Calm down with Chamomile:
by Sadiqa Nathani
Essential
oils have some special uses and some precautions for using them too.
These are:
Mouthwash
Room freshener
Colds and headaches
Bee bites
Other special uses
Precautions when using essential oils
Mouthwash
Using
a screw topped bottle, mix 2 drops of oil with 1/2 litre spring water,
shake well to disperse oil each time you use it.
For fresh
breath, suitable oils are mint and lemon. For mouth infections and
gum problem use Tea tree. Do not swallow the mouthwash.
Room
freshener
Essential
oils create a pleasant atmosphere. At the same time, specific oils
will also effect your mood, creating a good ambience for meditation,
work, relaxation, romance or sleep. At times it may be useful to fumigate
the air in cases of infections, illness or as mosquito repellent.
These are several methods of using oils for room fragrance:
- Add
a few drop of essential oil to a bowl of dried flowers or pot pourri.
- Add
a few drops to drawer liners and padded clothes hangers.
- Put
a couple of drops on a hot light bulb.
Oil vaporisers
are available today in a number of shops. Float a few drops of oil
on water at the top of a bowl, and burn a candle underneath to release
the aroma into the air. Most oils can be used for room fragrance.
Some are particularly suitable for special purposes, including:
Meditation: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense.
Infection: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus and Rosemary, Lavender &
Lemon.
Romantic: Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmine.
Relaxation/Sleep: Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Sandalwood,
Ylang Ylang.
Cold
and headaches
For cold,
headaches, stuffiness, travel sickness, etc., put a drop or two of
an essential oil on a handkerchief or tissue and sniff at intervals.
Those suffering from insomnia should use 1/2 a drop of an essential
oil on a handkerchief or tissue and place it besides the bed or close
to the pillow. Do not let the skin come into contact with the neat
oil.
Suitable oils are:
Headache and stuffiness: Lavender and Rosemary
Travel sickness: Lemon grass and Lavender
Insomnia: Lavender, Chamomile, Neroli
Bee
bites
As a
general rule, never apply neat oils to the skin as they can produce
a skin reaction. However, in case of insect bites and stings, and
to disinfect cuts or acne and boils, a drop or two of only certain
oils (eg. Tea Tree, Lavender) can be used on the spot. Put 1-2 drop
on cotton wool and dab gently.
Special uses
The hectic
pace of life today makes particular demands on everyone. Women often
have to combine work, home care and the demands of children. Modern
life exacts an emotional toll on men too, while they engage in types
of work and sports that can place great demands on the body.
For women,
oils like Clary Sage, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Ylang Ylang and
Rose have a calming effect. Whereas oils like Cypress, Frankincense,
Lemon, Rosewood, Sandalwood and oils with a dual aspect like Clary
Sage and geranium work better on men.
Essential
oils that help to refresh and uplift the moods are Lavender, Rosemary,
Lemon and Rosewood.
Essential
oils that help one feel secure and warm are: Chamomile, Clary Sage,
Lavender and Ylang Ylang.
