The practice of using essential oils for the purpose of improving health is called aromatherapy, because it is the essential oil which provides the fragrances (aromas) in the plant kingdom. But essential oils are also used in inhalation, massage and even internally to obtain their healing and beautifying effects.
On the following pages are some everyday aromatherapies for some common problems:
* Hair and scalp problems.
Dandruff, dry hair, oily hair, even when the kids bring home lice -- these conditions respond well to specific blends of essential oils such as thyme, sage and lavender diluted in a carrier oil (one which usually has no scent and provides no direct healing properties, like wheat germ oil). These are also completely natural remedies, which means that people who react badly to chemicals can use these natural scents to gently heal or ease their symptoms/conditions.
* Facial lotions, creams and toners.
Essential oils possess a number of therapeutic qualities. Lavender, neroli and patchouli, among others, have the ability to rejuvenate the skin.
Many of the essential oils are antiseptic and fight infectious germs. Other oils have an astringent, cleansing effect and can be included in your formula if needed.
Sensitive skin responds well to rose and neroli, which are anti-inflammatory, while sandalwood and cypress help to treat broken veins.
The carrier oils, such as avocado and wheat germ, with their high vitamin content, make useful additions to help mature, cracked or dry skin.
Skin tone improves with better circulation and toxins are eliminated more easily when essential oils and massage are part of your daily life.
* Mouthwashes and gargles.
These natural preparations can save you money and are also better than most commercial preparations. For respiratory problems and general infections, inhalations are a way of introducing the essential oil into the bloodstream. They can stimulate the body's own defensive action in helping to destroy invading bacteria. The steam heat, combined with oils such as eucalyptus, act on the infection, fighting viruses and fungi in the nose and respiratory system.
Gargles of recommended essential oils can be used to fight infections, and mouthwash made with essential oils can help to treat mouth ulcers and infected gums. To strengthen gums, try fennel, lemon and sage.
* Aromatic baths.
These can be treats as well as treatments. They can be stimulating and refreshing in the morning or relaxing and soothing in the evening. With the correct blend of essential oils, such as basil or rose, they can be regenerating.
Waking up in the morning is one thing, wanting to get up to go to work is another. If you are that kind of person, and you rely on unhealthy coffee and/or cigarettes to get you going, you should go to your health food store and buy small bottles of peppermint oil, juniper oil and rosemary oil.
Tomorrow morning you can make up this wonderful "jump-starter."
Fill the tub halfway with warm water. Add:
5 drops rosemary oil, 5 drops juniper oil and 2 drops peppermint oil
Swish the water around to disperse the essences and get in and lie down. Relax for 10 minutes. Get out and dry yourself, eat a nutritious breakfast, including protein and fresh fruit, and feel the difference in your day.
Unless you're unusual, there are times you have aching feet -- so achy, in fact, you wish they belonged to someone else. You don't always have time to lie down or put your feet up, so try this great "foot fixer."
All you need is a basin half filled with warm water and add the following:
5 drops juniper oil, 2 drops rosemary and 3 drops lavender
Slip your aching feet into the tepid water and let the mixture roll over and between your toes. In 10 minutes you'll feel like your feet have slept all night. Massage them gently for a minute, towel dry and you're ready to face the world on both feet.
Here are some of the most commonly used essential oils and their uses. Always buy natural essences and store them in a cool place in dark-colored bottles.
* Clary sage.
This is obtained from herbs and flowers. Its most common uses are for depression, menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome. This plant has euphoric effects when evaporated into the air or used in a massage. It is known as one of the most effective substances for relieving depressive states.
* Lavender.
This is obtained from flowering tops. It is one of the mildest, yet most effective, of the essential oils. Burns, headaches, indigestion, insect bites and stings can be soothed with this "magic oil." Lavender also appears to stimulate cellular growth and contributes to rejuvenation.
* Peppermint.
This oil is obtained from the leaves of the plant. The herb has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems. The healing ability is concentrated in its essential oil, which contains menthol. It is also of great value for colds, flu or sinus congestion. Dilution is important; two or three drops of the essence in a bowl of hot water is sufficient. Use no more than two or three drops on a bit of brown sugar for internal use.
* Rose.
Its essence is obtained from the flowers. It has been recommended for liver, stomach and blood difficulties and drives away melancholy. It is also considered useful against alcoholism.
* Rosemary.
Its essence is obtained from the leaves of the plant. It is a nervous-system stimulant, cardiac stimulant and it improves respiration, digestion, kidney and liver function, blood circulation and the power of the adrenal glands. Because of its stimulating effect on the blood and lymph glands when applied to the skin, rosemary oil is useful for all kinds of aches and pains.
* Sandalwood.
Its essence is obtained from wood. In aromatherapy, it is a useful antiseptic for throat infections and infections of the urinary tract. Frequent baths with sandalwood keep the immune system at peak levels and helps prevent invasion of viruses and bacteria.
* Tea tree.
Its essence is obtained from the leaves. Its most common uses are for dermatitis and other skin conditions, burns, cold sores and athlete's foot. As an antiseptic it is one of the most powerful of the aromatics, being used in lip balms, soaps, dental products, etc.
* Ylang-ylang.
Its essence is obtained from the flowers. It has a pronounced effect upon the body systems, in the physical sense, and it has an even more pronounced effect upon the emotional system.
* Anise.
Its essence is obtained from the seeds of the plant. It is an old-fashioned herb with many valuable properties. It will help to prevent fermentation of food in the stomach by promoting digestion. Its licorice-like flavor has made anise a special herb in cooking cakes and soups as well as in beverages and medicines.
* Basil.
Its essence is obtained from leaves and flowering tops. It is used in the ancient healing system known as ayurvedic medicine. In the bath, basil essence is uplifting and refreshing, but it has a strange effect on the skin -- hot and cold at the same time. It is also a great insect repellent.
* Benzoin.
Its essence is obtained from the resin. It is of benefit in all conditions such as coughs, flu, bronchitis and stuffy nose. It is also used externally in skin conditions characterized by redness.
* Bergamot.
Its essence is obtained from ripe and unripe fruit. It is used for emotional problems. Its uplifting, antidepressant action works against tension, worry and anxiety for men and women alike.
* Black pepper.
Its essence is obtained from the unripe fruit and berry of peppercorn. In homeopathic practice, it is used to treat ailments such as headaches and coughs.
