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    Thread: Aromatherapy

    1. #21
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      As we head into the winter season (here in the northern hemisphere at least) we tend to suffer coughs and colds and things that generally make us feel under the weather.
      I have posted here a few basic remedies and oils that everyone can have at home and use safely enough although where there may be issues, I have posted those too. Never use oils orally or neat (undiluted) with the exception of Chamomile and Lavender!

      Essential Care Kit
      LAVENDER – Lavandula angustifolia
      Lavender oil is one of the most well known scents and is vital to any first aid kit and mostly grown in France. Its main uses are:
      soothing burns, insect bites, sore skins; easing headaches, migraine and muscular aches and tension; helps insomnia, nervous tension and anxiety; useful for both adults and children.
      Fragrance Profile: Mainly soft, sweet and floral with camphoraceous and pungent notes.
      Suggested blends for skin irritations: add 4 drops of lavender, 3 drops of tea tree and 3 drops of roman chamomile to 20 ml (4 teaspoons) carrier oil and massage affected area.
      For easing headaches: add 3 drops of lavender to 5ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil and massage the forehead and neck to provide relief.
      To ease insomnia: use 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of orange to help you fall asleep.

      TEA TREE – Melaleuca alternifolia
      Tea Tree is from Australia and is one of the most antiseptic plants ever discovered. As an antiseptic, it is excellent for clearing skin infections and acne; healing wounds and cuts; soothing insect bites; clears athlete’s foot and helps flu, colds, bronchitis and boosts general immunity.
      Fragrance Profile: Medicinal, green, camphoraceous aroma, pungent and strong.
      Suggested blends for skin infections: add 3 drops of tea tree, 3 drops of sandalwood and 3 drops of lavender to 20ml of carrier oil and apply as necessary.
      To assist chest problems: use an inhalation of 3 drops of tea tree and 3 drops of lemon twice daily.
      To boost immunity: add 2 drops of tea tree, 2 drops bergamot and 1 drop black pepper to a warm bath. Add this combination of oils to 10 ml of carrier oil and massage the upper chest. Do this daily during an episode of flu.

      PEPPERMINT – Mentha piperita
      Everyone knows peppermint and the essential oil you buy is mostly from the USA where it is used to flavour toothpaste and chewing gum.
      Note: If you have sensitive skin, use half the stated drops of peppermint in any blend due to the menthol content in the oil, which can act as an irritant.Main uses are for easing stomach cramps, indigestion, constipation and nausea; helps muscular aches, stiffness, backache; eases headaches and migraine; clears the head and improves concentration.
      Fragrance Profile: Pungent, zesty, fresh and minty aroma with sweeter tones.
      Suggested blends: Indigestion symptoms can be helped by massaging the abdomen with 2 drops peppermint, 4 drops of ginger and 4 drops cardamom in 20ml carrier oil.
      For aches and pains: massage daily with 2 drops peppermint, 4 drops rosemary and 4 drops black pepper in 20ml carrier oil.
      For headaches: add 2 drops of peppermint and 3 drops of lavender to 10ml carrier oil and massage onto the forehead and neck.
      For clearing the mind: Vaporise 2 drops peppermint and 3 drops of lemon.

      CHAMOMILE – Anthemis nobilis
      Chamomile is one of the gentlest herbs and is often referred to as the ‘children’s herb’. The oil comes from the flowers and can be pale blue in colour due to the substance ‘azulene’ being present which has anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is mostly cultivated in the UK. Its main uses are: soothes cuts, burns, sore dry skin, nappy rash; eases menstrual cramps, premenstrual low energy and tension; soothing headaches and migraine; helps insomnia, nervous exhaustion, tension; restlessness and stress related problems.
      Fragrance Profile: Fruity (apple like), sweet, fresh and soft.
      Suggested blends: For skins problems add 3 drops roman chamomile, 4 drops lavender and 3 drops of palmarosa to 20ml carrier oil for an extremely gentle application.
      To ease menstrual symptoms add 3 drops of roman chamomile and 2 drops of marjoram to a warm bath, then add this blend of oils to 10ml of carrier oil and massage the lower abdomen.
      For insomnia and restlessness: try vaporising 3 drops of roman chamomile and 3 drops lavender in the bedroom before turning in for the night. This would be aided by taking a cup of chamomile tea about an hour before retiring.

