2013 How-To Guide Our Mission At Rocky Mountain Oils, our mission is to provide exceptional therapeutic grade essential oils, at an affordable price. We are dedicated to the quality and purity of our product. We purchase our oils from around the world and only accept those which meet our strict quality guidelines. Our oils are tested with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS testing). We will only sell 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils, that is our guarantee and our promise. If you are not happy, simply return it within 30 days and we will refund any unused portion. We are very confident that you will love our oils. In order to make your experience even better, there are no membership fees or minimum amounts you are required to purchase. We are a retail store on the internet where you buy as often as you need, and as much or as little as you need. We also take orders by phone and strive to ship out quickly after ordering. In an effort to grow and improve, we always welcome feedback. Please email us at [email protected], or call 1-866-493-8159. We are always interested in comments, suggestions, or ideas for new products and product lines that you would like us to carry. We value the opinion of each our customers. Sincerely, Rocky Mountain Oils Rocky Mountain Oils Introduction W elcome to the world of essential oils! You have chosen to embark on a journey toward better health and cleaner living. Using essential oils is one of the best ways you can make those improvements. For centuries, essential oils of plants have been used for their mysterious healing properties. These oils are pure, concentrated, volatile essences, which are naturally present in plants, flowers, herbs, fruits, grasses, roots, etc. When synthetic drugs were invented, the use of plants & herbs for their therapeutic properties declined. However, in the last couple of decades, there has been a re-awakening to the powerful uses of Mother Nature’s medicine cabinet. There are a myriad of health benefits to using pure, therapeutic grade 100% essential oils. They help to protect the body, boost the immune system, revitalize the mind, and influence mood, without the negative side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. As an example, you will find it hard to find someone suffering from a Lavender addiction. Now is the time for you to educate yourself on the use of essential oils. This booklet is only the beginning for you, and is designed as a guide as you commence upon this journey for good health. Table of Contents How to Use Essential Oils 8 Benefits 8 Scents 8 G.R.A.S 9 Hot Oil 9 Photo-Sensitive 10 Volatile 10 Carrier Oils 11 Blends Using and Applying Oils 14 Topical Use 14 Aromatic Use 15 Oral Use 16 Other Suggested Uses Methods of Extraction 18 Steam Distilled 18 Hydro Distilled 18 Cold Pressed 18 Absolute Oil Concepts 20 Storage 20 Solidification 20 Diluted Oils Pets and Essential Oils 22 General Use 23 Dogs 23 Cats 24 Horses 24 Small Animals Appendix 26 Glossary 27 Web Magazine 27 G.R.A.S. Oils List 27 Recommended Reading 28 More Information 28 Deals and Coupons This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not approved by the FDA nor is it provided in order to diagnose, prescribe or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body. Rocky Mountain Oils assumes no responsibility for such use. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with a physician or health care provider. Using Essential Oils For Absolute Beginners One of the greatest benefits of using pure essential oils is that you are giving your immune system a boost in combating the diseases and pollution we face in this toxic world we live in. Prevention is always better than a cure. Benefits There are endless health benefits for using pure, therapeutic grade 100% essential oils without the negative side effects commonly associated with synthetic drugs. The following are some of the benefits: • • • • • • • • • • • • Functions as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. Boosts the immune system Assists with various emotional issues Relieves painful muscle and joint discomfort Heals wounds and reduces scars Aids with hormonal problems Used as a disinfectant Assists with respiratory issues Heals various types of rashes Used for an insecticide Relieves headaches Aids intestinal discomfort Another benefit from essential oils is they are available the majority of the time. When your baby wakes up in the night with an earache or toothache, you can treat it right then. If someone in the family wakes up with an intestinal issue, or respiratory issue, you have the materials on hand to treat that person. A first aid kit for travel is useful so you don’t find yourself in a strange place with all of your essential oils at home. Small carry cases can be purchased on our website for just such a purpose. Of course, even the best of friends cannot be expected to do everything and sometimes professional help will be needed. Do not hesitate to seek out proper medical care when necessary. Scents As you begin your use of essential oils, think about what scents you like. Think about what scents are your favorites, whether they are citrus, flower, wood, herbal, etc.. Think about how they make you feel, whether you feel energized, relaxed, rejuvenated, sad, or happy. If you can, go and smell the actual plants, trees, or fruits. If you don’t already have them, buy the oils with the scents that make you happy. G.R.A.S Is the FDA term for Generally Regarded As Safe. These oils are considered safe to ingest internally by the FDA.