Essential
oils can be effectively used in massages, baths and saunas (Aromatic
answers to aches and pains). Here are some more uses.
Inhalation/facial
steams
This
method of using oils simultaneously cleanses the skin while helping
de-congest lungs and sinuses, catarrh and sore throat.
an average,
use 2 - 3 drops of the essential oil in one pint of water. Float the
oil on the surface of a bowl of steaming water, just off the boil.
Drape a bath towel over your head and breathe in the steam for 2-3
minutes.
For nasal
congestion breathe through the nose, for a sore throat breathe through
the mouth. Do not persist if this causes discomfort. Exercise caution
if you suffer from allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma.
Use
the following combinations for:
Cleansing
- Lavender and geranium
Congested lungs (Bronchitis) - Frankincense, Marjoram, Sandalwood.
Sore throat - Lavender
Sinusitis - Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Tea Tree.
Compress
Use hot
compresses for long-standing conditions like backache, arthritic and
rheumatic pain, and menstrual pain, and cold compresses for recent
injuries or acute conditions like sprains, headaches bruises and swelling
and fever.
Add to
the water, both hot and cold, up to 6 drops of essential oil (3 for
small areas like forehead). Fold a small towel or handkerchief of
an absorbent material (cotton or flannel) and place it on the surface
of the water so that it takes up the essential oil. Wring out, and
apply on affected areas. When dry, soak again and re-apply.
Recommended
oils:
Arthritis and muscular aches and pains - Chamomile, Cypress or Juniper
berry, Lavender, Rosemary and Marjoram.
Fever - Lavender or Rosemary
Headache - Lavender, Rosemary, Marjoram, Clary Sage.
Headache with tension - Chamomile
Headache with sinusitis - Eucalyptus (use with care)
Bruises - Lavender, Tea Tree
Swelling - Juniper berry
Hair and face oil
Some
oils are particularly good for the skin and hair. Use essential oils
in a proportion of 1 drop to 10 ml (2 tsp.) carrier oil (preferably
pre-blended for the purpose) for a pre-bath facial oil or an after-bath
body lotion and moisturiser. Choose the oil according to the physical
symptoms.
For hair
conditioning, massage the blend into the scalp and leave for a minimum
of two hours or overnight before shampooing.
Head
lice can be successfully and pleasantly treated with a mixture of
Eucalyptus or Tea Tree with Lavender and Rosemary, using 4 drops of
essential oils in 10-ml carrier oil.
Do not
use more than one drop of Eucalyptus and Rosemary, as they are stronger
oils. Apply to the scalp, massage well and leave for an hour before
shampooing and combing out the wet hair with fine-toothed comb. Repeat
as necessary.
Hair
rinse
After
washing your hair, stir 1 drop of essential oil to the water you plan
to use for the final rise. Or make up a hair rinse as follows: Mix
4 drops essential oil to 1 litre of water. Use a screw top bottle
and shake well to disperse the oil each time you use it, as the oil
does not dissolve in water. Suitable oils for hair include Rosemary,
geranium, and Rosewood.
Skin
lotion
Adding
10 drops of essential oils to 50-ml spring water can make skin lotion/tonics.
Use a screw top bottle and shake well to disperse the oils.
Suitable
oils are:
Oily skin - Use Tea Tree or Cedarwood, Cypress or Juniper berry, Rosemary,
Ylang Ylang.
Sensitive skin - Chamomile (German) or Geranium
Dry skin - Geranium, Lavender, and Sandalwood.
Aging / mature skin - Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium,
Sandalwood.
