Using Essential Oils At Home
Qualified Aromatherapists use essential oils to treat a
surprising number of ailments. Since this site is intended
for non professional use, we include here the main uses of a
selection of oils which can be safely used at home, with
self, family and friends.
While serious conditions should be treated by a qualified
practitioner, many common ailments can be relieved safely and
effectively at home with Aromatherapy. You may soon come to
regard essential oils as a vital part of your home first aid
kit.
For self-help, essential oils are most commonly used to
relieve aches and pains, for relaxation and stress reduction,
and for skin and hair care, but they have much wider
possibilities.
Many oils have proven antiseptic properties and can be used
as first aid and ongoing treatment for cuts, burns, insect
bites and bruises. Others are anti-inflammatory, anti-
bacterial, antibiotic, etc. Oils with anti-fungal properties
can be used in such conditions as athlete's foot and other
fungal infections. Some can be used as an aid in the overall
management of more serious conditions such as candida,
arthritis and rheumatism.
In addition, since the oils work through the brain to act on
the emotions, they are very useful not only for
stress-relief, but in cases of anxiety, overwork, stage
fright, etc.
While essential oils may help to alleviate symptoms, people
suffering from serious conditions should always seek expert
advice from a qualified Aromatherapist.
Caution should be exercised when using the oils to treat
children, in pregnancy, etc., and there are some people for
whom Aromatherapy is not always suitable.
SELECTING OILS
Since we are all individuals, some oils will be more
appropriate to particular people than others. Enjoy
experimenting with the oils; experience will help you to
become more expert.
The sniff test: If you can, sniff essential oils before using
them to make sure that they appeal to your sense of smell as
well as fitting your other needs. Essential oils have a
powerful aroma which can cause a strong reaction when you
sniff them, especially if you sniff direct from an open
bottle. The best way to test the scent of an oil is to put a
single drop onto a handkerchief, and then gently inhale from
that.
BLENDING OILS
The concept of individuality is important in Aromatherapy,
and it is rare for two people to react in exactly the same
way. We can, however, generalise about the effects of
particular essential oils which have specific actions - for
example, a particular group of plants may have
anti~inflammatory properties, some are relaxing and sedative,
some invigorating and so on. Blends of 2-3 oils can be made
with these general characteristics to suit your personal
needs.
Your chosen oils can be blended together and diluted in a
carrier oil, but do not exceed the total amounts recommended.
Oils bought ready blended in a carrier oil for general
purposes, like baths, massage, and room fragrance. will not
require further dilution.
USING THE OILS
Once you have chosen a suitable oil or blend of oils, you can
use them in the following ways:
MASSAGE
Massage is a very effective way to relieve stress and
tension. The ideal of course is to visit a professional
Aromatherapist. However, for home care, massaging yourself or
getting a partner to give you a gentle massage will still
have benefits. Massage encourages circulation and eases minor
aches and pains; it enables the essential oils to be absorbed
and used by the skin and body. You do not have to have a full
body massage to benefit; you can rub the blended oils locally
into the area giving problems, whether it be muscular aches
and pains, a stiff neck or a bronchitic chest. in self-
massage, use gentle strokes towards the heart, to encourage
the circulation. When massaging the abdomen, move your hands
in clockwise circles, following the flow of the intestines;
among other benefits, this helps to relieve constipation.
MAKING UP MASSAGE OILS
Choose a vegetable based carrier oil, preferably a blend of
two or three oils with therapeutic properties of their own.
Add 2 drops of your chosen essential oil/s to 5ml (1 tsp) of
carrier oil. Keep in a dark, stoppered glass bottle, and
always recap tightly after use. The aroma will be taken up
over a period of time. so the oil will smell more rounded
after a week than just after it has been mixed.
Most oils are suitable for massage; for specific problems,
see the lists of symptoms. Bear in mind that some oils are
relaxing and some stimulating.
