Aromahead Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies

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Recognized internationally as a premiere essential oil school, Aromahead Institute seeks to make the study and therapeutic use of essential oils widely accessible to everyone. Aromahead Institute is changing the Aromatherapy educational paradigm through an inspired approach to online education and creating community through social media. Aromahead is known for its free innovative blending videos o

n YouTube, where we teach you to make baby powder, beeswax candles, incense sticks, cleaning products, facial cleansers, and much more. YouTube link: http://bit.ly/18qzu9V

Aromahead Institute is approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIIA)

Is cedarwood oil a sedative?Cedarwood oil from Juniperus virginiana (also called Virginia cedarwood) is actually a type ...
30/07/2025

Is cedarwood oil a sedative?

Cedarwood oil from Juniperus virginiana (also called Virginia cedarwood) is actually a type of juniper. It carries a powerful natural compound called cedrol—and science shows cedrol has real effects on your nervous system.

Two fascinating studies—one in healthy adults (Dayawansa et al. 2003), and one in people who could no longer smell (Umeno et al. 2008)—found that inhaling cedrol:

- Slows the heart rate
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces breathing rate
- Increases parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”) nervous activity
- Decreases sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) nervous activity

The relaxing effects happened even when participants couldn’t smell the cedrol at all. That means this compound may work directly through the lungs, not just the nose.

Cedarwood oil isn’t a narcotic—it won’t “knock you out” if you’re not sleepy. But it does have mild sedative effects making it useful for:

- Stress relief
- Anxiety management
- Sleep support
- Nervous system regulation

Try cedarwood essential oil in your diffuser, a diluted roll-on (up to 18 drops per 1 fl oz/30 ml of carrier), or a calming room spray—especially in the evening when you’re ready to wind down.

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Save this post for your natural sleep & anxiety support kit!

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REFERENCES
Dayawansa et al., 2003 – Autonomic responses to Cedrol in healthy humans
Umeno et al., 2008 – Cedrol inhalation through the lungs in laryngectomized patients

Is your aloe vera gel really pure and natural?If you’ve ever scraped fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf (Aloe barbadensis)...
28/07/2025

Is your aloe vera gel really pure and natural?

If you’ve ever scraped fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf (Aloe barbadensis), you know it doesn’t last long. Pure, unpreserved aloe vera gel starts to spoil within a day. Yup—just one day! Pure aloe vera gel is vulnerable to bacteria.

That’s why all commercial aloe gels—even organic ones—contain preservatives. And that’s a good thing! The best brands use small amounts of gentle, as-natural-as-possible preservatives to keep the gel safe and stable.

Take the time to find a high-quality aloe vera gel that you like and trust, and store it in your fridge to prolong the shelf life. The best aloe vera gel products can last up to 2 years, if they’re produced and stored properly.

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—> Do you use aloe vera gel? What’s your favorite way to use it?

Some of the most comforting oils I turn to—especially when I'm feeling inflamed, anxious, or just out of balance—are tho...
25/07/2025

Some of the most comforting oils I turn to—especially when I'm feeling inflamed, anxious, or just out of balance—are those rich in β-caryophyllene.

This remarkable plant compound interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system (ECS)—your body's natural balance system that helps regulate pain, inflammation, mood, and immunity.

The endocannabinoid system uses CB1 and CB2 receptors spread throughout the body. β-caryophyllene directly binds to CB2 receptors, acting like a phytocannabinoid (plant-based ECS activator) without the high of THC. This activation causes skin cells (keratinocytes) to release β-endorphins, your body’s natural opioids, which block pain and lift the mood (Katsuyama et al. 2013).

These oils (like balsam copaiba, tulsi, black pepper, guava leaf, and melissa) offer soothing benefits without any THC, and without any psychoactive effects. No high, just calm.

Evidence also supports the idea that β-caryophyllene can interact with CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation in the brain, which may help with mood regulation (Ricardi et al. 2024)

Each of these oils has its unique aroma and benefits. They’re not from the same plant family (for example, balsam copaiba is a Fabaceae, while melissa is a Lamiaceae.). They each have different safety considerations. (E.g. melissa is very strong and we recommend only 4–5 drops per 1 fl oz/30 ml of carrier. Tulsi contains eugenol, and should be used at 2–3 drops per 1 fl oz/30 ml, and avoided if you have a blood clotting issue. Guava leaf should be used with caution if you’re on heart medications. —> Please be sure to check the full safety guidelines of any oils you’re working with.)

