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- Anthroposophy
According to Rudolph Steiner, the area in which the plant creates the essential oils has a direct therapeutic correlation to its use on the human body. This theory is called Anthroposophy. Root oils such as Vetiver have an earthy quality and help us when we need grounding. Use when feeling light headed, nervous and stressed.
- Ants
This is a fabulous tip from Tip O' the Day reader, Barbara."I used a couple drops of mint oil ( Peppermint) on a cotton ball to repel sugar ants. They seem to just hate it! I tossed these cotton balls into kitchen drawers and cabinets - the ants moved out." You may also drop Peppermint neat (undiluted) around the entry ways (doors and windows ) into your home.
- An Aromatherapy Bath
When using essential oils in the bath be sure to close the bathroom door so the vapors don't escape. Use no more than 8 drops per bath. As essential oils do not dissolve in water you may want to dilute them in a small amount of vegetable oil or milk before using.
- Bath Salts
Here's an easy homemade recipe for Bath Salts. You can eliminate the Epsom Salts and use Sea Salt if you wish.Epsom Salts 3/4 Cup
Sea Salt 1/4 Cup
Baking Soda 1/4 Cup
40 drops of essential oils Mix well.
Use 1/4 Cup per bath
Store in a covered container.
This is enough for 5 baths.This combination will clean, refresh and soften the skin.
Avoid Epsom Salts if you have High blood pressure or a heart condition.
- Carrier or Base Oils
Essential oils are very concentrated and must be diluted to use on the skin. The exceptions are Lavender and Tea Tree which may be used 1-2 drops
when indicated. Purchase high quality unrefined cold pressed base oils. Most vegetable oils you may find at the grocery store have been chemically treated and are not really suitable for aromatherapy. However in a pinch they will do the important thing is to dilute. Some suitable base oils are Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Hazelnut,Sesame, Safflower, Sunflower and Grapeseed.
- Crying/Irritable Baby
Put 1 drop Lavender on your shoulder and rock the baby to sleep while the baby's head rest on your shoulder. For more detailed information on using essential oils with baies and Children we offer the book Aromatherapy for Mother and Baby By Allison England, R.N.
- 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.Lighten up a heavy blend with the use of Top notes. Examples are: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Lime, Lemon Experiment If a recipe calls for Orange try Bergamot or Lemon instead of Lime.
- Bug Bites
A mixture of 1/2 Lavender and 1/2 Tea Tree will stop the itching from most bug bites. Use 1 drop applied neat (undiluted) to the bite.
- Burns, Minor
Keep pure essential oil of Lavender on hand to treat minor burns.
Lavender is said to reduce pain, prevent blistering or infection
and promote healing.Place affected area under cold tap water for 5 minutes the apply
Lavender 1 drop neat (undiluted) to site of the burn. repeat at
least 3x per day.
- Aromatherapy in your Car
You can enjoy the benefits of essential oils even while driving.
There are a few dashboard diffusers for sale which work via your
cigarette lighter.Other methods:
Create a spritzer with distilled water and your favorite essential
oils. Add 5 drops of e/o's per 1 oz. water. Shake before spraying.Small hanging ceramic diffusers: clay pots, angels etc. many to choose from. Apply a few drops of essential oil or a blend, the sun and warmth in the car help to diffuse the oils.
Cotton Ball: Place e/o's on cotton and tuck in a corner.
- Carpet Freshener
Add Lemon or any other essential oil to a box of baking soda.
Use a jar with a lid.Let sit at least a day. Sprinkle on carpets, let sit for
30-60 minutes then vacuum as usual. This also helps with flea control. Much nicer than the synthetic, chemical based products
on the market.
- Chapped Lips
Create a mixture using 2 teaspoons Aloe Vera Gel as your base. Add Chamomile and Geranium 1- 2 drops each. Apply to the lips. You may also try Lavender or Rose.
- Clear Your Palate
Inhale fresh coffee beans when your nose becomes overwhelmed by
scent. You'll be able to continue to smell other essential oils.
- Compresses
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.
- Concentration Aid
An essential oil that is not well known for concentration is Tea Tree Oil. Like Rosemary it clarifies the mind and invigorates the cerebral flow of blood. It is helpful for those whose concentration has been adversely affected by poor vitality and health.
- Creativity
Essential oils can and do stimulate our creative side. When we inhale an essential oil the molecules are transported via the Olfactory nerve directly to the Limbic system of our brain. This is the seat of all emotions and the site for much creativity. It's like a gateway into your mind, the essential oils help you to connect to thoughts and ideas deep within you. Unlock the doors and discover the essential oils and blends that speak only to you.
