November 15, 2008

Hello,

This issue continues with more information about essential oils and aromatherapy that started in the October issue. You can find even more information in my aromatherapy blog.

Enjoy!

Carol

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage combines the healing of essential oils with the healing art of touch.

Here are some aromatherapy recipes for massage or self-massage. Mix the essential oils with a good-quality carrier oil such as cold pressed almond oil, hazelnut oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil. 20 ml is slightly more than a tablespoon of oil.

Do not go out into the sun for at least two hours after applying lemon, bergamot, lime, orange, or any citrus oil to your skin. If you are pregnant, nursing, or chemically sensitive, or have a medical condition, consult a professional. Pure essential oils are powerful and can occasionally cause side effects or allergic reactions. It's always a good idea to spot test an essential oil before applying it to a larger area.

Face and Neck Massage:
3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.

Anti-Tension Massage:
2 drops petit grain oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops sandalwood oil in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on the neck, shoulders, and temples.

Backache Massage:
2 drops eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil in 20 ml carrier oil.

Calming Back Massage:
4 drops ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Bedtime Massage:
3 drops sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Circulation Improvement Massage:
6 drops lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil in 4 ounces of sesame oil.

Hand Aromatherapy Massage:
5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.

Leg Aromatherapy Massage:
2 drops cypress oil + 2 drops lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil in 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.

Pain-Relieving Massage:
3 drops pine oil + 3 drops eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil in 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.

Relaxing Full-Body Massage:
3 drops neroli oil + 2 drops jasmine oil in 20 ml of carrier oil.

Relaxing Massage for Face and Scalp:
2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil in 20 ml carrier oil.

Stimulating Body Rub:
1 drop peppermint oil + 1 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil in 20 ml carrier oil.

Uplifting Aromatherapy Massage:
2 drops bergamot oil + 2 drops orange oil + 2 drops petit grain oil in 20 ml carrier oil.

Mature Skin Massage:
2 drops myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil in 20 ml wheat germ oil.

Wrinkled or Puffy Face Massage:
2 drops rose oil + 1 drop violet oil + 1 drop geranium oil in 20 ml carrier oil. Rub lightly on face, using only fingertips.

For more information about aromatherapy massage, see these books:

Total Aromatherapy Massage: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide To Aromatherapy Massage At Home

Hot Stone Massage: The Essential Guide to Hot Stone and Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

Buy quality essential oils here.

Basic Essential Oils for Your Medicine Cabinet

Misty Rae Cech, a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado, and owner of Ananda Apothecary offers a list of ten basic essential oils for your home medicine cabinet.

Lavender

Lavender has often been called the ‘medicine chest in a bottle’ for its broad range of applications. Every home should keep Lavender on hand, even if no other oil is used, as it is so very effective on burns. Its anti-inflammatory action is responsible for the beginnings of modern aromatherapy, as Dr. Jean Valnet discovered Lavender’s healing properties after being burned in a laboratory accident.

Lavender is considered to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. The oil is also pleasantly calming, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations – a commonly used technique is to apply Lavender oil ‘neat’ (undiluted) to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment.

Tea Tree

When first examined for it’s antiseptic properties, Tea Tree essential oil was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acid – the medical standard at the time. Tea tree has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties that have been confirmed by modern scientific research.

Often used topically on small wounds, Tea Tree is also commonly found in oral hygiene preparations, and can also be effectively employed for Candida, athlete’s foot, and acne, among other things.

Peppermint

An excellent digestive tonic, Peppermint essential oil can sooth many stomach complaints. For the traveler, its effectiveness on calming motion sickness can be of great help. Further, at least eight controlled studies have shown Peppermint oil to be effective in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a painful condition of the intestines.

Beyond its support of the digestive system, Peppermint is delightfully stimulating to the mind, brightening and sharpening mental focus. Finally, Peppermint is considered by some to be a more effective insect repellent than citronella when used on the body (rather than in the surrounding air).