      EUCALYPTUS – Eucalyptus globulus
      This is an Australian tree and the aborigines knew about its healing properties long ago. The leaves are where the oil comes from.
      Note: Must not be swallowed – some cases of severe internal poisoning have occurred. Safe on the skin or as an inhalation.Main uses: Clears colds, blocked noses, sinusitis, chest infections; soothes burns, cuts, wounds and insect bites; eases muscular pains; improves circulation; improves concentration.
      Fragrance Profile: Extremely fresh and bracing, with woodier tones later.
      Suggested blends: For colds and chest problems, use 2 drops eucalyptus and 3 drops tea tree in an inhalation twice daily. Add the same combination of oils to 10ml of carrier oil and massage the chest area.
      For damaged skin: add 2 drops eucalyptus, 3 drops of tea tree and 5 drops of lavender to 20ml of carrier oil and apply twice daily.
      For muscle pain: add 3 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops rosemary and 3 drops ginger to 20ml carrier oil for massage.
      To help improve levels of concentration: vaporise 3 drops eucalyptus and 3 drops rosemary.

      GERANIUM – Pelargonium graveolens
      This plant is known by its fragrant scented leaves which have a rosy aroma. It is sometimes called Rose Geranium and the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean produces the best quality essential oil.
      Main uses: soothes cracked and inflamed skin, eczema, dermatitis, acne and congested and oily skin; eases premenstrual symptoms such as lack of energy, bloatedness and fluid retention; soothes mood swings and helps balance hormonally related emotional upsets.
      Fragrance Profile: Rosy, sweet and strong, with a hint of lemon and fresh green notes.
      Suggested blends: For skin problems, add 3 drops geranium, 3 drops sandalwood and 4 drops of lavender to 20ml carrier oil and apply to the area as needed.
      To ease premenstrual symptoms: Add 2 drops geranium and 3 drops of petitgrain to a warm bath. The same combination can be added to 10ml carrier oil for an uplifting massage afterwards.
      To help balance mood swings: Add 3 drops of geranium, 3 drops lemon and 4 drops orange to 20ml carrier oil and massage into the skin. This will give a floral and citrus uplift.

      ROSEMARY – Rosmarinus officinalis
      The name originally means ‘Rose of the sea’ which is a reference to the original habitat of the plant on the dry, sandy coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. The best pungent oil comes from Spain or North Africa – the hotter the climate the better the aroma. It has a similar fragrance to eucalyptus because they both have a fragrant ingredient in common: eucalyptol.
      Note: Rosemary is not advised for people with high blood pressure as it is stimulating oil. It should also not be used for people with epilepsy.Fragrance Profile: Strong, camphoraceous, fresh and herbal aroma a definite eucalyptus tone.
      Main uses: eases muscular aches and pains, backache, poor circulation; stimulates the scalp and eases dandruff; clears the breathing in colds, influenza and sinusitis; stimulates the mind and wakes up the brain.
      Suggested blends: For aches and pains and for poor circulation, try using 4 drops of rosemary, 2 drops of lemongrass and 4 drops of nutmeg in 20 ml carrier oil.
      For a hair and scalp tonic: Add 5 drops of rosemary and 5 drops of tea tree to 20ml of unfragranced shampoo and then wash hair as usual.
      To ease breathing with colds and flu: Add 3 drops of rosemary and 3 drops tea tree to a bowl of nearly boiling water and inhale the vapour for about 20 minutes.
      To stimulate the mind: Vaporise 3 drops rosemary and 3 drops peppermint.

      BLACK PEPPER – Piper nigrum
      Black peppercorns are steam-distilled to yield the essential oil. This tropical plant is native to India and the oil is also produced there as well as Indonesia and Malaysia.
      Fragrance Profile: Warm, musty, sharp and spicy with heavier sweet notes later.
      Main uses: Warms and stimulates blood circulation; helps ease aches and pains; soothes indigestion, stomach cramps and constipation; strengthens the immune system, especially against the flu.
      Suggested blends: To help sluggish or poor circulation, add 4 drops black pepper, 2 drops lemongrass and 4 drops cardamom to 20ml carrier oil and massage inot the affected area as needed.
      To help ease indigestion or constipation, add 3 drops black pepper, 3 drops peppermint and 4 drops neroli to 20ml carrier oil and massage the abdomen twice daily.
      As a tonic for the immune system add 1 drop black pepper, 2 drops tea tree and 2 drops bergamot to warm evening bath. Add the same mixture to 20ml carrier oil and massage the chest area afterwards.

