Basic Oil Kit by Kathryn O'Halloran

[Guest guest]

Basic Oil Kitby Kathryn O'HalloranIf you are starting out buying using oils it can be a bitoverwhelming. There are so many oils to choice from and you justdon't know where to start. Well take a few deep breaths and relax. Thisis a guide to the most basic oils to get you started. It is definitelybetter to start small and make sure you are getting pure oils than toget the cheaper oils. Get one or two oils that appeal and build fromthere. Most oils shouldn't be applied directly to the skin but can beused to make massage oils or other cosmetic and skin care products orin oil burners and elsewhere in the home.The Basics:RoseThis is one of my favourites. It helps to calm, soothe and balance. Itcan assist with PMT and is good for the heart. It is excellent for dryand mature skins.BergamotThis oil is made from the peel of citrus fruit. It is uplifting andreviving. It helps to relieve fatigue, depression and stress. It isgreat for oily skin.NeroliThis is also a citrus oil, made from orange blossoms. It is anantiseptic and uplifting oil. It can be used in the bath to assist withstrains and can also help treat stretch marks, anxiety and PMT. Somepeople claim it has an asphrodisiac effect, though I personally haven'ttried this.CamomileThis oil has some wonderful properties although it makes me feelnauseous so I avoid it. It is purifying, healing, soothing andcalming. Camomile is great for dry skin. It is safe to use whenpregnant, but it is probably best to see a professionalaromatherapist before using any oils when pregnant.LavenderGreat for soothing and healing. It improves mental clarity, insomnia,headaches, fever, stress, burns and skin complaints.EucalyptusThis oil makes a great disinfectant and antiseptic. It is excellent touse to treat colds, congestion and the healing of wounds - use in asteamer for colds and add a drop to pyjamas at bedtime. It clears themind and refreshes emotions. It can also be used to remove chewing gumfrom clothing and sticky stuff (like adhesive from price tags) frommost surfaces.CloveThis oil has a strong scent. It can be used in baths and massage oilsif you like the scent (personally I don't). It has antiseptic andpainkilling properties. It is excellent for toothaches (I think thiscould be why I don't like it - painful associations).RosemaryAn antiseptic, antibacterial oil. It is stimulating. It helps with skinproblems, allergies, aches and pains. This oil should not be used byepileptics or in pregnancy.Other oils that are good to have:JasmineA very pleasantly scented oil that is great to add to cosmetics. Thisoil has balancing and euphoric properties. It is also said to haveaphrodisiac properites, but again I haven't tested this for myself.GeraniumThis oil is balancing and uplifting. It is great for dry and ageingskin, nerves and healing.Ylang YlangThis oil is calming and balancing. It is said to have aphrodisiacproperties and I must admit, I used to use this oil occasionally as aperfume and I did yet some interesting offers while wearing it. It alsotreats depression and stress. You need to be careful with this oilbecause too much of it can cause headaches and nausea.CedarwoodThis oil is great for balance and harmony. It can be great to use in acleanser and to teat skin disorders but be careful because too much ofit can cause irritation. This oil must be avoided when pregnant.CinnamonThis has a great perfume and aids respiration, circulation anddigestions. This oil must always be diluted to avoid irritation.SandalwoodThis oil has a great scent in cosmetics. It also helps withdecongestion and for treating urinary tract infections. It is good fordry skin.JuniperThis oil is good for skin irritations and to treat insomnia.PatchouliI always think this oil has a real 'hippy' smell. It is a great scentbut can easily be overpowering if you use too much. It is great foroily skin.Although essential oils are natural products it is possible to getallergic reactions. The best way to test for allergies is to apply asmall amount of the product to your skin in your elbow joint and coverwith a plaster for 24 hours. If there is any reaction don't use theproduct. If any oils cause any kind of reaction or irritation stopusing them immediately.