Chamomile

Ah, the great tension reliever, Chamomile oil. This extremely gentle basic essential oil is useful for a wide variety of nervous conditions, and is often indicated for cases of stress in children (including teething and general ‘crankiness’). Rubbing the oil into the solar plexus is a commonly used application, if that is where one tends to hold tension.

Chamomile essential oil is available in two varieties, German or Blue Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. The Roman variety is most often used for stress relief, whereas the German variety has the added bonus of being an extremely effective anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus

Another essential oil with a broad range of properties, Eucalyptus is most often used for respiratory conditions, being useful in clearing congestion with coughs and colds. However, its effects are certainly not limited to the airways – because of its broad range of effects, it has been called the aromatherapist's "designer oil." Eucalyptus oil can cool the body in summer, and support the immune system in winter. Diffusing Eucalyptus oil can kill most staphylococcus bacteria, again being supportive of bronchial infections. It is considered equally effective in cases of cystitis, candida, and sunburn, to name a few, as well as being an insect repellent.

Geranium

Geranium (sometimes known as Geranium Rose) works wonderfully on both physiological and psychological levels. Its floral aroma is brightening and uplifting, while also working as a sedative.

Malte Hozzel has made this statement regarding this oil: "Geranium’s vital, sensual presence is not subtle, but direct and unavoidable, making it one of the oils of choice for aphrodisiac qualities. [Geranium Essential Oil] inspires natural beauty & enjoyment, uplifts instantly & 'tonifies' the mind & intellect in a powerful, nearly demanding attitude. Mobilizing hidden creative & emotional reserves, helping us to rise to our own earthly & spiritual identify. A fiery beauty for the spells of all worlds."

Particularly noted for its effect on female physiologic conditions, Geranium oil can be effective for menopausal problems, uterine, and breast complaints.

Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil is an effective physical and mental stimulant, whether used in a diffuser or in a morning bath. Its slightly spicy, rather than floral aroma, has a warming effect particularly useful for arthritic joints and other muscular complaints. It also has a long history of treatment for colds and flu – Rosemary was a component of ‘Four Thieves Vinegar,’ which robbers rubbed upon their bodies to prevent infection when up to no good during the plague years of the Middle Ages.

Thyme

Thyme oil is a powerful antiviral, antibiotic, antiseptic, and diuretic, though it should be employed with great care. There are many types of Thyme oil available, but only the ‘linalol’ chemotype is appropriate for use with children; all varieties should be diluted prior to topical application.

Given the precautions, Thyme can be a first line of defense in cases of flu when used in a room diffuser. It also supports elimination of toxic wastes from the body (particularly noted for excessive uric acid), and its warming quality can eliminate mucous and phlegm. Its application for the digestive system is that of a powerful anti-parasitic, and for the muscular system, it can be helpful for rheumatic aches and pains. Thyme oil may also be supportive in cases of hair loss.

Lemon

A recent study on test-taking college students showed the diffusion of Lemon oil into a room improved test scores more than any other oil. In addition to its mind-brightening qualities, it can also disinfect room air and act as a natural deodorant. Lemon has been noted to support liver function, and is also commonly used to assist in weight loss and cellulite reduction. In blends, lemon adds a pleasant top note and can create a synergistic effect with other oils. Finally, Lemon oil is commonly used as both a fragrance and flavoring agent.

Clove

The power of Clove essential oil is noted upon the first sensing of the aroma – it is quite strong, sharp and earthy. Clove oil has been found to be the strongest anti-oxidant of any essential oil, and is a component of ‘longevity’ formulas. It is also an extremely potent antibacterial, effective against a broader range of microbes than any other oil, except perhaps Oregano. Clove oil has even been employed to sterilize surgical instruments.

Clove also has analgesic properties, and can be used to temporarily reduce the pain of toothache. Clove oil (or ground cloves) is also a component of Dr. Huda Clark’s anti-parasite protocol, helping eliminate parasites from one’s digestive system. This is a very powerful oil that should be diluted to 1% or less for topical application.

Click here to buy therapeutic-grade essential oils.