Yet the presence of β-caryophyllene gives these oils beautiful similarities.
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—> Which oil would you include in an endocannabinoid support blend?
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Katsuyama et al. 2013. European Journal of Pain.
Ricardi et al. 2024. International journal of molecular sciences.

I reach for peppermint essential oil when I need to shift the energy—when my mind feels sluggish or my body tense. It op...
23/07/2025

I reach for peppermint essential oil when I need to shift the energy—when my mind feels sluggish or my body tense. It opens space. This is peppermint’s nature: quietly powerful, spreading through soil with determination. It thrives where it’s cool and damp, unfurling its green leaves and clean, unmistakable scent. It clears the way and reminds us how to move forward with clarity and energy.

Here are 8 ways to work with peppermint essential oil:

Relieve pain – Numb pain & calm inflammation (great for headaches!) (Pergolizzi et al. 2018)
Cooling – Create a cooling sensation on the skin (Pergolizzi et al. 2018)
Antimicrobial – Fight fungi, bacteria & viruses (including HSV 1&2) (Edris, 2007; Lang & Buchbauer, 2012; Singh et al. 2015)
Burnout – Ease mental exhaustion & revitalize energy (Varney et al. 2013)
Cognition – Improve learning, memory & protect the brain (Lv et al. 2022)
Decongestant – Calm nasal inflammation & reduce infection (Battaglia, 2018)
Nausea – Reduce nausea associated with digestion and stress (Tate, 1997)
Indigestion – Calm indigestion, cramps, and gas (Chumpitazi et al. 2018)

And some important safety tips:
Dilute before applying to skin: We use a 1% dilution—5–6 drops per 1 oz (30 ml) of carrier oil. Avoid the face and eyes, and wash your hands well after use. We avoid peppermint for children under five. Don’t add to the bath: Peppermint + hot water = skin irritation. Avoid if you have cardiac fibrillation or G6PD deficiency.
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Get our full write-up of peppermint oil's benefits, uses & safety considerations.
Comment MINT and we'll send it to you!

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Battaglia, 2018. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy
Chumpitazi et al. 2018. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
Edris, 2007. Phytotherapy Research
Heinrich et al. 2004. Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy.
Lang & Buchbauer, 2012. Flavour and Fragrance Journal
Lv et al. 2022. Molecules
Pergolizzi et al. 2018. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Singh, et al. 2015. Arabian Journal of Chemistry
Tate, 1997. Journal of advanced nursing
Varney & Buckle, 2013. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Keep bugs away without harsh sprays!This Catnip Bug-Off Body Oil is one of our go-to blends for summer adventures. It’s ...
21/07/2025

Keep bugs away without harsh sprays!

This Catnip Bug-Off Body Oil is one of our go-to blends for summer adventures. It’s light, nourishing, and smells amazing (to us—not to bugs!).

Catnip essential oil is the star here, known for its powerful insect-repelling properties—plus a hint of geranium, eucalyptus, and a touch of clove to round things out. We use h**p seed oil as the base for its silky, fast-absorbing feel, so your skin stays soft and protected.

Just apply to arms, legs, neck, or shoulders before heading outside, and reapply every 2–3 hours to keep those pesky visitors at bay.

If you’re making this blend for children between 5 and 10, adjust the essential oils:
- 10 drops Catnip Oil (Nepeta cataria)
- 3 drops Geranium Oil (Pelargonium graveolens var roseum)

For children younger than 5, we like using pure catnip hydrosol.

Clove bud should be used with caution on those with impaired liver function and should not be used by people who have clotting disorders.

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—> Have you seen our deep dive into natural bug repellents with essential oils?
—> Comment BUGS and we’ll send it to you!

This oil is a rising star in luxury skincare.Pressed from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree, moringa oil contains o...
17/07/2025

This oil is a rising star in luxury skincare.

Pressed from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree, moringa oil contains over 84% oleic acid—a fatty acid our bodies naturally recognize and absorb with ease. That’s part of what makes moringa oil feel so restorative, especially on skin that’s scarred, sun-stressed, or in need of extra care.

