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 on 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)
31/10/2025
Aromatherapy potion for protection! No broom required... just a little botanical plant magic!
This is a diffuser blend that can protect the energy in your space and invite positive vibes. These essential oils are popular in rituals around the world, and are often used to relieve anxiety naturally, reconnecting us with the calm steady center of peace that awaits within to guide us. Diffuse this blend to calm your heart, awaken intuition, and tap into your higher spiritual awareness.
Pro tip for diffusing these oils: Combine them first in a separate dish. Clove bud and vetiver can be heavy oils, and may sink in your diffuser. Blending them first with frankincense can help ensure the oils actually diffuse.
Do you have a ritual blend you like to use for energetic support?
29/10/2025
Essential Oils for Pain in Your Muscles
When you go âall outâ at the gym and your muscles remind you they have limits⊠I had a great workout, but maybe goint "all out" was going a little too far! By the time I got home, one muscle was definitely overworked. My go-to essential oils for pain relief were spearmint (Mentha spicata) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in a simple lotion. The cooling, soothing blend brought instant comfort and helped my recovery time in such a big way.
These two essential oils smell amazing together and they can help ease tension, reduce inflammation, and support the bodyâs natural healing process.
What do you do for sore muscles?
28/10/2025
Karen & Jenny are home from a trip to Greece! They love traveling around the world and meeting small-scale distillers, people they may choose to source essential oils, carriers, hydrosols, or other aromatic products from. Weâre so happy to have them back in Montanaâand full of inspiration from an unforgettable journey.
Here's a note from Jenny about their trip...
"Our very favorite part of the trip was meeting potential new essential oil distillers and an organic olive oil producer. In the photo, youâll see Karen smelling some of the most stunning oils we encountered. They were distilled by a woman who, along with her husband (and their little baby!), has dedicated her life to growing sustainable crops on a thriving permaculture farm. Several years ago, they pitched a tent on untouched land, guided by a dream to create something meaningful and in harmony with nature. Today, that same land is alive with purpose and aromatic abundance.
"Itâs in places like this, where the soil, the plants, the sun, the rain, and the dedication of the growers and distillers come together, that truly exceptional oils are born. The patience and care they bring to their work remind us that the difference between a great product and an extraordinary one begins long before distillation ever starts.
"We are so honored to bring this level of passion and excellence to you. And this is just one story among hundreds we could share about our producers. We told this beautiful family that we would share their journey with our communities at Aromatics, the Natural Living Club, Aromahead, and The Thriving Aromatherapist because their values align so beautifully with yours and ours.
"I cannot emphasize this enough: The difference between small-scale, regenerative plant work and large-scale monoculture is profound. Large-scale producers often take from the land to maximize yield and profit. We exclusively work with producers who give back, who cultivate balance, and who honor the plants and the earth that make our work possible. And, the difference shines through in aroma and chemical analysis."
Welcome home, Jenny & Karen!
27/10/2025
Clove Bud: Quieting Pain at Its Source
Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most potent essential oils for pain relief we have. The component eugenol is behind much of its benefits. When the body burns with pain, inflammation is whispering beneath the surfaceâa chorus of molecules sending out distress calls. Prostaglandins, cytokines, and enzymes rise up, amplifying our sensitivity, making the world feel sharp and raw.
Eugenolâthe warm, spicy heart of clove bud essential oilâhas been shown to ease the storm by lowering the bodyâs signals that ignite inflammationâCOX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2, and the pathways that drive them (NF-ÎșB, MAPK) (Barboza et al., 2018; Park et al., 2006).
In simpler terms: it helps turn down the volume on the bodyâs pain messengers. Itâs much like how ibuprofen worksâbut through gentler, overlapping mechanisms, bringing about natural pain relief.
When we work with aromatherapy thoughtfully, we borrow that intelligence to help our own bodies return to balance.
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â> Whatâs your favorite blend of essential oils for pain relief?
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Safety Note: Because eugenol is a phenol, clove bud oil can easily irritate the skin or mucous membranes. Always dilute it well in a carrier oil before topical application, typically at no more than 0.5% for general applications. Thatâs about 2â3 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier.
- We prefer to avoid using this oil for children under 10, or any person with sensitive skin.
