How are Essential Oils Used?

For over 5000 years, the use of plant aromatics accompanied civilization wherever it spread. Now its called Aromatherapy and its used in our present day health and beauty therapies.

Massage uses touch as a way to deliver aromatherapy. Essential oils are diluted in lotions or carrier oils such as grapeseed oil, and nourish the skin and enhance the goals of massage. The aromas of the essential oils help balance your state of mind through the brain's limbic system.

In Skin Care, the natural substance in many essential oils and hydrosols aid in gentle cleansing and are known for their antiseptic and antioxidant effects. They can help tone, sooth or stimulate tissues, even influencing the generation of new cells.

In Bath and Spa, the age-old practice of using aromatics in the baths and steams is still very popular in todays spas. Blends of fragrant essential oils can be customized to meet your individual needs and used in tubs, body wraps, facials and scrubs. These nourishing blends help reduce the effects of stress, soothing the senses and restoring the body.

What are your favorite essential oils and how do they make you feel?

Have a Headache?

I started off my day with a headache. I hate them, they make me nauseated in addition to the pain in the head. I can't work or think straight when I have a headache.

Rather than reaching for the bottle of asprin or other chemical remedies I have a couple of natural solutions for you to consider when you have your next headache.

Two of my favorite essential oils, lavender and peppermint, blended together with a bit of oil will help rid you of that nasty headache.

Recipe:

1 tbs of vegetable oil (olive oil is okay too)

10 drops of lavender essential oil

5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Mix together in a amber glass bottle or another dark colored bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients, then label your bottle.

Use:

Warm a few drops of your headache oil and apply to your temples and go just beyond the hairline. Gently massage this area with light pressure. Cup your hands and inhale the essences of the headache oil. Breathe slowly and concentrate on your breathing....slow it down. You should start to have relief in just a few short minutes.

Another remedy for headaches is a cold foot bath. Brrrr.....it works! Did you know that soaking your feet in cold water will actually draw blood from your head, giving you immediate relief from your headache? Its true!

Recipe for cold foot bath:

2 tbs olive oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops peppermint essential oil

Tub or other basin large enough for your feet

Cold water

bath towel or hand towel

Fill your tub half full with cold water, enough to cover your feet. Mix up your recipe really well to blend all the ingredients. Add to your water and stir with your hands. Soak both your feet in the aromatic water for 15 or 20 minutes. Make sure to sit comfortably and concentrate on taking slow deep breaths. Relax!

You can purchase essential oils online or I think in some health food stores. Check around your area for a brick and morter store, or hop online. There are many places to purchase essential oils. Just start with a small size bottle. 1-2 ounces is perfect to get started. Make sure to purchase an amber glass bottle and store your essential oils in a cool dark room.

If you are interested in more information on treating headaches with essential oils, let me know and I can expand this a bit more.