Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over for centuries. Using essential oils can be very beneficial.
Essential oils can be very therapeutic when used correctly. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in the bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, sprays, compresses, foot baths, or in a oil warmer.
The effects of essential oils will generally fall into one of three main categories:
-Assisting in healing/relieving illnesses and injury
-Supporting your overall sense of well-being
-Assisting you in getting quality rest, relaxation and sleep
The quality of essential oils is important, both to their potency and aroma. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your skin. Essential oils should always be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location.
Always remember never to use essential oils neat on the skin, ALWAYS dilute in a carrier.
BEFORE you use any essential oil ALWAYS check that the oil will not interfere with any medication you may be taking, or any health issue you may have.
Here are a few suggested blends that I particularly like–
Restful Sleep Bath – 6 drops lavender, 4 drops Roman Chamomile, 4 drops Sandalwood into full bath of water
Relaxing Muscle Soak Bath – 6 drops Rosemary, 4 drops Black Pepper, 4 drops Clary sage, 1 tablespoon Epsom Salts, into a full bath of water
Happy Spray – 4 drops Rose, 4 drops Neroli, mixed in a small spritzer with distilled water
Headache Relief Spray– 6 drops of Lavender, 4 drops Peppermint, mixed in a small spritzer with distilled water
Calm and Relaxed Massage– 4 drops Petitgrain, 4 drops Neroli, 6 drops Lavender diluted in Sweet Almond oil
Muscle Soothing Massage– 6 drops of Rosemary, 4 drops of Lemongrass and 6 drops of Cedarwood diluted in Sweet Almond oil.
Fresh and Zingy Body Lotion– 6 drops of Grapefruit, 6 drops Bergamot, 250ml of unscented body lotion. Mix well!
Perfect Skin Toner– 6 drops Lavender, 3 drops Tea Tree, 3 drops Frankincense, 250ml of unscented toner lotion. Mix well!
I hope you enjoy these ideas. Essential oils have amazing properties for our health and well being and Aromatherapy is a wonderful area of study and holistic health.
