Teach Soap

Hello! I'm new to soap/lotion/oil recipe making. I have a family member with insomnia and a friend with muscle soreness from a bad car accident. Both are on some sort of medication, whether related to the aboved mentioned ailments or not.

I am a novice, by no means a trained practitioner, and am self-educated in anything I know about aroma-therapeutics. I want to make some recipes that actually help them, but I'm nervous about drug interactions and giving something as an aid as a non-practitioner. I don't claim any miracle working, but I want to try and offer an effective alternative to their ailments. What's the best way to go about it? Do I need to have people "consult their doctor" everytime I want to give someone a soap, lotion, or massage oil made PURPOSELY with essential oils to target their physical issue?

Thanks!

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The Soap Geek : CreatedSwell

You cannot consult without a practitioner's or a doctor's degree. You can make products that "might" help them, but you cannot claim that's what they will do. I would suggest getting Martin Watt's Aromatherapy book for professionals to give you a better idea of what essential oils do. http://www.aromamedical.com/cdpage.html
There might not be any other effective treatment beyond allopathic drugs.

You might also read the FDA rules and regs. http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/guidanceco ... 074201.htm

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Aside from legal issues, it is very important to know the herb/EO's interactions because you CAN hurt someone. You would not want to give a blood pressure raising EO to someone with high blood pressure, or one that drops BP to someone who is on medication. There are many, many interactions and while they are taking prescription drugs it is not wise to offer the muscle relaxant, smooth muscle relaxing EO's, as it could be too much. Each person is affected to a different extent by drugs and by EO's, so you just don't know how much may be too much when mixing them (drugs and EO's). There are certainly some that are safe for most people (ie. lavender), most of the time, so sticking with those types should be fine, but it sounds like you want to do more. Not to be unkind or disrespectful, but until, and unless you study a lot, I would recommend staying away from the analgesic types of EO's until they are off meds and their health is more stable.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Thanks! And I totally understand what you are saying. That was my next step - really understanding what interacts with what because I absolutely do NOT want to hurt anyone...I guess I have to take a deep breath and sign up for some accredited courses...

So until then, as I pick up these EO reerence books, are there any you'd suggested that do a good job of really shelling out the properties of the EOs that may be harmful in cases like drug interactions and such? Right now I need to know what specifically I have to stay away from.

Thank I appreciate all your help!

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The Soap Geek : CreatedSwell

I sent you a pm, hope it helps

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

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The Soap Geek : CreatedSwell