Soothing Smells for all that ails

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Soothing Smells for All That Ails

 

Essential-oil uses for all of the essentials.

 

.. . . . . . . . .

 

By Mother Staff

 

 

It takes 30 roses to produce just one drop of pure rose essence. Because of

their high concentrations, essential oils are extremely potent and can dry

or irritate the skin if used alone, and so should always be diluted before

being applied.

 

For massage, essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil to produce what is

known as a " personal blend. " Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type

and special needs. All-purpose carrier oils include apricot kernel oil and

sweet almond oil (good for sensitive skin), soy oil and grapeseed oil (good

for oily skin), and sunflower oil.

 

Add the following special carrier oils to the all-purpose ones to make

longer-lasting, more absorbent blends that are suitable for treating dry

dehydrated skin: carrot oil (add only 10% to all-purpose carrier oil, since

this stuff is not only pricey, but the orange color can temporarily stain

the skin); sesame oil (use only the oil from uncooked seed); or avocado oil

(rich in vitamins A and B, this excellent skin softener is good for dry

chapped skin).

 

Jojoba, which is not an oil but a wax, can also be added to the blend to

lengthen its shelf life.

 

Mynou deMey, director of the New York­based American Institute for

Aromatherapy and Herbal Studies and the New York director of the National

Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, suggests the following blends and

treatments for Mother readers.

 

Massage Oil Blends

To ease stress, mix:

2 drops bergamot (bergaptene-free)

2 drops clary sage

3 drops lavender

1/2 ounce carrier oil

Massage: full body

 

For coughs and colds, mix:

2 drops eucalyptus

2 drops frankincense

2 drops roman chamomile

1/2 ounce carrier oil

Massage: chest and back

 

For PMS and menstrual cramps, mix:

2 drops clary sage

2 drops geranium

2 drops sage

1/2 ounce carrier oil

Massage: abdomen

For muscle fatigue, mix:

3 drops rosemary

2 drops sweet marjoram

1/2ounce carrier oil

Massage: affected area

 

For constipation, mix:

4 drops cardamom

1/2 ounce carrier oil

Massage: abdomen clockwise

 

Bath

Invigorating bath:

3 drops ginger

3 drops rosemary

2 drops juniper berry

1 cup whole milk

Draw a warm bath and climb in. Add the milk, followed by the oils, stir, and

enjoy. Note: this bath is recommended for the morning, not the evening.

According to deMey, these essential oils are stimulating to the nervous

system.

 

Foot Soak

For tired feet:

8 cups lukewarm water in foot bath

4 drops peppermint

1 cup whole milk

 

Compress

For headaches:

1 drop sweet marjoram

1 drop peppermint

2 drops lavender

cold compress (wet washcloth or towel)

Keep eyes closed and put compress over

forehead and eyes.

 

Steam Inhalation

For coughs and colds:

4 cups boiling water

2 drops ravensara oil

1 drop frankincense

Add oils to boiling water in a bowl. Drape a towel over your head, close

your eyes, and lower your face toward the bowl. The towel shouldn't touch

the water but should touch the edges of the bowl, trapping the steam so that

you get the full benefit of the fumes rising from the boiling water. Breathe

the essential oil-laced fumes for about ten minutes. Repeat the procedure

later in the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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