Aromatic Life

Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from natures flowers and herbs. They are used singley or in blends. The aroma is inhaled, and the oils mayb be applied to the skin, as well. The herbs/flowers or combinations address specific disorders or needs. It appears the body is able to utilize the healing properties of the oils through the olfactory system of the body and so initiate the healing process. These illnesses maybe physical or emotional.

Seasonal Aromatherapy
Season’s are changing and it’s getting colder out. I thought I would share with you some aromatherapy tips on some seasonal disorders that you may find useful. These are mainly physical.

 

Nasal Inhaler
Use to inhale the vapors when you have a cold or sinus congestion.

You’ll need

rock salt
2 drops essential oil eucalyptus
2 drops essential oil rosemary
1 drop essential oil peppermint

Put a few pieces of rock salt into a glass vial, add the drops.
The salt will absorb the oils.

Or Simply add the drops to a handkerchief to inhale.

 

Sinus Infection

A compress with Peppermint oil relieves the symptoms of a sinus
infection.

Mix 5 drops of Peppermint oil in two cups of warm water.

Lay a small cloth dampened with the mixture across your nose
and your cheekbones.

Breathe deeply, keeping your eyes closed.

 
Winter Skin Relief

Here’s a blend for dry, rough and scaly skin.

Lavender 4 drops
Patchouli 2 drops
Sandalwood 4 drops

Use in 1/2 oz. of carrier oil. (Find out about Carrier Oils)

 

Sore Throat
At the first sign of a sore throat try this.

DO NOT SWALLOW!!

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water and add 2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil, stir well.

DO NOT SWALLOW!!
Gargle, repeat several times.

 
For Windburn Chapped Skin

Mix 3 drops of Lavender or Chamomile in
1 Tablespoon Jojoba

Apply to skin.

 
Winter Protection

Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil.
Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are
some to try.

This blend is said to strengthen
the immune system against colds and flu.

Use as a massage oil.
Massage feet before bed, put on socks and go to sleep.

 

Sore Throat Gargle

Just 1 drop of Cedarwood Atlas Cedrus atlantica,in 1/2 cup water can be used as a sore throat gargle.

Allergies with Sinusitis

Allergies such as hay fever will often cause sinusitis.
A little Lavender gently massaged into the sinuses at
either side of the nose will help to clear the condition.
Be sure to dilute in a carrier oil. (Find out about Carrier Oils)

 

Allergy FootBath

Essential oils are easily absorbed through the feet
therefore an aromatic footbath can be effective for
allergy related symptoms.
Try this blend for allergy relief symptoms

1 drop Geranium
1 drop Rose
3 drops Lavender

Combine with 2 Tablespoons Sea Salts.
Add to a basin of tepid water.
Soak feet for 15 minutes.

Use as a preventive during seasonal changes
when you expect allergy symptoms
Headaches

When using essential oils for a headache,
try inhalation from a tissue. This method
often works faster and better than massage.
Oils to try are Lavender, Chamomile, Peppermint,
Basil and Rosemary.

 

 

Ravensara Oil

Helpful for chronic fatigue.
An essential oil which has a regulating effect
while energizing the immune system
and balancing the circulating immunoglobulins.
A very good expectorant, helpful for bronchitis.
Gentle yet effective. Can be used on young and old alike.
Can be used neat or undiluted on the skin.
Apply neat to cold sores.
A very powerful anti viral oil

 

Muscle Cramp Rub

Adding Tangerine to a massage oil will help to relax cramped muscles.

 

Fever

Eucalyptus can effectively bring down a fever.

Add 6 drops to a bowl of tepid water. Mix.

Dampen several clothes in the water, wring out and apply to wrists, feet and forehead.

Wipe down the rest of the body with one of the cloths.

 

Help Clear Sinuses and Ease Breathing

To help clear sinuses and ease breathing,
place 1-2 drops of Sweet Marjoram oil on
a handkerchief or tissue and inhale deeply.

 

Muscle, Nerve, & Joint Pain

Eucalyptus oil is an effective analgesic and is
often used to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pain.
Apply a massage oil to the affected area before a
warm bath,then massage the area again after your bath.
You can use a blend of Lavender and Eucalyptus for even
better results.
When massaging small areas like a shoulder you can
double the amount of essential oils used.
ex. 20-30 drops per 1 oz. carrier oil. (Find out about Carrier Oils)

 

Colds & Flus

Keep this blend on hand for colds and flu.

Blend together

5 drops of Lavender
5 drops of Tea Tree
5 drops of Eucalyptus

Store in an amber or cobalt bottle.

When ready to use blend 5 drops in a teaspoon of
vegetable oil. Rub over swollen glands and neck area.

May be applied once every hour.

 

For Lowered Immunity

Choose Rosewood when you want an immune stimulating oil
but not an energizing one like Tea Tree.
Rosewood is gentle, a very safe oil, a good oil for anyone with
lowered immunity. It is also helpful for chronic fatigue.

 

Upset Tummy

Upset Tummy Aid

7 drops Mandarin
4 drops Ginger
4 drops Peppermint

Add to 1 oz. carrier oil. (Find out about Carrier Oils)
Massage on tummy as needed.
Try inhaling directly from the bottle.

 

These are just some recipes to help you get through the season changes.  Remember sometimes just burning a smelly candle helps sooth the senses.   Share some of your seasonal recipes with us!