- Depression
A blend of Lavender and Bergamot will help with depression and anxiety. Bergamot has been used in European clinics for years. Read more about Bergamot. Try diffusing, use 6-8 drops and feel your mood elevate.- Disinfecting Germs
Disinfect your toothbrushes using Tea Tree Oil. Kills germs, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Soak for 10 minutes in a glass of water and 10 drops Tea Tree Oil. Rinse before using.- EO Concentration
Essential Oils are a concentrated form of herbal medicine and are 75-100 times more concentrated than dried herbs. This is why we need very little and use only a few drops. Keep this in mind and remember when it comes to essential oils using less is more effective.
- Facial Oils, Creating
Carrot Seed is one of the best essential oils for dry, mature and aging skins. It stimulates cell renewal and protects against skin damage due to weather exposure. Some other oils useful for skin care are Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood and Rosewood. Try a blend with some or all of these oils for fragrant facial care.Some base oils to choose from are Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Hazelnut, Apricot Kernel.
A facial oil should never exceed a 2% concentration of essential
oils. A 1% concentration would be 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of base oil. This means you have to create a blend of the essential oils you're going to use then take 1 drop of the blend.
- Facial Mask
Masks with Honey and Essential Oils are easy to make, cleanse and smooth the face. Recipe:3 Tablespoons Honey
1-5 drops of desired essential oils
mix together
apply to face and neck with wooden spatula
keep on for 7 minutes
rinse with warm water.Try Rosewood, Lavender and Geranium
- Facial Wash
This is similar to a toner. Create your own skin care treatments and vary the essential oils used according to the season and your skin's symptoms.
Mix 5-10 drops of pure essential oils to 1 cup distilled water. Shake before use. Apply with a cotton ball. Use Tea Tree for blemished skin, Lemon for oily skin. Lavender, Rosewood, Geranium are great for all skin types.
- Feet
A very effective method of applying essential oils is to massage the oil into the soles of the feet. Please remember to dilute in a carrier oil! This area is relatively permeable allowing the oils to penetrate the tissues very quickly, enter the capillaries, and travel throughout the body.
- Fleas
Fleas hate essential oils. It's easy to make a natural flea repellent. Combine 1/3 oz.Sweet Almond Oil, 10 drops Lavender and 5 drops Cedarwood.
Massage 1-2 drops over your dogs coat twice a week.
- Flower Oils
Essential oils from flowers help us in dealing with emotional issues such as anger and grief, menstrual problems, and are great for skin care (Neroli, Rose).
- Fruit Oils
Oils expressed from the rind of a fruit are said to help move fluids and are helpful to the digestive system.Ex. bergamot,grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, tangerine, and orange.
Remember these oils are photosensitive.
Do not use on the skin 12 hours prior to sun exposure.
- Geranium Oil
Try adding a drop of Rose Geranium to any face oil or moisturizer. Geranium is wonderful for skin care and will bring a glow to your skin.
- Glass Cleaner
Crunch up a piece of newspaper, put 7-10 drops of Grapefruit or Lemon
essential oil on it and polish windows or mirrors. An added bonus,
when the sun shines on the windows a wonderful fragrance will
be released.
- Headaches
Lavender is known to be useful for headaches, especially tension headaches caused by stress. Use 6 drops in a cold compress applied to the forehead or back of the neck. Apply 1-2 drops neat (undiluted) to the temples. Place 1-2 drops on a tissue and inhale.
- Household Cleaning
Add your favorite essential oil to any dishwashing liquid.
Try a few drops of Orange, Lemon or Grapefuit.
The possibilities are endless.- Hydrosols (or Floral Waters)
This is the actual water that has gone through the the plant
during distillation. They contain all of the plant's water soluble
active ingredients. They are very mild and can be applied directly to the skin.They make a wonderful facial mist, toner or compress.
Geranium is my favorite.
- Jasmine
Jasmine, a very sensual oil, is said to be the best aphrodisiac that
aromatherapy can offer. It seems to increase the attractiveness of the
person wearing it. Blends well with Rose, Neroli, Sandalwood, Orange
and Ylang Ylang.One drop of Jasmine rubbed on the temples is said to relieve a headache within minutes. Dilute in a little carrier oil before using. Avoid during pregnancy.
- Jet Lag
Traveling can really throw us off schedule. Either we can't sleep or we're too tired. Either way essential oils can help. To help you relax after reaching your destination. Use in a warm bath or diffuser. Lavender, Marjoram, Chamomile. To help with fatigue. Peppermint, Rosemary, Basil.
