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Essential Oils - Methods of Application


Annarchy

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Essential oils can be used effectively in a variety of ways for their scent, cosmetic and medicinal qualities. For treatment of minor first aid, help prevent and relieve common complaints like colds, headaches, period pains and aching muscles.

 

Essential oils should always be stored in a cool location and to protect them from photo-oxidation and air, they need to be stored in dark bottles.

 

Caution: Essential oils should not be used to treat serious medical or psychological problems.

 

Massage

 

Specific oils are used to suit the condition blended with base oils like sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. They should be blended between 1% and 3% depending on the type of disorder. Rheumatism or indigestion demand a stronger concentration the the more nervous or emotional conditions. 20 drops is roughly equal to one ml (1/4 tsp).

 

Massage ensures the oils are effectively absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.

 

Essential Oil: 20 to 60 drops

Base Oil: 100 ml (3 1/2 fl. oz.)

 

Essential Oil: 7 to 25 drops

Base Oil: 25 ml (1 fl. oz.)

 

Essential Oil: 3 to 5 drops

Base Oil: 5 ml (1 tsp.)

 

Peppermint (diluted) rubbed clockwise on the stomach can help ease indigestion and marjoram can help relax a stiff neck and shoulders.

 

Skin Oils and Lotions

 

More nourishing base oils such as jojoba, avocado and apricot kernel oils are used, emphasizing treating the skin. Gentle circular movement is often enough for the oils to be absorbed.

 

Skin types:

 

Oily Skin

Generally prone to congestion, resulting in blackheads and spots. Antiseptic and astringent oils like tee tree, bergamot and geranium mixed with light base oil such as apricot kernel, peach kernel or jojoba.

 

Dry Skin

Prone to be sensitive and easily becomes wrinkled and needs to be moisturized regularly. Mild oils like sandalwood, camomile and rose mixed with hazelnut, avocado and evening primrose oils.

 

Mature Skin

Regular use of oils can slow down the effects of age. Cytophylactic oils (cell stimulate) include lavender, neroli and frankincense, mixed with base oils like Vitamine E, borage, rosehip seed oil and wheatgerm.

 

A few drops of oil mixed with a mild cream or lotion to make a basic face mask. Other ingredients can be used such as oatmeal, honey or clay with pulp from various fruits. For athlete's foot or cold sores it is better to us an alcohol based lotion than an oil or cream. 6 drops to 5 ml of isopropyl alcohol or vodka. Dilution in a liter (1 3/4 pt) of boiled cooled water for treatment of open cuts and sores.

 

 

 

(I'll post more later...)

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Cold and Hot Compresses

 

These are effective ways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Cold Compress

 

Fill a bowl with cold water, add 4 to 5 drops of oil, dip a piece of cotton cloth, cotton wool or face cloth, squeeze out the excess water and place the cloth on the affected area until it has warmed to body temperature, then repeat. Useful to relieve headaches by applying to the forehead or back of neck, sprains, strains and other hot, swollen conditions.

 

 

Hot Compress

Made similar to cold compresses using hot water instead of cold, to relieve backache, rheumatism, earache, toothache, abscesses, and arthritis.

 

 

Hair Care

 

A few drops of essential oils can enhance hair, either by adding the oil to a mild shampoo or directly in the final hair rinse. An alcohol-based scalp rub can be made by adding 5 ml (1 tsp) of oil to 100 ml (3 1/2 fl oz) of vodka to remove parasites and condition hair. By adding 3% (60 drops) of essential oil like rosemary, chamomile and West Indian bay, to an oil base such as olive oil, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, massaging into the scalp, wrapping the hair in a warm towel for a couple of hours, helps condition and promote healthy hair growth. Bergamot and tea tree help control dandruff, while lavender repels lice and fleas.

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Flower Waters

 

Even though oil does not mix with water, the oil will impart its scent as well as its properties.

 

To make flower water or toilet water at home, mix 20 to 30 drops of oil to a 100 ml (3 1/2 fl. oz.) bottle of de-ionized water or spring water. Put in a dark place for a few days then filter it through a coffee filter.

 

Flower water is helpful in treatment and prevention of skin conditions, like acne, eczema and dermatitis also to cleanse and tone the complexion. Traditional oils include rose, lavender, orange blossom, and petitgrain.

 

Baths :bathbaby:

 

Add 5 to 10 drops of oil to your bath water. Historically it has been used to treat a wide variety of complaints. Ylang ylang can be enjoyed as an euphoric aromatic experience, camomile or lavender helps relieve stress-related anxiety or insomnia. Rosemary or pine helps soothe aching limbs.

 

Care should be taken to avoid oils that may cause irritation.

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