Essential oils are highly concentrated,
volatile, aromatic essences of plants. Be sure to read the
information presented here carefully and use caution when
using these oils. If in doubt, consult with your physician.
Be sure to read the Disclaimer
before you continue.
Additionally, as a general rule, essential oils are applied
to the skin only when diluted in a carrier oil. Aside from
lavender oil (often used directly on burns, cuts and insect
stings) most oils should not be placed directly on the skin.
If applied undiluted to skin, the results can be quite painful.
Do not be tempted to experiment!
Pregnant women should be especially wary of essential oils.
Of particular note, avoid the following oils: Basil, Clary
Sage, Juniper, Rosemary, Marjoram, Fennel, Clove, Cypress,
Peppermint, Cedarwood, Lemongrass and Lavender. This is not
to say that the above fragrances or spices always be avoided,
just the essential oils as they are highly concentrated essences
of those plants.
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Essential Oil Reference Chart
Essential oils work on the body in
two principal ways: absorption through the skin and inhalation
through the olfactory system. A wide variety of methods
for using these oils exists. For educational purposes,
Indulgences by Michèle presents a summary of the most commonly
used methods here.
This is probably the best known method
of using aromatherapy oils. The effect of a good massage
is wonderful. With this method, not only do the oils penetrate
the skin, but they enter the body through the olfactory system
as well. Also important are the benefits to the body of muscle
relaxation, circulatory system stimulation and more.
The essential oils are always blended in a carrier oil. The
mixture will depend upon the particular condition being addressed.
Visit Ailments & Natural Treatments to learn more about
some common complaints.
For best results, indulge yourself in a full body massage
from a partner or a professional massage therapist. However,
self massage techniques can be quite successful as well.
Many carrier oils work well for massage. Be aware of smells
and shelf-life as many oils can go rancid quickly. For long
shelf-life, minimal odor and quick absorption, our favorite
blend of carrier oils is sweet almond oil, sunflower oil,
wheatgerm oil and pure vitamin E oil. You may purchase the
individual oils at most health food stores, or try some of
our blended unscented
massage oil – just add your own choice of essential oils
to prepare for that massage!
The suggested dilution's are as follows:
For use on the body: 25 drops of essential oil in
2 oz (50ml) of carrier oil
For use on the face: 12 drops of essential oil in
2 oz (50ml) of carrier oil
For use on children: 10 drops of essential oil in
2 oz (50ml) of carrier oil
For use on babies: 5 drops of essential oil in
2 oz (50ml) of carrier oil
The two main uses for compresses are
to: reduce swellings and sprains, and to soothe headaches.
Use a clean piece of cotton fabric (try a handkerchief or
towel depending upon the area to be covered) and soak it in
water infused with 1-8 drops of essential oil. After soaking,
squeeze out the water and place over the affected area. Use
warm water for muscular aches, ice cold water for headaches
and sprains.
As the compress cools down or heats up, re-soak and reapply.
The longer the compress stays on, the more effective it will
be. Shoot for at least one hour. The added benefit of lying
or sitting still in a relaxed state while the compress is
in place should help the patient feel much better.
Suggested oils for headache: Lavender
Suggested oils for swelling: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Rosemary,
Lemon
Taking a bath is a great way to relax.
In it’s own way, it is like an all over body massage as essential
oils in bath water penetrate the body through the skin and
the olfactory sensors. Several kinds of oils aid in battling
insomnia, none better than lavender. Learn more about it’s
healing qualities by visiting the Lavender Lover’s Corner
.
Baths are also useful for conditions such as rheumatism and
arthritis where there is painful swelling making massage inappropriate.
Add 5-10 drops of oil to the water when you have filled the
tub. It should not be too hot as this will cause the oil
to evaporate. Mix the oil throughout the water before entering
the bath.
herbs, bath salts and bath fizzers infused with essential
oils can not only aid with the aromatherapy, but will often
give your healthier, softer skin as well. There are many
great products like this to be found on this website. Visit
For the Bath to view
the entire selection.
Specifically, the following bath herb formulas are available
for natural healing:
Relax Bath
Herbs
Detoxifying
Bath Herbs
Cold
Relief Bath Herbs
This method is recommended for most
anyone suffering sinus, throat or chest infections and congestion.
However, those with asthma should NEVER use this method.
Pour boiling water into a bowl, add 10 drops of the appropriate
oil and breathe in deeply, covering your head and the bowl
with a towel. Stay for about 10 minutes.
Suggested oils: Eucalyptus
Peppermint
Lavender
This is perhaps the simplest use of
essential oils, but effective nonetheless. A drop of a relaxing
oil on the pillow at night gives a deep, restful sleep. A
drop of the right oil on a tissue can relieve a headache or
nausea. Other oils can boost low spirits and energy levels.
Mixing essential oils with distilled water in a spritzer can
also allow application of oil to a larger area. For example,
lightly misting a pillow will spread the effects of the oil
to wherever your head might be resting on it. Misting your
body or the air with the same type of mixture can extend the
benefits wherever you go. Try one of our ready-made spritzers
or blend one of your own with selected oils in a spritzer
bottle.
*Note – essential oils break down in sunlight. So, if mixing
more than one dose of spritzer oil, be sure to keep it stored
in a brown or blue glass bottle.
Suggested oils for Relaxing: Lavender, Rose
Headache relief: Lavender, Peppermint
Nausea relief: Peppermint
Boost low spirits: Jasmine, Clary
sage
Boost low energy: any citrus essential
oil
Scent the room and add the aromatic
benefits of essential oils to the air by vaporizing the oils.
