Course CodeVHT104Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested. Aromatherapy: Power of Essential Oils Essential oils are the backbone of Aromatherapy. Their effectiveness is dependent on their safe and proper use, as well as on the quality of the oil used. Oils work in a much more subtle way than many commercially prepared products and in many situations are more suitable for preventative treatment rather than cure. Why study this course? Develop a basic understanding of the safe use of aromatherapy oils and their production. Learn about the different categories of oils, their characteristics, and the dangers associated with misuse of some. Understand how oils are extracted and stored What one of our Aromatherapy students said about the course: "This course was very interesting, challenging and very worthwhile" N. Mills . Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Plant Identification Understand the classification system used for naming plants and to be able to identify the family, genus and species names of plants used to produce essential oils. Define aromatherapy and its history, to understand how aromatherapy works, and the basic chemistry behind it. Introduction to Aromatherapy To define aromatherapy and its history and to understand how aromatherapy works, and the basic chemistry behind it Essential Oils Identify a range of essential oils, their uses and contraindications Safe Use of Essential Oils Ensure that essential oils are used in a safe and controlled manner. Carriers Identify what can be used as a carrier for essential oils and why they must be used. Growing and Harvesting Herbs for Essential Oil Identify methods which can be used to grow, and harvest herbs used in essential oil production. Methods of Extraction Identify methods used to extract essential oils from plants. Hazardous Herbs and Oils Identify herbs and oils acknowledged as hazardous to people, and which should not be used in aromatherapy, or with great care. What You Will Do Undertake brief written report on what you understand about how plants are named Give the scientific names of ten different plants from which essential oils are derived. Give a brief summary of your knowledge of aromatherapy and essential oils. Understand how herbs are promoted to the public in order to sell them. Write an essay on the history of aromatherapy and essential oil use. Suggest different blends that can be used for insomnia and other complaints Suggest different blends that can be used for treating a head cold. Discuss a range of oils that would be suitable for a travel kit Understand the use of aromatherapy for children.- List a range of oils that would be considered safe to use for children. Write a short essay on ways in which essential oils can be used. Understand the use of essential oils on animals List a range of types of vegetable oils appropriate for use in massage and indicate what types of skin the oils are good for Submit the bath oil blends from a Set Task along with instructions on how to use them in the bath and what conditions they are good for. Understand why some herbs tend to be collected in the morning, some before flowering, some during flowering, and others at various times of the year. What impact does this have on the essential oil? From catalogues collected, explain why some oils cost more others. Discuss different methods of oil extraction and list their benefits and disadvantages. Comprehend what is the difference between an essential oil and an aromatic oil Compile a detailed costing for processing herb materials to produce essential oils. List a range of essential oils that are not safe for use in aromatherapy. Discuss how essential oils can be used safely and ways in which they should not be used. Understand which essential oils may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Examples of herbs that may be used Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) - antiseptic, breathe fumes to clear sinuses and ease chest infections Garlic (Allium sativum) – antibacterial, reduces blood pressure, aids breathing Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – settles stomach, anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, reduces blood toxins, treats colds Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – relaxant, aids sleep, antibacterial, antiseptic, heals skin conditions, relieves pain Lemon (Citrus limonum) - antibacterial, soothes colds and influenza symptoms, assists immune system Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - relaxant, calms nerves, alleviates headaches, treats cold sores and viruses Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - aids with digestion, relieves headaches, soothes pain Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) - antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, heals wounds, soothes skin irritations and mouth sores Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - lowers blood pressure, improves concentration, reduces fatigue, aids hair and scalp health Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - antiseptic, antifungal, soothes pain, treats insect bites, calms acne and skin conditions Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - decongestant, soothes sore throats, treatment of coughs and colds, diarrhoea, antiseptic, treatment of cuts How are Herbs Prepared for Use? There are many different ways of preparing herbs for aromatherapy. Here are some examples: Herbal Decoctions A decoction is made from boiling the harder parts of plants such as bark, stems, seeds or roots. You should always research the plant part you intend to use to make sure it is not poisonous. For instance, peach and apricot stones contain traces of amygdalin which is a form of cyanide. The parts of many Australian natives need very careful preparation to reduce toxicity. 1) Add about 25-30g (0.88-1 ounce or 1/4 to 1/8th cup) of dried herbs to a saucepan. 2) Pour over one litre of water. 3) Place on stove and bring to the boil. 4) Reduce heat to simmer for around half an hour. 5) Strain, allow to cool, and then refrigerate in a sealed container. Hints Try pouring boiling water over dried herbs and allowing to stand overnight for stronger oils. Experiment with different combinations of herbs. Discard leftover decoctions and teas after one week. Don't use plant parts which have recently been sprayed with pesticides. Ointments Making your own herbal ointment or balm can be very enjoyable and if you have children it's something they love to get involved in. You can make ointments to soothe stings and bites, cut and grazes, or for dry irritable skin. 1) Heat some water in a saucepan so that it is simmering and not boiling. 2) Add 1 cup (250ml) of vegetable oil (e.g. olive, jojoba, almond) and 1/2 cup of dried herbs of your choice (or more for fresh herbs) to a bowl. 3) Place the bowl on top of the saucepan so that it fits snugly but does not touch the water. 4) Leave for 20-30 minutes. 5) Strain the oil to remove herb parts and return to bowl. 6) Add 3 tablespoons of beeswax to the oil. 7) Allow the wax to melt but not boil. 8) Gently stir contents with a wooden spatula to mix ingredients. 9) Remove bowl and pour ointment into jars. 10) Allow to cool, then seal and refrigerate. Hints Use a glass or Pyrex bowl so that no contaminants leach into the ointment. Buy a purpose-made double boiler. Use more beeswax to create a thicker ointment which can be used as a lip balm. Put date labels on your ointments and dispose of after 6 months or if they deteriorate. WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR? Anyone who wants to develop a deeper and more serious understanding of aromatherapy Herb growers, herb manufacturers or herb traders Crafts people - candle makers, soap makers, etc Herb farmers, nurserymen, gardeners and landscapers