Research has shown that oleic acid can:
– Replenish dry, cracked skin
– Soothe irritation and calm inflammation
– Support wound healing and cell renewal
– Gently encourage collagen production

Moringa oil is also packed with antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients like vitamins C and E, all wrapped in a texture that’s light, silky, and fast-absorbing, yet deeply nourishing.

It won’t clog pores, and it plays beautifully in blends for radiance, hydration, scar care, and glow-boosting rituals. We love using this carrier oil alone, or blended in DIY facial serums and scar balms!

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---> Do you have the Summer Essentials Bundle yet? It includes in-depth information about protecting your skin in the heat and sun, as well as several skin-restoring recipes with moringa oil. Find the link below the images in this post!
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Cardoso et al. 2011. Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing: a new approach for skin repair. Immunobiology

Chen et al. 2019. Effects of Sapindus mukorossi Seed Oil on Skin Wound Healing: In Vivo and in Vitro Testing. International journal of molecular sciences

Pegoraro et al. 2021. Oleic acid exhibits an expressive anti-inflammatory effect in croton oil-induced irritant contact dermatitis without the occurrence of toxicological effects in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Carriers rich in oleic acid are skin healers.I have a high bar for what goes on my skin, preferring organic, unprocessed...
16/07/2025

Carriers rich in oleic acid are skin healers.

I have a high bar for what goes on my skin, preferring organic, unprocessed, unrefined oils. When my skin needs deep healing (when it's dry, cracked, damaged, or inflamed), the oils that bring the most soothing, softening, repairing energy to my skin are often high in oleic acid (sometimes called n-9).

Research backs this up. A 2011 study found oleic acid supports:

- Faster healing: Wounds treated with n-9 healed more quickly and were smaller after 5 days compared to the other groups.

- Better repair signals: The skin treated with n-9 showed more activity in genes and proteins linked to tissue rebuilding, like collagen and enzymes that remodel tissue.

- Balanced inflammation: It boosted helpful immune signals (like IL-10 and TNF-α), but reduced a potentially harmful one called COX2, which is often linked to pain and prolonged inflammation.

- Less immune cell buildup: Fewer inflammatory immune cells gathered at the wound site, which might help reduce swelling and speed up the repair process (but this wasn't because the oleic acid was killing those cells, it just seemed to calm things down).

Oleic acid is a relatively stable unsaturated fatty acid, so it can help protect elements of a skin care product that might be vulnerable to oxidation. And since the body produces oleic acid naturally (in limited amounts), it recognizes oleic acid. That means it's absorbed well throughout skin’s layers.

Oleic acid likes to work with friends. It performs best when it’s combined with other fatty acids, such as linoleic acid. Fortunately, nature is wise! Most oleic-rich carriers also include healthy amounts of other fatty acids.

I love using these carriers alone, blending in essential oils, and using them for luxurious butters and salves.

---> Have you experienced any of these beautiful oils for yourself?
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Cardoso et al. 2011. Oleic acid modulation of the immune response in wound healing. Immunobiology.

Would you trust catnip oil over DEET?A 2019 study (Reichert et al.) found that catnip essential oil (Nepeta cataria)—es...
14/07/2025

Would you trust catnip oil over DEET?

A 2019 study (Reichert et al.) found that catnip essential oil (Nepeta cataria)—especially when it's rich in nepetalactone—can repel Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (the ones that carry Zika and dengue) just as well as DEET.

At a mere 1% concentration, catnip oil kept more than 95% of the mosquitoes at bay. It sometimes even outperformed DEET. (At Aromahead Institute, we consider 1% to be about 5–6 drops per 1 fl oz/30 ml of carrier.)

But its powers don’t last as long as DEET. After about 2 hours, effectiveness starts to fade. So it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of repellent. More like a plant-based force field that needs refreshing.

To get the most potent catnip oil, look for one with at least 80% nepetalactone. You'll find this information on the oil's GC/MS report. (This is an example of why we recommend buying from companies that test their oils with GC/MS and make these reports available to consumers.)

We love to apply it in a base of lotion or body oil. While a 1% dilution is effective, you can safely go up to 3% (15 to 18 drops per 1 oz/30 ml of carrier).

Plan to reapply every 2 hours for max effect.