Examples of recommended blends are: For relaxation - Geranium
and Lavender For aches and pains - Juniper, Lemon and
Rosemary For cellulitis - Juniper, Geranium and Rosemary
BATHS
Bathing with essential oils is not just a pleasant way to
relax; it can help to relieve many aches and pains and other
physical conditions. Use a ready-mixed blend, or add a
maximum of 7-8 drops of pure oil to your bath, ideally at
about 30' C, just before getting in. Stir the water well to
disperse the oils. Do not use any other bath oil, salts or
foam preparations at the same time. Close the windows and
doors and relax in the water for ten minutes. You will
benefit from the action of the oil both on your skin and in
the water vapour.
Most oils are suitable for baths; however some of the
stronger aromas, like Mint, may cause skin irritation. Check
the recommended uses of the oils.
For children use 2 drops of oil to a bath.
FOOTBATHS
Add up to 5 drops of oil to a bowl of hand-hot water and soak
the feet for ten minutes. Particularly suitable for tired and
perspiring feet are Cypress, Juniper, Lemon and Tea Tree.
SAUNA
Stir 3 or 4 drops of your chosen oil/s in water and then
splash on the hot stones.
INHALATION/FACIAL STEAMING
This way of using oils simultaneously gives your skin a
cleansing treat while helping to clear congested lungs and
sinuses, catarrh and sore throats.
On average use 2-3 drops to 1 pint of water. Float the oil on
the surface of a bowl of steaming water, just off the boil.
Drape a bath towel over your head and breathe in the steam
for 2-3 minutes.
For nasal congestion, breathe through the nose; for a sore
throat breathe through the mouth. Do not persist if this
causes discomfort.
Exercise caution if you suffer from allergic conditions such
as hayfever and asthma.
COMPRESSES
Use hot compresses for long-standing conditions like
backache, arthritic and rheumatic pain
Use cold compresses for recent injuries or acute conditions
such as sprains, headaches, bruises and swelling.
For hot compresses, use water as hot as you can comfortably
handle; for cold compresses, add ice to cold water. Add to
the water up to 6 drops of essential oil (3 for small areas
like the forehead), fold some lint, and place it on the
surface of the water so that it takes up the essential oil.
Wring out, and apply where needed.
HAIR AND FACE OIL
Some oils are particularly good for the skin and hair (see
list of Physical Symptoms). Use proportions of 1 drop of
essential oil to 10m] (2 tsp) carrier oil (preferably pre-
blended for the purpose) for a pre-bath facial oil or as an
after-bath body lotion and moisturiser.
For hair conditioning, massage the blend into the scalp and
leave for 15-30 minutes before shampooing
Headlice can be successfully and pleasantly treated with a
mixture of Eucalyptus or Tea Tree with Lavender and Rosemary,
using 40 drops of essential oils to 100 ml carrier oil. Apply
to wet hair, massage well in and leave for an hour before
shampooing and combing out with a fine-toothed comb. Repeat
as necessary,
HAIR RINSE
After washing your hair, stir 1 drop of oil in the water in
which you give your hair its final rinse. Or make up a hair
rinse as follows:
4 drops essential oil to 1 litre water. Use a screw top
bottle and shake well to disperse the oil each time you use
it, as it does not dissolve in water.
Suitable oils for hair include Rosemary, Geranium and
Rosewood for dark hair, Chamomile and Lemon for fair hair.
SKIN LOTION
Skin lotions/tonics can be made by adding 10 drops essential
oil to 5OmI of spring water. Use a screw top bottle and shake
well to disperse.
MOUTHWASH
Using a screw topped bottle, mix 2 drops oil with 285mL /
½ pint spring water, shaking well to disperse the oil
each time you use it.
For fresh breath, suitable oils include Mint and Lemon. For
mouth infections and gum problems, use Tea Tree. Don't
swallow the mouthwash.
