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Aromatherapy 101
Course Syllabus
General Information
Instructor: Monaliza Tatekawa
Email: monalizatatekawa@student.kaplan.edu
Course Meetings: Online, TBD
Credit Hours: TBD
Course Description
This course will serve as an introduction to aromatherapy. This class will be dedicated to
understanding the basic concepts of what aromatherapy is, how it works, common uses for
essential oils, how to use it, and safety precautions. Attention will also be given to other natural
health approaches that can be paired with aromatherapy.
Course Prerequisites
None
Course Objectives
1. To understand the basics of aromatherapy and how it all works
2. To understand common uses of essential oils
3. To learn the major concepts of how to use essential oils and the different application methods
4. To understand general safety recommendations
5. To learn how to determine the quality of essential oils
6. To learn how to find a qualified aromatherapist
Required Materials
Price, S. & Price, L. (2007). Aromatherapy for health professionals, 3rd Ed. Philadelphia:
Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
ISBN-13: 978-0702035647
ISBN-10: 0702035645
Recommended Materials
A carrier oil of your choice:
Organic and cold-pressed carrier oils are preferred, and examples include sweet almond oil,
apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil.
10 ml Amber bottles
Measuring spoons
Medium size bowl
Grading
Scale: TBD
Grading will be based upon a cumulative score of tests, quizzes, labs, and write-ups
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Lesson One:
What is Aromatherapy?
o Aromatherapy vs. Essential Oils
o Why use essential oils?
o Common therapeutic uses for essential oils
Discussion Time:
o Questions about lecture thus far
o Discuss different essential oils and their uses
o Ask students if any of them use essential oils and how their experience has been
o Discuss other complementary treatments that could be paired with aromatherapy
Lesson Two:
How to choose essential oils
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Lesson Three:
Safety
o Are essential oils safe?
Dosage
Purity
Application Method
Drug Interactions
o General Safety Recommendations
o Special Considerations
Children
Pregnancy
o Allergic Reactions
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o Phenols
o Possible Skin Reactions
o Phototoxicity/Photosensitivity
Lesson Summary: This lesson will address the questions, "What is aromatherapy?" and How
does it work? As we discuss aromatherapy and essential oils in lesson one, we will begin to
learn how they are made and how they can help as an alternative, complementary treatment to
everyday health ailments.
Lesson Content:
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a term that refers to the therapeutic application of plant essential oils (usually
diluted in some type of solution) by qualified individuals (Aromatherapy, n.d.). Aromatherapy
and essential oils are essentially the same thing. The word aromatherapy can be misleading as
people often think aromatherapy is something that smells good, such as potpourri, scented
waxes, perfumes and scented candles. While some essential oils do smell good, there are also
many of them have a not so pleasant scent. So why would people want to use them?
There is a growing body of research from laboratory and clinical studies that points to the
remarkable healing properties of essential oils (Aromatherapy, n.d.). Nausea, bacterial
infections, headaches, pain and fatigue are some common ailments that therapeutic essential oils
are used for. So, what are essential oils?
Steam Distillation: In this extraction method, steam is directed through the plant material. The
steam vaporizes the lighter chemicals contained within the plant material. The steam is then
condensed through a cooling process. This process generates two products: the essential oil,
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which contains oil-soluble molecules, and a hydrolat or hydrosol, which contains water-soluble
molecules (Halcn, n.d.). Hydrosols are flower waters. An example of a hydrosol is rose
water, one of the most widely used hydrosols in both cosmetics and culinary practices
worldwide. (Halcn, n.d.)
Expression: Expression is the simple method for scraping or grating the peel of a citrus fruit to
allow the release of oils. For example, when zesting a lemon, you may notice a citrus smell that
releases into the air, that is because the oils that reside in the sacs of the peel are being released.
Extreme care is taken when capturing the oils through expression. The essential oils retrieved
from expression, smell very much like the fruits from where they came from. This is because
expression does not involve any heat alterations which usually changes the scent of a product.
