The Complete Essential Oils Sourcebook: A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-Being. Julia Lawless

      Valerian produces an oil used to relieve nervous tension and insomnia.

      Therapeutic hip bath or douche

      This method can be helpful in the treatment of urinary or genital conditions, such as pruritus (itching), thrush, or cystitis. The area can be bathed in a hip or sitz bath or a bowl of warm water to which 3 to 5 drops of a suitable essential oil have been added—a mixture of cypress and lavender, for example, can help to heal the perineum after childbirth. Alternatively, an enema pot or plastic douche can be bought from some pharmacies. Mix 3 to 5 drops of a suitable essential oil with warm water before inserting—bergamot and tea tree mixture is effective for the treatment of thrush.

      The sauna

      In Scandinavia, the sauna is the traditional method of cleansing and toning the whole system. Dry heat and steam are used to open the pores and promote the elimination of waste products. This is followed by a plunge into very cold water that closes the pores, and tones and refreshes the skin. In Finland, where the tradition of the sauna originates, bundles of fresh birch twigs are slapped on the skin, stimulating the circulation and imparting a delicious fragrance. Essential oils that are most suitable for use in the traditional sauna include fresh-scented oils such as pine, juniper, myrtle, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. (Very rich or floral oils such as lavender, ylang ylang, or patchouli are too heady and should not be used.) Add 2 or 3 drops to 17fl oz/500ml of warm water and throw on the heat source for an aromatic and refreshing steam bath.

Therapeutic massage and body oils

      THERAPEUTIC AROMATIC MASSAGE is the main method used by professional aromatherapists, but it can also be practiced at home—either on oneself, or on a friend or partner. Body oils are best applied after a warm bath, when the pores of the skin are still open, to encourage rapid absorption.

      For the purpose of massage or general application to the skin, a few drops of essential oil are always mixed with a larger measure of base or carrier oil, usually a light vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. When preparing a body oil or massage oil, the dilution should be in the region of 5 to 30 drops of essential oil in a bottle of 2fl oz/50ml of base oil, depending upon the type of essential oil used and its specific purpose. For general massage purposes, a dilution of 2.5 percent (see here) is suitable for adult use. To calculate how much essential oil to add to a base oil, assess the amount of base oil in fluid ounces/millilitres and add half the number of drops of essential oil.

Standard dilution (2.5%)

      Special dilutions

      For 2fl oz/50ml of base oil:

Vaporized oils and steam inhalation

      ALL ESSENTIAL OILS are highly volatile, and evaporate or vaporize on exposure to air, giving off their aroma. In inhaling these aromas we absorb the essence in two ways: while the scent itself directly affects receptors in the brain, molecules of substances from the oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated around the body. Many oils have a medicinal effect in the air itself as well as on the person breathing them, as they are powerful antiseptics that can kill airborne bacteria. Heating the oils speeds up their evaporation rate.

      Vaporizer

      Purpose-made ceramic or metal vaporizers are now readily available in specialty shops and some health stores. A few drops of essential oil are put in the bowl of the burner and a night-light is then placed underneath, causing the oil to heat up and evaporate. A little water can be mixed with the oil in the bowl to slow down the evaporation rate if required. Because they have a naked flame, vaporizers of this type should be kept well out of reach of children or pets.

      Useful oils for vaporizers

      To disinfect a sickroom: Eucalyptus, Myrrh, Thyme, Pine, Tea tree. To freshen the air and cheer the spirits: Basil, Bergamot, Lavender. To keep insects at bay: Citronella, Geranium. For sensual perfume: Black pepper, Clary sage. To clear the head and mind: Hyssop, Marjoram, Peppermint

      This traditional vaporizer uses a night light.

      CITRONELLA

      Electric diffuser

      An electric diffuser is more expensive to buy than a ceramic or metal vaporizer, but has the advantage of not needing a naked flame to generate the heat. This makes it more suitable for night use, especially in children’s bedrooms. In addition, many electric diffusers have a variety of settings to adjust the rate of evaporation. Such diffusers are readily available through specialist aromatherapy suppliers.

      Vaporized essential oils can be used for various purposes: a penetrating oil such as sweet basil to scent a room and dispel unwanted odors; an antiseptic oil such as eucalyptus to rid a room of germs in cases of infectious illness; insecticides such as citronella to repel mosquitoes and other insects; steam inhalation, using an oil such as rosemary, for respiratory disorders. The five main methods of assisting the vaporization of essential oils are described in detail below.

      Light bulb ring

      A very easy and cheap way of vaporizing essential oils is to use a ceramic or metal light bulb ring. Simply put a few drops of essential oil into the ring, place on top of a light bulb, then switch the light on. Please see the warning below for safety.

      BASIL

      WARNING

      Do not apply essential oils directly to a light bulb, as this can cause the bulb to explode.

      Inhaling vaporized essential oils, such as peppermint, from a bowl of steaming-hot water is a simple way to treat respiratory infections.

      Steam inhalation

      Vaporizing an essential oil using hot water as a medium is especially valuable for respiratory conditions, such as whooping cough. It can also be used to help to keep up the humidity levels in centrally heated rooms. For environmental purposes, simply add a few drops

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