“Safe to ingest” means these oils may be taken internally by putting a few drops in a glass of water, milk, or tea. Peppermint is a popular oil to drink each morning in a glass of water. Many GRAS oils are used as dietary supplements. However, unlike supplements that you buy from the store, these GRAS oils are all 100% natural. To know if an oil is GRAS, you can view the product page from www.RockyMountainOils.com or you can view the full list in the appendix of this booklet. Hot Oil Certain oils are considered “hot oils.” Although there are only a few oils that are specifically hot oils, it is important to know if an oil is hot before you apply it. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils derived from their plant counterparts. Because they are so concentrated, some oils may irritate the skin while they are in a heavily concentrated form. Reactions vary from person to person, but most people experience a slight burning (or “hot”) sensation when applying these oils directly to the skin. Other people may experience minor rashes in the areas where the oils are applied. If you experience such a reaction, do not apply water. Water is repelled by the oil and will not lessen the discomfort. Instead, apply a small amount of carrier oil, rubbing it onto the affected area. The carrier oil will dilute the hot oil and relieve the discomfort. Many people wonder how you are supposed to use a hot oil since they are not supposed to be ingested or applied directly to the skin. There are two common solutions to make a hot oil usable. The most common solution is to dilute the oil with other oils that are not hot. This is called a blend, which we will discuss later. Even though this hot oil is blended, you will still get the benefits of the oil, but it will not irritate the skin. If you are only looking for the benefits of one oil and do not want to mix it with other essential oils, you may also consider diluting it with a carrier oil. We will discuss carrier oils next, but it is a great way to safely dilute the oil so that it is safe for the skin, without adding additional properties to the oil or without changing the scent. The final way that you can use a hot oil is by diffusing the oil in a diffuser. More details about diffusing will be given in the chapter about using essential oils, however a diffuser is a simple machine that diffuses the oil in aromatic form that can enter the body through smell. A hot oil such as cinnamon bark is a great smelling oil that can be diffused. You will enjoy the wonderful aroma of cinnamon in the air, while also receiving the effects of the oil as you take it in through your mouth and nose through the simple act of breathing or being present in the room. Photo-Sensitive A few essential oils are photosensitive--meaning abnormally sensitive or reactive to light. This is not a general concern. But if this property is mentioned in the description of an essential oil be sure to cover the area of your skin that has been exposed to the oil to prevent a possible a reaction, until your body is more accustomed to the presence of this oil. Volatile One important aspect to essential oils that everyone should understand is the concept of an oil’s volatility. A volatile oil has chemical properties that cause it to evaporate rapidly or to change into a vapor state very quickly. Although all oils have some level of volatility, some oils are more volatile than others. In fact, it is because of the volatility of the oil that its healing properties can cross into the bloodstream and brain barrier so quickly to affect the emotions of the brain. other essential oils. Many experienced users often do a mixture of 50/50, but this is only after they understand how the essential oil will react to their body. The more volatile the oil, the stronger their fragrance will seem when smelled. Some oils, like Orange Cream, evaporate even at room temperature. With these types of oils, ensure that the lid is closed tightly after use. However, this oil is incredible when diffused into a room, since even a small amount of heat can disperse it off into the air. An important point to remember: if an essential oil is too hot or causes an allergic reaction (this rarely happens), never use water to wash or dilute it. The water traps the oil and drives it against the skin and it can burn you even more. Always use a carrier oil to wash the affected area. The carrier oil will dilute the essential oil and cause a slower absorption. This will