Essential Oils

By: abluo

The following techniques are all easy to use at home, but stick to the recommended number of drops of essential oil per treatment. The oils are extremely concentrated and if you use too much you may reverse their beneficial effects.
Room freshener
If your bedroom smells of yesterday's socks or today's breakfast, use essential oils to freshen it up and get rid of stale lingering odours.
Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a dish of warm water and carefully place it on top of a radiator. The heat from the radiator will evaporate the oil and the aroma will quickly fill the room. Thyme, pine, lavender and eucalyptus are antiseptics and are very good air fresheners.
Alternatively, you can buy incense burners from most herbal shops. Add a few drops to a small amount of warm water in the cavity at the top of the incense burner. Then place a lighted candle underneath the oil. The heat from the candle will vaporise the oil.
Vaporisers are small rings of fire-proof material that you can buy from most herbalists. Find a lamp and turn it on, then sit the ring on top of the light bulb and lightly squeeze a few drops of oil onto the ring. The heat from the bulb makes the oil vaporise and will fill your home with a beautiful fragrance.
Aromatic baths
If you're suffering from stress, fatigue, aches and pains or insomnia, you will find it's extremely soothing to relax in an aromatic bath.
Fill your bath with warm water, choose oil, and add 5-10 drops to the bath. Mix the oil in and relax in the bath for about 10 minutes. The essential oil will be absorbed into your skin and it will also vaporise so you will be inhaling it in the steam. A good tip is to keep the door and windows closed so you get the total benefit from this treatment.
Inhalants
If you suffer from colds, coughs, headaches, stress or sinus trouble, one of the following inhalants may be the answer to your problems. Don't try inhalants though, if you suffer from asthma.
Take a bowl containing one pint of very hot water and squeeze 5-10 drops of the oil into it. Cover your head with a towel and keep your head about nine inches above the water; inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. Don't do this more than three times a day. Menthol is good for treating respiratory problems and eucalyptus is excellent for easing sinus problems.
A practical alternative to the bowl of water is to put 5-8 drops of the oil on a hanky or tissue and breathe in the aroma with four slow but deep breaths.
Pot pourri
If your bowl of pot pourri is tired and stale, sprinkle a couple of drops of an essential oil over it. This will quickly revitalise it and it will
Essential Oils
A common use of essential oils is in massage. Combined with massage, the essential oils will help you to relax and will relieve stress and tension. They will also improve your blood circulation and get rid of dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking smooth and healthy.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as sunflower or grape seed before being applied to the skin as they may irritate it. Add 4-6 drops of an essential oil of your choice to lOmI of cheaper carrier oil. The amount of oil you need will vary some people need more dilute solutions, while others need stronger ones. Don't make up more aromatherapy oil than you need though, as once you have mixed it with a carrier oil it will only last for two to three weeks.
If you don't have time to prepare your own oil, you can buy ready mixed oils. Abluo-uk for example, has a range of aromatherapy oils for about £3 each which are already diluted and ready for use.
The oil should be massaged into the body using smooth, firm strokes that warm the skin and thus help the oil to penetrate the skin. Depending on the essential oil you are using, it will take between 10 and 100 minutes for it to be properly absorbed. Once you've had the treatment, give your body time to absorb the oils and benefit from them doesn't head straight for the shower.
Aniseed essential oil can be used as a room freshener to help tense nervous headaches or added to the bath to ease tension and aching muscles. Use in a burner or vaporizer for asthma, colds or sinus problems, as well as for quelling nausea and vomiting. A few drops on a tissue to inhale can be good for headaches, digestive problems, nausea and vertigo. It was a highly prized commodity in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The Greeks used the seeds for the treatment of coughs, colds and even bad dreams. In Turkey a popular alcoholic drink, raki, is made from the seeds. In Tibetan medicine a blend of aniseed and nutmeg oil is used in a lotion for anxiety, depression and other neurotic systems. Aniseeds therapeutic properties are as an expectorant, stimulant, laxative, carminative & antispasmodic. Top Tip: Try using on fishing bait! Aroma: Strong and sweet, liquorice-like.