      LEMON – Citrus limonum
      Oil of lemon is expressed or squeezed from the peel. The dark green leaves produce an essential oil called petitgrain citronnier.
      Note: Avoid any exposure to strong sunlight or a sunbed for at least 12 hours after application to the skin. Can also burn so never apply neat to skin.Fragrance Profile: Green, citrusy and fresh, zesty and bright; softer and more sherbety tones develop with time.
      Main uses: Helps build immunity against colds, flu and other viral infections; detoxifies the system and assists lymphatic drainage; freshens the mind and helps with concentration.
      Suggested blends: To help boost the immune system, vaporise 3 drops lemon and 3 drops tea tree in a room to disinfect the air. Add the same blend to 10ml carrier oil to massage the chest area twice daily.
      To help detoxify the body: Add 4 drops lemon, 2 drops Angelica and 4 drops Juniper to 20ml carrier oil and massage the legs and other affected areas twice daily.
      To assist concentration and improve alertness: Add 3 drops lemon and 3 drops of Rosemary to a vaporiser (this is especially useful when studying).

      BERGAMOT – Citrus bergamia
      Bergamot is a small bitter orange grown in Italy and the essential oil comes from the peel. It is also known as the flavouring for Earl Grey tea.
      Note: Strongly phototoxic so avoid strong sunlight and sun beds for at least 12 hours after application.Fragrance Profile: Fresh, bright, citrusy and sweet, developing softer, rounder and warmer tones later.
      Main uses: Boosts immunity, helps combat colds, flu and respiratory complaints; eases the symptoms of vaginal thrush; soothes anxiety, depression, helps lift low spirits and combat stress.
      Suggested blends: To help boost the immune system, add 2 drops bergamot, 2 drops tea tree and 1 drop black pepper to an evening bath and relax in the water, then add the same to 10ml carrier oil and massage the chest area.
      For thrush: Add 2 drops bergamot and 3 drops sandalwood to a warm bath to soothe the area.
      To ease stress and anxiety: Vaporise 3 drops bergamot and 3 drops frankincense to create a warm and uplifting aroma.

      Other useful Oils
      Ginger – Zingiber officinale
      Comes from the root and is useful for easing digestion; warming and soothing aches and pains in muscles; improves circulation.
      Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
      Comes from grass root and is useful for relieving aches and pains especially backache; improves circulation; eases menstrual cramps; helps to ground and stabilise the emotions in cases of extreme stress.
      Sandalwood – Santalum album
      This tree oil is mainly from India and is useful for easing tight, chesty coughs, colds, sore throats; soothes dry chapped skin and improves the texture of all skin types; eases depression, anxiety and feelings of panic.
      Cedarwood – Cedrus atlantica
      This tree oil is mainly from Morocco and is useful for bronchitis, chest infections; soothing cracked skin, eczema, acne and oily skin; calms and deepens the breathe when under stress and soothes feelings of panic.
      Frankincense – Boswelllia carterli var. Thurifera
      This resin oil mainly from Oman and Somalia is useful for disinfecting and healing cuts, wounds, eczema and damaged skin; tones and rejuvenates all skin types, especially mature; eases chesty coughs or bronchitis; comforts anxiety and emotional stress.
      Myrrh – Commiphora myrrha
      This resinous oil is useful for healing deep cuts and wounds, chapped and cracked skin, eczema; cleans and disinfects the mouth, easing ulcers and sore gums; calms highly emotional anxious states. (Avoid during pregnancy)
      Marjoram – Origanum majorana
      This herb is actually a variety of thyme, the oil comes from France and is useful for muscular aches and pains, stiffness and strains; easing menstrual cramps and mood swings; helps migraine, headaches and nervous tension.
      Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens
      The oil comes from young twigs and leaves of this tree and is useful for clearing oily skin and blocked pores; improves lymphatic drainage and cellulite; eases spasmodic coughs and bronchitis; soothes fraught emotions.
      Petitgrain – Citrus aurantium var. amara
      This essential oil comes from the bitter orange tree and is useful for toning, refreshing and balancing oily and combination skins; eases stomach cramps, indigestion and wind; calms and soothes the mind, releasing tension and nervous exhaustion.

    2. #22
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      Thank you very much for posting this info. Ir's truly appreciated (sniff, sniff) and timely.


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    3. #23
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      Sorry my love I missed your post here!! I am glad you are finding the information beneficial and I will be posting more

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