Members Content - JennScents Aromaversity

Q: Can I use the same people from previous case studies, in subsequent courses?
A: You can use a couple of the same people from a previous class, as long as you are working on different issues. Or, if you feel it’s needed, you can continue with someone who didn’t quite get the exact results they were needing, and you are changing up the approach. With each course, I like for you to use the majority of case studies with new people as this gives you more extensive experience. The case studies are a great way to apply the information in a practical situation, where you will get much experience working with different people/personalities. You’ll begin to see a pattern of certain oils/combinations working consistently or inconsistently with various issues. If various challenges pop up, or unusual results, it is a way for me to provide hands-on guidance and feedback.

Q: Are glass bottles required for submitted blends to JennScents Aromaversity?
A: Glass is always best but PET/BPA-free plastic is acceptable. When using plastic bottles, it is important for them to be BPA-free. This means it will not leach the gases from the plastic. There is a faster oxidation of the essential oils in plastic. Glass is always, preferred, but for traveling and shower/bath products, and with children’s blends (that they will hold onto), hard, BPA-free plastic is recommended.

Q: When I use liquid plant enzymes in my base, why does the blend have a milky, opaque color to it?
A: Enzymes contain saponins, which can be sudsy causing the color shift. The essentials will still remain fresh and intact. When creating sprays with enzymes, you will want a mist or atomizer top, and shake the spray before use. When you use the spray, tiny particles will be dispersed into the air

Q: What are some good emulsifiers for essential oils to use in aromatic sprays?
A: Here is a list of some good emulsifiers (not a complete list) – Carrier oil (almond, coconut, rosehip, etc.), aloe vera gel, witch hazel, vinegar, alcohol, baking soda, Epsom salt, sea salt, sugar, clay, glycerin , honey , castile soap, and milk (cow, almond, coconut, etc.). If you are mixing essential oils in a water base, I find it best to emulsify the essential oils in vegetable glycerin, alcohol, witch hazel and/or vinegar first (minimum of 15 minutes), then apply to the water solution. For additional antibacterial support, I like to add in 3-5ml of aquasol silver to the final water-based solution.

Q: I have a question about dermal absorption. I recall reading that hands and feet have larger pores and increased absorption. If I wanted to apply one drop, I often find that it does not last long in the palm of my hand. Would it just as effective to rub a drop of oil into the hands with some friction then inhale palms for double absorption routes?
A: We recommend adding in a carrier oil when applying the EO’s topically. This will help with staying power as well as helping the body absorb at its own rate and delivering the scent where it needs to go. Apply the carrier/EO mixture to the hands and wrist, then inhale. As the scent matures in the open air, the scent may slightly change but will still provide some staying power. The feet have the largest pores, so it is able to absorb at a little faster rate than the palms. It is good to allow scents to travel upward, especially when enhancing immunity and energy levels.

Q: What is your recommendation to review and assess the Client Intake Form to create an effective aromatherapy blend?
A: When you are working with clients who seem to have numerous issues going on at the same time, it can be helpful to break it down by body system (the assessment does this for you), and work on the top 2-3 body systems most out of balance. Look at the body system categories with the most concerns (physical, mental and emotional). Starting with the most, rank each body system from 1-12 so you can see the connection between physiological issues and psychological responses. It will also show you which additional systems are being affected. I share this because sometimes it is hard to see what should be focused on to start, and how to narrow down your EO selections. When you read through the intake form, what is the first word (or theme) that pops into your head? You are looking for patterns and commonalities. When you have your list, look at the top 1-3 body system imbalances. These are most likely the root cause areas of disturbances. Your goal is to create a solution plan that focuses on those areas of concern, primarily, with back up support to the systems through your EO selections. For example, Frankincense is a powerful supporter for the immune, respiratory and urinary systems. However, it also lends benefits to the digestive, intestinal, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, nervous and glandular systems. So you can see, that working on the top systems may automatically help with all of the other imbalances. This is not always the case, but it will add some layer of support to the underlying culprits.

Q: How many essential oils should I include in one blend?
A: When you are formulating a blend, you don’t have to or want to include all the oils that would help with one specific health need. I would try and narrow that down to 3-6 oils, so you don’t overwhelmed and your client doesn’t get overwhelmed (sensorily and emotionally). I find when you have over 7 oils in a blend, it can activate deeper emotions that want to be released. For some clients, especially if they are new to aromatherapy, this can be overwhelming.

Q: If the essential oil bottle rims, are not to touch the roll-on bottle during blending to prevent contamination, would the roll on application contaminate the oils as they are rolled onto the skin? Should they not be shared once used by an individual?
A: It is best to avoid cross contamination when at all possible. I do think that once a roll-on blend is used by one person, it should not be shared. Using the blend, then capping it immediately after use, can minimize the air exposure, thus reducing oxidation potential. The essential oils within the blend are antibacterial to some degree, and contain other properties (depending on the EO’s selected). This will help with sanitation on some level, however, remember, blends do have a shelf life. Thus the roll-on should be used up within 6-12 months. Check out our blog on contamination.