For more information about aromatheraphy contact the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy, Box 17622, Boulder, CO 80308; The American Alliance of Aromatherapy, Box 750428, Petaluma, CA 94975; The American Phyto-Therapy and Aromatherapy Association, Box 3679, South Pasadena, CA 91031.
REFERENCES
Lavabre, Marcel F. Aromatherapy Workbook. Rochester, Vt.: Inner Traditions Publishing, 1988.
Tisserand, Robert T. The Art of Aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books, 1977.
By Maria Liberati, Better Nutrition
http://findarticles.com/
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Aromatherapy Favorites - Beautiful Rose Oil
Rose oil is one of the most sought after botanicals in both aromatherapy and perfumery. Its amazing aroma has a wealth of health benefits, both physiological and psychological - it's no wonder the rose is history's most revered flower.
Ah, Wonderful Rose Oil
If there's an aroma that more individuals find deeply moving than any other, it is the oil of rose. The scent is divinely sweet, rich, and deeply floral - exclusive to the extract of history's most revered flower. Though the rose is renown for it's fragrance, the flower actually contains very little aromatic oil by weight. Some 60,000 roses are needed to distill a single ounce of oil, or about 60 roses PER DROP, a fact which brings the seemly high cost of rose oil into perspective.
The Flower of Love
The hardy nature of the thorny rose bush and the flower's magnificent beauty make it a horticulturalist's dream. The genus Rosa has some 150 species spread around the globe, being cultivated in your grandmother's backyard garden, in vast fields in Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and everywhere in between. Roses have somewhat of a unique past, peppered with interesting stories and extravagant displays of affection. The flower's association with devotion was perhaps most wonderfully expressed during the Roman empire, with banquet halls being carpeted with petals. Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room literally knee-deep in rose petals ? how's that for greeting? Roses are the unrivaled symbol of love, given dear ones through the ages as an affirmation of true affection. It's no wonder the flower's oil has great healing properties, both physically and emotionally, for the human heart.
Rose's health Benefits
With it's considerable therapeutic and aesthetic value, the 'queen of the flowers' had a special place in medicine and perfumery in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome. The modern healing tradition of the extract of rose began in the 17 th century with the writings of English physician Nicholas Culpeper. The herbalist described the use of red roses to strengthen the heart, it's cooling and astringent actions, and its effect on headaches and tired eyes. Perhaps inspiring it's use as a beauty tonic 'par-excellence', he went on to suggest it's use as a remedy for a variety of skin complaints.
In aromatherapy, the psychological effects are wondrous for those with a broken heart, or other emotional wounds. Rose oil calms and supports the heart center, inspiring a sense of happiness and well-being. When rejection or loss has injured one's ability to love and nurture, either themselves or those around them, rose oil can bring sweet and gentle comfort and allow an emotional 're-opening'.
Use in Aromatherapy
It is the Bulgarian Damask rose, or Rosa Damacena, most often used in aromatherapy. The oil of this 36-petaled beauty is available in two forms: the 'otto', or true essential oil, and the 'absolute'. Harvest of the flowers occurs in the early morning, before the sun's rays has warmed away the aroma. Rose otto is made in a two step steam-distillation process; the first distillation yields an essential oil and a large amount of 'rose water'. The water is again distilled, producing an oil which is combined with that from the first distillation.
The absolute is made with a different process entirely. Similar in a way to 'effleurage' (the pressing of petals in fat to produce an extract), the flowers are processed in a solvent, with a wax-like 'concrete' being produced. Through a second extraction of the concrete, rose absolute is yielded. This method is significantly more efficient than steam distillation, producing nearly 7 pounds of oil per 10,000 pounds of roses (distillation yields 1 pound oil per 10,000 pounds of roses), with a corresponding lower cost. Does one produce a better oil? There is certainly debate; while some argue that traces of solvent are likely to exist in the absolute, others claim the heat of distillation does not result in a true representation of the flower. And as with either method, the quality and effect of the oil varies greatly with the experience and care of the manufacturer ? the answer truly lies with the individual and the application.
Using Rose
Oil of rose can be utilized in a number of ways; it is very gentle, being suitable for use on the skin 'neat', in massage oil, and in a bath, as well as in a diffuser. As a perfume, the absolute can be worn directly on the skin ? it's 'tenacious' quality will have the aroma slowly released for many hours. For therapeutic use for the emotions, a dilution of 10% of otto or absolute in jojoba oil is often used, being massaged into the heart area ? a diffuser is very effective for this purpose as well. The absolute or otto can also be added in small amounts to any skin cream, though using a home-made natural recipe is often the nicest. Rose water, or hydrosol, the water resulting from the distillation process of rose otto, can also be used directly on the skin, with it's mild astringent and toning properties.
A rose and lavender facial cream can be made using the following recipe:
Melt ? ounce of beeswax in 4 ounces of jojoba using a double boiler. Add 3 ounces of distilled water in a thin stream while stirring vigorously with a wire whisk. Remove from heat and continue stirring while adding 20 drops of rose oil (absolute or otto) and 15 drops of lavender. Allow to cool, then enjoy this wonderful homemade cream for sensitive skin.
There are, of course, many ways to enjoy rose oil's benefits. It is revered on many levels, from its pure aesthetic aromatic beauty, to its physiological healing and emotional uplifting. True rose oil, with its great depth and sweetness, is easily appreciated by almost all who experience this natural wonder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She enjoys Rose oil for it's many applications, along with other aromatherapy essential oils.
Ah, Wonderful Rose Oil
If there's an aroma that more individuals find deeply moving than any other, it is the oil of rose. The scent is divinely sweet, rich, and deeply floral - exclusive to the extract of history's most revered flower. Though the rose is renown for it's fragrance, the flower actually contains very little aromatic oil by weight. Some 60,000 roses are needed to distill a single ounce of oil, or about 60 roses PER DROP, a fact which brings the seemly high cost of rose oil into perspective.
The Flower of Love
The hardy nature of the thorny rose bush and the flower's magnificent beauty make it a horticulturalist's dream. The genus Rosa has some 150 species spread around the globe, being cultivated in your grandmother's backyard garden, in vast fields in Bulgaria's Valley of Roses, and everywhere in between. Roses have somewhat of a unique past, peppered with interesting stories and extravagant displays of affection. The flower's association with devotion was perhaps most wonderfully expressed during the Roman empire, with banquet halls being carpeted with petals. Cleopatra once received her beloved Marc Antony in a room literally knee-deep in rose petals ? how's that for greeting? Roses are the unrivaled symbol of love, given dear ones through the ages as an affirmation of true affection. It's no wonder the flower's oil has great healing properties, both physically and emotionally, for the human heart.