diminish or stop the burning effect while still giving you the therapeutic benefits you seek. After you have applied enough carrier oil to stop the reaction or burning, you can then use soap and water to wash it all off. We have a large selection of essential oil blends, many of which are already mixed with a carrier oil. For almost all people, these oils are ready to use straight from the bottle. These blends were created with specific purposes in mind. The synergies created by blending specific oils together can produce more powerful results. We suggest you try some of our blends until you are ready to create your own. Carrier Oils Essential oils are highly concentrated, they do not always need to be used directly on the skin. Often it is recommended that the essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil. A carrier oil is a cold-pressed vegetable, nut, or seed oil that may have therapeutic properties of their own. Some most commonly used carrier oils are: Fractionated Coconut Oil (F.C.O.), Jojoba, and Olive Oil. There are several reasons for using carrier oils. One reason, is to put a small amount of essential oil across a large surface of skin. Another reason, is to lessen the intensity of “hot” oils. In their natural form, essential oils are very strong and potent. Anyone new to essential oils and their uses should mix them with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. A simple formula is 1 – 2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil with the spice oils ie: Clove bud, Cinnamon Bark, Thyme, etc. Anywhere between 5 –15 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil may be used with Blends While shopping for essential oils, you will likely be confronted with a major choice while purchasing, do you want a single or a blend? Let’s take a moment to understand what a blend is and how it can be helpful. A blend is a mixture of various essential oil singles. You can receive the benefits of several oils all at the same time while using a blend. A blend is normally designed to treat a specific ailment or problem. For example at Rocky Mountain Oils we have blends with names like “Bug-Off”, which is a perfect blend of oils that creates a powerful bug repellent. We have another blend called Immune Strength, that helps strengthen your immune system. The blends have several different single oils, each having their own special properties but similar purposes. When blended together, the single oils compliment each other to create a stronger and more complex therapeutic blend. As an example, lets take a look at Immune Strength. This blend has Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Eucalyptus radiata, Thyme, Orange, Oregano, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Mandarin, and Ginger Root. Each of these oils can be purchased individually as a single, but we have developed a formula which uses the benefits of all of these oils together to produce an even better immune system enhancer. Many oils have special properties for fighting off viruses, while others have the properties for fighting infections, and many oils compliment each other. You can always mix your own oils, but this can become expensive and get complicated as you determine, through a trial and error method, how much of each oil to use. Blends can usually be purchased already mixed, saving you the time, money, and mess that this often creates. As you become more experienced with essential oils, you will be able to make your own blends. Blends are an umbrella term for two different types of blends: Carrier Blends are normally hot oils which are blended with fractionated coconut oil (F.C.O.) so that the oil is already diluted to a safe usage level. Sometimes the dilution of the oil can effect other properties of the oil in positive ways. Rose is a very popular oil, but in a fully concentrated form, the scent is fairly unpleasant. However, after purchasing (or mixing yourself) a blend of rose, you will enjoy the more pleasant scent that you expect from Roses. Sometimes several oils will be blended together and then diluted with F.C.O. in order to make the oils go further (when using essential oils with massage therapy), or to make hot oils safe to apply on the skin. Rose, Melissa, and Neroli are common examples of oils that are commonly diluted in order to spread an oil over a greater area of the body than would be possible if it was in its pure form. Synergies are another type of blend which does not contain a carrier oil. Several pure essential oils, that have properties to compliment each other, are combined to achieve a certain effect. Immune Strength or All Around Plus are examples of popular synergies. As a rule of thumb, look at the ingredients; a blend uses a carrier oil, a synergy is a blend of only pure oils. Using and Applying Oils Ways to Put Your Oils to Use It’s important to remember that essential oils have no “right” or “wrong” way to apply the oil. There are different preferences that people have, but we will discuss the most common application