Basil essential oil is renowned as an excellent aromatic stimulant, clearing the head and bringing strength and clarity to the mind, a good toning refresher for the skin, restorative for the nerves, aids concentration, insect replant, prevents vomiting, and soothes itching. Basil has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections or to help with concentration. a good tonic for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines etc. Top Tip: Keep some in car and if tired use a few drops on tissue or hanging air freshener. Use in an oil burner when studying, revising or working. Basils therapeutic properties are antidepressant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, stomachic, tonic and stimulant. Aroma: Clear, sweet, slightly peppery.
Bergamot Essential Oil. Citrus bergamia. Bergamot essential oil has an uplifting aroma, is excellent for breathing difficulties, antiseptic for wounds, abscesses, mouth infections and herpes. Used to stable the emotions, an energising oil, Bergamot is uplifting and balancing, helping to alleviate anxiety, depression, fear or listlessness and encourages a restful nights sleep. In creams or massage oils it is good for oily skin and well used to reduce acne, and eczema. Use in vaporizer to disperse unwanted odours or makes a wonderful room spray in times of illness or depression, cleansing, deodorizing, and keeping for insects away. Bergamots therapeutic properties include analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, calmative, and vulnerary. Aroma: Fresh, floral, citrus. Note: Bergamot is a photo sensitizer (increases the skins reaction to sunlight making it more likely to burn) so it should not be used when exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.
Carrot Seed Essential Oil. Daucus carota. Carrot essential oil is known as an excellent oil for dermatitis and other skin problems. It is revitalising and toning for mature complexions and wrinkles and good for the digestive system. Used in the bath or a burner is good for P.M.T. The name is derived from the Greek 'Carotos' and had great medicinal value in ancient times, especially for its carminative properties. Carrot seed oil has a detoxifying effect on the liver and cleans the digestive system and the body as a whole. It is said to be helpful for arthritis, gout, rheumatism and the accumulation of toxins in muscles and joints and carrot has always been associated with good eyesight. The therapeutic properties of carrot seed oil include antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, and stimulant. Aroma: Musky, earthy, fruity and sweet
Cedarwood Essential Oil. Cedrus virginiana. Cedarwood essential oil is soothing and harmonising It is one of the oldest aromatics known, used by Egyptians and valued with a very long history Cedarwood is used in the treatment of oily or itchy skin, acne & scalp problems. It is also helpful for cystitis and other urinary problems. Blend with citronella for a powerful insect repellent. The therapeutic properties of Cedarwood oil include antiseptic, antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, insecticide, sedative and fungicide. Aroma: Long lasting woody scent READ MORE
Celery Seed Essential Oil. Apium Graveolens. Celery essential oil comes from the same family as carrot, parsley, fennel etc. The oil is produced by steam distillation of the seeds and is used primarily for flavouring of foods and trace amounts are also used in fine perfumes. Celery essential oil is also a traditional remedy for nervous stomach. Prior to the middle ages, a wild form of celery referred to as selinon, or smallage, was used as a diuretic and a carminative which is a treatment to reduce intestinal gas. A study has show that Celery is also mildly tranquillizing and helpful in relieving arthritic pain while other research suggests that celery seed contains other compounds that stop the carcinogenic effect of environmental toxins in the liver. Can be used in directly in the bath (4 - 6 drops) or in an oil burner. anti rheumatic, antiseptic (urinary), antispasmodic, aperitif, depurative, digestive diuretic, sedative (nervous), stimulant (uterine), stomachic, tonic (digestive). Aroma: A long-lasting, spicy, warm aroma.
