Self Care with Essential Oils: Easy Recipes
December 18th, 2009 | by Laura Dees |Finding Solutions in Essential Oils
It is now widely known that there is a rise in pathogenic microbes resistant to conventional treatments. An over-prescription of antibiotics and over- use of anti-infective products have resulted in drug-resistant bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Medical scientists are now searching worldwide for medicinal plants that exhibit exceptional antimicrobial properties. Much attention has been given to essential oils and their promising medicinal uses.
Alternative medicine is gaining popularity as well as notoriety for less invasive treatments and more personal approaches to wellness. For those just beginning to explore alternative medicine, aromatherapy is an excellent foundation. There are safe and easy to use methods of aromatherapy that are effective and enjoyable.
There are definitely situations where conventional medicine is appropriate and even very necessary. To discount the gains and contributions of modern medicine to emergency care and reconstructive surgery would be illogical. Alternative approaches to medical care should be embraced in areas where they are most effective. Aromatherapy, which is considered a method for healing and rejuvenation in alternative medicine, has many dynamic uses that can be safely stored in the medicine cabinet.
Self Care with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is rather easy to adopt by those experienced with alternative medicine. For beginners there are aromatherapy blends that are safe and straight forward. The beauty of aromatherapy is that one can experience a relationship to the earth from the botanical essences as well as use in the privacy of one?s own home.
Many forms of alternative medicine require application from expert practitioners, aromatherapy does not. Thus, with some research, one can self-medicate and connect with personal health needs. It must be stated that time must be taken to read and research about essential oils before freely using them. Some essential oils are safe and can be used with liberal application, while others require specific know how. As with any new practice, start simple and add with experience.
Essential oils can be effective for many common health ailments. The aroma-medicine professionals believe their greatest gift to mankind is for the treatment and prevention of infectious illness (most oils show antimicrobial activity). Essential oils are also excellent for skin, hair and body care when blended with fixed oils. And of course, the psychological impact of aromatherapy should not be overlooked as new data is emerging that aromas can in-fact change the wiring of our brains.
A Few Recipes for Restoring Health
For the Common Cold - As with the flu, using essential oils in a bath as well as in a direct massage is recommended. In a hot bath place thyme (2 drops), tea tree (2 drops), eucalyptus (1 drop), lemon (3 drops) and inhale deeply. Massage a blend of lemon (1 drop), eucalyptus (2 drops) and rosemary (3 drops) in a carrier oil around the chest, neck, and sinus area (forehead, nose and cheekbones).
Concentration - Use equal portions of basil, geranium, ginger and black pepper and place in a diffuser or room spray (4 drops or more in a cup of warm water). For Sore Throats - Use a blend of lavender (10 drops), tea tree (15 drops), lemon (2 drops), ginger (5 drops). Use 4 drops of the blend oil (or singling) on a warm compress twice a day over the throat. One may also use 5 drops mixed in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and rub into the upper abdomen and back.
Stress - During the holidays, stress levels can rise. Here are three different general blends for you to choose from: blend 1: bergamot (9 drops), geranium (11 drops), ginger (10 drops); blend 2: grapefruit (15 drops), rosemary (11 drops), palmarosa (5 drops); blend 3: neroli (7 drops), lavender (3 drops), lemon (20 drops). Place 6-8 drops of a blend in a warm bath or 5 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil and use to massage over body. You may also place a drop between nose and upper lip.
For Insomnia - Make a synergistic blend of clary-sage(3 drops), vetiver (2 drops), valerian (1 drop) and lavender (2 drops). Add 3 drops of the blend in a bath or 2 drops in carrier oil and rub over the body.
Constipation - There are many causes for constipation such as dehydration, food choices and stress levels. Essential oils can help with cleansing but make sure to evaluate your nutritional and water intake. Combine rosemary (15 drops), lemon (10 drops) and peppermint (5 drops). Dilute the entire combined oils in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil and massage in a clockwise direction over the lower abdomen 3 times per day.
This is a quick look at some easy home care essential oil recipes. Using essential oils for their medicinal properties is simple to do, and when done properly following recipes and guidelines, can be very effective. There are many excellent guidebooks available. Look for those focusing on the medicinal aspects of aromatherapy, and search sites like pubmed.gov for the latest in essential oil health science research.
See www.anandaapothecary.com for more in-depth educational resource on the use of essential oil as natural botanical medicine.