Rose's health Benefits
With it's considerable therapeutic and aesthetic value, the 'queen of the flowers' had a special place in medicine and perfumery in the ancient civilizations of Persia, Egypt, India, Greece and Rome. The modern healing tradition of the extract of rose began in the 17 th century with the writings of English physician Nicholas Culpeper. The herbalist described the use of red roses to strengthen the heart, it's cooling and astringent actions, and its effect on headaches and tired eyes. Perhaps inspiring it's use as a beauty tonic 'par-excellence', he went on to suggest it's use as a remedy for a variety of skin complaints.
In aromatherapy, the psychological effects are wondrous for those with a broken heart, or other emotional wounds. Rose oil calms and supports the heart center, inspiring a sense of happiness and well-being. When rejection or loss has injured one's ability to love and nurture, either themselves or those around them, rose oil can bring sweet and gentle comfort and allow an emotional 're-opening'.
Use in Aromatherapy
It is the Bulgarian Damask rose, or Rosa Damacena, most often used in aromatherapy. The oil of this 36-petaled beauty is available in two forms: the 'otto', or true essential oil, and the 'absolute'. Harvest of the flowers occurs in the early morning, before the sun's rays has warmed away the aroma. Rose otto is made in a two step steam-distillation process; the first distillation yields an essential oil and a large amount of 'rose water'. The water is again distilled, producing an oil which is combined with that from the first distillation.
The absolute is made with a different process entirely. Similar in a way to 'effleurage' (the pressing of petals in fat to produce an extract), the flowers are processed in a solvent, with a wax-like 'concrete' being produced. Through a second extraction of the concrete, rose absolute is yielded. This method is significantly more efficient than steam distillation, producing nearly 7 pounds of oil per 10,000 pounds of roses (distillation yields 1 pound oil per 10,000 pounds of roses), with a corresponding lower cost. Does one produce a better oil? There is certainly debate; while some argue that traces of solvent are likely to exist in the absolute, others claim the heat of distillation does not result in a true representation of the flower. And as with either method, the quality and effect of the oil varies greatly with the experience and care of the manufacturer ? the answer truly lies with the individual and the application.
Using Rose
Oil of rose can be utilized in a number of ways; it is very gentle, being suitable for use on the skin 'neat', in massage oil, and in a bath, as well as in a diffuser. As a perfume, the absolute can be worn directly on the skin ? it's 'tenacious' quality will have the aroma slowly released for many hours. For therapeutic use for the emotions, a dilution of 10% of otto or absolute in jojoba oil is often used, being massaged into the heart area ? a diffuser is very effective for this purpose as well. The absolute or otto can also be added in small amounts to any skin cream, though using a home-made natural recipe is often the nicest. Rose water, or hydrosol, the water resulting from the distillation process of rose otto, can also be used directly on the skin, with it's mild astringent and toning properties.
A rose and lavender facial cream can be made using the following recipe:
Melt ? ounce of beeswax in 4 ounces of jojoba using a double boiler. Add 3 ounces of distilled water in a thin stream while stirring vigorously with a wire whisk. Remove from heat and continue stirring while adding 20 drops of rose oil (absolute or otto) and 15 drops of lavender. Allow to cool, then enjoy this wonderful homemade cream for sensitive skin.
There are, of course, many ways to enjoy rose oil's benefits. It is revered on many levels, from its pure aesthetic aromatic beauty, to its physiological healing and emotional uplifting. True rose oil, with its great depth and sweetness, is easily appreciated by almost all who experience this natural wonder.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Misty Rae Cech is a Naturopath in Boulder, Colorado. She enjoys Rose oil for it's many applications, along with other aromatherapy essential oils.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Lavender Salve for Cracked Hands and Feet
You can try this healing Lavender salve if you have the hand & foot skin problems, especially in dry seasons. Olive oil and vitamin E make this salve smoothing and moisturizing
Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
1 oz Calendula infused olive oil
2 oz infused olive oil
6 drops Vit E oil
5 drops Pine needle essential oil
5 drops Chamomile (German) essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
Melt beeswax and olive oils together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat. Then stir in the Vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into containers and allow cooling completely before sealing.
Lavender Foot Balm
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. beeswax
Instructions:
Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
1 oz Calendula infused olive oil
2 oz infused olive oil
6 drops Vit E oil
5 drops Pine needle essential oil
5 drops Chamomile (German) essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
Melt beeswax and olive oils together over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat. Then stir in the Vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into containers and allow cooling completely before sealing.
Lavender Foot Balm
Ingredients:
1/2 oz. beeswax
1/2 oz. cocoa butter
2 fluid oz. sweet almond oil
2 fluid oz. apricot kernel oil
1/2 fluid oz. avocado oil or jojoba oil
1/2 fluid oz. rose water
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
Heat beeswax and cocoa butter on stove, just until melted. Stir in oils and rosewater. Mix well. Remove from heat, and allow cooling slightly. Stir in essential oils. Pour into a container. Allow to cool before closing container
Monday, May 7, 2007
Rose and Lavender Oil in Hand and Nail Care
Rose oil is is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy. It gives a feeling of wellbeing and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful on the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and as skin care.
While Lavender is considered the most useful of all essential oils. Lavender is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress. Its therapeutic properties have been well chronicled all over the world. Originally an inhabitant of the Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long been recognized for its exotic perfume and medicinal properties.
Try a few of these recipes for soft and beautiful hands. Daily moisturizing and a weekly manicure are essential to keep hands looking their best!
Basic Manicure Instructions
1. Remove any old nail polish.
2. Shape nails. Remember to only file in one direction towards the center of the nail.
3. Soften cuticle. Soak nails in a cleansing bath made from a 1/4 teaspoon of liquid castile soap and warm water.
4. Dry fingertips.
5. Apply cuticle remover.
6. Loosen cuticle. Use a cuticle pusher to remove any dead cuticle on the nail without scratching the nail plate. Push the cuticle back with a wet wash cloth.