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—> Would you try catnip oil instead
—> Tell us below—or tag a nature-loving friend who needs this info!
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Reichert, W., Ejercito, J., Guda, T., D**g, X., Wu, Q., Ray, A., Simon, J.E. (2019) Repellent Assessment of Nepeta cataria Essential Oils and Isolated Nepetalactones on Aedes Aegypti. Sci Rep 9, 1524.

Not all oregano oils are created equal—and it’s easy to confuse them. This post breaks down the difference between orega...
11/07/2025

Not all oregano oils are created equal—and it’s easy to confuse them.

This post breaks down the difference between oregano essential oil and oil of oregano—two powerful plant allies with very different uses. Both are Origanum vulgare. But one is a potent, undiluted essential oil used for topical and aromatic applications (with care!). The other is a pre-diluted blend meant for internal support when used properly.

Both products have so much to offer! And they're both incredibly potent (especially when it comes to fighting infections and boosting immune health). It's important to know which oil you're working with—and how to use it safely.

A little clarity goes a long way when you're working with strong natural solutions from the earth.

A big THANK YOU to our friends & commenters who requested this information! You inspired this post!

---> Do you have questions about using essential oils we can help with?
---> Drop your question in the comments (or send us a DM if you're shy!) and we may post about it!
❤️ Your curiosity can help others. ❤️

Which essential oils prevent bug bites ...and do they work?Yes! And there are a few things to be aware of.Catnip in part...
07/07/2025

Which essential oils prevent bug bites ...and do they work?

Yes! And there are a few things to be aware of.

Catnip in particular is one of the most effective natural bug repellents we’ve ever tried. A 2019 study found that catnip oil and isolated nepetalactones (the main components in the oil) offered over 95% protection for 2 to 4 hours after application (Reichert et al. 2019). Even at low concentrations, catnip outperformed DEET in preventing mosquito landings.

Of course, it's never one-size-fits-all. The effectiveness of an oil depends on its chemistry, the type of insect, and even the species. (The brown dog tick & Lone Star tick may react differently to cedarwood.) Dilution matters too. Some promising research studies used concentrations far higher than what we’d ever put on our skin—so always work within safe limits.

Natural repellents are gentler, but also wear off faster and may be less protective in high-risk areas. Reapplication is key.

Your Bug-Repelling Botanical Lineup:
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Citronella java (Cymbopogon winterianus)
- Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
- Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Thyme ct thymol (Thymus vulgaris ct thymol)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

As always, safety first. We recommend avoiding the following oils for children under 10, and considering these guidelines:
- Clove bud: No more than 2–3 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier. Avoid if you're on blood thinners or have liver issues.
- Thyme ct thymol: No more than 5–6 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier.
- Oregano: Also 5–6 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier oil. Avoid during pregnancy.
- Lemongrass: No more than 3–4 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier oil. Avoid with antidepressants.

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---> Get our in-depth guide to repelling bugs with aromatherapy (and soothing the itch if you do get bit)!
---> Comment BUGS and we'll send it to you!

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Reichert et al. (2019). Scientific reports.
Tisserand, R., Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety, Second Edition.

Do you know which of these 3 oils is blue?Some plants produce components called “chamazulenes,” which come through in th...
02/07/2025

Do you know which of these 3 oils is blue?

Some plants produce components called “chamazulenes,” which come through in their essential oils and create a rich blue color. Depending on the oil and batch, the oil can look deep blue, to a light sea-green.

Blue oils are renowned for their ability to soothe pain and calm inflammation. They are true treasures of the aromatherapy world!

Drop your answer in the comments!

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Our Story

Founded in 1998, Aromahead Institute enjoys an extensive international network of graduates – and many of our alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers and businesses in Aromatherapy and the Healing Arts.

Andrea Butje, LMT, Clinical Aromatherapist – and recipient of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists Lifetime Achievement Award for her notable career contributions as an educator, entrepreneur and author – serves as the Institute’s director and lead instructor.

Before forming the Aromahead Institute, Andrea co-founded the acclaimed Finger Lakes School of Massage and the popular Aromatherapy retail supplier Aromatics International.

As a consultant to importers of high-quality Essential Oils, Andrea has traveled the world building relationships with distillers and small organic farms – personally ensuring the integrity of the oils recommended by Aromahead Institute.