Aromatherapy

This course covers the fundamentals of aromatherapy, from identifying and understanding aromatic plants through to the safe use and blending of essential oils. You will learn about carrier oils, extraction methods such as steam distillation and maceration, and how to grow and harvest herbs specifically for essential oil production. The course also covers hazardous oils and how to use them safely. Suitable for anyone interested in aromatherapy as a hobby or as a foundation for further study.

A distance learning course in Aromatherapy Learn about growing and using essential oils in your own home or at work. Learn about essential oils, herb oils and their uses. Learn about plant names and classifications, and the importance of identifying these. Learn about different essential oils. Study different methods of extraction. Develop your knowledge of hazardous herbs and oils. COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT Lesson 1. Plant Identification Understand the classification system used for naming plants and the importance of this to an aroma therapist. 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 Lesson 2. Introduction to Aromatherapy The history of aromatherapy. How aromatherapy actually works. Basic chemistry of essential oils. 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 Lesson 3. Essential Oils The therapeutic benefits of oils and how to use them. 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 Lesson 4. Safe Use of Essential Oils Learn to use essential oils safely, in a controlled manner. How Essential Oils Work Inhalation Absorption Quantities to Use: Recommended rate, oil type, smell Blending Oils Children During Pregnancy For Animals Lesson 5. Carriers Learn about the properties of carriers and how to use them. Using Carriers Sweet Almond Oil Apricot Kernel Oil Avocado Oil Canola Oil Burners Inhalation Spray, Basin, Hands, Bath Carrier Oils, Creames and Lotions Lesson 6. Growing and Harvesting Herbs for Essential Oil Methods of growing plants for essential oil extraction. When, what, and how to harvest. Herb Cultivation Harvesting different plant parts Harvesting different types of Herbs Expected Yields 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 Lesson 7. Methods of Extraction Learn extraction methods and how to evaluate to economic viability of producing your own essential oils. Introduction Water Distillation Steam Distillation Maceration Effleurage Expression Fixatives Herbal Preparations Preparing Teas, Rinses and Baths Preparations using different herbs Decoction Lesson 8. Hazardous Herbs and Oils Become aware of the danger of some oils. Safe practice. 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 WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE Below are some of the exercises you will do in this course. Give the scientific names (genus, species and variety names) of ten different plants from which essential oils are derived. Research an essential oil of your choice. Find out as much as you can about the oil including: Suggest different blends that can be used for treating a head cold. List a range of oils that would be considered safe to use for children. 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 why some herbs tend to be collected in the morning, some before flowering, some during flowering, and others at various times of the year. Submit your detailed costing for processing herb materials to produce essential oils. Discuss which essential oils may not be safe for use during pregnancy. WHY YOU NEED THIS COURSE All kinds of chemical compounds occur in plants. Some are toxic, some may be toxic in high quantities, and others may be required in high concentrations to be of any use. Knowledge of these chemicals, and an understanding of what effect they may have, is imperative for aromatherapists. Chemicals in aromatic plants can penetrate the body as a smell drifting through the air; or through the skin it comes in contact with. Either way, the wrong chemicals can be bad for the body, but the right chemicals can have a very positive effect. Most people know essential oils by their common names, such as Lavender, Thyme or Eucalyptus; however, unless you are aware of the botanical names, you cannot be sure of the source of the oil you are using. Learning about the differences between the good and bad, is pivotal to any use of aromatherapy. OUR STUDENTS SAY ... "This course was very interesting, challenging and very worthwhile" N. Mills, Aromatherapy START LEARNING ANYTIME You can enrol on Aromatherapy at any time - the course is studied by distance learning. Students are supported in their studies by our excellent, highly knowledgeable tutors. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with our specialist Horticulture tutors today - they will be pleased to hear from you.