Put 1-2 drops on a tissue and inhale as needed.
- Leaf Oils
Leaf Oils help with Respiration.
i.e., Eucalyptus, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Petitgrain, Cajeput, Myrtle
Useful for colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis.
Inhalation is the best method to use:
1-2 drops on a tissue.
1-2 drops in a bowl of hot water (not for those with asthma)
2-4 drops in a humidifier.
- Long Drive?
To stay alert during a long car ride try essential oil of Peppermint.
Known for it's stimulating and head clearing properties it is excellent
for mental fatigue. Use in a dash board diffuser, hanging terra cotta pot
or place a drop on a cotton ball. You don't need much so use sparingly.
- Massage Oils
Why not make your own scented massage oil for a fraction of what you'd pay at any of the bath or body shops. The rule of thumb is use 12-15 drops
of essential oils per one ounce of unscented vegetable or nut oil. For a more
subtle fragrance use less. Some essential oils are stronger smelling than
others so it's always a good idea to start with less. You can always
add more. Use Sweet Almond, Canola, Grapeseed or any good quality
vegetable oil. This oil may also be used as a bath oil or body moisturizer.An aromatherapy massage is probably the most effective method of relieving stress, anxiety, tension and insomnia. Oils to choose from are Rose, Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Neroli and Chamomile. Use up to a total of 15 drops of selected essential oils to 1 oz. carrier oil. You can do this at home easily.For self treatment massage hands, feet (especially important)
arms and legs (use long strokes and work towards the heart ).
- Measurements
Here are some useful measurements to keep on hand:
1 ml = 20 drops 2 ml = 40 drops
5 ml = 100 drops 10 ml = 200 drops
- Meditation
Essential oils have been used for many years during meditation.
Frankincense is known and valued for use to quiet the mind and deepen
breathing. Use 4-6 drops in a diffuser with a blend of Frankincense,
Bergamot and Lavender or create one of your own.
- Muscle Aches
This may come in handy for those of you who are working in your gardens again. Oils to choose from are Lavender, Marjoram, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Pine. A cold compress is best for new injuries,use 6 drops of essential oil,then when the swelling goes down use the oils in a warm bath. Bath use up to 8 drops. Massage will also help. For massage, use up to 15 drops per 1 oz. base oil.
- Needle Oils
Essential Oils from Needles also help with breathing/respiration.
The are considered the "lungs of the tree".
Ex. Pine, Fir, Spruce.
- New Home?
Upon moving into a new home prepare a spray bottle with distilled
water and your favorite essential oils.10-20 drops per 4oz. of water.
Use for several days throughout the house to make it feel more your
own. This is also a great way to make a hotel room feel more like
home.
- Pamper yourself
A bath is one of the most wonderful ways to use aromatherapy.
Since essential oils do not mix well with water and float on top,
it's best to use an emulsifier to disperse the oils evenly.
Natural emulsifiers include: Honey, Milk or cream, Liquid soap,
Sweet Almond oil. Use 6-8 drops per warm bath.
For a relaxing evening bath try Lavender and Roman Chamomile.
- PMS
Diffuse Lavender Oil into the air and use in your bath 10 days prior to menstruation and throughout your period. Lavender has a balancing effect on all the body systems and is useful for both physical and emotional complaints. Use 6-8 drops per bath or 2-6 drops in your diffuser or aroma lamp.
- Potpourri, Freshening
Freshen up a fading potpourri mixture by adding essential oils to
the mixture. Place in a plastic bag, seal and leave for a few days.
- Resin Oils
Good for dry and cracked skin, helpful for healing wounds.
Ex. Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin abs. Try using in a facial oil
or hand lotion.
- Salt Glows
Very popular in Europe and easy to do at home. Exfoliating and Detoxifying. Helps to remove dead cells from the outer skin layer. Cleanses pores, stimulates the elimination of toxins.Improves circualtion.Mix 1 oz. of fine sea salt with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils. Some to choose from are Grapefuit, Lemon, Cypress, Juniper, and Fennel. Moisten salt with water or mix with carrier oil to make a paste that can be spread easily. Apply with circular movements on entire body, especially hips and thighs. Use before your shower or bath.
- Scent your Bath/Powder Room
An easy way to freshen and disinfect the bathroom. Place several drops of essential oil on the cardboard of the toliet tissue roll. Each time it is used the scent will diffuse into the room. Try Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemon or Lavender or perhaps a favorite blend.
