Essential indicates that the oil carries distinctive scent of the plant. Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin. There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution. Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted. Essential oils are usually lipophilic (literally: "oil-loving") compounds that usually are not miscible with water. Instead, they can be diluted in solvents like pure 100% ethanol ,polyethylene glycol, or oils.

Today, most common essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, are distilled. Raw plant material, consisting of the flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds, or peel, is put into an alembic over water.When using essentil oils, use the smallest amount of essential oils that will get the job done. Essential oils should only be taken internally after receiving a detailed consultation and prescription from a trained and qualified aromatherapy practitioner. The smoke from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Essential oils are naturally high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or with other health conditions.

Essential Oils Tips

1. Essential oil can be put on radiators, scent rings, or light bulbs (avoid the socket).
2. Don't use undiluted oils on your skin.
3. Skin test oils before using. Dilute a small amount and apply to the skin on your inner arm.
4. Keep oils away from eyes and mucous membranes.
5. Add 7-10 drops of essential oil to bath water directly or blend with 1 teaspoon of vegetable.
6. Massage helps the skin to absorb essential oils.
7. Use lavender essential oil in a spritzer bottle to spray on sheets and blankets at bedtime for a deeper relaxing sleep.
8. Wax candles can be bought ready-impregnated with essential oils and are a delightful way of scenting a room. Or
9. Essential oils are extracts from different parts of the plants such as herbs, flowers, leaves, resin, bark, fruit rinds and roots.
10. Add 2-5 drops of an essential oil to one teaspoon of unscented lotion.
11. Add 3 drops of appropriate essential oil to 1 t. of water, mix and gargle.
12. Add 10 drops to your bath water. Agitate water in a figure 8 motion. Soak in it for 15 minutes minimum.
13. Use a sitz bath with just enough water to cover lower body and add 5 drops of essential oil.
14. Avoid applying Essential Oils immediately after perspiring or using a sauna.
15. Avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds after applying essential oils.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.beauty-makeup-guide.com/, http://www.beauty-makeup-skincare.com and http://www.cosmeticsdiary.com/ .

The BaSIX and Beyond introduces agoodnightkiss® organic and natural tub tea sachets.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) September 2, 2007 -- Life is accelerating at an exhausting pace, with no slowdown in the near future. As a result, the need for balance and harmony has become important to many female consumers. Although the spa has become a fashionable destination, many consider visiting the spa to be both time-consuming and expensive. Thus, the spa-at-home concept, which gives consumers the chance to relax in their own homes, has been embraced as a welcome alternative in recent years. To help consumers turn their own spa-at-home dream into reality, The BaSIX and Beyond has created agoodnightkiss® organic and natural tub tea sachets. Infused with botanical extracts, the custom-blended tub teas cultivate the imagination and nourish your dreams.

Created by CEO and founder, Sharon Prendergast, agoodnightkiss® tub tea sachet blends contain ingredients chosen and specially formulated to provide aroma therapeutic and physiological benefits, promising to relieve stress, relax sore muscles, nourish skin and aid in sleeping. These benefits are typically produced from natural ingredients, like botanicals and minerals. Run a hot bath and toss a tea bag in the tub, allowing the sachet to submerge. Allow water to cool to comfort and enjoy your own spa-at-home experience. The tub tea sachets are available in three aromatherapy blends and in three hydrotherapy blends.

The aromatherapy blends are:

No. 1 Passionflower -- The name almost speaks for itself. This blend is helpful in promoting relaxation and aiding in a restful night's sleep. This aromatherapy blend infuses bath water with valerian root, organic passionflower, chamomile, white tea, organic rolled oats, organic sweet brown rice and dried organic rosebuds, as well as hops, anise seed and organic tofu.

No. 4 Lavender Herb -- Lavender was revered as an after bath perfume by the Romans. Prelude to a great night's sleep, this aromatherapy blend contains lavender, lavandin, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium and fir needle oils, in addition to organic rosemary, organic sweet brown rice, organic rolled oats, organic chamomile, dried organic lavender flowers and organic tofu.

No. 6 Motherhood -- You will agree that this aromatherapy blend of organic rolled oats, organic sweet brown rice, organic white tea, sunflower oil, geranium oil, bergamot oil, almond oil, rose absolute, honey, shredded coconut and organic tofu will transform bath water into a comforting oasis of aromatic pleasure.

The hydrotherapy blends are:

No. 2 New York City Chai -- This warm, piquant fragrance invites your senses to experience a soothing calmness. This hydrotherapy blend is made with organic ginger root, organic cardamom pods, organic nutmeg, Darjeeling tea, organic vanilla beans and Dead Sea salt.

No. 3 Cilantro Apple -- The herb, cilantro, is a great detoxifier. This hydrotherapy blend of organic cilantro, chamomile, organic green tea and Dead Sea salt will definitely entice you to skip a shower and make time for a relaxing soak instead.

No. 5 Rosemary Mint -- Use of this hydrotherapy blend infuses your bath water with organic rosemary, anise, ginger, geranium, spearmint, peppermint and rosemary oils, accompanied by galangal and clary sage extracts and Dead Sea salt. You will find the purifying vapors to be invigorating as well as relaxing.

Sharon Prendergast, CEO and founder, states, "Our skin absorbs nutrients and releases toxins. While delighting the senses, our tub tea blends help promote balance and comfort. Every tub tea sachet contains a generous amount of therapeutic plant extracts. Spa therapy, which is mainly bathing, provides a multi-sensory experience and water provides healing benefits, which are both spiritual and therapeutic in nature. Our objective is to develop products that are self-empowering, therapeutic, and enjoyable, and we intend to make them available to all consumers."

The average female consumer is still learning to appreciate downtime for herself, away from her daily routine. The oversized sachets are packaged five to a reusable tin. Each biodegradable tub tea bag is pre-mixed and pre-measured for you, thereby taking the guesswork out of how much to use at bath time. The tub teas have a suggested retail price of $28 and are available at www.agoodnightkiss.com.

Ms. Prendergast adds, "The need for balance and harmony is important to many female consumers. The time spent in the fast lane has created a need to compensate for today's stressful and harried lifestyle. Many women are turning to spa therapy. There is a need to relax and cleanse the mind and body. The BaSIX and Beyond's agoodnightkiss® natural and organic tub tea blends help create the spa experience in your own home, a luxury customarily reserved for a trip to a day spa."

Visit our websites: http://www.agoodnightkiss.com; http://satinhaircare.com