Use a special oil diffuser or a brass scent ring placed on
a light bulb to most efficiently vaporize the oil. Try combing
oils to find the most pleasing scents and effects. Following
are some suggestions:
Lavender and Lemongrass (or Grapefruit)
Eucalyptus and Tea Tree
Patchouli and Vanilla
Orange and Clove
Peppermint and Lime
See the information on each individual oil to determine the
possible results of vaporizing those oils.
Please remember to read all warnings
posted about the use of essential oils and consult your doctor
if you have any questions regarding this information. This
information is presented as educational material only.
Circulation can be improved by taking
gentle exercise and also by deep breathing exercises. Massage
and baths with essential oils might also be beneficial.
Mix two or three of the following stimulating essences to
your personal preference: juniper, cypress, black pepper,
rosemary, orange, lemon and lemongrass.
Note – for varicose veins, walking as often as possible is
recommended. Also, a blend of cypress, lemon and lime can
be used as a massage oil. Sandalwood may also be used.
Many women suffer from painful monthly
cramps and often experience up to 48 hours of misery. Massage
the following oil into the abdomen using the flat of your
hand in a circular motion (going clockwise as you look down).
Also, try massaging some of the oil into the small of the
back.
Massage Oil: 5 drops each of chamomile and geranium
15 drops of clary sage
2 oz (50ml) carrier oil
Purchase Moon
Time Balance Massage Oil for a ready made batch of this
oil.
For PMS symptoms, calm and uplift the spirits in a bath to
which ylang ylang and clary sage have been added.
Rheumatism is the lay term for pain
and stiffness in the muscles and joints, arthritis for pain
and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative
disease of the joints, wears away the protective cartilage,
often of the fingers, knees, hips and spine. There can be
severe pain and swelling leading to immobility.
Aromatherapy is helpful as a pain relief and a muscle relaxant.
Try a blend of two or three of these oils as a compress or
in a bath: chamomile, pine, eucalyptus, lavender, juniper,
ginger, rosemary, lemon and sweet marjoram.
Basic Bath Herbs contain
lavender, rosemary, juniper berries and chamomile.
Because of the naturally antiseptic
qualities of essential oils, their inhalation has a particularly
strong and immediate effect on problems of the respiratory
system.
Eucalyptus is a very important oil for problems of the respiratory
tract. It is an antiseptic and decongestant. A drop on a
tissue during the day, or on the pillow at night can help
you breathe and get rid of stuffiness. (It is the active
ingredient in many OTC decongestants.) Inhale deeply from
the following Steam Inhalation three to four times per day
while affected:
4 drops tea tree oil
4 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops peppermint oil
Lavender used as a room freshener has a naturally antiseptic
affect too. Gargling regularly with a drop of tea tree oil
in water is a good preventative to ward off colds.
Taking a bath with an infusion of Cold
Relief Bath Herbs can be cleansing and refreshing.
Headaches can result from stress, poor
diet, hormonal disturbances, allergies, or various other factors.
You should consult your doctor about severe recurrent headaches.
If it is a mild headache resulting from stress, sitting too
long at your desk, or being in a smoky atmosphere, you may
find quick relief by massaging a few drops of pure lavender
oil into your temples and the back of your neck, focusing
on the most painful area.
Inhaling peppermint oil can sometimes bring relief, especially
when massage would be painful. A neck and shoulder massage
or a bath with peppermint, sweet marjoram, Melissa and/or
lavender can also be beneficial.
Carry a convenient bottle of lavender
oil with a roller ball inside to massage into your temples
no matter where you are.
A low sex drive is a common result
of fatigue, stress or anxiety. It is possible to redress
the sexual balance with a combination of relaxing massage
or bath with a heady essential oil that had euphoric qualities.
The best oils for this are: rose, ylang ylang, clary sage,
patchouli, jasmine and sandalwood. Use alone or one or two
mixed together to your own preference. You could also use
in a vaporizer to scent a room, or use a spritzer to mist
onto a bed pillow or nightclothes.
Try using a touch of lavender or also to help with relaxation
and to lead into a restful night.
Indulgences by Michèle has a delightful Massage
Oil that blends ylang ylang, clary sage and patchouli
in a fast absorbing carrier oil. Also, try our White
Rabbit Spritzer for the benefits of patchouli with a dash
of vanilla.
If you feel like you don’t have the
energy to make it through the day, you might need a little
extra help. Try the following stimulating essential oils
instead of another cup of coffee: basil, rosemary, peppermint,
clary sage.
Use in an early morning bath, or simply inhale from a tissue
treated with an oil or two throughout the day for a quick
boost. Lavender on the pillow at night can help you make
sure get a good nights rest. Eating a good diet and getting
plenty of exercise will also help you immeasurably. Remember
to take care of yourself too!
Insomnia is a common result of stress.
There is nothing more frustrating than lying awake for hours,
knowing you are going to feel exhausted the next day. Worrying
about it, of course, only makes sleep more impossible.
Take time to wind down at the end of the day. Avoid stimulants
like coffee and chocolate and don’t eat too late in the evening.
Lavender, , rose and sweet marjoram are among the best oils
for insomnia. Use for massage, or in a bath before bed as
well. Lavender oil on your pillow is an excellent sedative
and soporific. Don’t want to put oil on your pillow? Place
a jar of Lavender Buds infused with lavender oil next to your
pillow on the end table. Take a few deep whiffs before laying
your head down and off you go to dreamland!
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