Aromatherapy

Learn Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy correspondence course or Aromatherapy online course.

Develop a basic understanding of the safe use of Aromatherapy oils; and their production. This course is aimed at the introductory level of education in Aromatherapy. It is suitable for those wishing to gain knowledge of using Aromatherapy in the home or for those working in a related discipline.

Knowing the botanical names of plants and how they are derived is an important part of Aromatherapy. Most people know essential oils by their common names, such as Lavender, Thyme or Eucalyptus. For instance, there are several different types of plant that are commonly known as Lavender, and more than one of these plants are used to produce lavender oil. Oil distilled from True Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is the highest quality lavender oil. However, lavender can also be distilled from Lavandula x intermedia and Lavandula latifolia. All three smell very similar, and can even be confusing for an experienced aromatherapist, but the chemical composition of Lavandula angustifolia is far superior to the other two species and is a much better therapeutic oil.
All this and much more is explained in detail and with practical tasks in the course.

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:

1. Plant Identification
   • Importance of Correct Plant Identification
   • Plant Name Changes
   • Common Names
   • Scientific Names
   • Levels of Classification in Plant Taxonomic System
   • Plant Families
   • Pronunciation of Plant Names
   • Introduction to Chemistry of Herb Plants
   • Parts of a Compound; Biochemical Groups, Chemical Names
   • What is an Acid or Base
   • Alkaloids
   • Tannins
2. Introduction to Aromatherapy
   • Origins of Aromatherapy
   • Top Notes, Middle Notes
   • Aromatherapy Consultations
   • Natural Chemicals in Plants
   • Saponins; Phenolglycosides; Anthraglycosides; Flavonoids; Mustard Oils; Polysaccharides; Prussic Acid; Glycosides; Coumarin; Essential Minerals, etc
   • Resources
3. Essential Oils
   • Introduction
   • Benzoin
   • Bergamot
   • Cedar Wood
   • Chamomile
   • Clary Sage
   • Eucalyptus
   • Frankincense
   • Geranium
   • Juniper
   • Lemon
   • Lavender
   • Marjoram
   • Orange
   • Peppermint
   • Rose Otto
   • Rosemary
   • Sandalwood
   • Tea Tree
   • Thyme
   • Ylang Ylang
   • Australian Bush Flower Remedies
4. Safe Use of Essential Oils
   • How Essential Oils Work
   • Inhalation
   • Absorption
   • Quantities to Use: Rcommended rate, oil type, smell
   • Blending Oils
   • Children
   • During Pregnancy
   • For Animals
5. Carriers
   • Using Carriers
   • Sweet Almond Oil
   • Apricot Kernal Oil
   • Avocado Oil
   • Canola Oil
   • Burners
   • Inhalation
   • Spray, Basin, Hands, Bath
   • Cariier Oils, Creames and Lotions
6. Growing and Harvesting Herbs for Essential Oil
   • Herb Cultivation
   • Harvesting different plant parts
   • Harvesting different types of Herbs
   • Expected Yeilds for Different Herbs
   • Harvesting for Essential Oils; Tea Tree, Lavender
   • Post Harvest Handling of Herbs; temperature, moisture loss, physical damage ethylene, pathogens
   • Post Harvest Preservation: Fresh, Modified Atmosphere Packaging
7. Methods of Extraction
   • Introduction
   • Water Distilation
   • Steam Distilation
   • Maceration
   • Effleurage
   • Expression
   • Fixatives
   • Herbal Preparations
   • Preparing Teas, Rinses and Baths
   • Preparations using different herbs
   • Decoction
8. Hazardous Herbs and Oils
   • Introduction
   • Carcinogens
   • Photosensitisers
   • Allergens
   • Hormone Like Affects
   • Teratogens
   • Cellular Respiratory Inhibitors
   • Cathartics
   • Abortifacients and Irritants
   • Alkaloids; types
   • Toxic Amino Acids
   • Glycocides
   • Terpenes
   • Plant Acids
   • Poly-ynes
   • Furanocoumarins
   • Proteins

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• 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.
• Explain how oils enter the body and how a carrier will assist with this entry.
• 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.