(Halcn, n.d.)
Supercritical CO2 Expression: In this method, carbon dioxide is used as a solvent. It is added
and eliminated to produce a high-grade extract that is very close to the composition of the natural
raw material (Halcn, n.d.). CO2 extracts are unlike distilled oils, that is because they hold a
wide variety of chemical molecules from the raw material. Some essential oils from the same
plant species are extracted by both steam distillation and CO2 expression. These essential oils are
different; therefore, having different therapeutic qualities and safety factors to consider. (Halcn,
n.d.)
There are three ways essential oils can enter the body;
Skin Application: Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin. Human skin is permeable
allowing the active chemicals in the essential oils to be absorbed. There are several factors that
may affect the absorption of essential oils. Massaging an area of the body will increase the
circulation in that area, thereby producing an increase in absorption. Heat also increases
circulation thus producing the same result. Some researchers report that essential oils may be
more readily absorbed from skin locations with greater concentrations of sweat glands and hair
follicles, such as the genitals, head, soles, palms, and armpits (Halcn, n.d.).
Inhalation: Another way to gain the therapeutic benefits of essential oils is through inhalation,
either through the nose or the mouth. Inhaling essential oils can affect the body through different
systems and pathways. One system is the olfactory system. The olfactory system includes all
physical organs or cells relating to, or contributing to, the sense of smell (Halcn, n.d.). So
when essential oils are inhaled, airborne molecules from the oils are released into the olfactory
system and almost instantly to the brain. Another system thats affected is the limbic system.
During the process of inhaling, the brain is affected through a variety of receptor sites. One of
these receptor sites is the limbic system also known as the emotional brain. The limbic system
is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing,
memory, stress levels, and hormone balance (Higley & Higley, 1998).
Ingestion: The last method of using essential oils is through ingestion (swallowing). Caution,
Oral ingestion of essential oils is NOT recommended for the general public because a great deal
of essential oils knowledge and expertise is necessary for safe practice (Halcon, n.d.). Oral
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ingestion is not practiced in the US. However, oral ingestion is practiced in France, but only with
specially trained physicians and pharmacists prescribe and dispense them (Halcon, n.d.). There
are several cautionary factors to consider with ingestion:
When ingested, some essential oils are toxic to the liver and kidneys.
When essential oils go through the gastric process, the effects of the chemical breakdown
of the essential oils can change.
Potential drug interactions.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for minor burns, insomnia, pain relief, and wound
care.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a mild antidepressant and tonic.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) to help with bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is used as an insect repellent and anti-parasitic.
Lesson Summary:
In lesson two, we will learn how to choose essential oils, as well as go over key elements to look
for when choosing essential oils. We will also examine the various methods of application, how
to choose the right method of application and learn the safe concentration percentages for each
method and cohort.
Lesson Content:
With the wide variety of essential oils available in the market today, how do you know which
ones to choose? Well, before deciding which ones try, here are a few things to consider;
Purpose: What therapeutic effects are you trying to achieve? Would you like to alleviate your
headache or treat skin inflammation? Finding the purpose for your choice can be a great a
starting point.
Cost: The cost of different essential oils will vary depending on the production process and the
purity. While some essential oils are easy to produce, others will take a large quantity of plant
matter only to produce one ounce of essential oil. An example of this is rose oil, It takes 250
pounds of rose blossoms to produce one (1) ounce (30ml) of rose oil, which explains the very
high cost of pure rose otto or rose absolute (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.). Good quality
essential may be pricey. But that doesnt necessarily mean the expensive essential oils are better
than the cheap ones. Doing your research will help will determine which essential oils are worth
your dollar. A few things to beware of; discount retailers, state fair or bazaar vendors, big box
stores, companies that offer essential oils at a lower or discounted price, or companies that
charge the same amount for all of their oils. (Roach, 2016)
Quality and Purity: We will discuss more on the topic of quality and purity in lesson three. But
for now, quality and purity is another factor to consider when choosing essential oils.