practices here. Topical Use When massaged into the skin, essential oils are quickly absorbed into the pores and circulated through bloodstream to the cells in the body. In their pure and unadulterated form (Neat), essential oils are extremely potent, and you should only use 1 or 2 drops at a time. When applying to the skin, you may need to dilute the oil with a carrier oil. It’s always a good idea to be cautious as a beginner until you become more familiar with the effects that certain oils have on your body. Use 1 or 2 drops of essential oil with a small amount of carrier oil. Put on a cotton ball or cotton round and apply to a small portion of skin first to see how you react. Experiment on how much you can handle. You can always add more essential oil as you learn how to gauge your body’s reaction. If you are treating a specific area like a rash, sore muscle, or an open wound, apply the oils to the problem spot. If you are using the oils for mental, physical and/or general well-being, you can apply them to the base of the throat, inside elbows and knees, forehead, and the nape of the neck. You will want to experiment to find what works best for you. One of the best areas of your skin to apply oils for quick absorption is the bottom of your feet. Yes, the bottom of your feet! Because of the extensive nerve endings, the benefits are carried into the bloodstream very quickly. Internal organs can benefit from essential oils, but there isn’t a way to apply the oil directly. In cases like this, you can apply the oil to the bottom of the feet and massage it in. The oil will quickly enter the bloodstream and benefit any of the affected areas. Aromatic Use When the scent is inhaled, it enters the nose, moves to the lining of the lungs, where it is then absorbed into the bloodstream. There are several ways to inhale the scent of the oils. The easiest is to just open the bottle and sniff. You should choose to purchase an oil diffuser or nebulizer. Rocky Mountain Oils sells a full line of great diffusers which we will highlight near the end of this book. There are several types of diffusers that you may purchase, but the concept is roughly the same. They use air or water to diffuse the oil into the air. Some diffusers have fans that circulate the air throughout the room and others (like nebulizers) mix the oil with water and create steam. This is very soothing when you are sick or for people who have respiratory problems. When purchasing a diffuser, you will want to consider how and where you will be using it. Check the information to make sure it can cover the area needed. Some diffusers have fans built in to circulate the oils in larger rooms. For a small bedroom however, you may prefer a diffuser without a fan which will be silent but still capable of covering a smaller space. Other diffusers have timers, so that the diffuser automatically operates during certain times of day. Another important feature to consider is if the diffuser is battery operated or plugs into a wall. Rocky Mountain Oils even sells a small diffuser that plugs into your cigarette lighter for your car. Many essential oils users have several diffusers which specialize in specific purposes. If you are just getting started and do not own a diffuser yet, there are some great homemade alternatives that will have similar results. You can purchase an inexpensive, fine mist spray bottle, add 60-80 drops of essential oils with water, and shake vigorously. Set the spray to the finest mist that you can and spray the air of the room, carpet, and cloth furniture. This technique also works great in a car. Always shake the bottle before spraying. (Note: Not to be used on hardwood floors, leather furniture or painted walls.) For more immediate effects, or when dealing with upper respiratory infections, an effective method is to place 2 or 3 drops of Eucalyptus into a bowl of steaming water. Place the bowl on a table. When you are seated, bend your head over the bowl with a towel covering your head and forming a tent. Breathe in the steam for a minute or two several times a day. You may receive relief within 24 hours. Oral Use Another way to use an essential oil is for internal use. For beginners, this can be a fearful endeavor, but there are situations when this method is the most effective for a specific purpose. The digestive juices of the stomach may alter the effectiveness of some oils. When using essential oils internally, it may be necessary to take probiotics. Some oils may disturb the natural intestinal flora. IMPORTANT: Do not take any oil internally unless it is G.R.A.S. as defined by the FDA. It is also important to consider that the oil is 100% pure, therapeutic grade. Although many companies sell essential oils, only a few actually sell oils that are therapeutic grade like Rocky Mountain Oils. Many distributors sell perfume grade oils which are not safe to ingest as they may have been adulterated (contaminated) with other chemicals. Although some users have reported taking oils internally by simply placing a drop