- Avoid if you have a clotting disorder, are taking an anticoagulant drug, and after surgery.
- Avoid if you have impaired liver function.
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Barboza, J. N., da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho, C., Silva, R. O., Medeiros, J., & de Sousa, D. P. (2018). An Overview on the Anti-inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity
Park, C. K., Li, H. Y., Yeon, K. Y., Jung, S. J., Choi, S. Y., Lee, S. J., Lee, S., Park, K., Kim, J. S., & Oh, S. B. (2006). Eugenol inhibits sodium currents in dental afferent neurons. Journal of dental research
25/10/2025
Clove Bud Oil & Cancer Research
Researchers are discovering that eugenolâthe main compound in clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum)âhas shown promising anticancer activity in early lab studies.
In one study, scientists found that eugenol helped prevent the development of skin cancer in lab models by reducing inflammation (lowering levels of cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α) and by boosting the bodyâs antioxidant defenses. These effects seem to protect cells from oxidative stress, one of the key drivers of cancer formation (Barboza et al., 2018).
Other studies have looked at eugenolâs effects on cervical and breast cancer cells, showing that it can slow cancer cell growth and even enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine and cisplatinâpotentially reducing their side effects.
Researchers believe this happens because eugenol helps the bodyâs natural âcell cleanupâ processes (like apoptosis) work more efficiently and blocks NF-ÎșB, a signaling pathway that drives inflammation and tumor growth.
While these studies are still in early stages and mostly limited to lab and animal research, they point toward eugenol as a promising natural compound for future cancer researchâone that may complement conventional treatments or help scientists design gentler, more effective therapies.
This research is exciting, but itâs important to remember that lab studies often use much higher concentrations of clove bud oil than are safe in aromatherapy, or apply it in ways we canât (like directly to cancer cells in test tubes). Clove bud oil isnât a replacement for medical treatment, but it can still offer gentle support for wellness, balance, and prevention as part of a holistic lifestyle.
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---> Clove bud oil has so many benefits for us!
---> Get my full profile of the essential oil: comment CLOVE and Iâll send you a link.
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Safety Notes: Because eugenol is a phenol, clove bud oil can easily irritate the skin or mucous membranes. Always dilute it well in a carrier oil before topical application, typically at no more than 0.5% for general applications. Thatâs about 2â3 drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier. We prefer to avoid using this oil for children under 10, or any person with sensitive skin. Avoid if you have a clotting disorder, are taking an anticoagulant drug, and after surgery. Avoid if you have impaired liver function.
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REF
Barboza, J. N., da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho, C., Silva, R. O., Medeiros, J., & de Sousa, D. P. (2018). An Overview on the Anti-inflammatory Potential and Antioxidant Profile of Eugenol. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018, 3957262.
23/10/2025
Shared by popular request!
The castor oil pack is a classic home remedy. It has long been trusted for the digestive system, especially when cramps, bloating, or constipation are an issue. The combination of gentle heat and ricinoleic acid from castor oil helps relax the intestinal muscles and stimulate smooth movement through the bowels.
Why it works:
Castor seed oil contains ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid shown to increase circulation and stimulate the bodyâs natural detox and lymphatic processes. When used with heat, it helps soften tissues, calm inflammation, and support smoother elimination. Castor oil is deeply groundingâwarming, heavy, and nurturing. It encourages release on both physical and emotional levels, helping the body let go of what it no longer needs.
How to use it:
Apply a thin layer of warm castor oil directly to the abdomen.
Cover with a piece of flannel or a soft cloth, then apply a warm heating pad on top for 20â30 minutes.
You can use castor oil alone, or as a carrier for essential oils. Combine it with antispasmodic or digestive-stimulating oils.
Directions
Follow the same directions for a castor oil pack.
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Do not ingest castor oil unless directed by a healthcare provider. Topical use is generally considered safe.
Avoid use on broken skin or during pregnancy without medical supervision.
It works on both the digestive system and the nervous system, which are closely linked by the vagus nerve. (Thatâs why stress and anxiety often lead to an upset stomach or digestive issues).
Ginger has been a healerâs friend for millenniaâwarm, golden, and grounding. From seasick sailors to new mothers to patients waking after surgery, its steady fire brings the body back to balance. We love when modern research catches up to what tradition already knew.