Adulteration of essential oils is a valid concern when choosing the right one for you. There are
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several factors that can impact the quality and purity of an essential oil. Even oils that considered
100 % pure may only provide nothing more than a mild pleasant scent. The amount of
therapeutically effective chemical constituents in essential oils can vary from season to season,
from year to year, or vary based on where the plant is grown (Roach, 2016). The processing,
packaging and storing of essential oils can also have a major impact on quality. Contamination of
essential oils can occur in many ways and at different phases of production. Sheri Roach from
the Herbal Academy suggests to consult with a reputable and honest retailer who specializes in
essential oils and who prides in the integrity of their products.
Terminology:
Therapeutic or clinical grade. These terms are used by retailers to describe the superiority of the
oils for the purpose of comparison. However, these terms are not standardized within the
industry to meet any specific criteria (Roach, 2016), therefore, the meaning of these terms are
based on what the supplier wants them to mean.
Label: Botanical name, plant part, country of origin, distillation date and/or expiration
date, chemotype (if applicable), and Keep Out of Reach of Children statement
Cost
Testing: GC/MS testing
Organic, unsprayed, or wildcrafted
NAHA or other association memberships
Sustainability and economic cooperatives or initiatives
(Roach, 2016)
In lesson one, we discussed the three ways that essential oils can enter the body; topical
application, inhalation and ingestion. These three methods are also the three ways to use essential
oils. But how we know which method to use?
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The chosen method will depend on what essential oils are being used, the condition being treated
and what effects are desired. Topical application usually works best for wound care. To elevate
mood, inhaling or topical application may be used. For fast action, inhaling the oil is best. For
baths, inhalation and topical application may be used.
Inhalation Methods
Diffuser: Using an essential oil diffuser is a popular method. Essential oils are placed in the
diffuser, usually with water. The diffuser is then turned on and heat is applied to the mixture. The
oils then evaporate into the room allowing for inhalation.
Dry Evaporation: For dry evaporation, a few drops of essential oils are placed in a cotton ball or
tissue, which allows for a dry evaporation. For intense dose, it is suggested to sniff the cotton
ball or tissue. For a milder dose, simply keep the cotton ball nearby. (Halcon, 2016)
Steam: In this method, drops of essential oils are placed in a steam bath, such as a large bowl of
steaming water. The individual then places a towel over their head and their head over the bowl,
while inhaling the vapors from the steam bath. (This method is not recommended for children
under 7 years old. For children 7 and older, goggles are recommended to protect their eyes)
(Halcon, 2016)
Spray: In this method, a spray bottle is used. Drops of essential oils are placed in a water-based
solution, shaken, and sprayed into the air in order to deodorize a room or set a mood (Halcon,
2016). An example would be to spray a peppermint solution in the air to stimulate alertness or a
pine solution to increase the holiday mood. (Halcon, 2016).
There are several ways to apply essential oils to the skin. An important thing to remember is that
most essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin without being diluted (Halcon, 2016).
As a rule of thumb, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier substance (vegetable or nut oil,
or water) at no greater concentration than 3-5%.
Dilution recommendations:
According to the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy the following are the
recommended dilutions for massaging oils:
For adults:
2.5% dilution = 15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
3% dilution = 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
5% dilution = 30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
10% dilution = 60 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils. Organic and cold-pressed carrier oils are preferred,
and examples include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, or avocado
oil (Halcon, 2016). Common carriers for essential oils can be found in stores that specialize in
natural bath and body products as well as natural food stores. Carrier oils have a very mild scent,
they must be kept in the refrigerator and can last up to a year. Discard any carrier oils that smell
rancid.
Disclaimer: Please note that the following information is only provided for informational or
educational purposes, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your
healthcare professional or physician.
Compress: The essential oil is diluted in a liquid carrier (water or oil) and applied to a dressing
or directly to the affected area. Optional heat or cold can be applied (Halcon, 2016).
Gargle: A safe amount of essential oil is added to water. The solution is then mixed and gargled.
