice.
Leaping Bunny logo proven valid in marketplace

The Leaping Bunny Logo (trademark of the CCIC) has become the only independently certified “cruelty free” mark ever. Individual audits have been commissioned by the CCIC for all of the companies currently licensed to use the internationally trademarked Logo. Audits were performed by SGS International Certidfication Services, a recognized leader in Social Accountability Registration and the ISO-9000 certification program.

The fight continues

Every year thousands of laboratory animals in Europe and millions across the world, are subjected to pain and suffering in crude and unreliable experiments to test cosmetics products and their ingredients. The BUAV estimates that over 35,000 animals are used in cosmetic tests every year throughout the European Union alone.

Perfumes, shampoos, tooth-pastes, hair dyes, skin creams, make-up, deodorants: all of these and more are tested on animals. Quinessence continues to argue that cosmetics testing on animals is abhorrent, unethical, unnecessary and should be banned - permanently.

In order to help stamp out unnecessary suffering to animals, please ensure that the company you buy your skin and hair care products from does not test them, or have a third party test them on their behalf. Ideally, they should be a member of an organisation such as the BUAV who conduct annual audits to ensure that the strict terms of membership are adhered to.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Providing the oils were fresh when you purchased them, correct storage is most definitely the key to getting the most out of your oils. Both essential and vegetable oils do not like extreme, or repeated changes in temperature, and having spent your hard earned cash on all those wonderful oils, you need to make sure you look after them properly or their therapeutic properties may be lost.

There is also another important reason that you should store your oils properly, and this is to do with one of safety. We will come back to this subject a little later.

The basics

First things first. Essential oils should be packaged in dark coloured glass, since this filters out the suns ultra-violet light. Until quite recently, dark amber was always the colour of choice in glass bottles as can be seen from old-style medicine bottles. Today, dark shades of blue, green and violet have become more popular and they all offer some protection to your oils.

However, no matter what the colour of bottle is, you should never leave oils in a place where the sun will shine directly on them - like on a window shelf in the bathroom, for example. Over a period of months this will dramatically speed up the process of oxidation (deterioration) due to them continually heating up and cooling down. Choose a cool, dark place to keep them safely away from heat and also inquisitive children - safety point number one.

Cool it

Citrus essential oils are the most prone to oxidation, so to avoid the damage caused by temperature variations you could store them in the refrigerator if you have the space. Carrier oils and massage oils will also benefit by being stored in this way. Don’t have the refrigerator setting too cold, anywhere between 5 - 10 degrees Celsius is fine, and much better than on the window-ledge in the kitchen!

You will find that essential oils of Rose Otto, Aniseed, Star Anise and Fennel may solidify at this temperature. This just means you will need to allow them to warm up before use, and in the case of Rose Otto just holding it in your hand for a few minutes produces enough heat to dissolve the natural waxes which solidify just below room temperature. Other oils may need to stand for a few hours to return to normal.

Carrier care

During the summer when it is hot, it is a good idea to store your Carrier oils in the fridge, since they can be particularly vulnerable. Take them out of the fridge 12 hours before you need to use them to allow them to adjust to room temperature, because when stored at low temperatures some carrier oils form fatty particles which will need to be dissolved again before you can use them. A quick shake of the bottle is all that is needed to ensure they are returned back to their normal condition.

Jojoba oil will set into a solid, butter-like consistency at cool temperatures, and this is an indication that the oil has not been ‘extended’ with a cheaper carrier oil. Unrefined Avocado may also react in a similar way, although the refined oil will remain liquid since most of the essential fatty acids have been removed.

Aromatherapy boxes

If you do not have the space in your fridge, you may wish to consider a storage box of some type to keep your oils in. It does not have to be a fancy box, just something to keep them all together in one place and away from extreme changes in ambient temperature. Having said that, protecting your oils by keeping them safely in an attractive Quinessence Aromatherapy Storage Box is a wise investment that will soon pay for itself.