Q: Can Sweet Orange EO be interchanged for Red Mandarin EO in recipes?
A: Yes, Sweet Orange can be interchanged with Red Mandarin.

Q: when you mention that middle notes (and blends) “unfold” in 1 minute to 3 hours, how is unfold defined in this context?
A: As scents merge together, and connect with the air, the full nature or essence of the odor (scent) starts to open up, or unfolds. A freshly made scent, at first whiff, can be strong. However, it matures (in minutes to months) as time and exposure goes on, marrying the blended scents and creating an evolved union. As an example, smell Lavender EO. When you first smell it, it is immediately floral with some sweetness to it. As you continue smelling it, or use a blend with it in there, you will notice the sweetness opens up more, and herbaceous and ever so slight balsamic qualities “present” (or introduce) themselves to you. This is its true or full nature and essence opening up. Compare it in terms of meeting someone new for the first time. You meet them on a surface level, but after some time of talking to each other, you (and they) start opening up more, sharing more of your personality.

Q: Do you put carrier oils such as almond oil or olive oil in a diffuser? Or such essential oils?
A: You only want to add essential oils to the water in a diffuser. The diffuser will “burn” or vibrate the essential oil molecules into the water to create a mist that is released into the air. A carrier oil such as almond oil can clog the diffuser. If you have a Roll-on blend with a combination of essential oils in a carrier oil base, you can add a few drops of that to the diffuser vessel, however you may have to clean the unit more often.

Q What can I use as a liquid base for sprays?
A: Plant enzymes, distilled water, hydrosol, witch hazel, alcohol, vegetable glycerin and/or vinegar. Remember, essential oils do not mix with water, thus it is recommended to emulsify first in a fat0based carrier before combining with water. An example, would be to add in 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerin or alcohol in a 2oz. spray, followed by the essential oils to get them emulsified. Let sit for 10-30 minutes if possible, before adding in the water. Additionally, you can mix water & essential oils in a spray with no emulsifier. You will just need to shake the bottle before each use. The atomizing sprayer will disperse the essential oil/water mixture in tiny particles, so it will be a safe way to use.

Q: How do I interpret the case study intake form to create an aromatherapy blend?
A: Here is a training video to explain the process of interpretation of the client intake data, and how to translate that into a blend. Keep in mind, with case studies, you can only evaluate what your clients share with you. Many will honestly share the emotions they are experiencing. However, others, this can be a sensitive subject as they are either not ready to admit they have those emotions, or they don’t feel comfortable sharing (especially if they are shy and private).
An example when assessing your client’s intake form, if the Nervous System had the majority of concerns checked, then I would say that is one of your top 3 imbalanced body systems. Even if only 1 emotional concern was checked. So, a great starting point would be to go through and see which system has the most checked off. Write those down in order from most checked to least. Next, look through the emotions checked off and make sure some of them are represented by the top 3 body systems in some way. For example, if a client checked menopause, and marked an emotion pertaining to mood, mood swings, irritability, or frustration, then Geranium would cover both of those – physical & emotional side. Thus, include that on your EO list of potentials to be included in the blend.
If Vertigo has been checked, this is related to a fluid imbalance in the body, hence the kidneys, lymph & blood (circulation) will play a role. When fluids are swishing & not balanced like a smooth river flowing, vertigo can flare up. Emotionally, this is typically connected with feeling stuck and sluggish. If your client marked any emotions relating to feeling like this, you know if you choose a kidney, lymph or circulatory oil, you will also address the emotional concerns as well.
To summarize, you are using the checked boxes as your starting point for your assessment & evaluation process. Not only look at the number of boxes checked, but also what their top 3 goals are. How is what they checked related to or contributing to their need for the top 3 goals stated? They listed those goals because that is what they feel heir life/body needs to feel better.

Q: What if a client’s top 3 goals seem different than the top 3 body system imbalances? For example, they list hormone balance (menopause) & vertigo, however their top 3 imbalanced systems are intestinal, nervous & urinary?
A: With the top goals of hormone balance & vertigo relief, you will be addressing those with all 3 of these body systems. Hormone imbalance is a result of intestinal distress (not getting nutrients in and toxins out), nervous system stress (can inhibit proper hormone signals & messages to be sent) and urinary deficiency (lack of mineral balance & hydration needed to send the right hormone signals). In additional, because these main detoxifying systems are imbalanced, it is throwing off the glandular & reproductive systems. Hence, addressing nervous, intestinal & kidney would be addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. This is where you will get more significant results. The same is true for vertigo, however the kidneys are usually most out of balance, followed by the intestinal and nervous systems.

