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Aromatherapy/Essential oils in soap

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Expert: - 4/14/2009


Question
I am training to be an aromatherapist, but have been involved with using essential oils on my own dogs for the past year.  I have my own essential oil mix for flea and tick repellent (have not had one in over a year), but would also like to use a home made soap, but I am unsure of the amount of oils to use in an 8oz mix.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you in advance for any reply.

Answer
Hi Trish. It sounds as if you are having great success mixing oils. Funnily enough I cleared up a skin complaint on one of my guinea pigs using aromatherapy - saved a fortune at the vets !
I have never made soap, so I can't really advise, however I have found various references to adding fragrance to soap mixes. One of the links is here
http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soapmakingbasics/ss/basicmeltpour_4.htm
This link would advise .2 of an ounce of fragrance oils to your 8 ounces of soap.However, that sounds quite modest if you are wanting more than just a fragrance. If it was to help with a skin problem for instance, I might be tempted to put a few drops more.

Here is a link to a book that I thoroughly recommend for making all sorts of aromatherapy items, including soaps. You may well know it already.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fragrant-Pharmacy-Valerie-Ann-Worwood/dp/0553403974

Not much help at all from me, sadly, but keep up the good work.
Best wishes
Judy

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Judy Frayne

Expertise

I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !

Experience

I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress. I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves. Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying

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