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.





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