of oil on their tongue, it is always recommended that you dilute the oil in water, until you have become accustomed to the effects that the oil can have on you. The least common method of using an essential is for cooking. You can use Black Pepper, Basil, Thyme, or Oregano oils to flavor your food just as you would use spices. Oils are far more concentrated than the dried or fresh herbs. One or two drops of these oils are just as effective as a couple of teaspoons of dried spices. Try one drop at first and add more to taste. Please note that many of the healing benefits of the oils are lost when used for cooking. If you are taking the oil for specific healing benefits, cooking is not the best method for their use as heat destroys these healing properties. Other Suggested Uses Many people enjoy using these oils in soaps, deodorants, shampoos, etc.. There is no limit to what essential oils can do. Here are some of the more popular ideas that we have experienced: • • • • • • • • • • • • Rub 1 drop of peppermint on your temples to help relieve a headache (keep away from eyes) Put 2 drops each of Lavender and Tea Tree, with F.C.O. on a rashw Put 10 – 12 drops of favorite oil or synergy on a 100% cotton cloth and put under the seat in your car Applying 1 – 2 drops of Lavender or Patchouli on your pillow can help you sleep Diffuse any citrus oil to energize the room Put several drops of your favorite oil or synergy into final rinse of your laundry Diffuse Peppermint and Rosemary to help clear the air of a musty room 4 – 5 drops of Lemon flushed down the kitchen sink will help eliminate odors. Diffuse Ravintsara and Peppermint to help respiratory problems. Massage a few drops Birch Bark in ½ teaspoon F.C.O. into a sore muscle Add a citrus oil to your dishwasher to help cut grease and clean dishes Read up on your oils and get to know their properties. But most of all, have fun. Methods of Extraction How Essential Oils Are Made Almost all of our oils are distilled using low temperature and low pressure steam distillation. The few exceptions are hydro distilled, cold pressed, and absolute extraction. Steam Distilled The most common method of extracting an essential oil from the plant is through steam distillation. Low temperature and low pressure play an important part of collecting the highest quality essential oil. When plant matter is placed into a chamber and steam is injected, the plant’s essential oil is released into the air. The steam and essential oil are carried out of the chamber and cooled. The oil and water are then allowed to separate for collection. Using a higher temperature and greater pressure will allow a larger amount of oil to be released from the plant. The scent will remain intact, and possibly stronger, but the quality of the oil will suffer greatly. Oils distilled at higher temperature and pressure for the fragrance will not perform like therapeutic quality oils distilled at low pressure and low temperature. Hydro Distilled This means the plant is distilled, using water rather than steam. The plant matter is placed in a chamber filled with water, which is then heated until the oil is released. This extraction process produces a superior quality essential oil, but it also is quite a bit more labor intensive and therefore more expensive. Cold Pressed Cold pressed is a method where the essential oil is pressed from the plant. This is the most common method of extraction for the citrus oils. The peel of the citrus plant is pressed and the essential oil is then filtered from the plant matter. While this method uses no heat and therefore produces a superior quality essential oil, there are a few drawbacks to this extraction method. With the pressed citrus oils there are microscopic amounts of peel and waxes. These parts of the plant will begin to break down and provide a short shelf life. On average you can expect a shelf life of 1 to 2 years from pressed oils while the other extraction methods will extend the shelf life for many years, if stored properly. Absolute This method uses a solvent or chemical to extract the oil. Once the oil is extracted, the chemical is then removed from the oil. An oil that is extracted as an absolute will always have some of the chemical remaining. A high quality absolute will have less than 1% of solvent remaining. Some plants, like Jasmine for example, will only give up their oil using this extraction process. Therefore there is no such thing as Jasmine essential oil but there is Jasmine absolute. Advanced Oil Concepts Storing, Solidification, and Diluted oils Almost all of our oils are distilled using low temperature and low pressure steam distillation. The few exceptions are hydro distilled, cold pressed, and absolute extraction. Storage Pure, undiluted essential oils should be sold in dark bottles, either blue, brown, green or mauve. If they are sold in clear glass bottles (or, even worse, clear plastic) this allows the light in and damages the essential oil. Bottles should always have dropper tops. For convenience and safety, the