Insight Aromas® was inspired into existence through the awe of recognizing that the powerful, safe, and wonderfully aromatic fragrances of essential oils could be used to facilitate the healing of Body, Mind, & Spirit. These gifts of nature assist us in connecting and aligning to the energies of Spirit, Mother Earth, and our own innate wisdom. We have worked with essential oils for many years and now find ourselves embarking on a new adventure. “New” because we are proud to announce the expansion of our aromatherapy products and essential oil line AND a new name – Insight Aromas®!
Insight Aromas’ goal is to create a versatile and fragrant line of oil blends that will intoxicate you with delight as well as bring the vibration of healing to your life. New Blends have been developed, like Hot Summer Night, Laughter, Headache Blend, and Gentle Comfort, joining some of our favorite old stand by’s – Breathe Again, Sacred Space, and Release It. And, there will be many more to come. All will be available in 5ml. They will include affirmations to assist you in grounding their energies as well as a description of the blend and its components.
We are very excited about sharing our ever expanding wonderment with these gifts of the earth that our noses have fallen in love with. Thank you for visiting and shopping with us!
Essential oils are the subtle, volatile liquids that exist in the bark, leaves, petals, roots, seeds, and stems of plants. Some consider this oil the life blood of the plant because of the many complex properties and functions it regulates. For example, it regulates cellular metabolism, photosynthesis, cellular respiration and more.
When you inhale the molecules of an essential oil blend, it moves along
the olfactory receptors (the receptors of smell) in a pathway that
opens directly into the limbic system of the brain. It is here that
odors can trigger memories and influence behavior. Hormonal activity
that govern appetite, body temperature, insulin production, metabolism,
stress levels, sex drive and more can all be affected by these tiny
molecules of fragrance. But wait!
There’s more…
The limbic system also affects the nervous system. Desires, motivation, fear, traumas, moods, intuition and creativity all originate within this complex system of the brain. Smells initiate changes on all levels of our being and essential oils correspond to these levels by the fact that they comprise all matter – solids, liquids and gases. Great amounts of research are being conducted around the vast spectrum of properties contained within essential oils. Given there are over one hundred chemical constituents within a single oil, this becomes a vast undertaking. Now add to that, the emotional and spiritual components that stretch beyond our current (physical) sciences and you have one of the most fascinating ways to facilitate change and healing available on the planet.
But like all great wisdom, the use of essential oils for body, mind and spirit seem to have been around for a very long time. Some researchers believe that some form of essential oils have been used since 4500 B.C. Most agree that the Egyptians were the first to develop the science, although ancient Vedic texts of India from around the same time period mention the healing properties of such aromatic plants like ginger, myrrh, sandalwood and rose. The Bible has over one hundred references to essential oils and as most of you know, the gifts brought to Jesus as a newborn were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The resurgence of essential oils in the modern world appears to indicate we are once again getting in touch with our connection to the planet as well as our own ancient wisdom stored in the “ancient brain” of our limbic system.
Most essential oils today are extracted from the plant through a process called steam distillation. Cold press, enflourage, chemical solvent and CO2 methods are also used but less frequently. The oils are extremely concentrated, and it normally takes many pounds, sometimes even tons of a plant to produce a relatively small amount of essential oil. For example, it takes 5,000 pounds of rose petals to produce only a single pound of rose oil! (And you wonder why it costs so much!) Lavender, on the other hand, only requires 150 pounds of flowers to produce one pound of oil.
Speaking of cost, it is not only the amount of plant that determines cost; it is also the maintenance of the plant and the extraction method. Jasmine, for example, must be picked before the sun is hot and has to have its oil extracted through enflourage – a lengthy and expensive process of laying the petals on trays of animal fat or vegetable oil to absorb the essential oil. The petals are replaced regularly for days until the essential oil is extracted and the tray is saturated with fragrance. Alcohol is then added to separate the oil from the fat leaving us with a heavenly delight as the alcohol evaporates.
Insight Aromas® sell only the therapeutic grade essential oils from a reputable source. Our prices vary from oil to oil depending on its availability and the type of extraction process used in obtaining the essential oil. Also, be aware that true essential oils will vary in aroma. Soil conditions, elevation, water, fertilizers, sunlight and other factors all impact the fragrance from batch to batch. A trained nose can distinguish adulterated oil, but until you’re familiar with the various fragrances and types of oils be sure to purchase your oils from a reputable distributor. If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils and blending, see our Workshops and Classes page for our next Aromatherapy Class scheduled.
