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| | Essentially Yours ... Part Three
The Use and Enjoyment of Essential Oils
There are hundreds of essential oils that
are used regularly in healing treatments and perfumes.
Some of the more commonly used ones are lavender, chamomile, peppermint,
tea tree oil, eucalyptus, geranium, jasmine, rose, lemon, orange, rosemary, and
sandalwood.
Essential oils are used in several healing
systems, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic medicine and massage therapy.
Essential oils are used for skin and scalp conditions including acne,
athlete’s foot, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, insect bites, parasites,
sunburn, warts, and wrinkles. They
are recommended for muscle, joint and circulation problems such as arthritis,
high blood pressure, cellulite, aches and pains, and varicose veins.
For respiratory problems and infections, various essential oils are
prescribed for allergies, asthma, earache, sinus infections, congestion and
colds and flu. Essential oils are
also used to improve digestion, promote hormonal balance, and on the nervous
system in conditions including anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and
exhaustion.1
However, most of the general population is
not going to use essential oils to this degree.
More common uses include enhancing moods, increasing energy, alertness
and reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
And, most of us will use them in soaps, perfumes, and lotions.
Because essential oils are very strong and
concentrated, they should be diluted with base oils before rubbing them directly
on the body. Base oils are gentle
and inexpensive oils, and common ones include almond, jojoba, grape seed,
sunflower and sesame oil. Mineral
oil is not recommended as a base oil. Essential
oils should be diluted to make up a 1-3% of a base oil solution, which is one to
three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of base oil.
For larger quantities, 20-60 drops can be added per 100 milliliters of
base oil.1
Essential oils are absorbed by the skin and
act medicinally once they are absorbed into the body.
For instance eucalyptus oil, long used in common cough and cold remedies,
can be rubbed on the chest to break up congestion and mucus inside the lungs.
Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender, and thyme have
natural antiseptics in them and can be applied to cuts, burns, and sores to
disinfect and promote healing.1
Essential oils can be used individually or
blended together with others to create interesting blends.
If you are making a massage oil, the base oils (also called carrier oils)
can also be blended into a unique and personal blend.
There are many ways to use essential oils in your home.
 | Bath:
add 5-8 drops of essential oils or blend in a hot bath.
Stir the water before to disperse the oils.2 |
| Massage:
The most effective way of using Aromatherapy.
For one massage, use a teaspoon (about 5 ml) of carrier oil and add
just 2-3 drops of the chosen essential oil.3 |
| Room
Freshener: Add a few drops of
essential oil to water in a bowl or in a diffuser.2 |
| Tumble
Dryer: Add two drops essential
oil on a muslin cloth and add to your laundry in the dryer.2 |
| Washing
Machine: 2-4 drops added to the
final rinse water.2 |
| Inhalation:
Add 3-6 drops of essential oil to a steaming bowl of water, place a
towel over your head and lean over the bowl allowing the water vapor to
carry the oil to your nose. Remain
like this, inhaling deeply, for several minutes.
Alternatively add 1-2 drops of essential oils to a handkerchief, hold
to your nose and inhale. Inhalation
is ideal for sinus and chest problems, coughs, colds, etc. offering
immediate results. Eucalyptus,
pine and also lavender are very good.3 |
| Compresses:
Add 5-6 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of warm water.
Next, place a piece of cotton cloth or lint on the surface of the
water, allowing it to soak in the liquid for a few minutes, wring out, then
apply to the part of the body needing treatment. Compresses are normally placed on the neck, forehead,
arms or legs.3 |
| Dry
Brushing: To stimulate the
skin, and the lymphatic system all over the body use a natural bristle bath
brush with tow or three drops of a stimulating essential oil (rosemary or
pink grapefruit are good choices if not contraindicated) to the bristles and
brush your skin, from the toes up to the heart, from the fingers to the
heart, always working from the extremities toward the heart.
Brush lightly but cover your whole body.
This is effective either before or after your morning shower.
I would omit the face and neck from this process.4 |
| Spritzer:
The amount of essential oil used depends on the purpose of the
spritzer. To 4 ounces of
distilled water add: 8-10 drops for the face; 30-40 drops for an all over
body spritzer; 80-100 drops for a room spray / air freshener.
Shake well, spray. May
be used as a facial toner, to moisten a body wrap or as an all over
freshener, or as a room spray. This
mixture will require a lot of shaking, since the essential oils do not
dissolve in water. You may
first dissolve the essential oils in an ounce of perfumers alcohol or high
proof vodka, or in a solubizer like the polysorbate, then top the mixture
off with approximately three ounces of distilled water.4 |
| Shower:
After a shower, apply 5-7 drops to a damp washcloth.
Rub briskly all over body. Preferably
allow to air dry.4 |
| Bath
Salts: Use a blend of Epsom
Salts (good for sore, aching muscles), sea salt, baking soda.
Add 6-10 drops of your choice oil blend.
Either add to warm bath, or use as a “salt glow” rub before the
bath. Adding a spoonful of your
favorite carrier oil to the salt glow leaves your skin feeling soft and
silky, but makes the tub harder to clean.4 |
| General
Cleaning: Use lemon or
grapefruit essential oil, possibly with a touch of tea tree oil added, in
the warm water you clean with. Wipe
down kitchen counters and your bathroom with these cleansing, germicidal
oils.4 |
| Flavoring:
Either add a drop or two of citrus, spice, or floral essential oil to
a cup of honey, mix well and let stand.
OR put a couple of drops of the same essential oil on a scrap of
paper towel, lay on top of a jar of sugar, seal tightly and let stand for a
week. Add the flavor of the fresh plant to sugar for tea,
baking, etc.4 |
| Light
Bulbs: 1-2 drops.
The heat generated by a light bulb can be used to release the
molecules of essential oil into the atmosphere.
There are various attachments made of nonflammable material or metal
which can be used in conjunction with light bulbs; or add the oil to a
standing lamp bulb when it’s is not switched on, and cool.
Do not put the oil onto a light bulb with is already heated, as
essential oils are flammable. Use
only 1-2 drops – no more- or the oil may drip down the bulb into the
attachement.5 |
| Wood
Fires: Use 1-2 drops per log.
Use cypress, pine, sandalwood, or cedarwood oils.
Put essential oil on each log and leave for half an hour before
using, although the oil will retain it’s effectiveness for a very long
time and so the logs can all be prepared in advance.
One log per fire will be sufficient.5 |
As always, be sure you have enough
information on the essential oils before you begin. Camden Gray has a great
resource for the properties of essential oils.
You can find this resource at: http://www.bestdeal.org/Merchant2/essentialdepot/infofiles/EssentialDesc.shtml
Before you experiment, make sure you have the knowledge base to do so
safely. Oh, and most essential oils
should NOT be used with babies…and should be used with great caution on
children. Have fun, but be safe…
Articles used for researching this article:
1
Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine; http://articles.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0003/ai_2603000348
2
www.junethornton.co/nz/skincare/aromatherapy
3
PureAroma: Using Essential Oils: http://g7tgr.demon.co.uk/kernel.php?sitename=purearoma&pageid=use-essential-oils.html
4
Methods of Application of Therapeutic Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Healing: http://www.naturesgift.com/methods.htm
5
The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann
Worwood
~ Denise Washburn
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