7. Clean under free edge of nail. Use an orange wood stick or cuticle pusher. Wrap a small amount of cotton from a cotton ball onto the end. Dip it into the cleansing bath and clean under the nail.
8. Bleach under free edges of nails. With cotton tipped orangewood stick. Apply hydrogen peroxide under nails.
9. Apply cuticle oil or cream around the sides and base of the nail-massage in gently.
10. Cleanse nails again, using a nail brush and dry thoroughly.
11. If desired, polish. Apply one coat of base, two coats of polish, and top coat.
12. After nail polish is dry or if not used, apply hand lotion from fingertips to wrist.
With practice, your hands and nails will be as good as any professional manicurist could do for you.
Basic Hand Cream
Ingredients
2 tablespoons beeswax
3 teaspoons cocoa butter
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons liquid paraffin
2 teaspoons glycerin
1/2 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons boiling water
5 drops Rose or Lavender essential oil
You will also need...
3 small heatproof containers
heatproof mixing bowl
metal spoon
sieve
lidded glass jar
Instructions
Put wax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil into the three heatproof containers (glass custard cups would work). Cover bottom of pan with a shallow amount of water and bring to a boil. Put the containers into same and lower heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until melted.
Pour these ingredients into the mixing bowl. Simmer in water also. Add the paraffin and glycerin. Stir until creamy.
Mix the borax into the two tablespoons of boiling water to dissolve. Add this to the creamy mixture and stir.
Remove from heat and stir in 5 drops of Rose or Lavender essential oil.
Push mixture through sieve for smoother texture. Cool.
Spoon it into a glass jar. Store in a wide mouthed jar for easier access to the cream
Nail Whitener
Ingredients
1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
1 cup warm water
2 drops Rose or Lavender essential oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Dangle nails in solution for 15 minutes and pat dry. Use this twice a week until nails are white, then once a week for maintenance.
Soft Hands Cream
You may try this unique recipe. You use both Rose and Lavender Oil in this soft hand cream.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon shea butter
1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
15 drops grapefruit seed extract
2 capsules of vitamin E or 1/2 teaspoon
6 drops Lavender essential oil
6 drops Rose essential oil
Instructions
Melt coconut and wheat germ oils with shea butter and remove from the heat. Mix glycerin and grapefruit seed extract and set aside. Whisk vitamin E into glycerin mixture. Whisk all ingredients together until cooled.
Mango butter can be used in place of shea butter.
While Lavender is considered the most useful of all essential oils. Lavender is known to help relieve headaches, insomnia, tension and stress. Its therapeutic properties have been well chronicled all over the world. Originally an inhabitant of the Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long been recognized for its exotic perfume and medicinal properties.
Try a few of these recipes for soft and beautiful hands. Daily moisturizing and a weekly manicure are essential to keep hands looking their best!
Basic Manicure Instructions
1. Remove any old nail polish.
2. Shape nails. Remember to only file in one direction towards the center of the nail.
3. Soften cuticle. Soak nails in a cleansing bath made from a 1/4 teaspoon of liquid castile soap and warm water.
4. Dry fingertips.
5. Apply cuticle remover.
6. Loosen cuticle. Use a cuticle pusher to remove any dead cuticle on the nail without scratching the nail plate. Push the cuticle back with a wet wash cloth.
7. Clean under free edge of nail. Use an orange wood stick or cuticle pusher. Wrap a small amount of cotton from a cotton ball onto the end. Dip it into the cleansing bath and clean under the nail.
8. Bleach under free edges of nails. With cotton tipped orangewood stick. Apply hydrogen peroxide under nails.
9. Apply cuticle oil or cream around the sides and base of the nail-massage in gently.
10. Cleanse nails again, using a nail brush and dry thoroughly.
11. If desired, polish. Apply one coat of base, two coats of polish, and top coat.
12. After nail polish is dry or if not used, apply hand lotion from fingertips to wrist.
With practice, your hands and nails will be as good as any professional manicurist could do for you.
Basic Hand Cream
Ingredients
2 tablespoons beeswax
3 teaspoons cocoa butter
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons liquid paraffin
2 teaspoons glycerin
1/2 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons boiling water
5 drops Rose or Lavender essential oil
You will also need...
3 small heatproof containers
heatproof mixing bowl
metal spoon
sieve
lidded glass jar
Instructions
Put wax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil into the three heatproof containers (glass custard cups would work). Cover bottom of pan with a shallow amount of water and bring to a boil. Put the containers into same and lower heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until melted.
Pour these ingredients into the mixing bowl. Simmer in water also. Add the paraffin and glycerin. Stir until creamy.
Mix the borax into the two tablespoons of boiling water to dissolve. Add this to the creamy mixture and stir.
Remove from heat and stir in 5 drops of Rose or Lavender essential oil.
Push mixture through sieve for smoother texture. Cool.
Spoon it into a glass jar. Store in a wide mouthed jar for easier access to the cream
Nail Whitener
Ingredients
1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
1 cup warm water
2 drops Rose or Lavender essential oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Dangle nails in solution for 15 minutes and pat dry. Use this twice a week until nails are white, then once a week for maintenance.
Soft Hands Cream
You may try this unique recipe. You use both Rose and Lavender Oil in this soft hand cream.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon shea butter
1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
15 drops grapefruit seed extract
2 capsules of vitamin E or 1/2 teaspoon
6 drops Lavender essential oil
6 drops Rose essential oil
Instructions
Melt coconut and wheat germ oils with shea butter and remove from the heat. Mix glycerin and grapefruit seed extract and set aside. Whisk vitamin E into glycerin mixture. Whisk all ingredients together until cooled.
Mango butter can be used in place of shea butter.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Facial Cleanser and Scrub
Facial Cleanser is the most important part of the skin care. Your skin must be clean before you apply any other vitamins or moisturizer, or your skin can not absorb the moisturizer effectively.
Beside of cleanser, you can maximize the cleansing process of your skin with facial scrub. This scrub will deeply cleanse your skin, and also remove all dead cells of your skin. So, more than clean, you will have a healthy, radiant look skin without dead cells on it. Use this scrub twice a week will be enough good.
Skin Cleanser
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Instructions
Mix ingredients. Apply to face gently and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Excellent for dry skin.
Facial Scrub
Ingredients
1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
1 tablespoon ground dried lavender blossoms
1 tablespoon ground thyme leaves
1 tablespoon ground almonds
4 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
1. Grind all dry ingredients finely and mix until uniform.
2. Add essential oil and mix well. Store in a glass container.
3. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons with enough water to make a paste.