All in all, when using true essential oils, you can create a fragrant pharmacy that can enhance body, mind, and spirit. They are a wonderful untapped resource to bring wholeness back into your life.
Using essential oils are generally simple and safe. Listed below are the most common ways we have found to be of benefit. Please refer to the “Safety Considerations” below for further explanation of the safe uses and precautions.
Bath – Nothing is more luxurious than a warm bath including essential oils. The stress of every day life will literally wash down the drain and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Simply fill your tub with warm water, add eight to ten drops of pure essential oils – single note or blends, swish it around and sink into oblivion. Depending on the oils you use you may need more or less drops. Be sure to test on your skin first. If you have sensitive skin you may dilute the essential oil first in a carrier oil, milk or milk powder.
Diffuser – Experience your favorite essential oil wafting through the air of your home or office by diffusing it. Diffusing essential oils dispenses minute particles of the oils into the air which can freshen the air, balance emotions, fight infections like flu or bronchitis, or simply bring a delightful aroma to the area. There are many styles of diffusers available and soon will be available on line for purchase. Don’t hesitate to call us in the mean time. Depending on the type and size of the diffuser you may use five to twenty drops of single note essential oils or blends. If you are using an electric diffuser please follow its directions.
Massage – This is one of our favorite ways to use essential oils. Incorporating them into massage automatically creates the environment of peace, relaxation, and healing. Again, check safety considerations prior to using oils and blends on clients. Add 15 drops of single note essential oils or blends to 1 oz. of unscented massage lotion or carrier oil.
Steam Inhalation – As noted in “Essential Oils and What They Can do for YOU” it is in the inhaling of the essential oils that enables the healing properties to become quickly affective. So, Steam Inhalation is a wonderful and direct way of receiving the benefits. Fill a glass or ceramic bowl with steaming water and add five to seven drops of a single note essential oil or blend. Find a comfortable place to sit or stand and lean over the bowl. Placing a towel over your head will capture the steam. Be sure not to be too close to the steam so as not to burn your skin. Remain for 10 – 20 minutes or until you stop smelling the oil. You may repeat every 3 – 4 hours as needed.
Neat – “Neat” is an undiluted essential oil that can, if precautions are taken into consideration, be used directly on the skin. Always test an essential oil by applying a drop or two on the inside of your forearm. Wait 24 hours to confirm that there is no reaction. If there is no reaction you may apply an single note essential oil or blend on the inside of your wrist, on your neck, behind your knees, on your abdomen, etc.. Anywhere you may enjoy smelling the amazing beauty of your favorite essential oil.
There are many more ways of using essential oils to increase our health and enjoyment of these amazing healing tools. For example – in humidifiers, as a facial steam, compress, spritzers, and bath salts. For more information on these methods please email or call us.
There are also many reference guides on essential oils and their uses if you are so inclined to continue your knowledge. Some of our favorites are "Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty" by Roberta Wilson, "The Fragrant Mind– Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood, and Emotion" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy", both By Valerie Ann Worwood.
And, of course, we have continuing workshops on Aromatherapy and would love to have you join us. Please see our Classes and Workshops page for the next scheduled class.
• Only the highest quality essential oils should be used.
• Keep essential oils out of reach of children.
• Do not use directly on or near eyes. If an accident happens, flush with clean warm water. If neat (undiluted) oil gets in the eye, immediately flush with cold, full fat milk or vegetable oil to dilute. If stinging is not alleviated, seek medical assistance.
• Do not, unless advised by an expert, apply neat essential oil onto the skin.
• To remove “neat” oil from the hands, use cream or vegetable oil to dilute, apply soap and wash with warm water. Repeat if necessary.
• Never assume the essential oil will have the same properties as the whole plant from which it is obtained.
• Ingesting any oil should be done only under professional guidance. Never exceed the suggested amount.
• Excess can cause headaches, nausea, or a general feeling of uneasiness. Drink plenty of water, get fresh air, and take frequent breaks.
• Regulate the frequency when using essential oils. If used daily over a two week period, give yourself a week before recommencing treatment.
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