 The
Use of essential oils
Aromatherapy is based on a holistic approach to healing rather than a modern scientific one. Essential oils work quickly on both the body and the mind. The oils work holistically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically and make a wonderful natural alternative |
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How do I use them?
Vaporisation-Burners are used for vaporising essential oils. A few drops of oil are added to the upper dish filled with water. The heat of a candle burning underneath slowly warms the mixture releasing aroma in a gentle stream. Massage- combines the therapeutic power of touch with the properties of individual oils. The skin absorbs the oil readily and when the whole body is massaged a useful amount can be taken into the bloodstream in a fairly short time. The essential oils are added to a carrier oil, usually a dilation of 3% Aromatic Baths-are an important and versatile application. A bath in which the appropriate oils have been added can be sedative, stimulating, tonic, aphrodisiac, warming or cooling for muscular pain and skin conditions. (You can place a bunch of fresh herbs e.g. rosemary or lavender in a stocking, wrap it around the tap and let the water flow through - beautiful and cheap) Inhalations- Traditionally used to ease problems of the respiratory tract. Add three or four drops to a bowl of steaming hot water. Lean over the bowl with a large towel over your head - inhale the steam for five minutes (less if you suffer from asthma or allergies) Hot compresses- used to treat pain of chronic nature and cold compresses to treat acute pain. Fold a clean hand towel to several thicknesses & immerse into a basin of water containing 4 to 5 drops of the appropriate oil. Wring out & apply to the painful area at once. Mouthwash- Mix appropriate oils and keep in a screw top bottle. Add a few drops of the oil to a tumbler of warm water and swill thoroughly around the mouth at least twice a day. |
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What oils will I use?
(The following are just some of the essential oils you can use) (oils with a * mean do not use for pregnancy) BASIL* - uplifting, energising, anti-depressant USED FOR: anxiety, concentration, digestion, headaches, respiratory problems BERGAMOT - fresh uplifting & antiseptic USED FOR: anxiety, depression, stimulates appetite, aids digestion, soothes lung conditions, oily skin CEDARWOOD -*sedative, antiseptic, insect repellent, USED FOR: anxiety, cystitus, all lung conditions, acne and dandruff CAMOMILE -Refrshing, relaxing, Pain reliver for dull aches, anti-inflameatory USED FOR: Depressions, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual problems, all skin conditions First choice for children CLARY-SAGE - Warming, soothing nerve tonic,USED FOR: depression, insomnia, sore throats, digestion, menstruation, dry skin, insect bites CYPRESS- Relaxing, refreshing, astringent USED FOR: Circulation, influenza, laryngitis, muscular cramps, mature skin EUCALYPTUS - Stimulating, antiseptic, anti viral, insect repelient USED FOR: Diarrhoea, colds & viruses, respiratory problems, aches & pins, cuts & wounds. FRANKINCENSE - Warming, relaxing tonic USED FOR: Respiratory problems, aging skin, inflammation, wounds GERANIUM - Refreshin, relaxing, astringent, insect repelient USED FOR: Nervous system, digestion, liver & kidney disorders, menstrual problems, normalises & cleanses skin. Wonderful women's oil JASMINE - Relaxing, sedative USED FOR: Depression, uterine pain, frespiratory problems, tonic for sedative skins LAVENDER - Refreshing, soothing, antiseptic, insect repelient, relieves sharp pain, USED FOR: Insomnia, circulation, indegestion, headaches, infections, muscular pains, cell renewal, benefits all skin types. Excellent first-aid remedy for insect bites & small burns - low toxicity, makes it good for children LEMON - Refreshing, invigorating, antiseptic, USED FOR: Circulation, respiratory problems, sore throats, oily skin, broken capillaries LEMONGRASS - Toning, revitalising, antiseptic USED FOR: circulation, digestion, muscle tone, acne, oily skin. MARJORAM - * Calming, warming USED FOR: Tension, insomnia, high blood pressure, digestion, colds, headaches, muscular cramps NEROLI - Ambrosial, antiseptic USED FOR: Anxiety, insomnia, dirrahoea, PATCHOULI - Sedative, antidepressant, antiseptic USED FOR: Anxiety, dry & mature skins PEPPERMINT - Invigorating, antiseptic, pain reliver USED FOR: Fatigue, shock, digestion, travel sickness, headaches, toothaches, skin irratations. Do not use in children under 6 years ROSE - * Relaxing, antidepressant, astringent, antiseptic USED FOR: Stress, circulation, digestion, headaches, all skins especially sensitive ROSEMARY - Toning, invigorating, insect repelient USED FOR: Fatigue, circulation, headaches, muscular pains, respiratory problems. Encourages hair growth SANDALWOOD - Calming, antiseptic USED FOR: Fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, respiratory problems, softens dry skin, midly astringent for oily skin TEA TREE - Powerful antiseptic, fungicide USED FOR: Respiratory problems, skin infections, wounds. Highly disinfectant without being toxic YLANG - YLANG - Sedative, Antiseptic, antidepressant USED FOR: anxiety, insomnia, frustration, regulates circulation |
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Blend Suggestions
Numbers in brackets indicate number of drops RELAXING: Try any one of these four combinations Bergamot (4)Geranium (2) Orange (2) Clary Sage (3) Cypress (4) Geranium (3) Frankincense (5) Lavender (3) Bergamot (3) Ylang Ylang (4) Orange (4) Clary sage (2) REFRESHING-UPLIFTING: Try any one of these five combinations Peppermint (3) Lemon (4) Rosemary (3) Lemon (5) Eucalyptus/Cedarwood (3) Rosemary (2) Cypress (3) Lemon (5) Geranium (2) Orange (4) Bergamot (4) Cypress (2) Basil (3) Rosemary (4) Lemon (3) LIVELY-PARTY BLEND: Try any one of these two combinations Lemon (3) Peppermint (4) Lavender (3) Basil (4) Peppermint (3) Lavender (3) ROMANCE: Orange (4) Patchouli (3) Ylang Ylang (4) ANTI DEPRESSION: Try any one of these Three combinations Ylang Ylang (4) Bergamot (3) Sandalwood (3) Clary Sage (4) Lavender (3) Geranium (3) Frankincense (4) Geranium (3) Bergamot (3) HEADACHES - Chamomile, clary sage, lavender marjoram & peppermint. A cold compress across the head with lavender and peppermint |