Chamomile German (Blue) Essential Oil. Organic. Matricaria Chamomilla. German chamomile (also known as blue chamomile) pure organic essential oil has a cooling and enveloping influence which soothes and relieves. It is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory essential oils. The harmonizing and cooling effects of German chamomile make it a first choice oil in blends to combat nervous tensions, migraine, tension headaches, sleeplessness and all kinds of stress related disturbances as well as P.M.T. It is especially useful for children's conditions as it is claimed to be calming without depressing. The therapeutic properties of German chamomile oil include analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, carminative, digestive, sedative, stomachic, and vulnerary. Aroma: German chamomile has a strong, sweetish warm herbaceous aroma.
Cinnamon Essential Oil. Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Cinnamon essential oil is warming oil used for all colds, flu and fevers. It is also known to help with digestion problems, poor circulation, breathing problems as well as been a powerful antiseptic. In an oil burner cinnamon essential oil is reputed to be very uplifting, fighting exhaustion and feelings of depression and gives a clean fresh aroma to a room. Add to a bath or massage oil to fighting infectious diseases, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting and all coughs, colds or chills. The therapeutic properties of cinnamon oil include analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, insecticide and stimulant. Aroma: Fresh and clean. READ MORE
Citronella Essential Oil. Cymbopogon nardus. Citronella essential oil is said to be the best known natural insect repellent and is used in sprays, soaps, candles, wipes etc. Use outdoors in summer in a burner. Good as air freshener, deodorant and for tired sweaty, feet. Citronella essential oil is native to southeast Asia. It is grown commercially in Sri Lanka, India, Burma, and Indonesia. The leaves have been used for their fragrance and medicinal value for centuries. Besides being an effective insect repellent it has been used for rheumatism, colds, headaches, lower back pain, migraines, fevers, pain, sprains, muscular aches, intestinal parasites, digestive problems, menstrual problems, depression, household germicide/antiseptic, repelling cats, excessive perspiration, and to increase mental alertness. The therapeutic properties of citronella essential oil include antiseptic, bactericidal, deodorant, insecticide, parasitic, tonic and stimulant. Aroma; A powerful lemony scent.
Clary Sage Essential Oil. Salvea sclarea. Clary sage essential oil is a popular aromatic perfume with a warming, relaxing and long lasting fragrance. It has properties that induce a sense of well being and easing depression. Well known for reducing hot flushes, night sweats, P.M.T. and female functions in general. Clary sage is also used in massage oils for during labour. It makes a very relaxing bath oil, excellent tonic which strengthens nerves and is helpful for depression. A drop on your pillow encourages vivid dreams or may be used to enhance dream recall. The therapeutic properties of Clary sage oil include antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, sedative and stomachic. Aroma; Soft and nutty.
Clove Essential Oil. Eugenia Caryophyllata. Clove essential oil is a warm and spicy oil stimulating to the body and mind. It is used in massage oils before and during childbirth. Diluted makes a good mouthwash or gargle, a natural pain reliever it is renowned to ease toothache or mouth sores. Clove essential oil also prevents vomiting and is good for skin irritations. The word clove comes the Latin word clavus which means nail as the head of the clove bud often resembles a nail and in the 16th and 17th centuries cloves were such precious items in Europe they were worth more than their weight in gold. The therapeutic properties of clove oil include analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-infectious, disinfectant, insecticide and stimulant. Aroma: Warm and spicy, has the aroma of a dentists.
Coriander Essential Oil. Coriandrum Sativum. Coriander essential oil is a refreshing, uplifting and stimulating oil. It is well known as a digestive aid that stimulates and improves the appetite. Coriander seeds have been used for thousands of years by the Egyptians as an aphrodisiac, by the Romans and Greeks to flavour their wines and in India in cooking. Coriander seeds were even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Top tip: Use in a restaurant, café or at home before dining to increase the appetite. The therapeutic properties of coriander oil include analgesic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, stimulant and stomachic.
Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil. Eucalptus globulus. Eucalyptus essential oil is one of mother natures best antiseptics. It can be used in creams, massage oils or directly in the bath for arthritis, aching muscles, headaches healing wounds and ulcers as well as most breathing related problems and colds. Eucalyptus can also be used in oil burners for helping concentration, hay fever or just sneezing attacks, insect repellent and colds, flu or breathing difficulties. It is also known to be added to gargles to soothe a sore throat. The therapeutic properties of eucalyptus oil include analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral and astringent. Aroma: Penetrating and medicinal.
Fennel Sweet Essential Oil. Foeniculum vulgare. Fennel essential oil is used for all cough related problems including whooping cough. Sweet fennel is found in cough drops, lozenges and is an ingredient in children's gripe water. In an oil burner it can stimulate the appetite and in a cream or massage oil it can help with cellulite and is good for the skin bringing dull skin back to life as well as helping with oily complexions and fighting wrinkles. Sweet fennel used directly in the bath can help with colic, feeling bloated, wind and digestion. The therapeutic properties of fennel oil include antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, stimulant and stomachic. Aroma: A fresh, clean herby aroma with a hint of aniseed. Note: Use in moderation, do not use if epileptic do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding although some natural remedies do contain sweet fennel for increasing insufficient milk in nursing mothers.
Frankincense Essential Oil. Boswellia carterii. Frankincense essential oil is beautiful oil of ancient repute and very popular in aromatherapy. Used in an oil burner frankincense is known to calm the mind and dispel anxiety, it is used as incense in India, China and in the West by the Catholic Church. It is great for toning and refreshing the skin and is used in many creams and lotions. Frankincense essential oil used directly in the bath or blended in a massage oil is good for colds and coughs, bronchitis, rheumatism, poor circulation, exhaustion and heavy periods. The therapeutic properties of frankincense oil include antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, tonic and uterine. Aroma: Spicy, haunting and woody.
Geranium Essential Oil. Pelargonium graveolens. Geranium essential oil is another oil that is very widely used in aromatherapy. In an oil burner geranium has a wonderful fresh scent that is both relaxing and refreshing that can ease stress, depression, anxiety, tension and menopausal problems. Used in a cream, massage oil or directly in the bath geranium is good for eczema, burns, healing wounds, cellulite, ringworm and haemorrhoids. It is also used as an insect repellent especially good for mosquitoes and used in head lice remedies as well as been a popular ingredient in soaps and perfumes. The therapeutic properties of geranium oil include astringent, diuretic, deodorant, haemostatic, styptic, tonic, and vulnerary. Aroma: Strong floral perfume.
Grapefruit Essential Oil. Citrus paradisi. Grapefruit essential oil has a highly revitalising and elevating effect on the emotions. It is a very refreshing and uplifting oil. Used in oil burners grapefruit is great to create a positive, fresh and uplifting environment. It is also good for hangovers, colds, moodiness, headaches and can help ditherers to become more decisive. Use in a massage blend or the bath for acne, cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, and general mental and physical tiredness. The therapeutic properties of grapefruit oil include antidepressant, antiseptic, disinfectant, stimulant and tonic. Top tip: Keep a bottle of grapefruit in the house to burn on those hung-over mornings, days of over indulgence or just to refresh a room when feeling down. Aroma: Clean, fresh, tangy, citrus
Jasmine Essential Oil. Blend. 10% Jasmine Dilution In Jojoba. A blended dilution using 10% of pure Jasmine essential oil blended in jojoba to make this wonderful oil more affordable. Use the blend in an oil burner, massage oil, cream, lotion or directly in the bath for great results and even though this is blended the 10% strength still guarantees a beautiful aroma.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil. Juniperus communis. Juniper essential oil can be extracted from the berries which take three years to ripen or the needles and wood of the plant which is a much cheaper oil. Our juniper is only extracted from the berries ensuring great quality and a superior oil. Always check when buying juniper it states whether it is the berry oil. Used in an oil burner juniper berry is known to be great for hangovers, over indulgence and tension headaches. In massage oils, creams or used directly in the bath it is famed for eczema relief and is in many eczema remedies as well as other skin ailments including dermatitis, acne, blocked pores and psoriasis. The therapeutic properties of juniper oil include antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, depurative, diuretic, stimulating, stomachic, and tonic. Aroma: Clear and refreshing.