ROOM FRAGRANCE
Used as room fragrance, essential oils create a pleasant
atmosphere; at the same time, specific oils will have an
effect on your mood, creating a good ambience for meditation,
work, relaxation, romance or sleep. Some will also help to
fumigate the air in cases of infectious illness. There are
several methods of using oils for room fragrance: Add a few
drops of essential oil to a bowl of dried flowers or pot
pourri. Add a few drops to drawer liners and padded clothes
hangers. Put a couple of drops on a hot light bulb. Add a few
drops to a ball of cotton wool and tuck it behind a warm
radiator, or float 2 drops on a saucer of water near a warm
radiator. Oil vaporisers are available today in a number of
shops. Float a couple of drops of oil on water at the top of
a bowl, and burn a night light underneath, to release the
aroma into the air.
Most oils can be used for room fragrance. Some are
particularly suitable for special purposes, including:
Meditation: Cedarwood and Sandalwood
Infection: Mint (alone); Tea Tree (alone); Eucalyptus and
Rosemary; Lavender and Lemon.
Romance: Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Sandalwood.
Relaxation/Sleep: Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang
Ylang
ON HANDKERCHIEF AND TISSUES
For colds, headaches, stuffiness, travel sickness, etc. put a
drop or two on a handkerchief to sniff at intervals.
As an aid to sleep, put 1/2 drops on a handkerchief or tissue
and place beside your bed or close to your pillow. You can
put drops direct on the pillow, but do not let your skin come
into contact with the neat oil.
NEAT APPLICATION
As a general rule, don't apply neat oils to the skin as they
can produce a skin reaction. However, for the relief of
insect bites and stings, and to disinfect cuts, a drop or two
of certain oils (e.g. Tea Tree, Lavender, Rosewood) can be
used on the spot. Put 1-2 drops on cotton wool, and dab
gently.
SPECIAL USES
The hectic pace of life today makes particular demands on
everyone. Women often have to combine work, home care and the
demands of children. Modern life exacts an emotional toll on
men, too, while they also engage in types of work and sports
that can place great demands on the body.
Aromatherapy can really help to redress the balance by
soothing away the effects of a strenuous day, boosting
self-confidence and inner strength.
For women, especially feminine oils are: Clary Sage,
Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Ylang Ylang
For men, especially masculine oils are: Cypress,
Frankincense, Lemon, Rosewood and oils with a dual aspect
like Clary Sage and Geranium
Essential oils that help to refresh and uplift are:-
Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Rosewood. Essential oils that help
you to feel warm and secure are:- Chamomile, Clary Sage,
Lavender, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang
CAUTIONS
Essential oils are powerful, and should be used with care. In
using the oils at home, follow the guidelines below:
Aromatherapy can be very helpful during pregnancy and labour,
but only under qualified guidance; if you are pregnant, you
are strongly recommended to consult a qualified
Aromatherapist.
Some oils are stimulants, which may sometimes affect people
suffering from epilepsy. Sufferers should seek medical advice
before using essential oils.
For babies and small children use in extra-dilute quantities.
Keep bottles out of reach of small children.
Unless specifically indicated, do not apply neat oils direct
on to the skin, as they can cause irritation.
For the same reason, it is advisable to give yourself a patch
test on a small area of skin when using your own blend. Note
that certain drugs, stress, and the menstrual cycle can also
affect your sensitivity.
Keep oils away from the eyes, and don't rub your eyes after
handling them. If you should get any in your eyes, wash them
out with plenty of fresh water; seek medical advice if
necessary.
Essential oils are flammable, so do not put them on or near a
naked flame.
Some are solvents and may damage certain plastics and
polished wood surface.
Never take the oils by mouth, unless under medical
instructions.
If you are taking homoeopathic remedies, check with your
practitioner before using essential oils, as it is believed
that strong aromas can cancel the effects of homoeopathic
medicine.
If you suffer from skin or other allergies, use the oils very
carefully, and patch-test before using widely. if you are
unfortunate enough to have an allergic reaction to perfume
you are likely to be allergic to all essential oils. in this
case, seek some other gentle form of therapy, such as
Homoeopathy or the Bach Flower Remedies. .if in any doubt at
all, consult a qualified Aromatherapist.