How to use essential oils
Baths
Essential
oils can be added to bath water. The body then benefits from both absorption
of the oil through the skin, and steam inhalation from the hot water.
Bedtime
treatments
2-3
drops of oil can be put on the pillow or on bed clothing at night to inhale while asleep.
Beauty
treatments
Oils
can be used in beauty preparations as skin creams, cleansers, face masks, nail and hair preparations. They can be blended and added to a base carrier oil or neutral cold cream or shampoo.
Deodorisers
Certain
oils have antibacterial or antiviral properties. Burning a combination of the
appropriate oils in a vaporiser can disinfect a room. Oil can be added to a pot pourri, or a few drops added to a small piece
of cotton wool placed inside the vacuum cleaner to scent a room.
Hot
and cold compress
Compresses
impregnated with oils diluted in water can be used directly on to the skin to treat inflammation, joint pain, swelling and
bruising.
Household
cleansers
A few
drops of essential oils can be added to a damp cloth to clean work surfaces.
Flower
water
Flower
waters made by diffusing oils in a water base can be used as skin preparations when a greasy carrier oil base is not desirable.
Insect
repellent
Oils
can be vaporised to repel insects, or can be prepared as sprays lotions and wipes.
Massage
A massage
in itself is relaxing. The addition of a few drops of essential oil adds further
therapeutic qualities to the treatment. Oils are added to a neutral carrier such
as grapeseed or sweet almond and are absorbed through the skin and inhaled during the massage.
Pot
Pourri
Add
a few drops of oil to dried flowers, herbs or grasses to deodorise a room, wardrobe or drawers.
Skin
oils and lotions
Specific
combinations of oils can be added to a carrier oil base or neutral cold cream to treat skin ageing, spots, allergies and other
skin conditions.
Steam
inhalation
Essential
oils can be added to a bowl of hot water, the steam is then inhaled for its' therapeutic effect. Oils are also absorbed through the open pores of the skin.
Vaporisation
Oils
can be added to water that is heated by a candle in a burner. The oils will slowly
evaporate into the air to be inhaled. Electric 'Landel' diffusers are a
safe alternative to candle burners and are safe to use in residential homes and schools.
Wood
fires
A few
drops of oil can be added to the wood 15 minutes before lighting the fire. The
heat releases the vapours into the room
