Oil Burners, Diffusers and Vapourisers.
Fill the bowl with water and add 3 to 5 drops of oil of your choice. Place the tea light in the chamber provided and light. Ensure safety at all times.
Headaches and respiratory conditions respond well to oils evaporated in a burner. It is also a preventative against airborne viruses and bacteria and is a pleasant and natural alternative to commercial air fresheners.
Bath
Up to 6 drops of essential oil maybe added to a bath although it mixes well if used with 10 ml of carrier oil. Any good massage oil such as Sweet Almond oil may be used. You may also be able to obtain specially formulated bath carrier oil which also produces a foam bath and moisturises the body. Soap should not be used in essential oil baths. Care should be taken in the choice of oils used in a bath. See Guide to Essential Oils.
Essential oils added to the bath are particularly useful for muscular and skin conditions. Respiratory conditions are improved through breathing in the steam. Aromatherapy baths are also ids in combating stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Lotions and Creams
Essential oils can be added to good quality fragrance free creams and lotions. Clean dark glass jars should be used and 2 to 3 drops added to 5 ml of lotion or 5 mg cream. Apply straight to the skin.
This is beneficial to most skin ailments such as eczema or psoriasis, as well as headaches and respiratory conditions. Care should be used on fungal conditions.
Inhalation
2 or 3 drops of essential oil added to a bowl of hot water and then inhaled whilst covering the head with a towel is beneficial to respiratory conditions. Eucalyptus, Cedar and Cypress being especially effective. It is also helpful for facial skin problems such as acne. Asthmatics should not use this method.
Compress
Add 5 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or icy cold water. Dip in a cloth and wring well before applying to inured area.
This treatment is beneficial for sports injuries, sprains, fevers, headaches and earache.
Massage
Massage is best done by a trained therapist. It is by far the most satisfying way to use the oils. Massage is not something that is learned from books but many tips can be gleaned in this way and, although an experience enjoyed by many couples, some knowledge of the areas safe to massage should be studied before embarking on this.
There are many benefits to the use of oils in massage. Toxins are eliminated and the lymphatic system is stimulated. Muscular/skeletal conditions all benefit. The caring touch of another human hand is also very reassuring and comforting, which is a blessing in itself.
Other Useful methods.
Room sprays of your favourite fragrances can be made up of 5 drops of essential oil to 10ml water.
Drops of oil can be placed in a humidifier of on a saucer on top of a radiator.
Add 4 or 5 drops of essential oil to a fragrance free shower gel then sponge the body over whilst still under the shower.
Add 2 to 4 drops of oil to a foot spa…immerse feet for approximately 20 mins.
1 or 2 drops of essential on your tissue/handkerchief is an alternative to inhalation. Eucalyptus, Cedar or Cypress are particularly good used in this way to help to clear nasal congestion.
Add essential oils to a bowl of pot-pourri will enhance to fragrance of a room and provide aroma for inhalation. Use a carrier oil with the oils.
Scatz December 2002