4. Gently massage into skin and rinse thoroughly.
Do not use if your skin is very sensitive. It's a great exfoliant.
Beside of cleanser, you can maximize the cleansing process of your skin with facial scrub. This scrub will deeply cleanse your skin, and also remove all dead cells of your skin. So, more than clean, you will have a healthy, radiant look skin without dead cells on it. Use this scrub twice a week will be enough good.
Skin Cleanser
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Instructions
Mix ingredients. Apply to face gently and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Excellent for dry skin.
Facial Scrub
Ingredients
1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
1 tablespoon ground dried lavender blossoms
1 tablespoon ground thyme leaves
1 tablespoon ground almonds
4 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
1. Grind all dry ingredients finely and mix until uniform.
2. Add essential oil and mix well. Store in a glass container.
3. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons with enough water to make a paste.
4. Gently massage into skin and rinse thoroughly.
Do not use if your skin is very sensitive. It's a great exfoliant.
Chamomile Night Cream
Here again, is a simple night cream recipe. This cream is smooth, rich and moisturizing. You may choose chamomile oil for normal to dry skin, and lavender oil for balancing your normal to oily skin.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon shea butter
2 teaspoons grated beeswax
1 tablespoon rosewater
1/4 teaspoon lecithin
oil from two capsules of vitamin E
4 drops chamomile or lavender essential oil
Instructions
1. Melt oil, butter, and beeswax in heatproof glass measuring cup, over boiling water or in microwave. (low heat)
2. Remove from heat just before beeswax is completely melted. Finish melting by stirring in warm oil.
3. Add the vitamin E oil and lecithin and stir in between additions.
4. Mix rosewater and aloe together and slowly add to main mixture.
5. Continue stirring with a small metal whisk. Once mixture is cooled, add the essential oil and stir.
6. Store inside drawer or cabinet. Try to keep away from sun and heat.
Use nightly-especially in cold or dry weather.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Rose Bubble Bath
Ingredients:
1 cup clear, mild liquid dishwashing soap
2 capsules Vitamin E oil
1 tbsp glycerin
1 tsp sugar
10 drop red food color
10-20 drop Rose Essential Oil
Blend all ingredients gently until sugar is dissolved. You can use 1/4 – 1/2 cup per bath.
Rose Bubble Bath with Herbs
100 ml mild liquid dishwashing soap
100 ml distilled water
3 tbsp dried rose petal
1 tsp Rose Essential Oil
Boil water and herbs, simmer for about 20 minutes. Squeeze and press herbs, then, strain off. Let it cool then add the liquid soap and Rose Essential Oil.
Use it for 2 times bath.
1 cup clear, mild liquid dishwashing soap
2 capsules Vitamin E oil
1 tbsp glycerin
1 tsp sugar
10 drop red food color
10-20 drop Rose Essential Oil
Blend all ingredients gently until sugar is dissolved. You can use 1/4 – 1/2 cup per bath.
Rose Bubble Bath with Herbs
100 ml mild liquid dishwashing soap
100 ml distilled water
3 tbsp dried rose petal
1 tsp Rose Essential Oil
Boil water and herbs, simmer for about 20 minutes. Squeeze and press herbs, then, strain off. Let it cool then add the liquid soap and Rose Essential Oil.
Use it for 2 times bath.
Lavender Bath Salt
This is a relaxing bath salt you can use after your busy works. The ingredients are from your kitchen, the process is simple but you may have a special product for bath. Lavender Essential Oil within this bath salt will help you to relax completely.
You need:
1 cup salt (rock salt or sea salt)
½ cup Epsom salt
1 tsp baking soda
Colorant (purple food color is great)
10 drop Lavender Essential Oil.
Direction:
Mix well all ingredients except baking soda. After all ingredients are mixed, add baking soda. You may add ½ tsp of glycerin to make the salt sparkle.
You can use ¼ to ½ cup per bath.
You need:
1 cup salt (rock salt or sea salt)
½ cup Epsom salt
1 tsp baking soda
Colorant (purple food color is great)
10 drop Lavender Essential Oil.
Direction:
Mix well all ingredients except baking soda. After all ingredients are mixed, add baking soda. You may add ½ tsp of glycerin to make the salt sparkle.
You can use ¼ to ½ cup per bath.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Jasmine Body Lotion
This is again a simple recipe. Its ingredients are available at your kitchen, and the process is also very easy. What you will get is a nice scented, skin smoothing, a great lotion in a low price.
All you need:
1/2 cup apricot kernel oil
2 tsp beeswax
2 tsp cocoa butter
2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 cup distilled water
2 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp glycerin
15-20 drops Jasmine Essential Oil
Direction:
1. Melt the cocoa butter and then blend in the oils over low heat - allow cooling.
2. Combine the water, aloe vera gel, and glycerin into a bowl.
3. Slowly drizzle in a small amount of the oil mixture while beating with a wire whisk.
4. Continue to drizzle and beat until all the oil is blended into the water mixture.
5. Stir in jasmine essential oil, then, pour into a container.
Note:
1. You can add jasmine essential oil drop by drop and stop whenever you reach the right scent that you want.
2. You may modify the scent by changing the jasmine E.O. with another oil. It could be a single kind or a combination of 2-4 kinds of essential oil.
All you need:
1/2 cup apricot kernel oil
2 tsp beeswax
2 tsp cocoa butter
2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 cup distilled water
2 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp glycerin
15-20 drops Jasmine Essential Oil
Direction:
1. Melt the cocoa butter and then blend in the oils over low heat - allow cooling.
2. Combine the water, aloe vera gel, and glycerin into a bowl.
3. Slowly drizzle in a small amount of the oil mixture while beating with a wire whisk.
4. Continue to drizzle and beat until all the oil is blended into the water mixture.
5. Stir in jasmine essential oil, then, pour into a container.
Note:
1. You can add jasmine essential oil drop by drop and stop whenever you reach the right scent that you want.
2. You may modify the scent by changing the jasmine E.O. with another oil. It could be a single kind or a combination of 2-4 kinds of essential oil.
Aromatherapy Soap
There are many simple soap recipes you can try at home, and be happy to get a bar of soap as beautiful as from a real soap shop. The different is surely the price, it’s 60% less!!