In aromatherapy, we can use ginger essential oil (Zingiber officinale) in essential oil blends for nausea and an upset stomach. Itâs one of our favorites for motion sickness, morning sickness, and indigestion. Ginger oil is natural and effective, but can sometimes feel a bit harsh on mucous membranes. So if youâre making an inhaler, try blending it with gentle, soothing oils like sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). We also like using lower dilutions when applying it to skin.
Lemon essential oil (Citrus limon) is one of those rare gifts that seems to do it allâbrightening mood, clearing space, and gently supporting the bodyâs natural balance. Its scent is sunlight distilled: fresh, clean, and full of energy.
Here are five ways to use this vibrant aromatherapy oil in your daily life:
1. Purify your space. Add to cleaning blends or diffusers to cleanse and refresh the air. Lemon has powerful antimicrobial properties (Lang & Buchbauer, 2012).
2. Lift your spirits. Inhale deeply to calm anxiety, relieve stress, and invite emotional rewewal (Song et al. 2021).
3. Support your defenses. Use in immune support blends to help your body stay strong through seasonal changes (Lappas & Lappas, 2012).
4. Soothe muscle tension. A drop in a massage oil can ease tight muscles and relieve pain (Baylac & Racine, 2003).
5. Energize your environment. Diffuse to create a bright atmosphere that feels open and alive (Komori et al. 1995).
Lemon oil is a reminder that wellness can be simpleâa breath of freshness, a spark of clarity, and the steady joy of feeling renewed.
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---> What's your favorite way to use lemon essential oil?
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REFS:
Baylac, S. and Racine, P. (2003) Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase by essential oils and other natural fragrant extracts. International Journal of Aromatherapy
Komori, T., Fujiwara, R., Tanida, M., Nomura, J., & Yokoyama, M. M. (1995). Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation
Lang, G. and Buchbauer, G. (2012) A review on recent research results (2008-2010) on essential oils as antimicrobials and antifungals. A review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal
Lappas, C. M., & Lappas, N. T. (2012). D-Limonene modulates T lymphocyte activity and viability. Cellular immunology
Song, Y., Seo, S., Lamichhane, S., Seo. J., Jong, JT., Cha, HJ., Yun, J. (2021). Limonene has anti-anxiety activity via adenosine A2A receptor-mediated regulation of dopaminergic and GABAergic neuronal function in the striatum. Phytomedicine
17/10/2025
What are top notes in aromatherapy?
Top notes are the sparkle and shimmer of an aromatherapy blend! Theyâre the bright, lively essential oils that greet you first when you open the bottle and lift your mood in an instant.
Chemically, top note essential oils are made up of small, highly volatile moleculesâoften monoterpenes and estersâwhich evaporate quickly. This is why their fragrance dances in the air for just a short while before giving way to the heart (middle) notes and base notes in your blend. In natural perfumery, top notes provide that first impressionâfresh, vivid, and full of movement.
These uplifting essential oils awaken the senses and the spirit. They can:
âš Energize and refresh the mind
âš Support respiratory clarity and easier breathing
âš Lift mood and ease emotional fatigue
âš Encourage focus, positivity, and creativity
Many citrus and mint essential oils are considered top notes, and some top notesâlike peppermint (Mentha x piperita)âalso have warm undertones that serve as heart notes beautifully.
When you inhale a top note essential oil, youâre connecting with the immediate intelligence of plantsâthose that reach for light and respond to every shift in the wind. Oils like lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) remind us to stay open, adaptable, and alive to the present moment.
Let these bright, aromatic notes inspire your blendsâand your dayâwith clarity, joy, and renewal.
â> What top note essential oil always brings you back to yourself?
15/10/2025
In my last post, I shared a "mini recipe booklet" with 3 essential oil recipes for gut health & digestion.
Today, I have 3 more for you!
Our digestive system mirrors how we process lifeâwhen weâre tense or overwhelmed, it can tighten up. These aromatherapy blends help you soften, breathe, and let goâso your body can digest with ease. Each recipe combines essential oils traditionally used to calm the nervous system, support healthy bile flow, and ease digestive discomfort. I chose them not only for their chemistry, but for how they invite the body to return to a state of calm presenceâwhere digestion naturally thrives.