Lavender Essential Oil. Lavandula angustifolia. Lavender is the essential essential oil. With wide ranging benefits and lovely aroma lavender is the most used essential oil in aromatherapy. Used in oil burners, massage oils, as a bath oil, in creams and lotions or directly on the skin lavender is calming, balancing, aids a restful nights sleep, relaxing, hay fever, headaches, tension to name just a few. It is also used to sooth burns prevent blistering & scaring (cooks should always keep a small bottle to hand in the kitchen) as well as been an antiseptic used on spots, bites and stings etc. as well as an insect repellent. The therapeutic properties of lavender oil include antiseptic, analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, sedative, and vulnerary. Aroma: clean, fresh & floral. Note: Lavender oil is said to be one of the safest essential oils.
Lemon Essential Oil. Citrus limon. Lemon essential oil is well known to be very refreshing to both mind and body, clearing the mind helping decision making and uplifting the body. It is high in minerals and is often used to strengthen weak nails. Used in an oil burner, a few drops in the bath or blended as a massage oil or cream lemon essential oil is good for colds, the voice, lack of energy, depression and clearing the mind while boosting the immune system and aiding digestion. Lemon has also been known as a painless treatment for warts and verrucas. The therapeutic properties of lemon oil include antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, anti-sclerotic, antiseptic, bactericidal, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, and insecticidal. Aroma: Clear, refreshing, citrus.
Lemongrass Essential Oil. Cymbopogon citratus. Lemongrass essential oil is very fresh smelling and known to uplift and balance the emotions and popular 'feel-good' oil. Used in an oil burner, a few drops in the bath or blended as a massage oil or cream lemongrass is known to normalise high blood pressure, relieve stress or nervous problems, clearing headaches. It is a good skin oil which tones and opens blocked pores, it can be used for cellulite and on the feet for odours or just to revive aches. Lemongrass is also an insect repellent and has been used for fleas and ticks on household pets. The therapeutic properties of lemongrass include anti-depressant, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, fungicidal, insecticidal, and nervous system sedative. Aroma: Fresh, sweet and lemony.
Mandarin Essential Oil. Citrus reticulata. Mandarin essential oil is a gentle and calming oil which is great for skin. Used in an oil burner, a few drops in the bath or blended as a massage oil or cream it makes a lovely fruity air freshener that is relaxing, stress reducing and can aid a peaceful sleep. Known to be good for the skin especially stretch marks it is also good for digestion, circulation, diarrhoea, constipation and flatulence. The therapeutic properties of mandarin oil include antiseptic, antispasmodic, depurative, sedative, stomachic and tonic. Aroma: Refreshing, sweet and fruity. READ MORE
Myrrh Essential Oil. Commiphora myrrha. Myrrh essential oil has been an integral part of religious rituals, health practices, beauty treatments and perfumery for thousands of years. Used in an oil burner, a few drops in the bath or blended as a massage oil or cream it is renowned for increasing mental strength, focus and clarity of mind. It's also a wonderful scent for people with feelings of apathy so a great oil if you need some 'get up and go'. Myrrh is also often used as an ingredient in treatments for oral complaints including mouth ulcers, gingivitis, spongy gums and sore throats but has many other uses including for catarrh, colds and coughs, sores, skin care, athlete's foot, eczema, bedsores, chapped and cracked skin, boils and acne. The therapeutic properties of Myrrh oil include anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, digestive and tonic.

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www.abluo-uk.co.uk naturesskincare.co.uk/blog Author Derek Fitzpatrick This article can be freely distributed and reproduced only in its original unedited format and including links as shown.

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