Try this simple one:
Crisco Basic Soap
1.5 lbs Crisco (vegetable shortening)
3 oz. lye
6 oz. water (distilled is better)
Colorant
0.6 – 0.8 oz. Choice of Essential Oil
Direction:
1. Melt the Crisco in a stainless steel or enamel pan.
2. Place cold water in a heat proofed glass bowl. Slowly sprinkle the lye while stirring it with a plastic or rubber spoon until clear.
3. Check both temperature of melted Crisco and lye solution. If they are warm to the touch (90 - 110 F) Then pour the lye solution to the melted Crisco slowly while stirring. Keep stirring until you get the trace.
4. Trace is when it thickens to the point where you can drop some of the mix and it leaves a trail. 5. At this point you can add some colorant and scent of your choice for you soap.
6. Pour into molds. You can use special soap mold, plastic box or even other container such as pringles can.
7. Put molds in a warm, insulate place, or you can wrap it with old blanket or towel
8. Let set 24-48 hours and then cut. It makes 6-8 soap bars.
9. Place on to rack; let it cure for 3-4 weeks.
Tips :
1. Lye is extremely caustic and corrosive. Keep it out of reach of the children. Also watch your equipment and the surface where you work with this stuff.
2. Better work in an open or a ventilated area.
3. Use goggle to protect your eyes.
4. Always use rubber or plastic gloves, because the soap is still caustic until it completely cured (about 3 weeks).
5. You can use an electric hand mixer while stirring the mixture; the trace point will be reached faster.
6. The amount of Essential Oil needs in this recipe could be a single kind of EO, or a combination of 2-4 kinds of EO.
7. Harmonize your additive, such as: purple colorant with Lavender EO, pink with Rose EO, etc.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Essential Oils for your Beauty
You can use these daily beauty care recipes and get more benefits of all natural Essential Oils
All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.
Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.
Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.
Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil.
Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage.
Backache: Mix equal parts of blue chamomile; birch; rosemary or eucalyptus; ginger or black pepper; lavender; carrier oil. Rub into the affected area after a hot bath, when muscles are relaxed and pores are open.
Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Anxiety: Lavender, bergamot, Melissa, geranium, and ylang-ylang are great for calming weary nerves. You can mix three or four together. Add to a bath, use in a scent lamp, or massage into the skin with a carrier oil.
Sleep aids: Marjoram, lavender and ylang-ylang in a warm bath can be soothing before bedtime and aids in sleep.
Stress: Lavender and sage are very relaxing. Place a few drops of each on a tissue and leave on the dashboard so the sun can warm it and diffuse it into the air of the car.
All-Purpose Face and Neck Massage: 3 drops violet oil + 2 drops rose oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil. Add vitamin E for extra richness.
Face and Neck Massage: 2 drop galbanum oil + 3 drops neroli oil: 20 ml carrier oil.
Hand Massage: 5 drops lime oil + 5 drops thyme oil + 5 drops eucalyptus oil + 5 drops cajuput oil: in 4 tablespoons carrier oil.
Leg Massage: 2 drops cypress oil + 2 drop lime oil + 1 drop lemon oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Massage on calves, using gentle pressure on varicose veins.
Mature Skin Massage: 2 drop myrrh oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 2 drops neroli oil: 20 ml wheat germ oil.
Relaxing Massage: 2 drops geranium oil + 2 drops rose oil + 2 drops lavender oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Face and scalp massage.
Backache: Mix equal parts of blue chamomile; birch; rosemary or eucalyptus; ginger or black pepper; lavender; carrier oil. Rub into the affected area after a hot bath, when muscles are relaxed and pores are open.
Calming Back Massage: 4 drop ylang ylang oil + 3 drops jasmine oil + 2 drops geranium oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Anxiety: Lavender, bergamot, Melissa, geranium, and ylang-ylang are great for calming weary nerves. You can mix three or four together. Add to a bath, use in a scent lamp, or massage into the skin with a carrier oil.
Sleep aids: Marjoram, lavender and ylang-ylang in a warm bath can be soothing before bedtime and aids in sleep.
Stress: Lavender and sage are very relaxing. Place a few drops of each on a tissue and leave on the dashboard so the sun can warm it and diffuse it into the air of the car.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Lavender Aromatherapy
Lavender : Lavandula angustifolia (Bulgaria). Lavender oil is used in baths, room sprays, toilet waters, perfumes, colognes, massage oils, sachets, salves, skin lotions and oils. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma which combines well with many oils including citrus, clove, patchouli, rosemary, clary sage and pine. Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, soothing, normalizing, calming, relaxing, healing.
Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer. As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers.
With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil. Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.
A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.
Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects. You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.
Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.
Lavender is just a beautiful herb in your garden. It has gray-green, pointing leaves that grow in a bushy, spreading manner. It is crowned with tall spikes of beautiful pale violet flowers during summer. As an ornamental flower, lavender is unique, sporting exotic fragrance, beauty and a rich harvest of sweet smelling blooms. Old English Lavender, a popular inhabitant of a cottage garden, can grow up to two to three feet high, producing fragrant grayish leaves and blue/purple flowers.
With its flowery fragrance Lavender is the most versatile and useful oil. If you are a newbie to essential oils, you may need to start here by using lavender oil. Called the “Swiss army knife of essential oils”, because of its versatility, lavender is very soothing to sun burnt skin and is used to cleanse cuts and skin irritations.
A drop of lavender oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as grape seed and massaged into the temples and back of the neck will drive away headaches. Mixed with any massage oil, it also helps relieve the pain of arthritis or aching muscles. Occasionally, just a small cotton ball with droplets of lavender near your pillow can help you drift off to a deep sleep.
Lavender essential oil can help reduce anger and frustration, while improving your self esteem. Lavender is found to elicit the emotion of happiness. Lavender has a property of calming and sedating effects. You can also use lavender, by scenting a relaxing and antiseptic bath by slowly adding lavender droplets and letting the bath water run over it as it fills the bath. Fresh lavender flowers are excellent for bath too.
Dried lavender is a tool to experience the sheer aromatic properties in a relaxed ambience. To dry your lavender, strip the leaves or the just opening flowers from the stalk and spread out in a warm place, before using in pot pourris to fragrance your rooms. Around your home, dried lavender stalks can be burned like incense sticks or burned on the fire for their wonderful fragrance.