DO NOT swallow the solution. An example of when to use this would be to gargle a solution of
tea tree oil to treat a sore throat.
Bath: Drops of essential oils are added to bath water in a dispersant [such as a few
tablespoons of full cream milk or bath salts] immediately before stepping in (Halcon, 2016).
This method results in both skin absorption and inhalation of essential oil vapors.
Massage: Drops of essential oil is mixed with a natural carrier oil at a 1% concentration for
adults and children over 2 years old, 0.5% concentration for toddlers 6 months and up and a
0.25% concentration for infants under 6 months of age. (Halcon, 2016)
Facial Creams, Lotions and Oils: Essential oils can also be added to unscented lotions, creams
and oils for the face and body. Facial oil/cream dilution rates: Sensitive skin: .5 to 1 % dilution =
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3 to 6 drops per ounce. Normal, healthy skin: 1 to 2.5 % dilution = 6 to 15 drops per ounce.
(Methods of application, n.d.)
Lesson Summary: In lesson three, we will discuss essential oil safety. We will review key points
such as general safety recommendations, allergic reactions, patch testing, phototoxicity and
special considerations such as pregnancy and children. We will also learn about the quality of
essential oils, finding a qualified aromatherapist and CAM treatments that integrate essential oils
into their practice.
Lesson Content
Safety
Are essential oils safe? When used appropriately, most essential oils are safe and free of adverse
side effects (Halcon,2016). One major safety recommendation is to NOT eat or drink essential
oils. Other recommended aspects to consider when using essential oils are; dosage, purity
application method and drug interactions.
Dosage: When it comes to essential oil safety, dosage is the utmost important factor to consider.
According to the University of Minnesota, studies show that some essential oils that are used in
high concentrations or incorrect dosages have been found to contribute to tumor development
and other harmful changes in the body. Other organs, as wells as the skin and liver can also be
damaged if used with improper dosage.
Purity: The purity of essential oils is sometimes altered, either by diluting it with a vegetable oil,
adding artificial chemicals or mixing other essential oils to it. Some popular but expensive oils
such as pure rose oil (costing over $100 per teaspoon) are diluted to make them more affordable.
To find out the purity of an essential oil, refer to the label on the bottle. And always remember
that 100% pure essential oils are highly concentrated and must always be diluted for safe use.
Application Method: The method of application is also another important factor to consider
when it comes to essential oil safety. While a particular oil is safe to inhale, it may not be safe to
apply topically to the skin. Several of the citrus oils, such as bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and
angelica, can cause phototoxicity (severe burns or skin cancer) if there is exposure to natural
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sunlight or sun-bed radiation following skin applications, whereas this would not result from
inhalation (Halcon, 2016).
Drug Interactions: Essential oils are generally safe to use, it is always recommended to discuss
any aromatherapy treatments with your primary healthcare provider. And while there is only little
research on drug interactions with essential oils, studies have found that peppermint and
eucalyptus oils increase the skin absorption of 5-fluorouracil, an anti-cancer drug (Halcon,
2016).
Special Considerations
There are two special considerations when it comes to using essential oils; children and
pregnancy. Caution should always be practiced when using essential oils for these groups.
Children: Dosage and concentration levels should always be adjusted downward for safety.
Additionally, some essential oils are not recommended for children of certain ages groups. For
example, peppermint is not recommended for children 6 months and younger. Menthol, one of
the major chemicals in peppermint oil, has caused breathing to stop in young children, and has
caused severe jaundice in babies with G6PD deficiency (a common genetic enzyme deficiency)
(Halcon, 2016).
Pregnancy: The use of essential oils during pregnancy is a controversial topic and one that is
yet to be fully understood (Safety Information, n.d.). The main concern is the possible
transmission of the essential oil to the fetus. Due to lack of information and the different views
and opinions about this matter, caution should always be practiced and guidelines should always
be strictly followed.
