Essential Oils

The Many Ways To Use Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is by far the most popular aromatherapy oil used today. What are the many uses of lavender oil? Let’s take a look.

Skin Oil: When used on the skin, lavender oil has been shown to treat acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Because it has anti-fungal and anti-viral components, this oil may also be used for inflammatory conditions, burns, wounds, rashes and sunburn. It is also said to prevent aging of the skin.

Hair Oil: Instead of using brand name conditioners, use lavender oil in a carrier oil as an alternative. Use a small amount on the ends of your hair then rinse.

Reduce Stress: When used as bath oil, lavender can reduce stress and anxiety. It has also been known to act as an antidepressant.

Massage: Utilized as a massage oil, lavender has been proven to be effective in reducing muscle pain, arthritis, rheumatism, and swelling. It is also said to strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, aid in improving digestion, and relieve nausea.

Mind and Body: Because lavender is a de-stressor, it enables the mind and body to reach a balance within that is evidenced by one’s energy levels. For those who suffer from anxiety and depression, it may act as a catalyst to relieve the symptoms associated with these conditions such as panic attacks and insomnia.

Candle: Lavender can also be used to permeate a room in your home with its lovely scent.

Headaches: Studies have shown that a few drops of lavender oil applied to the temples provides effective relief.

Insect Bites: Lavender oil has been shown to heal insect bites.

As we go about our daily lives and try to juggle many tasks at once, it’s important to take time out to “smell the lavender”. While there are 24 hours in a day, there are far too many moments missed in which we can truly relax. Although lavender oil has many medicinal uses, it can simply be enjoyed for its essential component at least once a day.

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Ten Tips To Keep In Mind When Using Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has become very popular. With that, there are ten safety tips which should be followed when using essential oils or when making your own home blend.

1. Always use carrier oil to dilute the essential oil. Here is a general formula: 2% dilution for normal use by adults; 1% dilution for seniors and individuals with sensitive skin. Carrier oils to be used are: olive oil, emu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and ylang ylang oil.

2. For skin applications, first determine if you are allergic to the oil by applying a drop of the oil on the skin. If, after a day, no rash occurs, you can safely assume you are not allergic to the oil. However, ascertaining what type of skin you have, i.e., dry, oily or normal can be a beneficial first step.

3. If you use Bergamot oil, note that it has a photosensitizing component and should not be used when exposed to the sun.

4. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils, especially in the first trimester. Some oils may cause uterine contractions; others may be irritating to a pregnant mom’s sensitive skin.

5. Due to the fact that most essential oils are highly concentrated, the rule of thumb is: less is more.

6. Essential oils are generally not for consumption. Although some, such as peppermint and bergamot, can be used in very tiny doses for certain ailments. Reference a good guide to essential oils to check on this.

7. Keep essential oils where children cannot access them.

8. Avoid synthetic essential oils as they can cause allergic reactions.

9. Read labels on essential oils to ascertain if they are natural and not processed.

10. Some essential oils can be toxic. Research any oil you intend to use before application.

You can also check the International Fragrance Association’s online database to determine what oils are safe to use. Store the essential oils in a cool dry area. If you are using drops of an essential oil in combination with candles, add a drop or two away from the wick as essential oils are combustible.

For anyone with a medical condition, it is always a safe bet to consult your doctor before using any type of essential oil. In addition, if you develop any symptoms while mixing essential oils, you may be using too much. It is also recommended that when mixing or blending essential oils, you do so in a well ventilated area or outdoors.

If you are taking any medication, consult your doctor. This is especially true if you are taking any type of sedatives to induce sleep. There are essential oils that contain sedative components.

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If Using Aromatherapy Oils on the Skin – Don’t Forget the Carrier Oil

Most essential oils, especially aromatherapy oils, are highly concentrated. If using aromatherapy oils on your skin, don’t forget the carrier oil. What is a carrier oil? It is an oil which dilutes the essential oil but at the same time carries its basic essence.