Q: How can I strengthen my connection to my intuition when it seems “off” because I know the person? I don’t want my preconceived knowledge to interfere or place judgement on the case study outcome.
A: With intuition, knowing the person can change the dynamics of the interview and assessment process. It is natural that the less you know about a person the more intuitively you can connect. However, I find that in those situations, a way to connect my intuition with people I already know is through sitting quietly before I meet with them. Ground myself and feel that person’s heart. When I talk with them, I forget that I know them and really listen to their words and descriptions, as if it was the first time I ever talked with them. I imagine what it feels like to be what they are describing. This can help strengthen your connection.

Q: How do I shield myself when I start doing aromatherapy sessions. I know EO’s that are beneficial for my client may be overpowering for me, especially if I have overexposure (more than I am used to).
A: For shielding yourself during aromatherapy sessions, here is a blog with some of my rituals before and after a session. I list EO’s that are beneficial for keeping you grounded while working on blends for your client. To avoid overexposure, make sure you take a break periodically throughout the day. Get some fresh air. Ventilate the area you are blending in. Your body takes in scents and excretes the “wastes” via the kidneys (urine) and respiratory (exhaling). Stay hydrated and add in some movement throughout the day (walk, stretches) to help your body eliminate essential oil exposure. Your body will take what it needs and eliminate the rest. This will keep you from being overly saturated. I have blended almost every single day for 20 years. I do take breaks throughout the day, have a well-ventilated blending room, stay hydrated, eat protein before and after blending sessions and stay grounded. If I have a day where I blend for more than 3 hours, I take the next day off.

Q: What are acceptable application methods to use for my case studies?
A: You can use sprays, bath salts or smelling salts, nasal atomizers, massage oils, lotions, creams or roll-ons.

More Essential Oil Blending FAQ’s

STUDENT JOURNEY QUESTIONS

Q: When can I start my next class? Do I have to wait until all case studies are done?
A: No, you can begin the next class in your Aromatherapy Certification Program when you are ready. Most students start the next class while waiting on the 90-day follow-up progress reports from their case studies (last assignment in each course). You want to take classes at a pace that allows you to learn, comprehend, absorb and digest the material in a fun and informative way, without overwhelming you. This will better help you put your knowledge in action for skill development.

Q: I am feeling overwhelmed by learning this new field. Do you have any advice?
A: You are not alone. It is common to feel overwhelmed & intimidated when learning something new or doing something for the first time, especially a new field or trade. It will challenge your confidence. However, continue moving forward with courage. Take one lesson at a time. You have to do something for the first, second and third time (even more), in order to gain practice. Practice will build confidence & your skill level. Once you have engaged in the aromatherapy lessons and assignments, it will become more familiar to you. Less intimidating. Allow yourself the time and space to enjoy the journey and not fret the work. You will need to practice so that you develop and build your skills. This will build confidence. Smelling citrus, lemongrass, rosemary and basil essential oils can also be helpful to strengthen your mindset in believing you can do anything. Remember, it is not a race, but a journey of learning, discovery and practicing. Also, one last tip, if you do not feel ready to begin your case studies when it’s time to complete that assignment, you may want to begin your next course. This will continue building upon your aromatherapy foundation of knowledge. You can then go back and complete the case studies from the previous course, while you are completing case studies for the current course.

Q: If I do not want or need the certification, can I skip the assignments and case studies, and move on to the next class without completing those? I want the education and training only.
A: Yes, you can. My courses are set-up to comply with the certification process (inclusion of assignments & case studies). However, you are able to enjoy & learn the course material for personal care, even if your goal is not to have the certification. I have several students who want the training and education, but don’t want to complete assignments and receive a certification. Therefore, it is ok for you to move on to the next course. With the Holistic Aromatherapy Certification in particular, I do have students who have moved on to course 2 and completed the lessons, which made them feel more inspired, confident and competent. Thus, they went back and completed the assignments in the first course to receive their full Holistic Aromatherapy Certification. At this point of their training, they felt more prepared to tackle the assignments at that time.

Holistic Aromatherapy Student Membership

Case Study Support Material

JennScents Client Intake Form – Student Reference (for Case Studies)

Case Study Prep & Instructions

Client Intake Follow-up Questionnaire (fillable)

Training Video on How to Complete the Client Forms

Olfactory Sensory Testing Evaluation Sheet

Charts & Class Resources

Circadian Rhythm Mind-Body Association Chart

Affiliate Partners

Amrita Essential Oils: All JennScents Aromaversity students receive a 30% discount when you use this code (must enterevery time you place an order): TK740