Fall Essential Oils

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Fall Essential Oils

 

Fall, like Spring, is a time of extreme change for many living in non-

temperate areas. The air becomes drier or in some circumstances

wetter and cooler. These and other changes can foster the dreaded

cold or flu, which would normally be fought off by your body.

Emotional stress tends to be stronger in the Fall as we tend more

torward reflection. To assist in staying healthy, there are a number

of things you can do using essential oils in your environments.

 

The air becomes drier in the Fall. The membranes in your nose can

become dry and non-effective. This lack of proper filtering of air

can result in germs and bacterial agents gaining access into your

body and causing problems. Thus, creating a moist environment in your

home or work space is vital. Many people today use a central

ventilation system which includes humidification. Since mold,

bacteria and other foreign toxins can rapidly grow in stagnant water,

be sure to have your system properly serviced and ask if it is

suitable to add essential oils to the water being used.

 

Some system are not equip to allow for this. This is also true for

the electric humidification models being sold on the market. Read the

packaging carefully to see if essential additions are allowable. If

you find the model you have does not allow for aromatherapeutic

additions, you can use a pot of water on the stove (with essential

oil added) or a separate essential oil diffuser. As always remember

safety and do not leave the stove unattended. Some also find placing

water with essential oils in front of a fire place or on a radiator

to also work very well. The moisture plus the addition of the

essential oil will help your body to fend off various types of

infections. Changing the water frequently is, however still needed.

 

Key essential oils to use include Lavender and Tea Tree. These help

the immune system in the body to function normally and in themselves

kill germs, bacteria, mold, etc. Be sure to buy pure essential oils

and use enough when attempting to purify the air.

 

Fall can also be an emotionally uncertain time for people as well.

While the leaves may be a time of great beauty, the shorter days can

lead to sadness and light depression commonly known as " the blues " .

Essential oils, particularly Lavender, have uplifting and mood

balancing qualities that may help one on both a mental and physical

level. You may want to consider these other essential oils for your

Fall Medicine Chest:

 

Bergamont (Citrus bergamia) : Bergamot oil is a powerful antiseptic.

In appropriate dilution, it has proven its use in the treatment of

many troublesome skin complaints, such as eczema, some of which can

be reluctant to respond to other forms of treatment. Stress-related

complaints such as headaches and irritability will often respond well

to a massage with oil of bergamot in the blend. The effect of the oil

is vitalizing and uplifting, soothing tension away without any

sedative effect. Bergamot eases problem gastrointestinal spasm and

flatulence and gentle abdominal massage can bring relief from

constipation and colic. The oil is also detoxifying and is thought to

help in the treatment of cellulite when used in massage. In addition

to this, when used for bathing, berga-mot oil can soothe inflammation

and can help alleviate vaginal itching and the symptoms of cystitis.

In inhalation or massage, it can be used in the treatment of

respiratory infections such as sore throats and bronchitis. Bergamot

can also be used in a mouthwash to deodorize bad breath and fight

mouth and throat infections, or on the hair to control dandruff.

Suitable methods of use Bathing, hair care, inhalation, massage,

mouthwash, skin care, vaporizer/diffuser.

 

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) : Cedarwood oil has a rich, honey color

and a warm, woody, sweet smell that appeals to both sexes. The oil is

extracted from wood - sawdust, chips and shavings - by the process of

steam distillation. Aromatherapists use Cedarwood oil for the

treatment of respiratory ailments. It has antiseptic properties, and

is effective against coughs, bronchitis and catarrh. Its use in skin

and hair care is well recognized, and it can be very beneficial in

the treatment of dandruff, eczema and acne. As an ingredient in a

blend to perfume a room, cedarwood oil is warm and pleasant. The oil

is particularly useful in treating stress and tension.