Before determining what type of aromatherapy oil you are going to use on your skin, it is important to ascertain your skin type. In other words, does your skin tend to be normal, oily, or dry. For normal skin, for example, you can utilize rose oil since it is very good for the skin, as is lavender oil. However, you have to dilute these highly concentrated oils with a carrier oil.

What are the carrier oils used to dilute aromatherapy oils on the skin? Examples include emu oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, chamomile oil, and ylang ylang oil. For example, if you wished to dilute lavender oil, you could use carrier oils such as chamomile and ylang ylang. It would be necessary to ascertain the ratio of each of these oils to make an effective aromatherapy concoction. Depending upon who is using the oils, a 2% dilution is recommended for general use and 1% for seniors or those who have sensitive skin.

Of course, your main goal is to choose the appropriate aromatherapy oil that is both safe and gentle to the skin. The aforementioned oils are among the most popular oils utilized for normal to dry skin.

What if you have a skin condition such as acne? Certainly you can use lavender and tea tree oil, which have been proven to clear this type of skin condition. Conversely, for older adults who prefer using aromatherapy oils – there are essential oils which may be used to rejuvenate skin cells and decrease the aging of the skin. These oils would include lavender, rose, and rosemary.

Most aromatherapy oils have been proven to play an important role in regenerating skin cells, moisturize the skin, and help to heal skin conditions such as acne or eczema. They may also prevent inflammatory conditions, and a myriad of other skin problems caused by environmental toxins.

While the use of aromatherapy oils on the skin along with the carrier oils to dilute the essential oil is important, the bottom line is that an exercise and diet program that contributes to good health is also essential in ensuring the skin is properly nourished.

One final note: Stress can cause a variety of health problems including skin conditions. The use of aromatherapy oil may not only help treat the stress, but can improve the skin as well.

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How Massage Oils Aid in Relaxation

The fact that massage oils aid in relaxation can be attested by a majority of individuals who have been to a health spa. In addition, if you’ve ever gone to a nail salon, one of the services they provide is a free ten-minute back and neck massage. It’s wonderful, isn’t it?

But the one massage that totally relaxes you is the hand massage given during the manicure process. The professional puts lotion on your hands and targets specific points that literally relieve all tension, right? That’s because he or she has been trained in reflexology, a method whereby applying pressure to specific reflex points in your hands can restore the energy in your body and provide a perfect balance within.

Taking it a step further, the use of massage oils can increase the relaxation process tenfold. Let’s face it; we are all under pressure either from work or at home. Stress builds up and we become tired, lethargic, and unable to deal with the everyday problems we normally face. Using massage oils has been known to release tension. At the same time, it strengthens the immune system, relaxes muscles, and improves circulation. This in turn is thought to reinforce the Qi (pronounced kee) or energy levels in our bodies.

Massage therapy or aromatherapy has been used since the days of Cleopatra, and there is no denying that it promotes health, healing, and a sense of immeasurable calm. We also know that specific oils may regenerate skin cells, can be used as exfoliants, and - on a practical note – may clear up those dry areas of the body that are often affected during winter months.

Using massage oils as a catalyst for relaxation also creates a feeling of wellbeing. As an example, the scent of specific massage oils may trigger a memory or recollection from the past. Have you ever passed by an ice cream store and the aroma of the cone brought back a pleasant memory from your childhood? Well, massage oils have the same affect.

Massage oils seem to induce feelings of warmth, familiarity, and soothing comfort. Depending upon what type of fragrant oil you prefer, each one has its own specific characteristic that can not only relax, but also improve your mood, dissipate stress, put you to sleep, or energize you.

From the time of Cleopatra, who used to bathe in milk and rose petals, there is no doubt that massage oils have been proven to act as aides in relaxation, contribute to overall wellbeing, and alleviate pain and discomfort.

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Tea Tree Oil Uses and Health BenefitsTea tree oil uses and health benefits have come to the forefront, providing medicinal remedy to various health problems.  In addition, the oil is also used as a skin treatment to thwart and reduce conditions associated with acne and other common skin–related problems.