dropper feature ensures that essential oils can be measured accurately. Essential oils evaporate and deteriorate when exposed to the air. More air reaches essential oils without dropper tops. Always replace the top quickly after using the essential oil. Essential oils should be kept in dark, glass bottles. The darkness is important to protect the contents from the sun’s rays. As possible, essential oils and diluted oils should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place. Make sure there is no damp or direct heat in the area. Solidification Under cool or cold conditions, some essential oils will solidify. This effect does not hurt the oil nor affect its therapeutic ability. If the oil is placed in a warm room, it will soon return to a fluid consistency. (Never heat or boil the essential oil to quicken the process.) If you are in a hurry, just hold the bottle in your warm hand for a few minutes or place in a pocket for approximately 15 minutes. The oil will return to the liquid state. In extreme cases people will think that there are shards of glass in the essential oil, or in more minor cases, they have been referred to as simple “flecks”. This simply means that the oil has solidified. In fact these solid pieces are not dangerous, but they are often even more concentrated than the original essential oil. Warming up the oil in your hand will quickly dissolve the solid pieces back into the oil state where it can be used as usual. Diluted Oils If you make up a diluted essential oil--i.e., blend essential oils with a base vegetable oil-- you should use it within six months. When making up a diluted oil, always label it with the contents, date prepared, who and what it is for. For a more ideal solution, you can purchase a bottle of Fractionated Coconut Oil (F.C.O. ) to use for oil dilution. This oil has no scent or properties of its own which will conflict with your essential oil. In addition to the low cost, F.C.O. is an ideal carrier oil for diluting oils. Often used by massage therapists, diluted oils make great massage oils. Pets and Essential Oils Special Uses for Your Pets Essential oils are often used on pets as a natural way to cure, prevent, or treat common diseases and symptoms. However, extra care must be taken when used on pets. House pets are smaller and more sensitive than humans. General Use Essential oils are a natural way to treat many diseases in both humans and pets, with a few exceptions. It is important to consider the size and weight of the animal you are using the oil on. Usually, less than 1 drop will be enough. Use caution, and only apply oils to animals in small amounts. Since animals are not able to simply tell us if something isn’t right, it becomes more difficult to know correct dosage of the oils. In the example that we used above, we were treating an animal that is 1/10th the weight of its’ human owner. The owner uses 2 drops, so one would assume that the pet only needs 1/5th of a drop in order to experience the same effect. You should dilute the oil in a carrier oil. 1 drop essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and use 1 drop of that blend. Just as we discussed earlier about diluting oils, this will allow you to add a drop or two (depending on how much you diluted it) while still having the same amount of actual oil. This often makes applying the oil easier. Sensitivity is another important factor to consider when applying oils to animals. Each animal is different, but a dog’s nose, for example, is extremely sensitive and will absorb much more oil, much faster, similar to applying oils to the human foot. However, the paws of dogs are very thick and insensitive and applying oils to that area would not be very worthwhile. These are just some examples of factors to consider when applying oils to pets. Just as we recommend with yourself, introduce your pet to oils slowly, and see if they have any reactions to oils or to determine good dosage. Start with applying the minimum amount, then watch your pet for several hours and see if they do anything out of the ordinary. From here you can use a combination of common sense, research, and your observations to determine correct dosage. Dogs Just as with humans, if a dog’s immune system is strong, it can fight off most illnesses and health issues. That’s why regular veterinary care, a nutritious diet, plentiful clean water, and regular exercise are so important. Therapeutic-grade essential oils can help support and nurture the dog’s health to retain that balance; they can also be useful for ailments or injuries that occur during a dog’s life. If your dog is an inside pet, you may also consider using a desired oil in a diffuser. This will disperse the oil into the air in safe breathable amounts. This can be helpful for both you and your beloved pets. Dogs have very sensitive noses and will quickly receive the benefits of the oil as it is inhaled, plus you have the added benefit of making your room smell great and enjoying the benefits of the oil yourself. Depending on the size of the