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 that of Lavendula x intermedia and Lavadula latifolia and is a much better therapeutic oil.
A reputable supplier will differentiate between the types in both the common name and the botanical name listed on the bottle, using Lavender for Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandin for Lavandula x intermedia and Spike Lavender for Lavandula latifolia. Some suppliers, however, will use the label Lavender for all types, and while not exactly dishonest, it is inaccurate. As a result, unless you are able to identify the oil by the botanical name, which should always be listed on the label, you can't be sure of what you are buying.
Another example is with Thyme. Sweet Thyme, Thymus vulgaris geraniol, is a relatively safe oil that can be used for colds and congestion. Red Thyme, Thymus vulgaris thymol, is a very powerful herb and should only be used under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist. But, as many suppliers sell the oil as Thyme, it can be difficult to know what you are getting, unless you can identify the botanical name.
Duration: 100 hours
COURSE STRUCTURE
There are eight lessons in this module as follows:
1. Plant Identification
Understand the classification system used for naming plants and the importance of this to an aroma therapist.
2. Introduction to Aromatherapy
The history of aromatherapy. How aromatherapy actually works. Basic chemistry of essential oils.
3. Essential Oils
The therapeutic benefits of oils and how to use them.
4. Safe Use of Essential Oils
Learn to use essential oils safely, in a controlled manner.
5. Carriers
Learn about the properties of carriers and how to use them.
6. Growing and harvesting herbs for Essential Oil
Methods of growing plants for essential oil extraction. When, what, and how to harvest.
7. Methods of Extraction
Learn extraction methods and how to evaluate to economic viability of producing your own essential oils.
8. Hazardous Herbs and Oils
Become aware of the danger of some oils. Safe practice.
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:
- Conditions that it is suitable for
- What plant it is sourced from and where it grows naturally
- How it is extracted
- Where it is available commercially
- 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.
This course will give the learner a basic introduction to the safe use of Aromatherapy oils. It is suitable for those wanting to use Aromatherapy in the home, or a starting point for those wishing to develop a better undertstanding of herbal oils for work.
Comment from one of our Aromatherapy students:
"This course was very interesting, challenging and very worthwhile" N. Mills
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.
Enrol today and take a step toward better understanding herb oils and their use.
