topic g+ : essential oils

Question 1

benefits of tea tree oil (4)

Answer 1

● healing (minor burns, scalds, ulcers)
● antimicrobial and antiviral
● stimulates and boosts immune system
● loosens and removes mucus

Question 2

caution when using tea tree oil (3)

Answer 2

● oxidises quickly
● risk of skin sensitisation
● keep oil in cool dark place and tightly capped

Question 3

benefits of rosemary oil (5)

Answer 3

● freshening and energising
● tightens and tones skin
● antibacterial
● strengthens memory
● good for respiratory, circulatory, digestive system

Question 4

caution when using rosemary oil (4)

Answer 4

● do not use before sleep
● low doses during pregnancy
● may be neurotoxic
● do not use on infants/children

Question 5

benefits of peppermint oil (6)

Answer 5

● antimicrobial
● anti-itch
● energising: invigorates blood flow and increases vitality
● soothes headaches
● increases sensitivity, perception, and awareness
● stimulates dreaming

Question 6

caution when using peppermint oil (4)

Answer 6

● do not use on infant/children
● do not use more than 5%
● do not use with homeopathic remedies
● do not use if G6PD deficient

Question 7

benefits of lemongrass oil (7)

Answer 7

● refreshing and cleansing
● antiseptic
● insect repellent (but attracts bees)
● antimicrobial
● calming
● strengthens bodily systems
● eliminates lactic acids (for circulation: massage after workout)

Question 8

caution when using lemongrass oil (3)

Answer 8

● irritates sensitive/damaged skin + risk allergic reaction
● maximum dermal limit 0.7%
● do not use on children below 2

Question 9

benefits of lavender oil (5)

Answer 9

● harmonises, balances, smoothens flow of qi
● calming
● antispasmodic (gd for cough)
● pain relieving (headaches)
● stims immune system

Question 10

caution of using lavender oil (1)

Answer 10

● may cause allergic skin reactions

Question 11

benefits of geranium oil (5)

Answer 11

● regulates hormones (PMS, menopausal symptoms)
● gentle, soothing, uplifting
● antimicrobial
● balances sebum production (for both dry and oily skin)
● feminine energy: fertility, birth, etc.

Question 12

caution when using geranium oil (1)

Answer 12

● may irritate sensitive skin

Question 13

benefits of german chamomile oil (5)

Answer 13

● anti-inflammatory and soothing (dry itchy skin)
● antiallergenic
● eases pain esp menstrual cramp
● stimulates bile production
● treats insomnia

Question 14

caution when using german chamomile (1)

Answer 14

● avoid mixing with other meds: may pose interaction problems with certain antipsychotic/antidepressants

Question 15

benefits of clary sage oil

Answer 15

● antidepressant
● relaxing
● antiseptic
● combats hair loss
● relieves menstrual pain and regulates menstrual flow
● regulates hormones
● tones digestive system

good for lavender haters who want to improve sleep

Question 16

caution when using clary sage oil (3)

Answer 16

● risk skin sensitisation
● avoid using during first trimester (may cause uterine contractions)
● avoid use for infants and toddlers

Question 17

benefits of melissa/lemon balm (5)

Answer 17

● calming, soothing, stress relieving, healing
● good for cough and flu
● insect repellant
● revitalises skin and mind
● regulates and balances reproductive, circulatory, digestive systems

Question 18

caution when using melissa/lemon balm (3)

Answer 18

● avoid when pregnant
● may irritate skin, max dermal limit 0.9%
● not suitable for children under 2

Question 19

benefits of lemon oil (4)

Answer 19

● antibacterial, antiseptic
● treats verrucas, insect bites, tension headache
● tonic action on lymphatic system and stimulating for digestion and immune system
● good for skincare: refreshing, slightly calming. brightening

Question 20

caution of using lemon oil (3)

Answer 20

● phototoxic (causes sunburn): avoid exposing skin to sunlight or sunbed within 12h of use
● risk of skin sensitisation, dermal limit 2%
● keep in cool dark place tightly capped

Question 21

benefits of bergamot oil (4)

Answer 21

● invigorating, uplifting, relaxing, refreshing, purifying
● immune boosting
● stimulating to appetite
● antiviral, antiinflammatory

Question 22

caution when using bergamot oil (2)

Answer 22

● keep in cool dark place with cap tightly closed

● phototoxic 0.4% (avoid exposing skin to sunlight or sunbed within 12h of use)

Question 23

benefits of german chamomile hydrosol (3)

Answer 23

● skin and wound care
● anti inflammatory
● calming

Question 24

benefits of lavender hydrosol (4)

Answer 24

● cooling
● relieves itching. irritation
● healing, good for wound care and cleaning
● good for cranky children

Question 25

benefits of rose hydrosol (4)

Answer 25

● good for skin
● good for wounds, scratches, bites
● antibacterial
● calming

Question 26

essential oil vs hydrosol (3)

Answer 26

essential oils
● hydrophobic
● highly concentrated containing ONLY volatile aroma compounds of plants
● aromatherapists trained in usage and safety protocols

hydrosols
● hydrosols are aromatic water by-product of distillation
● contain a small amount of EO
● aromatherapists trained in usage (less safety concerns than EO)

Question 27

are hydrosols just EO added to water

Answer 27

NAUR hydrosols are a byproduct of steam distillation which is used to make EO

Question 28

plant medicine comparison: increasing concentration of plant material (6)

Answer 28

1. flower essence
2. tisane (tea) infusion
3. hydrosol
4. infused oil
5. tincture
6. essential oil

Question 29

what is flower essence (3)

Answer 29

● plant material extracted into water by infusion then highly diluted
● similar to homeopathic remedies in terms of dilution
● no safety concerns but practitioners can provide guidance on most appropriate remedies

Question 30

what plant medicines are made with plant material extracted into water by infusion (4)

Answer 30

1. flower essence
2. tisane (tea) infusion
3. infused oil
4. tincture

Question 31

benefits of marjoram essential oil (3)

Answer 31

● relaxes mind in stress or grief
● suitable for muscle and joint pains: warming, analgesic, antispasmodic
● acts on respiratory system: good for asthma, bronchitis

Question 32

what does clary sage oil smell and look like

Answer 32

smell: heavy fragrance with herbal and nutty tones
look: pale green/yellow to clear colour

Question 33

what does marjoram oil smell and look like

Answer 33

smell: warm, camphoraceous, spicy
look: pale yellow oil