dog, 2 or 3 drops every few days can be rubbed onto the coat or behind the pads of the feet. Put a drop or two of the oil in the palm of your hand and let the dog sniff it. That is a sure way of getting the oil into its system past the blood/brain barrier, as well as introducing it to your pet. Take care, though, not to overload its nostrils, since dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. If your dog immediately begins rubbing its face on the carpet or some nearby object, you have a clear, loud message that the dog doesn’t like the oil and that it is probably not a good idea to apply this oil to your dog. Cats Cat owners understand that their cats are a unique and very separate breed from dogs. Their personalities and dietary requirements contribute to their uniqueness and add to our fascination with them. That uniqueness also extends to their reaction to essential oils. Special care needs to be taken with cats as they lack the enzymes in their livers needed to break down certain substances and compounds. Because of this, using an oil that is too hot or concentrated can affect your cat in dramatic ways. Of immediate note is the fact that our feline friends are very sensitive to odors (which may be why your cat disdains your company when you apply perfumes or hair spray); they also will not appreciate (or thrive) in an environment in which citrus and pine cleaners are used. Try diffusing a new oil in a specific room of your house that your cat normally attends, but can also easily leave. If you find that your cat is avoiding that room, then this is a good indication that your cat recognizes that this oil is not safe for them. If you want to try mixing an essential oil in the cat’s litter, be sure to provide an alternate, clean box during this experiment. That way the cat can decide which box it prefers. Just be conservative in the amount (and choice) of oil that you use. Another way to test if the oil is tolerable to your cat is to put a drop or two onto a cotton ball and allow your cat to smell it. If it wrinkles its nose and walks away then you know this is not a good oil choice. If the cat likes it or is neutral to it, then you have a good idea that the oil is well-tolerated. When you’re ready to apply an oil, put no more than 1 or 2 drops of essential oils on your hands, rub your hands together to activate the oils, then stroke and pet your cat. The oils will absorb through the hair follicles. Horses Horses respond extremely well to essential oils. However, for their great size and weight, they require an application of just a few drops to keep them healthy or to heal an ailment. Be sure to let the horse sniff the oil either from the bottle or off your hands (but keep the tip of the bottle from touching skin—yours or the horse’s—to maintain its purity). They’ll be curious about what you’re applying, but that also is a great way to transmit the oils through the blood/brain barrier via the nasal passages. Oils can be placed on treats, in the food, or in the waterpail. They can be rubbed onto the coat or placed on chakras (the vital energy points on the body); they can also be rubbed onto a specific spot, such as the pasterns or coronet bands. They can even be used in the animal’s “energy field,” the area an inch or two around the body. The key is to use a little (3 to 5 drops) and to choose judiciously which oil to use. Small Animals There are many other animals that may benefit from essential oils. We have even heard of them being used on gerbils and hamsters. However, just like with other animals, consider the sensitivity that this animal may have toward these highly concentrated oils. As a rule of thumb, test the oil before applying it. As we discussed previously, try diffusing the oil in a room and watching the reactions that your animal has while the oil is being diffused. You can also add a few drops of oil to a cotton ball and allow your pet to smell the cotton ball. It is best to not let them smell the tip of the bottle as the scent may be very different before it has been activated in the air, and its also possible that while smelling the bottle they may touch their nose on the tip, contaminating the bottle. To apply the oils, be cautious. Then you can add a drop or two to your hands and gently pet the animal. Just like with humans keep the oil away from the eyes and orifices. Unless you know it is safe, it is also best to avoid giving the oils to the animal orally. For more information on how to use essential oils with pets and what oils to use, please read the articles here: http://essentialhealth.com/category/pets-2/ Appendix Glossary Adulterate: To mix synthetic oils and/or alcohol with 100% pure essential oils, which dilutes the essential oil and destroys its therapeutic properties. Anti-bacterial: Fights bacterial growth. Anti-fungal: Prevents the growth of fungi. Aromatherapy: A generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils in combination with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs. (Note: be careful when buying