Distilled from the leaves of the Meleleuca Alternifolia which is found in Australia, it has been used by the Aborigines since they first inhabited the country.  Tea tree oil is known to have medicinal properties used to treat and prevent infections.

Here then are the many uses and health benefits of tea tree oil.

As a disinfectant, tea tree oil helps to dissipate bacteria, which is present in wounds and infections.  It treats fungal diseases which affect animals as well as humans, and cleans the surface of wounds without causing damage to tissue.

Touted as a natural antiseptic, a bactericide, fungicide and anti-viral product with anesthetic qualities, tea tree Oil can be used daily on the skin.  As mentioned at the outset, the Aborigines have used this oil to treat acne, rashes, dandruff, and fungal diseases, to name a few.  This oil was also utilized in World War II, and was given to soldiers to carry in their kits in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

As a skin treatment, tea tree oil is utilized to treat acne, reduce redness, swelling, and as mentioned earlier, dandruff.  A few drops of tea tree oil added to shampoo can clear up the dandruff problem.   In addition, because it has antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients, tea tree oil has been used to treat burns, cuts, and insect bites.  The antifungal properties also make it suitable for treating athlete’s foot, as well as other diseases caused by fungi.

Due to its antiviral properties, there is some evidence that tea tree oil may be effective in treating infectious diseases such as colds, flue, shingles, and chicken pox.  It has also been known to heal cold sores and warts.

One important note:  Read the directions on the label, as use of tea tree oil should be limited to small drops.  It’s that potent!

While tea tree oil uses and health benefits are clearly evident, check with your doctor first to ensure you are sensitive to this powerful oil.  In addition, you may wish to research which creams and ointments contain the properties of tea tree oil in case you prefer to use it in its milder form.

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More than ever, Moms are choosing to skip potentially dangerous prescription and over the counter drugs for natural alternatives. The great thing about many of these natural products is that they can be beneficial for more than one problem. A great example is peppermint oil. It has been traditionally used to help with lots of various problems. Here are a few just 5 uses for peppermint oil you can try.

Digestive aid - The most common use of peppermint oil is aiding in digestion. It helps promote the production of digestive juices, so you can use it on a regular basis to help your body. It also can be used to offer relief from digestive problems such as heartburn, nausea, gas, cramps, and even a spastic colon. You can use peppermint oil when you experience symptoms, but it can also be used to prevent symptoms if you have a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint tea is also used this way.

Cold and flu - Peppermint oil has several properties that can help colds and flus. Peppermint oil is an expectorant, meaning it breaks up chest congestion. It has also been used to reduce fever, soothe scratchy throats and get rid of headaches. It’s a great natural alternative to over the counter medications that may contain alcohol or other unwanted ingredients.

Mental stimulant - Rubbing a drop of peppermint oil on your temples can help wake you up and improve your concentration and memory. This is great when studying for or taking tests, or any other time you need to be alert and mentally clear. It’s a great way to give brain a little boost without having to rely on caffeine. This can also be beneficial to help you feel better when you feel faint or dizzy.

Asthma - Peppermint oil contains menthol. This is the substance used in many conventional medications that can help clear up any breathing difficulties. The vapors produced from peppermint oil can clear out a stuffy nose, help with coughing, and even help stop an asthma attack (although you shouldn’t stop conventional treatment).

Heart Problems - Peppermint oil has been used to help reduce heart palpitations. It is also used to make the heart beat better and improve circulation throughout the body. This can help ease several problems related with circulation difficulties. Peppermint oil keeps your blood pumping strong.

In addition to peppermint oil, you may also find some benefit from peppermint tea. You can even put a few drops of peppermint oil in water for a different, but effective peppermint drink. If you’re applying the oil directly, it’s best to dilute it in carrier oil before you apply. Peppermint oil is wonderful to have in your natural first aid kid. One caveat: don’t use peppermint oil on young babies as it is too stimulating.

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