Three Categories Of Pure Essential Oil
Essential oils can be used for pleasure or for their therapeutic purposes to benefit mind and body. Below is a definition of the three categories of pure essential oils:
ORGANIC
Certified organic essential oils are derived from plants that have been grown without the use of man-made fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides - instead using ecosystem management methods to maintain the health of both plant and soil. There are no inputs such as genetic modification or irradiation. The benefits of organic agriculture include no pollution of the local air or groundwater and no toxic chemicals in the plant or its essential oil, meanwhile maintaining the viability of the local environment.
WILD CRAFTED
Wild crafted essential oils are derived from plants that are not cultivated, but are gathered from their natural, wild habitat. Although they are not organic, they will not have been contaminated by synthetic chemicals (pesticides, fertilisers etc.) and will be growing in conditions favourable to the health of the plant. When wildcrafting is done sustainably, a plan for harvesting must show that the harvest will sustain the wild crop.
ETHICALLY HARVESTED
An ethically harvested essential oil is derived from a herb, shrub or tree that is not harvested so aggressively that the species becomes depleted. As far as aromatic plants are concerned, species depletion is only rarely a problem with herbs (which are mostly easy to grow in quantity) but tends to be more of an issue with slow-growing trees. This denotes sustainable cultivation.
ORGANIC
Certified organic essential oils are derived from plants that have been grown without the use of man-made fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides - instead using ecosystem management methods to maintain the health of both plant and soil. There are no inputs such as genetic modification or irradiation. The benefits of organic agriculture include no pollution of the local air or groundwater and no toxic chemicals in the plant or its essential oil, meanwhile maintaining the viability of the local environment.
WILD CRAFTED
Wild crafted essential oils are derived from plants that are not cultivated, but are gathered from their natural, wild habitat. Although they are not organic, they will not have been contaminated by synthetic chemicals (pesticides, fertilisers etc.) and will be growing in conditions favourable to the health of the plant. When wildcrafting is done sustainably, a plan for harvesting must show that the harvest will sustain the wild crop.
ETHICALLY HARVESTED
An ethically harvested essential oil is derived from a herb, shrub or tree that is not harvested so aggressively that the species becomes depleted. As far as aromatic plants are concerned, species depletion is only rarely a problem with herbs (which are mostly easy to grow in quantity) but tends to be more of an issue with slow-growing trees. This denotes sustainable cultivation.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Essential Oils for Homemade Natural Perfume
Natural French Perfume
Ingredients
1/2 ounce (7 grams) sweet almond oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Instructions
Sterilize a small glass perfume bottle. Add all ingredients and mix.
This perfume will be good for six months. Store it inside the bathroom cabinet-out of sunlight.
Citrus Splash
Ingredients
2 cups distilled water
3 tablespoons vodka
15 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops Bergamot essential oil (extracted from orange trees)
zest of one lemon
Instructions
Sterilize a canning jar in boiling water. Allow to dry or dry carefully without touching inside of jar. Put lemon zest in the jar. Pour water and vodka over zest. Stir with a stainless steel spoon. Add essential oils, seal and put in cool, dark place for one week. Swirl contents every other day. strain liquid through cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put perfume water into dark (blue or amber) decorative bottle.
This perfume will be good for a year.
Lavender Floral Water
Ingredients
1 cup distilled water
2 1/2 tablespoons vodka
10 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 cup fresh or dried lavender buds (no stems)
Instructions
Sterilize a canning jar in boiling water. Allow to dry or dry carefully without touching inside of jar. Put lavender buds in jar. Pour water and vodka over buds. Stir with a stainless steel spoon. Add essential oil, seal and put in cool, dark place for one week. Swirl contents every other day. strain liquid through cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put perfume water into dark (blue or amber) decorative bottle.
This perfume will be good for a year. The lavender scent combats insomnia, depression, and headaches.
Ingredients
1/2 ounce (7 grams) sweet almond oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops sandalwood essential oil
Instructions
Sterilize a small glass perfume bottle. Add all ingredients and mix.
This perfume will be good for six months. Store it inside the bathroom cabinet-out of sunlight.
Citrus Splash
Ingredients
2 cups distilled water
3 tablespoons vodka
15 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops Bergamot essential oil (extracted from orange trees)
zest of one lemon
Instructions
Sterilize a canning jar in boiling water. Allow to dry or dry carefully without touching inside of jar. Put lemon zest in the jar. Pour water and vodka over zest. Stir with a stainless steel spoon. Add essential oils, seal and put in cool, dark place for one week. Swirl contents every other day. strain liquid through cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put perfume water into dark (blue or amber) decorative bottle.
This perfume will be good for a year.
Lavender Floral Water
Ingredients
1 cup distilled water
2 1/2 tablespoons vodka
10 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 cup fresh or dried lavender buds (no stems)
Instructions
Sterilize a canning jar in boiling water. Allow to dry or dry carefully without touching inside of jar. Put lavender buds in jar. Pour water and vodka over buds. Stir with a stainless steel spoon. Add essential oil, seal and put in cool, dark place for one week. Swirl contents every other day. strain liquid through cheese cloth or coffee filter. Put perfume water into dark (blue or amber) decorative bottle.
This perfume will be good for a year. The lavender scent combats insomnia, depression, and headaches.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
ROSE OIL
Damask Rose oil is extracted from Rosa damascena from the Rosaceae family and is also known as Bulgarian and Turkish rose, Otto of rose and attar of rose.
Oil properties: Damask Rose has a deep, rosy, fresh aroma, the color ranges from clear to a pale yellow or greenish tint and the viscosity is watery to crystalline, when warm or cold respectively.
Origin of rose oil: 'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was thought to have been crimson.Anicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, used the rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia.
Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are still a symbol of love and purity and is also used to aid meditation and prayer. It takes about 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make one ounce of rose oil.
Extraction: Rose otto oil is extracted from the fresh flowers, picked before 8 am in the morning, by steam distillation and the yield is 0.02-0.05%. The aroma can be damaged if the heat is too high at distillation.
Chemical composition: The main chemical components of Rose otto oil are: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Geranic and Eugenol.
Precautions: Damask rose oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.
Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Damask rose oil are: anti-infectious, anti-depressant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, sedative, splenetic and general tonic.
Uses: Damask rose oil soothes the mind and helps with depression, grief, nervous tension and stress and is helpful for poor circulation and heart palpitations.