oils labeled as “Aromatherapy Oils” because they quite often are not 100% pure.) Blend: Mixing essential oils with a carrier oil. Diffuser: A device which helps to release the fragrance molecules into the air. Distillation: A method of extraction used in the manufacture of essential oils. Essential Oil: A concentrated, volatile liquid extracted from aromatic herbs, plants or trees. The oil is “essential” in that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Generally extracted by distillation. Hydrosol: Floral water. Extraction: How the essential oil is obtained from the source. Sometimes referred to as distillation. Hot: Oils which cause a red, burning irritation on the skin when used neat. Some of these are the spice, mint and citrus oils. Massage Therapist: A person qualified to perform therapeutic massage on people. Neat: Undiluted. Organic: Organic plants are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Synergy: An undiluted mix of two or more essential oils. Therapeutic grade: May be used to aid healing, energy, and enhance mood. Synthetic: Refers to anything not of organic source. Volatile: Easily evaporated at normal tempera- Fractionated: Refers to oils that have been tures. re-distilled, either to have terpenes removed or to remove other substance Wild Crafted: Grows naturally in the wild Web Magazine G.R.A.S. Oils List Recommended Reading In our efforts to provide as much good information as possible, we have partnered with the web magazine Essential Health Magazine. This magazine provides information in many categories. Here is a comprehensive list of Essential Oils Certified as GRAS by the FDA If you are looking for more detailed information on essential oils, these are some of the best books you can find to get started. There are obviously countless more, but these are the top five books on general essential oil use that we have found useful for beginners. Basics: This section has articles like Basics of Using Essential Oils with Chakras, Aromatherapy Skin Care, Stress! How to Relax with Essential Oils, and others. How-Tos: In this section there are articles involving how to put together recipes and use essential oils. For example, How-to: Make Flower Water Skin Toner, How to Use Essential Oils in a Bath. There are also articles on individual oils and how to use them, recipes as well as suggestions from others on what they like to do. Spotlights: Businesses who use essential oils can be spotlighted in this section. If you would like to get your business promoted, or know a business that should be promoted that you would like to nominate, please fill out the form on our web magazine. Pets: Several articles are available on how to use essential oils with your pets. Questions: In this section you can submit any question you might have and it will be sent to the staff writers for the magazine. www.EssentialHealth.com Angelica Basil Bergamot Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, German Cinnamon Bark Citrus Rinds (All) Clary Sage Clove Coriander Dill Eucalyptus glob. Frankincense Galbanum Geranium Ginger Grapefruit Hyssop Juniper Jasmine Laurus nobilis Lavender Lemon Lemongrass Lime Melissa Marjoram Myrrh Myrtle Nutmeg Orange Oregano Patchouli Pepper Peppermint Petitgrain Pine Rosemary Rose Savory Sage Sandalwood Spearmint Spruce Tarragon Tangerine Thyme Valerian Vertiver Ylang Ylang Aromatherapy Workbook: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using Essential Oils Shirley Price Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Susan Worwood & Valerie Ann Worwood Aromatherapy for Common Ailments Shirley Price The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: the Complete Guide to the Use of Oils & Aromatherapy & Herbalism Julia Lawless Aromatherapy for Dummies Kathi Keville Web Resources www.rockymountainoils.com www.essentialhealth.com www.facebook.com/RockyMountainOils www.twitter.com/RMessentialoils More Information Deals and Coupons Follow Us For more information be sure to visit our education site. We have a whole section of applying oils to pets and discuss this topic in further detail. This is updated frequently and you can also submit questions if you are unsure and unable to find the answers to your questions in our articles. Although Rocky Mountain Oils already offers incredibly competitive pricing on its 100% pure therapeutic grade oils, we do occasionally run promotions, discounts, sales, and coupons. Like our Facebook page in order to get updates and news about essential oils and to hear about coupons, contests, and deals In order to ensure that your are notified of these deals and coupons, please sign up to receive email updates by visiting www.rmoils.com/signup www.facebook.com/ rockymountainoils www.twitter.com/ RMessentialoils Your Health, Your Way. Rocky Mountain Oils LLC. 483 S Orem Blvd. Orem, Utah 84058 866 493 8159 | 801 418 9420 (fax) | www.rockymountainoils.com | [email protected] 866 493 8159 | www.rockymountainoils.com | [email protected]
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