Basic Aromatherapy Course

Lesson 1 • How Aromatherapy Works

Introduces the two primary pathways—olfactory and dermal—through which essential oils affect the body. Builds the physiological rationale for all subsequent techniques.

Lesson 2 • Defining Aromatherapy and Its Scope

Clarifies what aromatherapy is and distinguishes it from related fields. Sets boundaries for professional practice and realistic client expectations.

Lesson 3 • History and Origins of Aromatherapy

Traces aromatherapy from ancient civilisations to modern practice. Provides historical context that explains why certain plants and methods remain central today.

Lesson 1 • Chemical Stability and Storage

Addresses how oxidation, light, and heat degrade essential oil chemistry. Establishes best practices for maintaining potency and safety.

Lesson 2 • Volatility and Evaporation Rates

Explains the concept of top, middle, and base notes based on evaporation speed. Directly supports blending decisions covered in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Reading a Gas Chromatography Report

Teaches students to interpret GC/MS analysis reports used to verify oil purity. Enables informed purchasing and quality verification decisions.

Lesson 4 • Major Chemical Families

Introduces terpenes, phenols, esters, aldehydes, and other key chemical groups. Links each family to characteristic therapeutic and safety properties.

Lesson 1 • Contraindications for Special Populations

Identifies oils and methods contraindicated for pregnancy, infants, and those with chronic conditions. Ensures practitioners screen clients effectively.

Lesson 2 • Skin Reactions and Sensitisation

Distinguishes irritation, sensitisation, and phototoxicity as distinct adverse skin responses. Provides dilution and patch-testing protocols to prevent harm.

Lesson 3 • Safe Handling and First Aid

Provides protocols for accidental ingestion, eye contact, and skin overexposure. Builds practitioner confidence in managing adverse events.

Lesson 4 • Dilution Principles and Ratios

Establishes safe dilution percentages for different applications and populations. Connects chemistry knowledge to practical dosage decisions.

Lesson 1 • Specialty and Exotic Carriers

Introduces high-value carriers with unique therapeutic properties for targeted applications. Expands formulation options beyond standard base oils.

Lesson 2 • Properties of Common Carrier Oils

Profiles fatty acid composition, viscosity, and skin affinity of widely used carriers. Enables evidence-based carrier selection for different skin types.

Lesson 3 • Matching Carriers to Applications

Applies carrier knowledge to specific use cases such as massage, facial care, and hair treatments. Reinforces decision-making through practical scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Calming and Sedative Oils

Profiles lavender, Roman chamomile, and vetiver for stress and sleep support. Connects chemical constituents to observed calming mechanisms.

Lesson 2 • Energising and Uplifting Oils

Covers peppermint, rosemary, and citrus oils for mental clarity and energy. Addresses safety considerations unique to stimulating oils.

Lesson 3 • Skin-Care and Wound-Healing Oils

Covers rose, geranium, and carrot seed for dermatological applications. Provides evidence-based guidance for integrating these oils into skin-care protocols.

Lesson 4 • Antimicrobial and Immune-Support Oils

Examines tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme for their antimicrobial constituents. Balances therapeutic potential with safety limits for these potent oils.

Lesson 1 • Blending by Aroma Profile

Teaches olfactory harmony using fragrance families and complementary scent pairings. Develops sensory judgment alongside therapeutic reasoning.

Lesson 2 • Calculating and Documenting Blends

Covers precise measurement, drop counting, and percentage calculations for reproducible formulas. Introduces record-keeping practices for professional consistency.

Lesson 3 • Foundations of Aromatic Blending

Introduces the principles of synergy, note balance, and therapeutic focus in blending. Establishes the conceptual framework used throughout this chapter.

Lesson 4 • Blending by Therapeutic Goal

Guides students to select oils based on desired physiological or psychological outcomes. Reinforces oil knowledge from Chapter 5 in a practical context.

Lesson 1 • Selecting the Right Method for Each Client

Integrates all delivery methods into a decision-making framework based on client needs. Prepares students for individualised session planning.

Lesson 2 • Diffusion Techniques and Equipment

Compares ultrasonic, nebulising, heat, and evaporative diffusers for room-based delivery. Guides appropriate diffuser selection for different settings.

Lesson 3 • Topical Application Protocols

Details massage, compress, and spot-application techniques for dermal delivery. Connects dilution knowledge from Chapter 3 to hands-on application.

Lesson 4 • Bath and Hydrotherapy Applications

Covers full baths, foot baths, and sitz baths as therapeutic delivery methods. Addresses the unique safety considerations of water-based applications.

Lesson 1 • Conducting a Client Intake Assessment

Teaches structured intake interviews covering health history, medications, and goals. Establishes the data foundation for all treatment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Setting Therapeutic Goals and Outcomes

Guides students to establish measurable, client-centred goals for each treatment series. Introduces outcome tracking as a professional standard.

Lesson 3 • Designing a Treatment Plan

Integrates oil selection, blending, and application methods into a cohesive written plan. Demonstrates how all prior chapters converge in professional practice.

Lesson 4 • Identifying Contraindications in Practice

Applies safety knowledge from Chapter 3 to real client profiles and case scenarios. Builds clinical judgment for recognising when to modify or decline treatment.