Aromatherapy Tips
Ylang Ylang
The gentle, sweet scent of ylang-ylang can help calm nerves and raise
spirits. Add the following blend to an aromatherapy lamp or diffuser to
put you in a relaxed frame of mind;
Three drops Ylang-Ylang, 2 drops Orange and 2 drops Patchouli oil.
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Ylang Ylang Chocolates
Essential oils can be infused into chocolates or any other sweets by
placing the loose chocolates in a box then adding a piece of absorbent
paper to which you have placed a drop of Ylang Ylang. Cover and let sit
until absorbed, a few days should do it. Try other oils like Orange or
Mandarin for a different twist.
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Here's another oil to use for colds and flu.
Lemon Myrtle
Botanical name Backhousia citriodora
A wonderful,uplifting Lemony scent. Antibacterial,
antiseptic,germicidal.
Compared to Tea Tree, it appears to be a stronger germ killer. Similar
to Eucalyptus as a preventitive for respiratory ills. Try using in a
diffuser or aroma lamp to keep colds, coughs and sinus problems at a
minimum. Has a high (95%) citral content making it a powerful
antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal oil. Not recommended for use on
the skin as it can be irritating to sensitive skin.
A uplifting yet soothing oil.
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Winter Protection
Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil. Sweet Almond, Grapeseed
and Safflower oils are some to try. This blend is said to strengthen the
immune system against colds and flu. Use as a massage oil. Massage feet
before bed put on socks and go to sleep.
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New Year's Baby Bath
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup whole dry buttermilk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 drop orange oil (optional, but really nice)
Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a clean container or
resealable plastic bag. To use: Pour 1/4 cup of the bath powder into a
full tub or 1 tablespoon into a small baby bathtub. Makes 4 oz, enough
for 2 baths.
This gently milk bath will leave your baby's tender skin soft and silky.
Milk is rich in fat and lactic acid, and both help soften and hydrate
skin.
Prepare an extra portion of this treatment for yourself because people
of all ages can benefit from this rich relaxing natural bath. You may
even want to package this. Use pretty wrapping paper and fill each
envelope with 1/4 cup of bath powder. Label the outside with the contents
and a short, sweet note.
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Lemon
For colds, flu or other viral infections, take a warm shower and follow
it with a gentle whole-body lemon-oil treatment before going to bed.
Combine one cup of sunflower oil and 20 - 30 drops of lemon oil and rub
this mixture evenly over your skin. Wrap yourself up well in towels or
blankets and go to bed. During the night the oil will be absorbed by the
skin's pores and will deploy its antiseptic properties.
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Fever
Eucalyptus can effectively bring down a fever. Add 6 drops to a bowl of
tepid water. Mix. Dampen several clothes in the water,
wring out and apply to wrists, feet and forehead. Wipe down the rest of
the body with one of the cloths.
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Angelic Aromatherapy
Angelica
Botanical name Angelica archangelica
Named after the angels associated with the plant in legend. To be used
by those who feel uncertain or spirtually neclected and need to call
upon their personal angels.
For strengthening the mind and spirit.
Helpful for anxiety, hoplesness, indecisiveness. Stimulates the immune
system.
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Cleaning Floors
For those of you with hardwood floors.
add 1 drop of Orange, Lemon or Bergamot
to your Murphy's Oil Soap and water.
Mop as usual.
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Clean wooden chopping blocks by adding 5 drops of essential oils to 1/4
cup of hot water. Pour this mixture over the board after you have
cleaned it. Leave it to air dry. May also be used on plastic boards.
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Morning Skin Treatment
Step 3 Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizers is Jojoba.
It protects and helps to nourish the skin. Take a few drops and add 1
drop of your
favorite essential oil. Smooth over face.
Try Lavender to help with cell regeneration. Neroli to strengthen broken
capillaries. Sandalwood to nourish and moisturize.
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Talcum Powder
Any unscented talcum powder can be scented with essential oils. Get
creative and add flowers petals or Lavender buds. Simply add 1 -2 drops
of essential oils to a jar of talcum powder. Cover and shake well.
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Bath Scrub
A Body Scrub or Salt Scrub can contain a variety of ingredients. Here is
one with Honey as a base.
Pour some Honey into your hand and add a few drops of your favorite
essential oils. I like Grapefruit, it's really refreshing. Add Sea salt.
You may want to mix this up in a bowl as it gets messy. Rub over your
body to remove dry, flaky skin. Repeat as needed to cover entire body.
Follow with a warm shower then a cool shower. Follow with your favorite
body lotion.
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Rose
As we approach Valentines Day we think of Rose, the Queen of Flowers.
Pamper yourself with a Rose Milk bath. You may use powdered milk or
whole milk even cream will do. Add about 2 drops of Rose, a little
really does go a long way. Relax and let your mind just drift.
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-Hand Washables
Perfume Your Lingerie
When hand washing your special lingerie
try adding 1 drop of your favorite essential oil to the final rinse
water . Avoid dark and heavy oils like Patchouli or any other oils that
will stain fabric.
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Geranium
Ever wonder why they say Geranium is balancing? Geranium stimulates the
adrenal cortex and the hormones secreted by this area are basically regulators,
therefore Geranium helps to regulate hormonal imbalances.
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Headaches
To quickly alleviate a headache that's caused by tension or stress ,
apply two drops of Cardamom oil and one drop of Lavender oil to a
handkerchief,fold it in half to prevent direct skin contact and inhale
deeply once or twice.
