An Introduction to Garden Alley Oils... 

Essential oils used in aromatherapy are volatile, concentrated liquids extracted from seeds, flowers, leaves, barks, roots or peel. Most oils are steam distilled because it is the most economical process. Some essential oils are extracted by compression: citrus oils fall into this group. Solvent distillation and carbon dioxide extraction are used to obtain absolutes and to process oils whose properties may be damaged by heat. With the heatless process the true essence is maintained.

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. Use aromatherapy blends with massage. The deep penetrating action brought on by massage helps relieve tension, soothe aching muscles and increase circulation. A few drops in the bath can be a very relaxing experience. For respiratory ailments and headaches the right oil or blend can be added to a bowl of hot water and inhaled. Just a drop or two will do. For a relaxing fragrant atmosphere add the oil or blend to a burner designed for oil diffusion. For sprains or bruises a warm compress will aid the healing process.

If you are looking for essential oils simply for their aromatic properties let your nose be your guide. For aromatherapy therapeutic purposes you must first consider your expectations. What do you want the oil to do? Then check for the therapeutic action of the oil: i.e., anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, anti-viral, sedative, stimulant, etc. Create your aromatherapy blend using a ratio of 2.5% Essential oils to a carrier such as Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Apricot, etc.

If you need help on deciding which oil or blend to use please let us know.

Our physical health is greatly affected by our emotions which are somewhat controlled by the aromas we experience in our daily lives. We associate certain fragrances with specific physical and psychological attributes; i.e., when we experience the aroma of pine oil we think of cleanliness and germ free. Lemon scent gives us the feeling of freshness.

A fragrance can affect us in a certain way because we associate it with past experiences. For example, if we experience an aroma while in a depressed mood then we will associate that particular aroma with depression even though it was not a direct cause. We can also be conditioned to respond to a fragrance by repeatedly being exposed to that fragrance during a certain emotional state. A person can also be made to react to a 'neutral' aroma by the power of suggestion.

The mind plays a big part in how we react to certain situations. It also is a big contributor to the propagation of diseases throughout the body. If moods conflict then the mind attempts to stabilize the conflictions thus reducing the body's ability to defend against disease. 

Essential oils have been shown to effectively alter and control moods and emotions when administered properly.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. The formulas are blended from information obtained through internet research and books on the reported therapeutics effects of essential oils. Garden Alley encourages you to consult with your physician before using any essential oils or blends.