You can find these 3 new recipes (along with many more) in my free guide, Essential Oils for Digestion. In this guide, you'll learn the science behind why these essential oils are so supportive, and find more tips for using them safely.
âš To read it, visit the link in the first comment below.
---> What helps you feel most at ease after a big meal or a long, stressful day? Share your favorite rituals or oils below so we can all learn from each other.
13/10/2025
Gut Health Recipe Booklet!
These 3 essential oil recipes offer comfort and support through indigestion and belly-related issues. I like to keep these around during the holidays, when friends and family are constantly surrounded by rich food. These aromatherapy blends help calm spasms and cramps, stimulate digestive juices and enzymes (setting the stage for healthy digestion), and support the liver to encourage bile flow and fat metabolism.
I chose essential oils for these recipes based on experience and research. You can learn more about how they work in my latest in-depth article, Essential Oils for Digestion. To get it, visit the link in the first comment on this post, or comment BELLY.
I included many more recipes in that article, and I'll share more here with you soon.
What aspect of digestion would you like to understand more about? Bloating, indigestion, elimination, or another issue?
10/10/2025
Our brain and gut are deeply connected. When stress settles into the mind, the body respondsâand digestion is often one of the first systems to falter.
Iâm reminded of our student David, who struggled with severe gut issues that disrupted every part of his life. His doctors couldnât find anything wrong until a new practitioner finally diagnosed him with IBS. Every case of IBS is unique, with its own triggers. For David, it was stressâspecifically, the long hours and constant pressure of his job.
During a much-needed vacation, he discovered essential oils. What started as curiosity turned into relief. He noticed that as his nervous system calmed, his digestion followed. He could eat a wider variety of foods again and felt like himself for the first time in years. But when he returned to work, his symptoms came roaring back.
Eventually, David made a hard but powerful choice: he left the job that was making him sick. He devoted himself to learning aromatherapy.
Davidâs story is a reminder that healing often begins with safetyâwhen the body no longer feels under threat, it can finally rest, digest, and repair. Sometimes, the path to better gut health isnât just about what we eat, but how we feel.
Aroma supports us by working directly with the limbic systemâthe brainâs emotional center and the bridge between mind and body. When we inhale essential oils, their chemical messages travel along the olfactory nerve to influence heart rate, breathing, and the release of stress hormones. In this way, scent becomes more than fragrance. It becomes communication. A gentle reminder to the nervous system that it is safe to soften, to release, and to trust the bodyâs natural rhythm again.
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Have you read my guide on Essential Oils for Digestion? It tells you which essential oils can help, and offers recipes for using them safely.
---> Comment BELLY and weâll send you a link.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Aromahead Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies:
Founded in 1998, Aromahead Institute enjoys an extensive international network of graduates â 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 â and recipient of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists Lifetime Achievement Award for her notable career contributions as an educator, entrepreneur and author â serves as the Instituteâs 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 â personally ensuring the integrity of the oils recommended by Aromahead Institute.
In 2008, Aromahead Institute launched its online study program to meet the growing demand of international students and others whose busy schedules prevented them from participating in on-location classes.
As demand for the Instituteâs online Aromatherapy Certification Program quickly grew, Andrea recognized she could only effectively accommodate one learning environment. Pursuant to the Instituteâs mission to make the study of therapeutic and Essential Oils globally accessible, Aromahead Institute became an entirely online school in the fall of 2013.
One of the most innovative online schools in the country, Aromahead Institute utilizes cutting-edge technology to support the diversity of its studentsâ learning styles. The Instituteâs elegant and intuitive classroom design make navigating its expansive digital learning environment a uniquely user-friendly experience.
Find out if the Aromahead Institute is right for you!
Try our complimentary Introduction to Essential Oils class. Itâs the perfect way to get a feel for Aromahead Institute, and begin exploring the basics of this intriguing plant-based science.
Accreditations
Recognized internationally as a premiere education center dedicated to the study of the therapeutic uses of Essential Oils, Aromahead Institute has met the rigorous qualifications of these highly respected organizations to train and certify clinical Aromatherapy practitioners:
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy
The Alliance of International Aromatherapists
International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists
International Institute for Complementary Therapists
American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)