According to Tisserand and Balacs, the following essential oils should not be used during
pregnancy: wormwood, rue, oak moss, Lavandula stoechas, camphor, parsley seed, sage, and
hyssop (Safety Information, n.d.).
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Essential oils that appear to be safe include cardamon, German and Roman chamomile,
frankincense, geranium, ginger, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, rosewood, rose, sandalwood, and
other nontoxic essential oils (Safety Information, n.d.).
Allergic Reactions
There are certain circumstances in which essential oils can cause an allergic reaction.
Phenols: Phenol is a type of compound found in essential oils, and in some cases, can produce
an allergic reaction. Potential allergenic phenols that are found in essential oils include phenolic
sesquiterpenes, phenolic ethers, and phenolic diterpenes. Essential oils that contain phenol
compounds include; clove, fennel, basil, cypress, and clary sage.
Possible Skin Reactions: The three most common skin reactions that can occur with the use of
essential oils are;
Irritation: A non-allergic irritation to the skin can occur almost immediately after
application. This reaction produces a red wheal that feels warm to the touch and a
burning sensation. The common cause for this is a high level of phenols in the oil.
To avoid this reaction, dilute the oil to no more than 2-5% in concertation.
To treat this reaction, immediately dilute the offending oil while on the skin and then
wash with warm soapy water. Do not wash first with water, as this will push the oil
deeper into the skin (Warren, 2017).
Sensitivity, aka contact dermatitis: This skin reaction is one that develops over time. A
person may not see an initial reaction with the first application. A reaction may occur
after several applications, sometimes after a few days, weeks or months. There are
several causes to this type of reaction such as the use of multiple medications, the
presence of other allergic conditions, a family history of dermatitis, and many more.
Lime
Grapefruit
Wild Orange
There are a few ways to find a good qualified aromatherapist. Referrals are the best way to start.
You can start off by asking your primary healthcare provider for any recommendations. You can
also ask your family, friends or colleagues if they know anyone who is educated and trained in
the field. You can do search on the internet for local aromatherapist nearby. Review apps, such
Yelp, can also provide useful information, such as feedback from other clients who have used
prior services.
Note that there is no licensure for aromatherapy in the US. There is also no national
aromatherapy certificate. However, there are certification program available in the US. The
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) is an educational, nonprofit
organization that has established education guidelines for aromatherapy training programs
(Halcon, 2017).
Ultimately, you will want someone you trust and someone youre comfortable with.
Clean air: To clean the air in your home, a few drops of cinnamon oil (which have anti-microbial
properties) into a diffuser can help purify the air.
Detox bath: To cleanse and rejuvenate the body, mix lavender oil, sea salts and epsom salts into a
warm bath.
Teeth whitener: To help whiten teeth, mix together lemon oil, coconut oil and fresh strawberries.
Rub on teeth and rinse after two minutes.
Improve concentration: Inhale peppermint, grapefruit or bergamot oil can help increase
concentration throughout the day.
Disclaimer: Please note that the following information is only provided for informational or
educational purposes, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your
healthcare professional or physician. Always consult your primary healthcare provider prior to
trying any of these treatments.
References
101 Essential Oil Uses and Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2017, from
https://draxe.com/essential-oil-uses-benefits/
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy
Encyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Attar of roses. Retrieved May 27, 2017, from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/attar-of-roses
Halcn, L., PhD,MPH, RN, RATC. (n.d.). What Are Essential Oils? Retrieved May 27, 2017,
from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-are-essential-oils
Higley, C., Leatham, P. & Higley, A. (1998). Aromatherapy A-Z. Hay House.
https://naha.org/explore
aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/methods-of-application
Roach, S. (2016, April 11). How to Choose High Quality Essential Oils. Retrieved May 27,
http://naha.org/explore
aromatherapy/safety/
Warren, K. (2017, March 20). Is it possible to be allergic to essential oils? Retrieved May 29,
Wildcrafted Essential Oils - Artisan Aromatics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2017, from
https://artisanessentialoils.com/product-category/all-essential-oils/wildcrafted-essential-
oils/