Being moderately volatile (most are not highly volatile), essential oils will evaporate fairly quickly so be sure to replace the cap tightly when you have finished using them. You don’t want the essential oils evaporating up towards the heavens! Don’t leave them laying around after using them, always return them to your place of storage.

Back to safety

And this leads to safety point number two; essential oils are flammable, therefore never leave them near sources of ignition such as cookers, fires, candles or any naked flame. To help put this into perspective - vodka and many other spirits are also flammable, but if you store them safely and sensibly this is not a problem. Since safety is a very important matter when using essential oils, be sure to read our Safety Guidelines in the About Aromatherapy section of our site.

One final but very important point, - under no circumstances should you ever decant your undiluted essential oils into plastic bottles since most oils will eat into, and in some cases, melt the plastic. Diluted essential oil preparations such as massage oils and lotions are fine in plastic since the concentration of essential oil is very low.

To get the greatest benefits from your essential oils and aromatherapy products, be sure to read about the shelf life of oils in this section.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

The rich harvest of natural, plant-based nutrient-rich ingredients provides you with a gentle skincare regime that works in harmony with your mind and body, to bring you beautiful skin - naturally. Not only that, but Aroma-botanicals bring you true, holistic aromatherapy skin care solutions at sensible prices.

Over 5 years in development, this luxury Skin Care Collection was expertly formulated making use of Natures finest quality vegetal ingredients to nourish and beautify your precious skin. As a specialist aromatherapy manufacturer, we strive to develop products that will be not only effective, but also very safe for those whose skin is easily sensitised.

Therefore, when developing the Aroma-botanicals Collection we insisted on using only natural, vegetal ingredients that have a long and proven record of both safety and efficacy. We do not use any harsh, chemical ingredients that will damage your skin.

Power plants

A supercharged blend of organic essential oils and vitalising botanicals including Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Ginseng, Goldenrod, Lady’s Thistle, Rose Mallow, Shea Butter and Seaweed are skilfully blended to bring dramatic improvements to your skin, promoting a healthy youthful glow.

Utilising these gentle, revitalising blends of nutrient-rich ingredients provides you with a skincare regime that works in harmony with both your mind and body, harnessing all the benefits of holistic aromatherapy and bringing you the results that you have been searching for - without the nasty side-effects.

We purposely avoided the use of any modern controversial ingredients that can irritate sensitive skins. Although ‘miracle’ ingredients such as AHA’s etc. promise great results, most of them have not been in general use long enough to discover any problems caused by long-term use on the skin. Every one of the vegetal and botanical ingredients in this range have been used safely and effectively for centuries, and posess well documented beneficial effects.

Synergistic action

When these botanicals are combined with active vegetable oils such as Centella asiatica, Jojoba, Rosehip and Carrot, a powerful synergistic formula is created that delivers a huge range of skincare benefits. Of course, without essential oils it would not be true aromatherapy skincare, so we have added our finest Certified Organic Essential oils to ensure truly outstanding results.

Light textured and non-greasy, these aromatherapy skin care products do not contain any animal extracts, lanolin or harsh chemical preservatives, thus ensuring they are both hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. As a registered BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection) approved manufacturer, we can guarantee you that the entire range of Quinessence products is manufactured without causing any cruelty to animals.

Aroma-botanicals® Skin Care Range includes:

• Aloe Vera & Lavender Gel

• Defying Cream

• Anti Wrinkle Cream

• Hydrating Day Cream

• Hydrating Night Cream

• Marinal Facial Exfoliator

• Marinal Masque

• Nourishing Hand Cream

• Therapy Cream Base

• Vitamin E Cream

The Aroma-botanicals® Collection really does provide you with everything you need to look after skin, producing results that you will both feel and see. Remember, no matter what your age now it is never too late - or too early, to care for your precious skin.