- Scenting Candles
Light the candle, let the wax melt around the wick, this can take a few
minutes so be patient. Blow it out and then add a few drops of essential oil
to the melted wax. Re-light candle. This works best with a fat candle as
the pool of wax will be larger.NOTE: Essential oils are flammable! NEVER add essential oils while the
candle is burning. It will flare up. It is also important to keep the wick
trimmed very short. This keeps the flame low and you will smell the
essential oils longer.
- Scented Flowers
Silk and Paper flowers can be scented with your favorite
essential oils.Be sure to place in the oil in an
inconspicuous spot so as not to stain flowers.
Use 1 drop per flower.
- Scent your Hair
Blend a drop or two of your favorite essential oil or synergistic
blend with a drop or two of Jojoba Oil then gently run your fingers
through your hair. The scent will remain with you all day.
Try a blend with Lavender, Rose and Patchouli.
- Scent your Laundry
Moisten unscented dryer sheets with your favorite essential oil.
Helps to make clothes germ free and fragrances them as well.
Try Lavender, Lemon or Lime.
- Scenting Lightbulbs
Put a few drops of whatever your favorite oil is on your light bulb,
as long as the light burns it perfumes the room and gives it a
nice smell, you can make any mood by just the scent you place
on the bulb.Note: Apply essential oil to a COLD light bulb with a LOW
wattage bulb.
- Scenting skin care products
Next time you're at the pharmacy get some of the unscented face
and body lotions to practice adding essential oils to them. I've put
peppermintEO in a thick dry skin cream for a great soothing foot lotion;
Lavender EO in a body lotion for after-bath moisturizing; Lavender
and tea tree oil in a body lotion for skin fungus; Eucalyptus, tea tree
and peppermint EOs in a lotion for a chest rub that acts as a natural
decongestant. There are dozens of great brand name products
available now in unscented hypoallergenic forms, just waiting for you
to add your own oils for a custom scent and therapeutic uses.For a safe dilution and subtle aroma start with a 1% dilution of essential
oils. This would be 6 drops of essential oil to 1oz. of lotion .
A 4 oz. bottle of unscented lotion would then need 24 drops.
- Scent your Vacuum
Moisten a cotton ball with your favorite essential oil and
place in vacuum cleaner bag to scent carpets and the air.
Try Lemon, a natural deodorizer.
- Seed Oils
Essential Oils from seeds help with digestion.
Ex. Cumin, Coriander, Fennel, Angelica
Use in a massage, blend over intestinal area. Not for internal use!Suggested Dosage:
10 drops of essemtial oils to 1 ounce vegetable oil.Soothing Blend
Angelica 3 drops
Sandalwood 2 drops
Lavender 1 drop
Marjoram 3 drops
Orange 1 dropDo not use with children or if Pregnant
- Showers
For those of you with no time for baths here's a way to get the benefits of essential oils in the shower. Start the water then simply drop a couple of drops of the desired essential oil right on the shower floor. As the spray of hot water hits the oils the scent is released and you have an aromatic steam room. For your AM shower try some invigorating oils like Rosemary,
Peppermint and Lemon.Safety tip: Regarding essential oils on the shower floor. This can make a slick spot. I put it on a semi protected section of shower wall. There is enough steam and splash to disperse it, and give you the scent, but it doesn't wash away as fast. Thanks Caroline.
- Sleep Aid
To encourage relaxation or a restful nights sleep place a few drops
of Rose essential oil on a tissue under your pillow.
Do not put Rose oil directly on the pillow as it can stain the fabric.
- Storing EO's
Store essential oils in tightly closed dark glass bottles away from
direct light. This helps to prevent deterioration. Amber , Green
or Cobalt bottles work well. Protect from temperature variations
and extreme heat.
- Vetiver
A wonderful remedy for nervousness and exhaustion. The scent is heavy, musk like, very earthy smelling. A hormonal balancer helpful with female problems like postpartum depression and menopause. Grounding yet stimulating. Use with Lavender in massage, a bath or a body lotion.
- Weight Loss
Burning a scented candle or spraying the room with your favorite
spray just might help you exercise longer. This tip is from the
book Dr. Hirsch's Scent-sational Weight Loss .Creating a pleasant
environment which lifts your mood just might maket easier to slip
that tape into the VCR.
- Wood Fires, Aromatic
Add one drop of essential oil to a fireplace log (real wood).
Let sit for at least 1/2 hour before using.
Logs may be prepared ahead of time and will retain the smell for a long time.
Try using Cypress, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Pine or Cedarwood.
Use one scented log per fire. Remember essential oils are flammable.
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