 

Cinnamon (Cinnamoma Cassicia): There are two different oils extracted

from the tree. Cinnamon-leaf oil has some use in aromatherapy, but

cinnamon-bark oil is a strong irritant, high in toxicity and should

not be used. Cinnamon-leaf oil is extracted from the leaves and young

twigs of the tree by steam distillation. Commercially, it is used in

the food and drinks industry in some sweets and carbonated drinks,

and in the pharmaceutical industry it is used in cough medications

and dental preparations. Aromatherapists can use cinnamon-leaf oil in

massage to relieve rheumatism, and it can also be beneficial in the

treatment of digestive disorders. It is a stimulant and is used to

treat circulatory problems. It can also be of benefit to those who

are suffering from nervous exhaustion. In Traditional Chinese

Medicine, Cinnamon is used to warm the interior as well as used for

exterior conditions such as a common cold or flu.

 

Clove (Eugenia aromatica): This essential oil is extracted from the

buds of the tree. The scent of the oil is hot-spicy, sweet,

penetrating. Clove is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to a

height of about 40-70 feet and has aromatic dark green leathery

leaves and bright pink buds that bloom into yellow flowers, followed

by purple berries.

 

Heating the oil creates vapors which open sinuses and breathing

passages. This oil is uplifting, an aphrodisiac and reviving, is a

mental stimulant, improves mental clarity and memory; improves

digestion; reduces pain by numbing the area; a disinfectant and

repels insects. Clove bud oil can irritate the skin and should either

be avoided or used with extra care by people who have sensitive skin.

Use small amounts.

 

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) : Essential oil of patchouli is

obtained by the process of steam distillation from the leaves of the

plant which are previously dried and fermented. The oil is thick and

viscous and is orange-amber in color. It has a distinctively sweet

and earthy smell that is long-lasting and unlike other essential

oils, actually improves with age. Patchouli oil is antiseptic and

anti-inflammatory and can be used in skin care to treat acne, oily

skin and open pores as well as minor sores that are weeping and

reluctant to heal. It is also beneficial in the treatment of

athlete's foot, chapped and paintful skin and eczema. Patchouli is

particularly beneficial to aging skin and will also help prevent

scars and stretchmarks. When used in a massage blend, particularly in

abdominal massage, or alternatively in a warm compress, patchouli can

relieve constipation and combat flatulence. Patchouli can also be

used to strengthen the spirits when exhaustion has set in and will

help restore a sense of calm and determination in stressful times.

The oil also has aphrodisiac properties and can benefit in particular

those whose desire or sexual performance has been adversely affected

by stress and fatigue. Patchouli oil can also be used as an insect

repellent.

 

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides): Vetiver is a grass, a member of the

family Poaceae (Gramineae) and it is native to southern India, Sri

Lanka and Indonesia. It grows to a height of approximately 6 feet. It

has deep, strong roots and is planted in some countries to protect

the soil from erosion. Therapeutically, Vetiver oil has a profoundly

relaxing effect on the nervous system, relieving tension and stress.

It can be used to good effect in the treatment of insomnia. In India,

Vetiver oil is known as the oil of tranquillity. In baths or in

massage, vetiver is beneficial in the treatment of the symptoms of

disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism and stiff muscles. It is

warming and comforting and will help to relieve the tension that is

often associated with chronic pain. Vetiver oil also benefits the

circulatory system, stimulating and warming, especially when used in

combination with massage. In skin care, the antiseptic and slightly

astringent properties of vetiver can be used to good effect in the

treatment of oily skin that is prone to spots.

 

 

 

A Fall Blend:

 

•Add 10 drops of Lavender

• 5 drops of ginger

• 2 quarts of water.

 

Set your stove on extremely low to allow the steam to diffuse into

the air. You can also do the same with a tea pot without a whistle.

Remember to always watch the stove and turn it off when no adults are

present.

 

Fall Delight:

 

• Add 10 drops of Bergamot

• 4 drops of Clove

• 3 drops of Cinnamon

• add to water in a diffuser.

 

Light a tea light under the oil to gently diffuse the scent into any

room.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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