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In the February 2002 issue of Ladies Home Journal they offer a few tips
on using aromatherapy around the home. Ideas are from Aromatherapy
expert Rosie Warda. (pg 124)
~Mix a tsp of orange eo in five gallons of water to remove glue, dirt
and oil from floors, counters and appliances. Don't use on wood or
delicate surfaces.
~Basil, peppermint, citronella and lemongrass bother pests. Stay
bug-free by adding 10 drops of one of the above to a heated diffuster
such as an aroma lamp.
~Apply just a drop of eo to a cotton ball and place in shoes overnight.
Try lemon (to stimulate), geranium (for balance) or cedarwood (to
relieve stress).
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Instant Headache Relief
Basil 1 drop
Peppermint 1 drop
Apply drops neat to side of the head
and massage into the temples.
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Meditation/Rosewood
Rosewood is another essential oil to diffuse during meditation. Calming
yet does not promote drowsiness. A relaxing oil, it calms the mind as it
stabilizes the central nervous system.
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Using A Compress
Some of you may know this but it's good to be reminded.
This is a great way to relieve muscular pain and sprains.
Cold Compress
For recent injuries such as sprains, bruises, swellings, inflammation
and headache.
Warm Compress
For old injuries, muscular pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, boils and
abcesses.
Add about 6 drops of essential oil to a bowl of water, either warm or
cold as needed. Use a washcloth or other piece of cotton fabric.Wring
out the excess water, place on area to be treated.
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Bay Laurel
Use Bay laurel (laurus nobilis) as a preventative against colds and flu.
Suggested use is once per week. It is gentle but strengthening. Rubbing
a few drops on swollen lymph nodes will produce an immediate effect.
Dilute in a carrier oil before use.
P.S. A leaf in your dry goodies ie...sugar,flour will keep out
boll weevils (small worms) too.
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Blending
Essential oils are classified into Top, Middle and Base notes. A good
blend will balance all three of these catagories. For beginners do not
blend more than 3 or 4 oils at a time.
The number of drops of essential oils used should vary in direct
proportion to body weight, taking into account the age of the person as
well as mental and physical health.
The very old should use the same number
of drops as children and babies half the amount of children.
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Facial Treatment
Morning Skin Treatment (Step 1)
Fill the sink basin with very warm water. Add 4-6 drops of your favorite
essential oil. Swish around to blend. Choose one for your skin type.
Using a clean face cloth, immerse in the water and wring out the excess.
Place over face and press firmly. Repeat at least 4 times. Helps to tone
and soften the skin.
Step 2 tomorrow
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Tangerine oil has a scent similar to Mandarin but contains NO anthranilic acid
ester and therefore has no sedative effects. Anthranilic acid esters are highly sedative. Mandarin is wonderful to use with children suffering from anxiety, nervousness or stress. Make this oil your first choice with children. Great for
adults as well.
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Tip-Rose and Stress
Rose oil is particularly suited for stress related conditions. Here's an easy remedy: Blend 1 tsp. Sweet Almond Oil with 2-3 drops of Rose. Massage into sole of the feet.
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Insomnia Aid
A Bath Thyme Blend to aid Insomnia
Draw a warm bath, add Three drops French Lavender and three drops Sweet
Marjoram. Soak for 10-20 minutes.
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Antiseptic Wash
A gentle astringent for troubled skin
20 Lavender flowers
1 2/3 oz. witchhazel
8 1/3 oz. apple cider vinegar
5 drops Juniper
Mix all ingredients in a jar and seal
Let stand for 2 weeks, shaking jar everyday. Strain, apply to skin with
cotton pad.
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Mandarin Conditioner
Scent your hair with a fragrant conditioner. Mash a ripe banana......
beat in 5 drops Mandarin essential oil and 1/2 teaspoon each honey
and jojoba oil. Blend, then apply to wet hair. Cover with plastic cap
for 20 minutes. Rinse, then shampoo.
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Meditation/Rosewood
Rosewood is another essential oil to diffuse during meditation. Calming
yet does not promote drowsiness. A relaxing oil, it calms the mind as it
stabilizes the central nervous system.
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Talcum Powder
Any unscented talcum powder can be scented with essential oils. Get
creative and add flowers petals or Lavender buds. Simply add 1 -2 drops
of essential oils to a jar of talcum powder. Cover and shake well.
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Peace and Protection
Essential Oil of Rose is the perfect oil to massage over the heart.
Rose works on the heart chakra to harmonize the spirit and bring peace
and happiness.
Rose is said to increase happiness and well being and give psychic
protection.
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Peace and Love Massage Oil
3 drops Patchouli
3 drops Sandalwood
1 oz.Unscented base oil
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Just in time for Valentines Day
Scented Beeswax Heart
Scent a room with this decorative accent. Use a cookie cutter to cut a
heart shape from a sheet of natural beeswax. Wrap the heart in
cheesecloth and infuse it with a few drops of Rose Otto. Place the
wrapped heart in a plastic bag for a week. Remove and discard the cloth
and glue a ribbon hanger to the back of the heart. You can even decorate
it with dried flowers and a bow. Hang it in the kitchen or even the bath!!
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Scented Stones
Almost any smooth, porous stone can be turned into a fragrant diffuser.
Using a pipette or a cotton swab apply your favorite essential oils to
the stones. Sit them in a sunny window and enjoy the scent. Refresh as
needed.
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Natural Extenders
When you are creating a blend using Rose oil try blending with a natural
extender like Geranium, Palmarosa and or Rosewood.
They compliment Rose, are less expensive and help you to create an
affordable blend