For the respiratory system Damask rose oil can assist in cases of asthma, coughs and hay fever, and on the digestive system for liver congestion and nausea.
Rose otto oil can be used for irregular menstruation, leucorrhea, menorrhagia and uterine disorders. On the skin it can be used for broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive skin, wrinkles, and rose water can be used for conjunctivitis.
Summary: Damask rose oil gives a feeling of wellbeing and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful on the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and as skin care.
Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Rose otto oil can be helpful with: allergies, asthma, baby blues, headaches, migraine, nervous tension and as a relaxant.
Blended oil or in the bath: As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Rose damask oil can assist with: allergies, baby blues, asthma, hay fever, headaches, depression, migraine, scar tissue, nervous tension, stress, poor circulation and as a relaxant.
Oil properties: Damask Rose has a deep, rosy, fresh aroma, the color ranges from clear to a pale yellow or greenish tint and the viscosity is watery to crystalline, when warm or cold respectively.
Origin of rose oil: 'Rosa' comes from the Greek 'roden' meaning 'red', as the ancient rose was thought to have been crimson.Anicenna, the 10th century Persian physician, used the rose as his first plant to distill and a rose distillery existed in 1612 in Shiraz, Persia.
Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are still a symbol of love and purity and is also used to aid meditation and prayer. It takes about 60,000 roses (about 180 lb) to make one ounce of rose oil.
Extraction: Rose otto oil is extracted from the fresh flowers, picked before 8 am in the morning, by steam distillation and the yield is 0.02-0.05%. The aroma can be damaged if the heat is too high at distillation.
Chemical composition: The main chemical components of Rose otto oil are: Citronellol, Geraniol, Nerol, Farnesol, Geranic and Eugenol.
Precautions: Damask rose oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing but should not be used during pregnancy.
Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Damask rose oil are: anti-infectious, anti-depressant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, sedative, splenetic and general tonic.
Uses: Damask rose oil soothes the mind and helps with depression, grief, nervous tension and stress and is helpful for poor circulation and heart palpitations.
For the respiratory system Damask rose oil can assist in cases of asthma, coughs and hay fever, and on the digestive system for liver congestion and nausea.
Rose otto oil can be used for irregular menstruation, leucorrhea, menorrhagia and uterine disorders. On the skin it can be used for broken capillaries, dry skin, eczema, herpes, mature and sensitive skin, wrinkles, and rose water can be used for conjunctivitis.
Summary: Damask rose oil gives a feeling of wellbeing and happiness, it helps a nervous mind, can be helpful on the respiratory tract, for digestive problems, for menstrual problems and as skin care.
Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Rose otto oil can be helpful with: allergies, asthma, baby blues, headaches, migraine, nervous tension and as a relaxant.
Blended oil or in the bath: As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Rose damask oil can assist with: allergies, baby blues, asthma, hay fever, headaches, depression, migraine, scar tissue, nervous tension, stress, poor circulation and as a relaxant.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Essential Oils In Daily Use
Recently, people worldwide use Essentiak Oils, the main products of Aromatherapy. Here are some Aromatherapy Tips for you, showing you that Essential Oils can really work in daily health and beauty care right at you home.
Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils.
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.
Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.
Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.
Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.
Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Headaches: Peppermint, inhaled directly from the bottle, or rubbed with a little carrier oil under the nose and at the temples can be very soothing for headaches.
Allergies: Mix one drop of cypress and one drop of hyssop in the palm of your hand and then apply the mixture to the back of your tongue every few hours to relieve hay fever symptoms.
Colds or flu: Blend three parts ravensare, one part naiouli or eucalyptus, one part lemon, one part rosewood, and one part lavender. Add about 50 drops of this mixture to a diffuser, or add 6-8 drops to a bowl of just boiled water, place a towel over your head, bend over the bowl and inhale.
Nausea or stomachache: Put two drops peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck the cube slowly. Or, add a few drops of peppermint oil to hot water and drink as a tea.
Cuts, scrapes & scratches: Lavender oil can be applied undiluted to soothe and help heal minor cuts and abrasions.
Arthritis: Add 10 drops each of rosemary and chamomile to a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes.
There are many other essential oils, for treating everything from acne to diabetes to depression. Most oils are not harmful if inhaled, but care should be taken to apply topically on the skin, and never take any essential oil internally without the advice of a skilled professional.
Please share your comments to this article, thank you.
Apart from these most common recipes, you can also prepare hundreds of them by using correct amounts of essential oils.
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.
Circulation Improvement Massage: 6 drop lavender oil + 4 drops rosemary oil + 2 drops vetiver oil: in 4 oz. of sesame oil.
Bedtime Massage: 3 drop sandalwood oil + 2 drops chamomile oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Backache Massage: 2 drop eucalyptus oil + 2 drops lavender oil + 1 drop lemon oil: in 20 ml carrier oil. Focus on areas of tension with fingertips.
Pain-Relieving Massage: 3 drop pine oil + 3 drop eucalyptus oil + 3 drops frankincense oil: 20 ml carrier oil. Apply on sore joints.
Relaxing Full-Body Massage: 3 drop neroli oil + 2 d jasmine oil: in 20 ml of carrier oil.
Headaches: Peppermint, inhaled directly from the bottle, or rubbed with a little carrier oil under the nose and at the temples can be very soothing for headaches.
Allergies: Mix one drop of cypress and one drop of hyssop in the palm of your hand and then apply the mixture to the back of your tongue every few hours to relieve hay fever symptoms.
Colds or flu: Blend three parts ravensare, one part naiouli or eucalyptus, one part lemon, one part rosewood, and one part lavender. Add about 50 drops of this mixture to a diffuser, or add 6-8 drops to a bowl of just boiled water, place a towel over your head, bend over the bowl and inhale.
Nausea or stomachache: Put two drops peppermint oil on a sugar cube and suck the cube slowly. Or, add a few drops of peppermint oil to hot water and drink as a tea.
Cuts, scrapes & scratches: Lavender oil can be applied undiluted to soothe and help heal minor cuts and abrasions.
Arthritis: Add 10 drops each of rosemary and chamomile to a warm bath and soak for 10 minutes.
There are many other essential oils, for treating everything from acne to diabetes to depression. Most oils are not harmful if inhaled, but care should be taken to apply topically on the skin, and never take any essential oil internally without the advice of a skilled professional.
Please share your comments to this article, thank you.
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