Aroma-botanicals® brings you beautiful skin - naturally.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008

Skin is your largest organ, and it performs several important functions that are vital for your survival. It primary role is to protect us against the invasion of foreign substances and bacteria, but it also serves as the transfer point for the release of toxins from our bodies. Therefore, your skin is far more than just your outward appearance and is truly worthy of protection and care.

So if you find yourself coveting the gorgeous skin of fashion models and celebrities in most of today’s magazines, here are seven tips that will help you achieve a beautiful, clear complexion that lasts a lifetime.

Step 1 - Cleanse

Always deep-cleanse your skin before applying any products. And wherever possible, avoid using commercial soap since this can be very drying and instead use a cleanser with gentle, natural ingredients. Dispense your cleanser onto the fingertips and gently rub them together to warm it slightly.

Apply the lotion to the face and neck with light circular movements to dislodge and remove any impurities. Don’t rub or stretch your skin, or use excessively hot water since this can damage your skin over time.

Step 2 - Tone

To remove any final traces of cleanser and to close your pores always use a toner that does not disturb the skins delicate pH balance. Choose a gentle cleanser containing natural botanical cleansing agents rather than one with harsh chemicals.

Hydrosols such as Rose, Orange Blossom, Geranium or Lavender are excellent for this job because they are totally natural and bring great skin-conditioning benefits. Soak two cotton wool pads with toner or hydrosol, and with upward and outward movements sweep across the face and neck.

Step 3 - Moisturize

Daytime replenishment is absolutely essential to keep your skin soft and free from the drying effects of central heating and the sun. After completing your cleansing routine apply some hydrating cream or lotion to your finger pads, gently rub together to warm it and apply to the face and neck in upward and outward movements.

Don’t forget to hydrate the eye zone, but be sure to use a very light product which is designed for this. Quinessence Aloe Vera and Lavender Gel hydrates, soothes and tones, making it perfect for this type of application.

Step 4 - Night repair

Overnight treatments are especially beneficial since as you sleep, your skin is replenished and renewed. Warm your chosen night treatment cream between the finger pads and apply in upward and outward movements to the face and neck avoiding the eye area. Don’t forget the neck and décolleté area since like your hands, it can reveal your age! Ideally, you should apply a light hydrating gel around the eye area to complete this step.

Step 5 - Exfoliate

To keep your skin in tip-top condition you should exfoliate every 10 to 15 days as this is a quick and effective way of removing dead skin cells. It leaves the skin soft and radiant, enhancing the absorption of your treatments. The best time to exfoliate is in the evening before applying your night-time treatment.

After finishing your cleansing routine, warm up a small amount of exfoliator on your finger tips and apply to the face and neck using light circular movements. Make sure you avoid the delicate eye area. Rinse off with warm water and either follow with a mask or finish off with your toner.

Step 6 - Mask

Use a clay mask for facials if possible, since they are highly absorbent and naturally help to draw out impurities in the skin and unclog the pores. Seaweed helps to deep-cleanse, re-mineralise and purify the skin, so for best results look for a mask containing this deep-sea treasure.

After exfoliating your skin apply an even layer of your mask to the face and neck, again avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes and rinse off thoroughly with warm water, finishing off with your toner.

Step 7 - Drink more water

That’s right. Simply drink more water and your skin will benefit enormously. Drinking plenty of water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil, from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

It is often said that the simplest way to achieve clear and supple skin is to drink plenty of water. Drinking more water prevents your skin from becoming dehydrated, and supports the ability of the skin to produce sebum which is your skin’s natural oil from the sebaceous glands. Your skin needs water in order for it to function at its best, which is why doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is the average requirement.

In fact, washing and showering only cleans off the perspiration and other substances from the surface of the skin, whereas drinking lots of water dilutes and washes away toxins from within the body and at the same time moisturizes the skin, helping it to look younger and reducing wrinkles.

Make drinking water a habit today, and your body will thank you for it by helping you to stay young.

Copyright © Quinessence Aromatherapy Ltd 2008